We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaylyn Schmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaylyn, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is necessary. Risk can be terrifying. Risk can be empowering. I take calculated risks in my life and career. This means I am future focused, and strive to analyze all the factors and results that go into making a decision. From the outside looking in, this process can seem arduous and impractical. In my view, this process is essential to the risk taking process. Sometimes my risk factor and result analysis is right on, and sometimes it is off base- hello, global pandemic. No matter the outcome, I learn from the experience- that is the benefit of taking risks. You are pushing outside of your own knowledge and skills, and no matter what happens, you’re armed with more information and a deeper understanding. Risks are inherent to life. You take risks or you don’t, but either way, something is always at stake. Do you risk a big career move, and pursue that new passion? Or do you stay in a mediocre job, and risk not contributing what is uniquely you to the people who need it most? You never know who needs your specific brand of passion, and you can only find out by taking the risk and putting yourself out there!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Bristle + Bauble is a Multidisciplinary Design Studio in Denver, Colorado. We work with local and international clients, and can take on any project- no matter how large. Our services include Interior Architecture and Design, Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Branding, and Copywriting. Starting Bristle + Bauble was incredibly challenging, but so worth the risk. It took nearly a decade to prepare for the entrepreneurial adventure of B+B. This time was filled with incredible people (shout out to my ever supportive family!), and deeply challenging experiences. Through passion, perseverance, and pure grit, Bristle + Bauble was formed. My Colorado roots reach back four generations, meaning the Denver Design Community is home. Bristle + Bauble strives to empower, support, and encourage Denver Designers, and to give back to the community we are so passionate about.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My Top 10 spots for an unforgettable Denver trip include: Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, Linger, El Five, Peaks Lounge at Hyatt Regency Denver, Cooper Lounge at Union Station, Denver Art Museum, MCA, Tattered Cover Book Store (LoDo), Tennyson Street and Studio Como. If you’re visiting Denver and want to talk design, let’s grab coffee!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). I joined the Colorado State University Campus Center of this professional organization when I was a 17 year old high school student. I wanted to learn everything I could about the Interior Design Profession, and get to know some of Colorado’s most talented designers. Little did I know, taking the risk to join IIDA would be one of the most influential decisions I had ever made. Through IIDA, and especially my involvement with the Rocky Mountain Chapter, I have been fortunate to meet incredible mentors who have helped contribute to the designer and entrepreneur I am today. While there are many leaders in IIDA that have influenced my career, a few that stand out in my journey are Dr. Katharine Leigh, Sarah Barker, Maddy Yovanoff, Katie Cavallo, and Shannon White. I could fill pages about IIDA and these incredible women, but suffice it to say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Website: https://www.bristleandbauble.com/
Instagram: @bristleandbauble
Linkedin: Kaylyn Schmer, IIDA

Image Credits
Kyla Chambers, Ehren Joseph, Bristle + Bauble

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