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

Hi Laura, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It all started with making earrings for my sister. From there I kept creating more and more, and at some point I thought to myself, “This could actually be a fun little side business.” At the time, I was stuck in a horrible 9–5 job and needed something that brought me joy — and making EarBobs DC gave me that outlet. The fact that it also helped supplement my income was the bonus that made me take it seriously. What began as a creative escape has grown into a true passion and a brand I’m proud to keep building every day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
EarBobs DC started back when I was living in Washington, D.C. — what began as a small side business to bring in a little extra income has since grown into something much bigger than I ever expected. When I moved to Denver in 2024, I brought EarBobs with me, and it’s now become a true passion and creative outlet.

EarBobs DC is my little corner of the world where whimsy meets wearable art. I create lightweight, playful accessories — earrings, totes, sweatshirts, and even dog bandanas — that are designed to spark smiles and conversations. What sets EarBobs apart is that nothing about it is serious — unless you count seriously fun. My pieces look like everything from waffles and balloon animals to chickens with boots and disco balls. They’re designed to let people show off their personality in the most unexpected ways.

I’m most proud of the fact that people tell me wearing EarBobs makes their day brighter. It’s not just jewelry — it’s joy, it’s humor, and sometimes it’s a little bit of nostalgia wrapped up in a lightweight pair of earrings.

Getting here was not easy. Like many small businesses, I started with a lot of trial and error —I had to teach myself everything from how to source, sell at markets, set up online, and keep track of inventory without losing my mind. There were days when I doubted myself, but I overcame those moments by staying connected to the “why”: I wanted to create pieces that bring fun back into fashion and remind people not to take life too seriously.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned? One: perfection is overrated — people connect more with authenticity. Two: community matters — from local markets in Denver to online supporters, the people who cheer you on are everything. And three: creativity is a muscle — the more I play and experiment, the more ideas keep coming.

What I want the world to know about EarBobs DC is that it’s not just a brand; it’s a reminder that fashion can be fun, lighthearted, and a little silly. Life is heavy enough — your accessories don’t have to be.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no way I could have built EarBobs DC without the people who’ve been in my corner from day one. My close friends and family have been the heart behind this journey — they were the first ones to believe in me when I was just making earrings on my sofa, and they’re still the ones who helped pack, prep and set up booths at markets, help me pack up at markets and show up and cheer me on when things get tough.

I also want to give a special shoutout to the community I’ve found here in Denver. Moving in 2024 was a big change, but the local maker scene welcomed me with open arms. Other small business owners have shared advice, encouragement, and sometimes just a much-needed laugh after a long market day. It’s made all the difference to feel like I’m part of something bigger.

And honestly, I owe so much to my customers. Every time someone tells me that wearing EarBobs brightened their day, gave them confidence, or made a stranger smile — that’s the fuel that keeps me going. This started as a side hustle, but it’s become a passion because of the love and support from people who see joy in what I create.

Website: https://www.earbobsdc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earbobsdc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EarBobsDC

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@earbobsdc
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/earbobsdc

Image Credits
There is one photo of the maker and creator – Laura Delo. The image with 2 women, is myself and my sister (who makes the pet bandana’s) Jessica Delo, she is sporting an original EarBobs DC TeeBob made for a pride event. I’ve include collages of all types of products – one for the tote bags, one for the teebobs, one for the Earbobs and one for the pet bandanas. The solo picture with a black and white dog is the assistant bobber, Ollie Delo who is a great model for all the products.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.