By Deb Risden
The Cabin Collective opened its doors in early October, bringing together local artisans and curators in a historic building at the corner of Black Forest and Shoup roads.
Owner Nicole Brinkley said the idea grew from recognizing a need for local vendors to have a place to showcase their work and wares.
“I knew that there was a need locally for people to have space,” Brinkley said. When the cabin became available, “it was a vision that I had and knew that Black Forest had many talented people in it.”
The building, which once housed a general store, provides a cozy setting for the shop. Brinkley hopes The Cabin Collective will become a destination where visitors can find unique gifts while supporting local businesses.
The Cabin Collective features 10 local vendors, including Brinkley’s own Faith and Glory Boutique. The vendors include both artisans who create their own products and curators who select merchandise for their spaces.
Other vendors include the following:
- Rocky Mountain Rustic: Handmade items, including ducks and fish crafted from century old fence posts, along with children’s books authored by co-owner Lisa Bergren
- Stuff at This and That: Vintage clothing, household goods, art and other curated finds
- Doc’s Woodshop: Woodworking by a retired vascular surgeon with more than 50 years of experience. Products include charcuterie boards, cutting boards, magnetic knife holders and inlaid boxes
- Sweet Awakening Farm: Products featuring locally grown lavender, including bath salts, room sprays and lip balms
- Winkler Apiaries: Honey products
- Suda, Ink.: Hand painted, repurposed furniture and Colorado themed items, along with quilted pillows, keychains and other creations
- Infusion Intusion: Infused glass products, including jewelry, boxes and candy jars
- Moxie Ceramics/Pam Moxley Mixed Media Art: Handmade sculptural ceramics, paintings, photography and mixed media art by an artist whose work has been commissioned by Delta Air Lines and exhibited in galleries in Georgia and North Carolina
- Hope, Light and Wonder: Books, Bible studies, devotionals and Christian themed items for children and adults
Brinkley is a Colorado native. She and her husband, who have been married for nearly 30 years, have four children and three grandchildren. They have owned businesses since 2008. Brinkley said supporting the community and local businesses has always been important to her.
Vendors have the option of volunteering to work in the store. Brinkley praised the group’s willingness to volunteer and help prepare the shop for its opening.
“The vendors really showed up,” she said. “This is truly a collective. This is something we’re all doing together.”
Brinkley’s goal is to offer a variety of distinctive products while avoiding overlap among vendors. The store is currently full, but she plans to continue accepting applications and maintaining a waiting list. Information about renting space and an application are available on the website at [https://www.thecabincollective.net](https://www.thecabincollective.net).
The Cabin Collective is located at 12490 Black Forest Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The store is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
