Meet the Denver Jurors: Kathleen Furr

What is your favorite part about owning XO Gift Company?

I really love being a part of this amazing community and seeing the different faces that walk into the shop. I think it's exciting that literally anyone can walk in at any moment and completely change your day (hopefully in a good way!). My customers are great fun and I truly enjoy meeting and talking with all different types of folks!

How do you see the handmade community evolving in Denver? 

I think there's a ton of growth and opportunity for the handmade community in Denver right now. Besides that fact that Denver itself is growing immensely, there is definitely more of an appreciation for handmade vendors and items from those who understand what kind of love and time goes into the process and creation. There are a ton of people who come in the shop and make "this or that" and there is so much access to workshops and the like, it's great!  

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to? 

I would not single out a particular artist that I look up to. I believe it truly takes a village and it's just so exciting to see all of the different ideas and final products that people come up with from paintings to bike chain sculptures to vinyl jewelry! There is so much creativity out there and it all inspires me in a different way. I have made some great friends in my artists and I love to learn about people's journey and what they are all about. 

What are you looking forward to the most in being apart of our Jackalope jury panel for the second time?

I love to see which vendors apply and their awesome handcrafted work! It's also just a great learning experience to be able to visit all of the different websites and see such a variety of branding and marketing tactics that are used. It's exciting to see what vendors might be a great fit for XO too!

eXtraOrdinary Gift Company (XO Gift Co.) 3867 Tennyson Street// www.xogiftco.com