Voyage Denver - Meet Rylee Bruhn

by Rylee Bruhn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rylee Bruhn.

Rylee, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I always had a love for art. Whether it was drawing, ceramics, photography, or crafts, I have always been inspired. I was born and raised in Nebraska with two older siblings and with parents who showered us with love and many memories. My creativity was nurtured at a young age, from designing outfits for my dolls to finding unique treasures at thrift stores.

My dad’s meticulous craftsmanship and my mom’s imagination were the building blocks for my admiration of giving new life to unwanted things. The combination of their skills has been rooted in my artistry, as well as my sibling’s creativity. My family and boyfriend are the backbones of my business. They all have supported me on this journey, and without them, I would not be where I am today.

Like for many of us Colorado transplants, the mountains were calling, and I had to go. Four years ago, on a whim, I made Colorado my home. I decided to turn my hobby into a business. It’s called upcycling, and I am excited to have found a way to share my passion with the world.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nope, it has not been easy. It was unfamiliar territory, so it was never smooth sailing starting something from the ground up.

Please tell us about Desert Willow.
The start of Desert Willow stemmed from my desire to reduce waste and to promote sustainability while breathing new life into unwanted things. I strive to inspire and connect with my customers by creating artistic, unique pieces. My desire is re-purposing, re-creating, and recycling something used into something beautiful.

Desert Willow specializes in re-purposed decor and reworked clothing. Along with recycled hair scrunchies, yoga mat bags, and pet bandanas, all made from gently used t-shirts and skirts. Due to the handmade nature of these items and the unique material used, all Desert Willow products are truly one-of-a-kind. You can find a variety of items with a rustic, free-spirited, farmhouse or boho vibes.

Contact Info:

http://voyagedenver.com/interview/meet-rylee-bruhn-desert-willow-fort-collins/

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