Crested Butte is known for it’s steeps, it’s plethora of backcountry terrain, and it’s tight-knit community. So often a large part of the town rallies behind a cause, an individual or even an idea. It is inspiring to see so many people from such different backgrounds come together to support each other. We pride ourselves in not having any chain stores or restaurants, and instead helping our neighbors by buying at locally owned businesses. But what about all of the artists and small business owners who don’t have a physical space to sell their products or services? It is not too late this holiday season to use a new way to buy from our neighbors.
Browsing local art at the art collective in Gunnison during the Gunnylove holiday party.
Photo: Trent Bona.
Gunnylove.com, started by WSCU grads Delaney Keating and Mallory Logan, provides a way to shop online locally. It is a way to grow our Valley’s creative economy from anywhere in the world, while providing small business owners the chance to test their consumer responses without having to invest right away into everything that goes along with having a physical store.
The public was invited to see exactly how Gunnylove works at their holiday party earlier this month.
Photo: Trent Bona.
Bridging the 28 mile gap between Gunnison and Crested Butte, Gunnylove has been proving it’s worth and innovation throughout the entire Valley. With products ranging from photography and art to health and wellness services and gift certificates to local businesses, the website provides a huge variety of gifts and everyday purchases. So if you need a last minute gift, whether you are currently in the Gunnison Valley or not, choose something with some local character, handmade by someone you probably already know. Remember, “you don’t have to be local to shop locally!”
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