Whether one chooses to live in, move to, or remain in Colorado, there’s no denying it’s possibly one of the most inspiring states in the nation. Its colorful seasons, rich history, endless outdoor beauty, and abundance of wildlife make it easy to fall in love.
Amy Hager’s business was inspired by the things that interested her most, including beekeeping. By 2013, Colorado Mountain Living was born. Hager incorporates a mixture of media in her art and jewelry, which are inspired by the honeybees and flora of the Rocky Mountains.
Hager shares, “The first couple of years started with body care products, like soap and lip balm, then I shifted to making jewelry out of the honeycomb from the hive. This was very unusual and popular among customers. I focused on metalsmithing skills for a few years, designing pendants, rings, earrings, and cuffs.”
What makes Colorado Mountain Living special is Hager’s experience with beekeeping, and using actual specimens of honeycomb that are preserved in copper. She states, “The mixed media art uses beeswax as the primary medium (also called encaustic) and I collect wildflowers and other botanical specimens(that my bees are frequently pollinating), carefully dry and preserve them and incorporate them into collage art.”
It’s no surprise that her customers are thrilled to find treasures made with actual pieces of Colorado. Hager participates in local and virtual markets and festivals across the Front Range, including mountain art shows, with the help of her husband.
With a high level of self-taught creativity, one would never have guessed that Hager has a background in healthcare. Her creative talents have exceeded all expectations, proven by how quickly her art and network are growing. “I’m making new work almost as fast as I’m selling it. I’m looking forward to the winter months catching up for the summer season.”
After an almost two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, and a personal decision to take a sabbatical, Hager dedicated her time to other things, including her other businesses. As fate would have it, this time off didn’t impact the business.
Luckily for Hager, there were no shortages of opportunities to sell in person after the pandemic. “So far this summer, with the addition of the encaustic art, my sales are better now than they were pre-pandemic.” Great news.
In the future, Hager would love to participate in more fine art shows including gallery exhibits. She’d also like to expand her social media presence, generating a larger and more interactive online following.
Hager loves to work in her studio with music playing, especially in the winter. What she loves more is the excitement she sees on her customer’s faces. Hager confesses, “Their reactions to what I make and the thrill of having them going home with a piece of Colorado that I curated,” is what she loves most. While at the Holiday Mountain Market this weekend, don’t forget to find Hager’s booth and pick up some holiday goodies.
Colorado Mountain Living is also a YouTube brand, where you can catch Hager and her husband, Bryan Hager, documenting their Colorado Mountain Living projects. The channel was started in 2017 when the Hagers moved to the state and began building their own home. But the channel isn’t only a DIY homebuilding brand. It’s also a collaboration with partners and sponsors. Look out for new and exciting changes to Colorado Mountain Living!
To learn more visit https:// coloradomountainliving.net/. Find them on social media at https:// www.facebook.com/CMLYoutube. Colorado Mountain Living can be reached by phone at 919-272-7350.
Sponsored by Gilpin County Commissioners, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
