Art is an expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. It also comes in various forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, writing, crafting, design, and music. Every once in a while, two or more variations of artistry come together to create something magnificent.
Meet John Ishee and Wesli Phillips, owners and the only two employees of Shakedown Goods, resulting from a love for live music and a desire to travel around the country. Wanting to follow their favorite band, Widespread Panic, Ishee and Phillips began creating items they could sell during shows. They found themselves in the parking lot of music venues selling products and listening to some of their cherished bands.
The company name came from the Grateful Dead song, “Shakedown Street,” referring to an area at a Dead show where people tailgate and sell specialty items. They found a niche by making items no one else was providing, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Ishee and Phillips share, “We strive to create new fresh things for a diverse audience. From paintings converted into note cards and blankets to hand-made wood mountain shelves inspired by where we live. We also design pet gear with a music and lifestyle theme.”
Intricately made items include bandanas, body care, adult and kid attire, fanny packs, wallets, jewelry, switch plates, hats, lapel pins, note cards, patches, stickers, posters, pet accessories, and more!
Shakedown Goods doesn’t only sell original art, they also love to support other artists by purchasing their creations and featuring them on their website and social media sites, which have a combined following of about 100,000.
They strive to remain genuine and authentic by doing what they like, what inspires them and following their hearts. Keeping things fresh, exciting, and colorful is what has helped them keep a steady flow. One of their biggest inspirations is seeing people excited about their business or hearing stories of how their items and southern hospitality have positively impacted someone.
Ishee and Phillips found their way home to Colorado eight years ago and can now be seen showcasing their merchandise at local festivals such as the Nederland Farmers Market, Levit Street Market, Boulder Dead Night, and the Gilpin County Fair. If you can’t make it to one of the local markets, Shakedown goods offers shipping across the USA, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The onset of Covid has kept them from participating in the large festivals they were used to attending. However, the pandemic didn’t stop them from focusing on their online presence, their community, and the birth of their first son, Silas, in March of 2021.
In the future, Ishee and Phillips, along with their son, hope to continue being an old-school staple in the art and festival scenes. Shakedown Goods is a great place to find the perfect souvenir. It’s also the place where you can get those little things you find yourself randomly needing, like socks or a unique birthday gift.
Shakedown Goods can be reached by phone at (303) 304-4224. They are located in Gilpin County. You can find them online at http:// shakedowngoods.com/ or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ShakedownGoodsCo/
Sponsored by Gilpin County Commissioners, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
