Colorado Springs, CO July 2026

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SOUTH

TEJON

ART OF DINING MULTIPLIED BY THREE SEE YOU ON THE PATIO!

This Summer, Set Your Eyes BEYOND THE HORIZON

Plan Your Summer Escape

Discovery takes many forms at Hotel Polaris. Watch the International Space Station cross the Colorado night sky. Gather around fireside s’mores beneath the stars. Indulge in regional American cuisine, rooftop cocktails, outdoor adventures and explorations designed to inspire awe at every turn.

Here, every moment invites you to look a little farther, stay a little longer and experience something bigger than yourself.

Chart Your Course

A New Adventure

Welcome to our July issue—and to my first letter as Editor. I’m thrilled to step into this role and grateful to have the opportunity to connect with you through these pages.

A little bit about me: I’m from Texas and previously worked as an editor for a regional luxury magazine in Dallas; I welcomed my son while my husband and I were living in Croatia; and I first fell in love with Colorado as a 9-year-old on vacation with my family in Steamboat Springs. We visited every year, which ultimately inspired my move to Denver in 2018 and Colorado Springs last year.

This month, we embrace the spirit of exploration, which feels especially fitting as I begin a new chapter in my professional career. Summer invites us to step beyond the familiar, whether that’s meeting new people, learning a skill or simply seeing our everyday surroundings through a fresh perspective.

With the stories in this issue, we want to encourage you to explore the possibilities around you. From a local artist who continues to use our city as his creative muse to a businesswoman who opened her shop to spotlight hundreds of community artisans, the people featured in this issue are on a constant quest for discovery and growth. Even quite literally—you’ll also find a story on a Palisade farm growing scrumptious fruits and bringing them to the Pikes Peak region.

Every article offers an opportunity to uncover something new. Exploration isn't always about traveling far from home. It’s also about remaining open to unexpected opportunities. We hope this issue inspires you to approach the world with curiosity and confidence.

LINDEN BUTRYM, EDITOR

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Stephanie Barr | stephanie.barr@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Linden Butrym | linden.butrym@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jacey Blue Renner

coloradosprings@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cara Bukacek, Linden Butrym, Ashley Hamershock, Brandy Lovelace, Rochelle Reeder, Jacey Blue Renner, Jessi Scoletti

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Olivia Danielle Photography LLC, Zak Smith, Peakside Media, Tick Tock Shop, The Cheese People, C&R Farms, Jon Francis, Spacecrafting, Spacecrafting Photography, Hunt & Homestead, OCC Farmers Market. Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, Brian Gauck

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

business monthly

28th Annual Taste of Pikes Peak

Colorado Springs’ leading food and beverage event returns on Thursday, July 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hillside Gardens & Event Center. Presented by the Pikes Peak Colorado Restaurant Association, the evening celebrates the best in local flavor with unlimited tastings from more than 60 of the region’s top restaurants. Guests will also enjoy live music from local artists including Roma Ransom, Soapdish and Laura Pound-Rupejko. Proceeds from the event benefit the PPCRA Hardship Fund. tasteofpikespeak.com

Scan to read more

Cinchona Coffee

After several years of success as a pop-up coffee bar, Cinchona Coffee is now open in its own brick-and-mortar location downtown at 2 S. Wahsatch Ave., Suite 100. The vibe is eclectic—brick walls, concrete flooring, mismatched furniture—and the menu is buzzworthy. In addition to hot or iced espresso-based drinks like the banana oleo latte, owner Shepherd Combs offers unique matcha recipes including blueberry matcha and matcha fizz. cinchonacoffee.com

Lolley's Ice Cream

Owners Shelley and Dustin Sapp recently debuted the second location of their popular Monument ice cream parlor, Lolley’s Ice Cream. Located in downtown Colorado Springs at 216 N. Tejon St., Lolley’s serves the same gluten-free menu with classic flavors (caramel pecan, mint cookie, birthday cake) and seasonal selections like key lime pie, peaches & cream and piña colada, available this summer. All ice cream is made in-house, including dairy-free and vegan options. lolleys.com

THE BIG CHEESE

How a Shared Love of Artisan Cheese

Turned into a Farmers Market Fixture

There’s something deeply human about gathering around good food. At Colorado’s bustling farmers markets, The Cheese People have quietly become part of that ritual. What began as a love for handcrafted cheese has grown into one of the region’s most beloved specialty vendors.

ORIGIN STORY

ARTICLE BY JESSI SCOLETTI PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CHEESE PEOPLE

The idea for The Cheese People started in Chicago, where co-owners Bleys and Lynn Kueck began working with close friends Jon and Sarah Hanchett, whose cheese business supplied farmers markets throughout the area. Lynn, Sarah’s college roommate, became inspired by the world of artisan cheesemaking and community-centered culinary culture.

ACROSS THE STATES

When Bleys and Lynn moved back home to Colorado Springs, they realized something was missing. Colorado had great local markets, loyal shoppers and a growing food scene, but not the kind of cheese they loved—scrumptious varieties from Wisconsin, America’s dairy heartland.

“We decided that Colorado needed this cheese, and we started selling at farmers markets here,” Lynn says. Determined to bring something unique to their hometown, they launched The Cheese People. “We may be biased, but we believe that our curated collected is the best this country has to offer,” she adds.

THE CHEESE MOVEMENT

Today, their offering goes far beyond the ordinary cheese counter experience.

Many of their cheeses—ranging from brie and gouda to goat and cheddar—are made exclusively for them by artisan cheesemakers in Shawano and Green County, Wisconsin. Some are carefully aged, some layered with distinctive flavors, and others are custom produced for their collection.

During market season, The Cheese People can be found across the Pikes Peak region: Fridays in Woodland Park and Saturdays in Old Colorado City, Black Forest and Monument. In the off-season, customers can stock their refrigerators through monthly home deliveries ordered online.

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH CHEESE

“Farmers markets are quite communal by nature,” Lynn says. “We have great people who work for us that are members of our work and school communities.”

Amid rave customer reviews and potential for expansion, the Kuecks remain intentionally grounded and grateful for the community connections that their business brings. That sense of community may be what customers remember most. Farmers markets create space where conversations linger, friendships form, and food becomes personal again. For The Cheese People, selling cheese has never been just about the product—it’s about bringing people together one bite at a time.

For more details on The Cheese People, visit thecheesepeoplecolorado.com

2 LOCATIONS:

Colorado Springs - Ewing Irrigation 2705 Capital Dr.

Colorado Springs, CO 80939 719-591-9530

Colorado Springs Bulkyard /Super Center Coming Soon! 5000 Northpark Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-301-4300

ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVIA DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

FORGED by the WEST

Mountain Mama Silver Offers a Feminine Twist on Traditional Pieces

For Kendra Simco, silver and turquoise were never simply materials— they were part of her heritage. Raised in Colorado with deep roots in Western, rodeo and ranching culture, Simco grew up following her father, a team roper, to events across the region. While others watched the competition, she could often be found wandering vendor markets, searching for turquoise jewelry small enough to fit her as a child. It was an early fascination that eventually became a career.

After spending 12 years in San Diego, Simco and her family returned to Colorado, settling on her father’s property alongside her sister’s family. Today, her workshop is a humble shed beside her home, where sterling silver and natural stones are transformed into heirloom-quality jewelry inspired by the West yet designed for modern life.

For two decades, however, jewelry wasn’t her profession. Simco built a successful career as a hairstylist, eventually owning her own salon. During this time, she enrolled in a silversmithing class at the Cottonwood Center for the Arts and purchased a beginner’s silversmithing kit. Then she tucked it away in a closet, where it sat untouched for nearly a year. Everything changed in 2020.

CHANGING COURSE

As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the salon industry and forced many professionals to reconsider their futures, Simco found herself at home with time on her hands. Not one to sit still, she dusted off the forgotten kit and began experimenting. Her hobby quickly grew into something more.

Simco’s first appearance at the Front Range Makers Market exceeded expectations. Encouraged by the response, she gradually shifted her focus away from hairstyling, renting out her salon space while dedicating more time to the bench. Before long, Mountain Mama Silver was a full-time endeavor.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The business soon became a family one. Simco’s husband Tony Wertin jokingly refers to himself as her “professional driver,” accompanying her to shows while contributing his own leatherwork and engraving. Their daughter Skylar has embraced the entrepreneurial spirit as well, creating her own venture, Wild Child Beads, while helping mom craft the silver balls used in some of the jewelry designs. Together, the family attended 35 shows in a single year.

STONE BY STONE

The silver has still remained the star of the booth. Simco believes every stone tells its own story. Turquoise, her birthstone, holds a special place in her work, but all natural stones serve as creative guides. “The stones are the magic,” she says. Some evoke mountain peaks and rugged valleys. Others carry the colors of Caribbean waters, sun-soaked beaches and distant horizons. Rather than forcing a design, Simco allows each stone to dictate the direction of the piece. Her work balances tradition and innovation.

“Sterling silver,” she says, “is the backbone of Western style, but Mountain Mama Silver introduces a softer, more feminine perspective.”

Pieces are inspired by Colorado’s landscapes, wildflowers, gardening, fly fishing and backpacking adventures. She strives to honor the history of silversmithing while creating fresh, wearable jewelry for today’s customer.

This philosophy is evident in Simco’s floral collections. Working with a local caster who uses real flowers and succulents to create molds, she incorporates these organic forms ensuring no two pieces are alike.

TIMELESS BY DESIGN

Like the West itself, Simco’s jewelry is rugged yet refined, timeless yet evolving. Each piece carries forward a legacy of craftsmanship, one handcrafted creation at a time.

Mountain Mama Silver 719.922.2616 mountainmamasilver.com

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At Your

Service

Colorado Springs native Ryan Murphy started his hospitality career in the late 1990s at Old Chicago pizzeria. “It was a really hopping place, a really busy restaurant,” he remembers. “I started as a server and fell in love with the fast pace and the camaraderie.”

As Murphy rose through the ranks, from server to bartender to a supervisor position, he found that he particularly enjoyed leadership and the challenge of creating new ways to motivate and inspire his team.

A decade with Old Chicago led to management roles with Concept Restaurants (Jose Muldoons, since-shuttered The Ritz Grill)

before the opportunity to open Cowboy Star captured his attention.

“Hospitality is where my passion bloomed,” Murphy shares. “I came on board with Cowboy Star on day one, and we’ve been growing the business ever since.”

Currently celebrating its 11th year, Cowboy Star is the kind of elevated neighborhood restaurant that continues to intrigue—even after a visit or two. Its menu boasts beautifully marbled beef from Snake River Farms in Idaho, Japanese A5 wagyu and fresh seafood dishes like U-12 Hokkaido scallops and sustainably sourced Patagonia salmon.

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The ambiance marries rustic charm with fine dining touches: Waldo Canyon reclaimed wood wraps the host stand and hallway leading to the in-house butcher shop, white tablecloths are ironed before every seating, and there are no televisions to encourage relaxed, hours-long meals if guests choose.

Murphy recalls Jon Weber, founder of Cowboy Star, comparing the steakhouse’s vibe to the actors of John Wayne’s era, filming in the dirt and dust before going home to freshen up and head to a glamorous Hollywood party.

“You see that play out through the property,” he says. “In lots of our steelwork, you can still see welding seams. Even some of the measurements never got erased when we were doing the buildout. But then we have elegant marble countertops. It’s rugged yet sophisticated.”

For Murphy, who serves as owner and general manager, fostering a service-oriented environment is always top of mind. It’s a desire he’s maintained over the past few decades in the industry. Each day, he ensures his chefs and frontof-house teams have what they

need to provide an unparalleled dining experience. Several other staff members have also worked at Cowboy Star since the beginning, including wine director Chris Jolles.

“I find joy in seeing my staff succeed,” Murphy says. “That comes in a multitude of ways—it can be financially, or when someone leaves a kind note on a check. I want them to take pride in where they work.”

Cowboy Star

5198 N. Nevada Ave., Suite 150

719.639.7440

cowboystarcs.com

C&R FARMS BRINGS PALISADE PRODUCE TO THE FRONT RANGE

FROM TREE TO TABLE

Named for founders Clare and Rob Talbott, Palisade orchard C&R Farms was established in 1976 and has since blossomed into a cornerstone of the Western Slope’s agricultural heritage. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, C&R remains a family affair with a third generation now running the business. The farm grows a bounty of tree fruits, including pears, apples, cherries, apricots, plums, nectarines and their signature peaches, bringing a taste of Colorado tradition to tables across the state.

FROM PALISADE TO THE FRONT RANGE

C&R extends beyond the continental divide through the Talbotts’ nephew, Zack Quintana. For over 16 years, Quintana has served as the Front Range representative, managing sales, fundraisers and market appearances that bring their Western Slope fruit to the Pikes Peak region.

Quintana’s commitment to the local market scene took a step forward this year when he began a new role as owner of the Old Colorado City Farmers Market. By managing both the farm’s distribution and a historic community market, Quintana ensures that the Talbotts’ legacy of quality continues to thrive on both sides of the mountain.

THREE TIERS OF BOUNTY

C&R uses three different methods to bring their Palisade bounty to the public: local farmers markets, select grocery partnerships including Safeway, and a robust fundraising program that defines their community impact. For decades,

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“IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE AWARE THAT THE FRUIT HARVEST WILL BE MUCH EARLIER,” QUINTANA SAYS.

C&R has partnered with Rotary Clubs, schools, boy scout troops and nonprofits throughout Colorado, providing these organizations with wholesale fruit to sell for their own local causes. This model allows the farm to nourish the state in more ways than one, turning a summer harvest into a powerful tool for community development.

2026 EARLY HARVEST

This year’s growing season has already proven to be a masterclass in resilience for the C&R team. After an unusually warm, dry winter triggered an early bloom in the Grand Valley, a series of late-spring freezes threatened the delicate new blooms and fruits. To save the orchard, C&R set up round-the-clock heat fans and wind machines to circulate warmer air and ward off frost.

Although the heroic efforts successfully protected the harvest, the early wake-up call from Mother Nature means the entire schedule has shifted. Quintana emphasizes that timing is everything for fans of Palisade fruit this year.

“It’s very important for the public to be aware that the fruit harvest will be much earlier,” he says. “We expect produce to be available in early to mid-July versus early to mid-August. If people wait to show up at the markets in August, the produce may be sold out.”

C&R Farms 3620 F Road, Palisade 970.986.0500 candrfarms.com

FEED A CHILD THIS SUMMER.

Join the movement to fight hunger this summer, while kids are out of school.

Donations can be made by going to careandshare.org and clicking on the donate button!

NFR OPEN AT THE PIKES PEAK OR BUST RODEO

What to Expect When the Event Returns This Month

A Colorado Springs tradition for nearly 90 years, the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is back Tuesday, July 14 for five days of action-packed fun. Professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls will compete in traditional Western events ranging from bareback riding and steer wrestling to barrel racing and bull riding. There will also be everyone’s favorite—mutton busting—plus a Coors Roadhouse Saloon for the 21-and-up crowd, featuring cold beer, live music and dancing.

Like years past, this year’s rodeo spotlights a Girl of the West young rodeo ambassador who helps promote the Western way of life. Recent high school graduate Kaylee Gripentrog is bestowed the 2026 title. Growing up in Colorado Springs, Gripentrog has competed in the Gymkhana Buckle Series as a member of Kit Carson Drill Team, served as Pikes Peak Rangerettes captain last year and participated in the Latigo Winter Buckle Series in English and Western disciplines for the past two years.

Rodeo proceeds are donated to programs that support local military and their families. Tickets start at $25 and are available on the rodeo’s website. Grounds open at 10 a.m. for matinee performances and 4 p.m. for evening performances.

NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo

July 14-18

Norris Penrose Event Center

7:30 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday evenings; 12:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday matinees pikespeakorbust.org

ARTICLE BY BRANDY LOVELACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON FRANCIS

“I’ve learned so much about this city through creating art,” Francis shares. “It connects people and stories.”

Making Space

For Artist Jon Francis, the City is His Canvas

Jon Francis’s artistic journey has evolved over the years. As a child growing up in Colorado Springs, his mom sent him to the Fine Arts Center to “work out his energy.”

He wanted to do comic books, so he took drawing lessons, but it was painting that eventually hooked him.

He later took art classes at Palmer High School, where he learned from renowned Colorado Springs artist Floyd Tunson, whose work Francis would later see celebrated citywide. He mastered the mechanics, building his own canvas and taking ownership of his art. That first canvas wasn’t small, either. “It was a 2-foot-by-3foot painting,” Francis says with a laugh. “That was my first.”

He went on to study at Knox College in Illinois, earning a studio art degree. The Art Institute of Chicago introduced him to the work that would shape his artistic voice—pop art, Edward Hopper and street photography. But after graduating, he says he floundered a bit with no clear path forward. He returned to Colorado Springs, got married and started a career as a teacher. Was art just a temporary passion that he needed to leave behind? That question was answered by a chance encounter with his former teacher.

FINDING HIS SPACE

“Floyd asked me how my art was going,” Francis says. “I was telling him I hadn’t had much time for it. I’ll never forget what he said to me: ‘You make space.’ And I did.”

That advice put Francis on a new path as an artist. He built a studio in his attic and later in his garage; despite his somewhat chilly environs, he couldn’t wait to create again. His first shows were humble—the library, or wherever anyone would hang his work. Francis had rediscovered his passion. “Art, to me, is not something that I just do,” he says. “I have to do it. If I don’t come down to the studio and create, I’m not myself.”

THE CITY AS CANVAS

There’s no mistaking how much Colorado Springs has inspired Francis’s art. He says the city is both his subject and muse. Filled with urban landscapes and neon signs, his style marries the bold imagery of Andy Warhol with the moody street scenes of Edward Hopper—bright, vivid and rooted in place. He finds beauty and art in the quirky and the ordinary. “I’ve learned so much about this city through creating art,” he shares. “It connects people and stories.”

At one of his first shows, a man walked in and recognized a piece Francis painted of a drive-in liquor store on North Nevada Avenue. It turns out, he was the original owner, the first person to hold a liquor license in Colorado Springs. “Those connections you have with people, that’s where art does something special,” Francis says.

That same connection is what drew him to teaching. His third-grade students get to explore art in every topic. “I decided not to be an art teacher because I would only get students a few hours a week,” Francis says. “But as a third-grade teacher, I get to weave art into everything. It’s not just arts and crafts. It’s teaching history and English and math through art.”

In August, Francis opens a solo show at Auric Gallery downtown. He’s calling it “Colorado Springs Oddities and Alleys,” an homage to things only a native might know about: a house near Bonny Park with a clown totem pole, the May Natural History Museum, the historic Van Briggle Pottery building. “These things are super Colorado Springs unique,” he says, “but off the beaten path.”

“Art, to me, is not something that I just do. I have to do it. If I don’t come down to the studio and create, I’m not myself.”

LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

These days, Francis’ basement studio is heated—a small luxury, he jokes. He shares it with his 14-year-old daughter Lucy, who recently sold her first piece at Surface Gallery’s teen show. If she ever tells him she’s been too busy for art, he knows exactly what he’ll say: “You make space.”

For more on Jon Francis and his work, visit jonfrancis.art and auricgallery.com

The Historic Sharp Mansion Enters Its Next Chapter

A Legacy PRESERVED

One Colorado Springs residence has quietly witnessed more than a century of the city’s evolution. Traveling through the wide boulevards and stately tree-lined streets of the city’s Old North End district, a green-tiled roof emerges beyond an ornate wrought-iron gate. It is a glimpse of another era, one marked by exceptional craftsmanship, architectural ambition and the vision of the civic leaders who shaped the city.

Behind those gates stands the Sharp Mansion, one of Colorado Springs’ most historic homes and a testament to the legacy of its original owner, prominent banker Arthur G. Sharp. The mansion is more than an architectural masterpiece; it’s a piece of Colorado Springs history. Now back on the market, the property seeks a new owner to guide it into the future.

Commissioned in 1912 and completed the following year, the mansion reflects the vision of a man who helped build the city’s financial and civic foundations. Sharp devoted four decades to Exchange National Bank, 32 of those as president, helping guide Colorado Springs through a period of growth and prosperity. His home became a reflection of that success: a grand estate designed not only for family life and healing but also as a symbol of permanence, craftsmanship and community leadership.

To bring his vision to life, Sharp commissioned acclaimed architect Nicholas van den Arend, whose work also includes the original Van Briggle Memorial Pottery building. Van den Arend masterfully blended Mediterranean, Tudor, craftsman and Jacobean influences. More than a century later, the mansion’s architectural integrity remains remarkably intact. Among its most celebrated features is the iconic Ludowici roof, whose green

clay tiles have defined the home’s silhouette since its construction. Recently restored through an extensive preservation effort, the roof stands as a testament to the commitment required to protect a historic property of this caliber.

“We wanted to make sure the next owner inherits not just a beautiful historic mansion, but one that is truly turnkey,” says Ashley Fairman, the mansion’s current owner. “From the roof to the foundation, we’ve invested in the future of this home so it can shine for another hundred years.”

Original copper gutters remain, while the property’s wroughtiron fencing, deemed too deeply anchored to remove during World War II scrap metal drives, continues to frame the grounds as it has for generations. Terraces and sunrooms extend along three sides of the mansion, reflecting an era when Colorado Springs was internationally recognized for its healing climate and served as a destination for those seeking recovery from tuberculosis.

Inside, the home reveals a level of artistry rarely found today. Seven original Van Briggle fireplaces showcase handcrafted pottery tiles. Following extensive chimney restoration and safety upgrades, all of them are now fully operational, allowing the home’s historic gathering spaces to be enjoyed as they were originally intended.

“The value of this home is in the craftsmanship,” Fairman says. “The woodwork, the materials, the hand-carved details—these are things that simply cannot be recreated today. It is an irreplaceable piece of Colorado Springs history.”

Throughout the estate, white tiger oak woodwork, solid oak doors and rare African mahogany reflect the standards of its

original construction. From the grand foyer and soaring windows to the intricate millwork, every detail serves as a reminder of an era when homes were built to last for generations.

The grounds reflect that same philosophy of stewardship. Every improvement has been undertaken with respect for the property’s history and in accordance with historic preservation policies. Fairman recalls spending time on the north lawn next to the home’s original chicken coop, tossing a ball to her dogs and listening to the chickens chatter while discussing the garden over a glass of wine with friends.

Today, the Sharp Mansion remains one of Colorado Springs’ most treasured residences. It is a home that has served as a private estate, a community institution focused on healing and a symbol of enduring architectural excellence. “Every owner has left a fingerprint on this house and made it better,” Fairman says. “My hope is that the next steward loves it as much as we have, preserves its legacy and allows it to continue shining as an important part of this community.”

The Sharp Mansion

1600 N. Cascade Ave.

Listed by Robin Chambon Kerr with Compass Real Estate coloradospringscollective.com

"We wanted to make sure the next owner inherits not just a beautiful historic mansion, but one that is truly turnkey," says Ashley Fairman, the mansion’s current owner. "From the roof to the foundation, we've invested in the future of this home so it can shine for another hundred years."

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

3

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

4

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

5

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

TIMEPIECES AND OTHER TREASURES

THIS FAMILY BUSINESS CARRIES COLORADO’S LARGEST SELECTION OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HAMERSHOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY TICK TOCK SHOP

At the Tick Tock Shop, a 52-year-old institution home to Colorado’s biggest timepiece offering, you won’t only discover thousands of watches. There are countless more interesting finds: hundreds of clocks, including musical, mantle, grandfather and miniature; dozens of Italian-inlaid musical jewelry boxes; watch boxes and winders; and a handful of collectible vintage and antique items.

The Tick Tock Shop staff includes a dozen repair technicians, in addition to second and third generations of the family working to keep the region’s timepieces functioning beautifully.

HALF-CENTURY OF HISTORY

In 1974, David Mattson was repairing watches and clocks for several Colorado Springs jewelry stores when he decided to open his own shop on Circle Drive. The Air Force and Navy veteran quickly outgrew that storefront and moved into a larger space down the street. Then another. Then another. Then another. The Tick Tock Shop now occupies three adjacent buildings. Later this year, all operations will move once again—this time to bring everything back under one roof, just next door in the former Fiesta Furniture building.

David Mattson died in 2010; his sons Jonathan and Carl are now co-owners. Jonathan’s wife, Joanna, serves as the human resources director and bookkeeper. Their daughter Jenna recently graduated from a watchmaking program in Texas and serves as a certified watchmaker. Carl’s son-in-law Tyler Flourney works part-time as a customer service representative. Over the years, at least a dozen other family members have worked in the shop.

“We’re in our third generation of this family business,” Joanna says. “It is a legacy.”

INTERESTING ITEMS

In addition to an impressive collection of modern watches and clocks, the Tick Tock Shop also stocks everything from antique grandfather clocks with handpainted dials and tubular chimes to quirky KitCat Klocks, which have been adorning walls since 1932. “They’re still going strong,” Joanna says.

In a nearby glass case sits a Hermle Tellurium II mantel clock—a marvel in engineering that displays the relative motion of the sun, moon and earth under a hand-blown glass dome atop the clock. The earth’s tilt on its axis is accurately represented, as is its rotation. “Not just everyone has a Tellurium,” Joanna adds.

Hanging behind the counter is a Tick Tock Shop specialty: the Geochron World Clock. Invented by James Kilburg in 1964 with the idea that one device could determine the time anywhere in the world, these moving maps hang on walls in the Pentagon and other military installations, in international

boardrooms and in fine homes around the world. They’re also found in numerous movies including Clear and Present Danger, Patriot Games and Hunt for Red October.

These days, Geochrons are available in two varieties: the original, mechanical version and a digital version. The Tick Tock Shop acquired the rights to the mechanical version two-and-a-half years ago. Each mechanical clock requires about 300 parts, which are neatly stacked in bins. On-site technicians meticulously repair clocks sent in from around the world and build about five new clocks per month.

Recently, the shop received a surprise call from a movie studio executive who asked whether the Tick Tock Shop could build, ship and have a Geochron on the ground within 10 days in London, where Tom Cruise was filming, for his birthday. “Mission impossible?” Joanna quips. “Uh, uh. We’re mission possible ”

“WE’RE IN OUR THIRD GENERATION OF THIS FAMILY BUSINESS,” JOANNA SAYS. “IT IS A LEGACY.”

MECHANICAL MAGIC

In a world that’s increasingly digital, how does the Tick Tock Shop compete? “I think there’s a nostalgia going on,” Joanna says, adding that twenty-somethings initially enamored with smartphones, smartwatches and other devices are becoming “totally enamored” with mechanical clocks and watches, frequently choosing retro or vintage looks. “That’s what that generation is looking for.”

Tick Tock Shop

7 N. Circle Dr. 719.475.8585 ticktockshoponline.com

A 124-year foundation. A STRONG COMMITMENT TO COLORADO.

Founded more than a century ago in Jefferson City, Missouri, Central Bank brought its proven approach to Colorado in 2017—supporting local businesses, families, and communities with the same care we’ve always delivered. Stop by and see how you can Dream Bigger. Bank Better.

COLORADO SPRINGS | GREENWOOD VILLAGE | WESTMINSTER | LITTLETON | DURANGO

NOW OPEN!

Downtown Littleton Branch

Our newest location at 2516 W. Main Street is now open in the heart of Downtown Littleton! Stop by to explore all Central Bank has to offer.

Cultivating a Legacy

Old Colorado City Farmers Market Celebrates 41 Years of Homegrown Excellence

The Old Colorado City Farmers Market is one of the longest running farmers markets in the Pikes Peak area. Established in 1985 by a small group of local farmers and organizations, the market is designed to prioritize products grown in Colorado. Over the last few decades, the market has grown to include more than 85 vendors.

Nestled in the heart of Old Colorado City’s Bancroft Park with Pikes Peak towering majestically in the background, the market stands in an iconic location. With a blend of live music, food trucks and kidfriendly activities like face painting, it’s an ideal outing for the entire family.

For the past 25 years, the OCC market has flourished under the steady guidance of Frank Schmidt and his family. Now in his 90s, Frank is stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy as deeply rooted as the produce he helped bring to the community. This season, the market recognizes a heartfelt transition as the baton passes to Zack

Quintana, a familiar face and dedicated Colorado farmer. Quintana and his family, who own C&R Farms, are longtime fixtures at the market, providing the region’s celebrated Palisade peaches and tree fruits.

As the market enters its fourth decade, Quintana is honoring its roots while sowing seeds for a vibrant future. This season, the market will be bustling with an extended lineup of Colorado growers and a fresh wave of local talent, offering everything from rich smoked salmon and handcrafted local chocolates to artisan leatherworks, stunning artwork and homemade tallow products. With more food trucks and events for kids, plus the return of familiar producers, the market isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a living celebration of community spirit.

Old Colorado City Farmers Market June 6-October 17, Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2408 W. Colorado Ave. | pikespeakfarmersmarkets.com

BY CARA

BUKACEK

As the market enters its fourth decade, Quintana is honoring its roots while sowing seeds for a vibrant future. “

Room for Growth

A Community Hub for Local Makers Reopens in a Larger New Space

ARTICLE BY JACEY BLUE RENNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HUNT & HOMESTEAD

Nestled in the foothills of Woodland Park, The Marketplace & Makerspace celebrated its grand re-opening earlier this spring. The store is the brainchild of owner Andrea Connelly, who also founded sustainable home and wellness brand Hunt & Homestead with her husband, Tim. The Marketplace stocks mostly local products (think pantry items, candles, fragrance, skincare and jewelry) from more than 130 vendors who share the same ethos: supporting entrepreneurs within the community.

“Our store has become known as a gathering spot,” Andrea says. “It’s not just a store. It’s a community hub.”

BRAND BEGINNINGS

From the start, Hunt & Homestead prioritized family life and sustainable living. After a rigorous IVF journey that led to health challenges, Andrea turned to natural practices to heal her body and create awareness for others—encouraging them to consider the products they consume and their possible long-term effects.

As foster parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Connollys faced a challenge with the national formula shortage. Caring for their baby was top priority, so they found a solution that’s now central to their brand: goats. Goat milk, particularly from the Nigerian breed, delivers nutrients essential to growing bodies. What began as a way to nourish their son has evolved into a product line of soaps, sleep butters, shampoos and skincare, with 75 Hunt & Homestead products available in several states and in local boutiques like MatchBox Candle Co. and Hunt + Gather.

“I’ve always loved goats,” says Andrea, who currently has six Nigerian and Nubian goats on her property. “I love being sustainable. It’s important for us to be as healthy as possible.”

A PLACE FOR CREATIVITY

The Marketplace offers a vendor-centric space for the Woodland Park community to shop locally and support Colorado artisans. Andrea is involved in every aspect of the business, encouraging, mentoring and coaching vendors on how to facilitate success and business growth. At its recent ribbon cutting, vendors used their own scissors to affirm their collaborative spirit.

Located within The Marketplace, The Makerspace also offers a range of community-led classes and events, from painting to mosaic workshops to candle making. “I think it’s important to support local,” Andrea says. “The vendors are what make this store what it is.”

CONTINUED SUSTAINABILITY

From homesteading practices to hunting, the Connollys are invested in sustainable living. Whether it’s growing fresh foods from a home garden, exploring the idea of raising your own flock or increasing your knowledge of Colorado hunting practices, Andrea and Tim encourage exploration. They also offer insight on how to start your journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle via social media, blogs and a forthcoming podcast.

“There are so many benefits,” Andrea says. The homesteading journey “can be whatever you make it.”

Hunt & Homestead, The Marketplace & Makerspace

1099 US 24, Woodland Park huntandhomesteadmarketplace.com

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 2ND

Dierks Bentley

Ford Amphitheater | 6:30 PM

Country music star Dierks Bentley arrives in town for a high-energy show that delivers his signature blend of authenticity and grit. Expect hits like “What Was I Thinkin’,” “Somewhere on a Beach” and “Burning Man.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. fordamphitheater.live

JULY 4TH

Independence Day Celebration

National Museum of WWII Aviation | 10:00 AM

Join a community of aviation lovers to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. This family-friendly event offers aircraft cockpit tours, flight demonstrations and rides in vintage cars and World War II vehicles, plus food trucks, raffles and live entertainment. worldwariiaviation.org

JULY 4TH

Cripple Creek 4th of July

337 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek | 11:00 AM

This free event includes a parade, live music and food vendors, and culminates with a spectacular fireworks show as the sun sets. A craft and art show also runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. Bring your patriotic pride!

JULY 9TH

Taste of Pikes Peak

Hillside Gardens | 6:00 PM

One of Colorado Springs’ hottest events is the ultimate celebration of local flavor. As live music plays throughout the evening, guests sample food and beverage from more than 60 of the region’s best restaurants, breweries and distilleries. Tickets start at $75. hillsidecolorado.com

JULY 14TH

Old Crow Medicine Show

Pikes Peak Center | 8:00 PM

Grammy Award-winning Americana string band Old Crow Medicine Show is set to perform music from their decades-long career that features tunes like “Tennessee Bound,” “Down Home Girl,” “James River Blues” and their undisputable signature hit, “Wagon Wheel.” The show is part of the band’s Union Made Tour and features all-female supporting act (and Colorado musicians) Big Richard. pikespeakcenter.com

JULY 17TH

Rocky Mountain State Games

Various locations across the Pikes Peak region | 8:00 AM

Call it Colorado’s own Olympics. These games are the state’s biggest annual multi-sport festival for athletes of all ages and abilities. Colorado Springs venues including city parks, Springs Pickleball and The United States Air Force Academy host dozens of sports, from tennis and swimming to paddleboard racing and archery, for this three-day event that wraps up on July 19. coloradospringssports.org

CONTINUED

JULY 17TH

Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival

Cañon City | 1:00 PM

Now in its 17th year, this two-day event kicks off July 17 as a fundraiser for the Cañon City community. On the schedule: mattress, raft and kayak races, plus a parade. On July 18, the festival opens at 7:30 a.m. with a yoga session followed by trail races, a weenie dog race and much more. Tickets start at $10. royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com

JULY 18TH

Christmas in July at the Black Forest Farmers Market

6845 Shoup Road | 9:00 AM

Though this farmers market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until mid-October, this particular event is extra festive. In addition to their produce, more than 70 local vendors (ranchers, farmers, artisans) will offer holiday-themed goods, spirited displays and can't-miss holiday deals. thebackyardmarkets.com

JULY 18TH

Star Party

Garden of the Gods | 9:30 PM

See stars at this after-hours party in the visitor center parking lot. Members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society (CSASTRO) will bring telescopes and other observing instruments to share starry views with attendees. These views should also include Jupiter, Venus, the moon and more. The party is free and family friendly. gardenofgods.com

JULY 21ST

Wines of Beaujolais

UVA Wine Bar | 6:30 PM

Discover the charm of France’s Beaujolais region during an intimate dinner featuring wines from one of the country’s most exciting wine areas. Beaujolais produces elegant Gamay wines with bright red fruit, floral notes and incredible versatility at the table. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated three-course menu paired with four wines that highlight the freshness, charm and character of the region.  uvawinebarcos.com

JULY 25TH

Disney’s Frozen in Concert with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Ford Amphitheater | 7:00 PM

Experience the magic of Frozen like never before. Conductor Thomas Wilson leads the Colorado Springs Philharmonic as they perform composer Christophe Beck’s iconic, Grammy-nominated score live to the film. fordamphitheater.live

JULY 31ST

Dog Days at the Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 9:00 AM

Bring your pup to the zoo with you! Well-behaved, leashed dogs with up-to-date vaccines can accompany adults to experience the sights and sounds of the zoo. Purchase dog tickets online ($34 each; one per adult) by adding it to your cart before you select a member or non-member ticket. cmzoo.org