For the Fashionista: Cashmere Red

Nothing says "Telluride" like getting your business started after a chance meeting at the New Sheridan, and that's exactly what happened for Caci Grinspan. 

While waiting tables at the New Sheridan, Grinspan was serving a man who was retiring from the Scottish cashmere business. She was so intrigued, she met with him the next day, cold-called mills in Scotland, booked a flight and toured factories herself. And that was how CashmereRED, a shop specializing in luxury cashmere sweaters and timeless accessories, was born. 

Now, Grinspan has created her fully sustainable CashmereRED in-house collection, which is a knit-to-order line designed in Telluride and knit three-dimensionally in the United States, which produces zero waste. 

"Inpsired by the San Juan Mountains and the active, traveling lives of our clients, every piece is purposeful," Grinspan says. "Nothing is ever mass-made at CashmereRed."

It's the perfect job for Grinspan, who has a history of fashion in her family. Her great aunt, Nan Duskin, opened and operated the first couture women's clothing store in downtown Philadelphia, Caci's hometown. Duskin was also one of the first clothiers to import bespoke European lines into the United States. And now, she gets that share that heritage in Telluride. 

"The best part about owning a store in Telluride is the community," she adds. "Locals, second homeowners and travelers alike become part of the CashmereRED family. Surrounded by mountains and inspired by the pace of life here, it's a place where meaningful connections happen."

Favorite Gift This Season: Cashmere Hoodie, Ajax Beanie, Cashmere Puffer & Cashmere Socks

For the Outdoorsy Athlete: Jagged Edge Mountain Gear

While Jagged Edge Mountain Gear is known as a staple on Main Street, it had humble beginnings. In the early 1990s, twin sisters Margaret and Paula Quenemoen started selling fleece headbands out of a push cart on Main Street before moving into a brick and mortar location. In 2003, Erik Dalton and his family took over the business and for over 20 years have continued to run the outdoor gear shop - and don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

"Our products are unique because we hand select everything that comes into our shop, ensuring it's appropriate for the rugged environment of the San Juans," Dalton says. "We work with many unique and up-and-coming brands that manufacture some of the best gear in the world." 

Not only do they source unique products, but they also make some of their own gear, including backpacks, bags and technical apparel, which they sew in Colorado out of USA-sourced materials. 

"We take pride in being an independently owned retailer and have many long-standing relationships with our suppliers," Dalton adds. 

Favorite Gifts This Season: Jagged Edge Mountain Gear DOPP Kit, Klattermusen tech apparel, Big Rock Candy Mountaineering vintage mountaineering silhouettes, Ripton and Co stretch denim

For Those Who Like a Good Time: Telluride Distilling Company

What started as a nice dinner out at Flavor Telluride turned into a new business for Joanna Smith and her late husband, Abbott. They wanted to start a business for themselves, and Abbott, who had a engineering background and Joanna, who has degrees in molecular biology and biochemistry, thought that they would jump on the craft distilling movement while it was still starting to grow. 

"We decided a distillery would be an interesting and fun business venture to start," Smith says. 

Now, they serve up craft products ranging from vodka and whiskey to gin and agave. Plus, the local favorite: Chairlift Warmer, which was concocted after an epic powder day while sitting at Tracks. It truly is a local business - Every product created uses the water running right through Telluride.

"There's a lot of local heart and brain power that go into every bottle."

Favorite Gift This Season: Special Bourbon Release (straight bourbon whiskey that has been finished in a honey cask for two years) with a label design by local Woody Smith

For the Art Enthusiast: Rinkevich Gallery

For Margaret Rinkevich, there's something to be said about the art that hangs on your wall. Instead of big box store items or pieces thrown up as an afterthought, she wants you to experience how it feels to buy original art at her gallery in Mountain Village. 

"Buying original art is such a personal experience," Rinkevich says. "Original works of art enrich your life and remind you of special places, loved ones and moments in your life. They were also created by individuals who love what they do."

Rinkevich, who started her gallery in the Centrum Building in 2018, had sold some artwork prior to owning the space, but really wanted a way to showcase her art and get it in front of a larger audience. Plus, she gets to share her artwork every single day and meet buyers and designers who come into the gallery. 

"The best part about owning a gallery is meeting my clients face to face," Rinkevich says. "I love knowing their projects and how my paintings could enhance their space. Knowing and seeing exactly where my art is going is so rewarding!"

Favorite Gifts This Season: Original paintings on cards, 5x5" mixed media pantings framed with a chunk 2.5" frame