Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Guthrie.
Hi Tessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m originally from Aspen, and after college I moved back to Denver. I’ve always been a creative person, and growing up in Colorado, I was naturally drawn to western history—but more specifically, the style and storytelling of it. I’ve always been really inspired by that 70s western aesthetic—there’s something about it that feels a little rebellious, a little nostalgic, and much more design-forward than what people typically think of as “western.”
When I got back to Denver, I started to notice a gap. There were plenty of people who loved that look and lifestyle, and a really strong creative community, especially in the arts district—but there wasn’t much that felt modern or experiential. I didn’t see places where you could actually engage with the craft, like leatherwork or branding, in a hands-on, approachable way.
That’s what sparked the idea for Ember & Stitch. I wanted to create something that felt like a blend of a retail space, a studio, and an experience—where people could shop, but also make something, learn something, and connect. It was important to me that it felt fresh and elevated, but still rooted in the history and culture of the West.
I didn’t come from a business background, so everything has been self-taught—from building the brand to running operations to teaching myself leatherwork online. It’s definitely been a learn-as-you-go process, but that creative curiosity is really what got me here in the first place.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As I said before, I have no business background, so it has definitely been a learning process. But I have had amazing support from other small business owners who have given me great counsel.
We’ve been impressed with Ember and Stitch, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ember & Stitch is a western-inspired retail and workshop space, centered around leathercraft and hands-on experiences. While we curate a selection of leather goods and western-inspired products, what really defines us is our workshop model—giving people the opportunity to come in and create something themselves.
We specialize in leathercraft workshops and our signature branding bar, where customers can personalize pieces in-store. That hands-on, interactive element is what we’re most known for. It turns a typical shopping experience into something much more memorable and personal.
What sets us apart is the combination of experience and aesthetic. The brand is rooted in western heritage, but interpreted through a more modern, elevated lens—heavily inspired by that 70s western feel. It’s designed to feel intentional and curated, while still being approachable and fun. There aren’t many spaces that blend retail, workshops, and this kind of design-forward western identity in one place.
We also host pop-ups, private events, and group workshops, which have become a big part of the business. It’s not just about what you buy—it’s about what you make and the experience around it.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how cohesive everything feels. From the space to the workshops to the overall vibe, it all tells the same story and creates a strong sense of identity.
What I want people to know is that Ember & Stitch is more than a store—it’s a place to gather, create, and experience a modern take on western culture in a way that feels fresh, hands-on, and community-driven.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality I value most in my success is adaptability paired with creative intuition.
I didn’t come from a traditional business background, so a lot of what I’ve built has come from learning as I go—testing ideas in real time, listening closely to customers, and being willing to change direction when something isn’t working. That flexibility has been essential in shaping Ember & Stitch into what it is today.
At the same time, I rely heavily on creative intuition. A lot of decisions—from the space design to the workshop experience to the overall brand direction—come from trusting a feeling for what feels authentic, elevated, and aligned with the western aesthetic I’m building around.
I think the combination of staying open, learning quickly, and still holding a strong creative point of view is what has allowed the business to grow in a way that feels both intentional and organic.
Pricing:
- Branding bar- Bring your own leather product- $15
- Workshops range from $40- $145
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emberandstitchstudio.com/
- Instagram: ember_and_stitch
- Other: Tik Tok- same as insta
