Meet Kiley Burke of Thunder & Twine in Downtown Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiley Burke.

Kiley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Thunder & Twine got it’s beginning when I was living in Arizona. I wanted to find decor that could make my desert home feel like I was back in the forests of Colorado and Oregon, and so my hunt began! After not finding anything that exactly fit my style, I decided ‘hey, how about you try and make it!’…and the rest is history! Now a year and a half later I am lucky enough to bring the same pieces to art shows around the country, as well as meet many other creatives during photoshoots and weddings!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
They say nothing worth having is easy, right? This is definitely true when deciding to start your own company! I had a very hard time with time management and inventory in the beginning, but now the growing pains are starting to ease up and I have figured out how to invest my time and energy. Some days, if I’m lucky, I even remember to eat three meals!

Thunder & Twine – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Thunder & Twine I suppose falls into the category of home and event decor. Wall hangings, bridal archway pieces, gift ideas, these are all things that I would say are my ‘specialty’! As of late, I have become known especially in the wedding scene for elaborate backdrops and small table decor. I have to say, so far, the thing that I am most proud of is when I am told how much my work means to someone. Whether it be a small piece sold at a show or a giant 5′ piece, it’s all the same when someone tells me, “This makes me so happy!”. Being able to create something that stirs feelings of joy and love in someone is all that I can ask for at the end of the day.

I like to think that my continued dedication to clients is a big thing that sets me apart. Unlike custom work or handmade items that are ordered through websites or bigger companies, I like to have continued communication with my customers so that they know they are receiving something that is 100% unique to them and that they are not just another order in my spreadsheet.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
It is definitely hard to pick a proudest moment! There are a lot of little victories when it comes to starting a small business, certain days not pulling out clumps of hair makes me proud to be honest! I must say my most memorable moment was one of my bridal clients telling me that the first thing that she knew she wanted for her wedding (even before she picked her dress or her venue) was a custom piece done by me. That almost brought me to tears, because what an out of this world compliment.