Striving to create a place to gather for locals, Cynthia Jankowski opened The Aspen Hive.
Cynthia Jankowski
“I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE STORE BECAUSE A SOLID GROUP OF LOCAL WOMEN KEPT PUSHING ME FORWARD. THEY TOLD ME NOT TO GIVE UP. AND AT EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD OF THIS PROCESS, A WOMAN WAS ALWAYS THERE TO LIFT ME UP.” –CYNTHIA JANKOWSKI
Exterior of The Aspen Hive
Creating quite the buzz around town, Cynthia Jankowski opened The Aspen Hive as a retail concept that focuses on community and caters specifically to locals—all the while big brand names continue to squeeze out small businesses. A jewelry lover’s paradise, the shop features new jewelry pieces by American-based designers and female goldsmiths. The name of the boutique pays homage to Jankowski’s female support system, because it is the female bees that build a hive.
Interior of the boutique
“There aren’t many of us left, but this store shows what can happen if us locals stick together,” Jankowski says. “More than ever, Aspen needs something inviting, and that is what I am trying to create.” After years in the jewelry business, Jankowski worked with landlord Brenda Wild, who is known for her drive to support local businesses, to bring her vision of communal space and accessible products to life.
Curated by Jankowski, the pieces showcase an authentic and unique feel at a great price. “I want locals to feel comfortable coming in and buying something for special milestones but not break the bank,” adds Jankowski. The Hive also offers the services of a grand master jeweler for original designing and repair work. There is something for everyone. From great gifts to redesigning family heirlooms to indulging in a unique piece to add to your personal arsenal, The Hive is the perfect pit stop on your shopping journey downtown.
The store’s curation offers unique pieces with great price points making this shop approachable, accessible and steeped in that local feel so many are craving in today’s climate. Jankowski’s passion for the success of local business is felt the moment you walk into the store. The boutique’s chic and warm decor is meant to invite the community in and let them stay a while. Beyond the salonstyle feel, The Aspen Hive is a place for women to come together and lift each other up through jewelry shopping and conversation. “I hope other locals see that if I can do this, then they can too,” says Jankowski. “I was able to open the store because a solid group of local women kept pushing me forward. They told me not to give up. And at every bump in the road of this process, a woman was always there to lift me up.” 429 E. Cooper Ave., theaspenhive.com
Photography by: PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY BRIGGS
