Denver became more than just a destination for me—it was the setting for an unforgettable mix of exploration, inspiration, and achievement. My five days in the Mile High City began with a whirlwind of sightseeing that fed my creativity, followed by preparation and two incredible days presenting my brand at my very first tradeshow.

Tuesday: A Nine-Hour Cultural Marathon

My first day of adventure began on Tuesday, and I wasted no time diving in. With a CityPass in hand, I set out for what became a nine-hour journey through some of Denver’s cultural gems.

I started at the Denver Botanic Gardens, where the lush landscapes immediately drew me in. The Japanese Garden was a highlight—a tranquil space where I paused for meditation, letting the stillness wash over me. It was the perfect way to ground myself before the whirlwind ahead.

Next came the Denver Zoo. Wandering through its habitats, I was reminded of the beauty and diversity of life—playful primates, powerful big cats, and everything in between. Each encounter felt like a spark of inspiration, a reminder of nature’s endless creativity.

I ended the day at the Denver Art Museum, determined to see as much as I could. The Hamilton Building, with its striking architecture, kept me busy for hours as I explored all four of its floors, packed with contemporary works and global perspectives. I also managed two of the seven floors in the Martin Building, where European masters and Native American art deepened the experience. From 10:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., I was immersed in beauty, knowledge, and creativity—a marathon worth every step.

That evening, I treated myself to dinner at Stout Street Social, conveniently near my stay. I ordered their lamb burger, which turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever had—juicy, flavorful, and highly recommend to anyone visiting Denver. It was the perfect way to end such a full day of exploration.

Wednesday: Setup and the Aquarium

Wednesday was dedicated to preparation. I met up with my crew of helpers, and together we transformed an empty space into a reflection of SingleTree Lane. We assembled display racks, steamed wrinkles out of the clothing I had pre-shipped, set up my backdrop banner, and organized every detail of the booth. It was hands-on, meticulous work, but also an exciting step—laying the foundation for what was to come.

After setup, I rewarded myself with a visit to the Downtown Aquarium. From shimmering schools of tropical fish to stingrays and sharks gliding gracefully through their exhibits, it was like stepping into a living kaleidoscope. For someone who thrives on bold palettes and unexpected textures, the Aquarium was nothing short of an artist’s dream.

I also faced something personal that day: not a fear, but a deep repulsion of touching stingrays. At the play pool, I decided to push past that barrier. Not only did I touch one, but several, as they swam by. It was a surprisingly gentle experience, and I walked away proud of myself for breaking through the resistance. It was a small victory, but one that made the day even more memorable.

Thursday: Opening Day of the Tradeshow

By Thursday, it was time for the centerpiece of my trip—my very first tradeshow at the Denver Convention Center. Luckily, I was staying right across the street at the Spire Condos Downtown, which made it easy to balance the demands of long days with the comfort of a modern retreat each evening.

The tradeshow itself was an uplifting milestone. I presented SingleTree Lane to retail buyers from across the country. Sharing my brand’s story, explaining my inspirations, and displaying my designs on this stage was both exhilarating and affirming. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with buyers praising not just the clothing but the energy and vision behind it. For me, it was proof that the years of building my brand have meaning and momentum.

Friday: Closing Day and Celebration

Friday brought the second day of the tradeshow, and with it, another round of conversations, opportunities, and connections. The pace was steady, and the energy from buyers remained high. By the end of the day, I felt both accomplished and inspired, knowing that SingleTree Lane had made a strong impression.

That evening, I gathered my team to celebrate. We headed to Giordano’s for deep dish pizza, indulging in hearty slices and laughter as we toasted to the success of the week. Treating my crew felt like the perfect way to close out the event—with gratitude, camaraderie, and joy.

Saturday: Returning Home

By Saturday afternoon, it was time to say goodbye to Denver. I boarded my flight back to the Bay Area, carrying not just the weight of my luggage but also the affirmation, inspiration, and confidence that this trip had given me.

A Trip to Remember

Looking back, my five days in Denver blended adventure and achievement in equal measure. I spent Tuesday filling my soul with art, animals, and gardens (and the best lamb burger at Stout Street Social), Wednesday preparing and finding inspiration at the Aquarium, and Thursday and Friday stepping boldly into my first tradeshow, where the affirmation I received from retail buyers lifted me higher than the mile-high city itself.

Denver gave me beauty, balance, and belief. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a beginning.

And on a personal note, the name Denver has always been special to me. It’s also the name of my pitty, a shelter dog I adopted from Martinez 7.5 years ago. Knowing that my loyal companion carries the same name as the city made this trip feel all the more meaningful.