Spotlight on Businesses

2024 GRACIE Award Winner – Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce

A Family-Run Business with Community at Its Heart

October Member Spotlight: Fancy Forest and Owner Terry Bracy

September Member Spotlight: Cottage Creations Custom Confections

A Journey from Virginia to Colorado

July Member Spotlight: Suz Cookie Jar Rescue Bakery & Bites

Restoring History and Creating Memories in Bailey, Colorado

Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital represents the epitome of dedication, passion, and community spirit. Owned and operated by Dr. Sheila RiceWatkins and her husband Chad Watkins, this full-service veterinary practice has been a cherished part of the community since 2018. A Journey Rooted in Compassion Dr. Sheila's journey to becoming a veterinarian began in Pennsylvania, where her childhood dream led her to a career dedicated to helping animals. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Sheila's expertise spans emergency care, general practice, and shelter spay/neuter services. Her commitment to her profession is evident in the range of animals Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital serves—from pocket pets and reptiles to cats, dogs, chickens, goats and pigs and more. The day of this interview there was a lost rooster that was found wandering on the Highway hanging out in the building (making his presence known) waiting for his owners to be found. From County Road 43 to Rosalie Road: A New Chapter Recently, Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital made a significant move from County Road 43 to their new location, which they have purchased, at 12 Rosalie Road. The speed at which they moved - closing their old location on March 29th and reopening in their new location on April 1 - was impressive and a great deal of hard work. This move isn't just a change of address—it was a strategic decision to expand their services and provide even better care to their furry, scaly, and feathered patients. Chad, a Bailey native, shared his excitement about the future and emphasized how much this community means to both of them. And now, the move will allow Crow Hill more flexibility to offer simple things like fenced areas for the animals to even more extended services to patients. They already are able to do most lab work in-house, which speeds the process and perform many surgical procedures here locally given Dr Sheila's background. Once they get fully settled in, the move gives them more land and the freedom to be able to envision and do even more. Beyond Veterinary Care: Community Engagement Dr. Sheila and Chad are not just passionate about veterinary medicine; they are also active members of the Bailey community. Dr. Sheila was a former Chamber board member, is involved with 4-H and helps with the high-altitude livestock show in Fairplay. They have also supported many local events and organizations, including Bailey Days and community fairs, showcasing their commitment to giving back. Challenges and Triumphs Like any business, Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital has faced its share of challenges, from managing overhead costs to finding the right balance between affordable care and quality service that enables them to provide good wages for their loyal employees. Despite these hurdles, Dr. Sheila and Chad remain optimistic, fueled by their love for animals and the community they serve. A Word of Advice for Aspiring Business Owners Dr. Sheila offers sage advice for those looking to start their own business: "You have to be open and willing to put in the time. It's more than a full-time endeavor; it's a full-time, and more, commitment to your passion." Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Bailey As Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant — their unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care to the animals of Bailey and beyond. With a highly valued and appreciated team of seasoned professionals in their 12 person staff, cutting-edge facilities, and a deep-rooted connection to the community, Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital is poised for a bright future in Bailey. To learn more about Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital and the services they offer, visit their new location at 12 Rosalie Road or check out their website . Join us in celebrating this local gem and the incredible work they do for our furry friends! 🐾🐾

Located in the picturesque foothills alongside the South Platte River in Bailey, Aspen Peak Cellars stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. Founded by Marcel and Julie Flukiger, Aspen Peak Cellars has weathered numerous challenges to become a beacon of quality dining and winemaking in the region. Their award-winning, handcrafted wines, produced right here in Bailey, draw wine enthusiasts from all across the Country. The story of Aspen Peak Cellars begins with Marcel and Julie, both trained chefs, who crossed paths nearly thirty years ago at Denver's historic Brown Palace. After falling in love, marrying and settling in the foothills, their journey into winemaking began unexpectedly when Marcel gifted Julie a winemaking kit for Christmas in 2005. What started as a hobby soon turned into a passion, with the couple winning several awards for their wines. In 2009, Marcel and Julie took a leap of faith and opened Aspen Peak Cellars at the Clifton House, a micro-winery, bistro, and bed and breakfast near Conifer. However, tragedy struck in the summer of 2011 when the 135-year-old barn at the Clifton House, housing their winery, was destroyed by a lightning strike. Undeterred, Marcel and Julie relocated their business to a new, larger facility in Bailey in 2012. Their journey took yet another challenging turn in 2016 when a semi-trailer slammed into their winery, rendering it a "total loss." Despite the setbacks, Marcel and Julie remained steadfast in their determination to pursue their passion for great food and great wine. During the rebuild, they opened a small tasting room next to Sasquatch Outpost until they were able to reopen in January of 2018, operating as a full-service winery/bistro since then. And knock wood, there will be no more run ins with Mother Nature or 18 wheelers in their future. In my interview with Marcel and Julie, they shared insights into their journey, challenges, and vision for the future. Marcel emphasized the importance of their background in the restaurant business, coupled with their self-taught expertise in winemaking. From starting as a small operation to methodically expanding into a team-driven enterprise, Marcel and Julie credit their success to persistence, a focus on consistency, and a passion for what they do. Their advice for aspiring business owners emphasizes the need for a solid business plan, resilience in the face of adversity, a commitment to consistency and a deep-rooted passion for their craft. Producing approximately 2.500 cases of wine annually from grapes sourced from Palisade, Colorado as well as California and Washington, Aspen Peak Cellars has carved a niche for itself in Colorado's winemaking landscape. Despite the hardships they've faced, Marcel and Julie take pride in the steady growth of their business and the employment opportunities it provides to the local community. With a much appreciated, dedicated team of 18 employees, Aspen Peak Cellars continues to thrive, thanks to the unwavering support of loyal customers and tourists alike. Looking ahead, Marcel and Julie are excited about the future of Aspen Peak Cellars. They recently introduced dinner service, expanding their offerings to provide a unique dining experience amidst the scenic beauty beside the river. Additionally, they are actively involved in community initiatives to promote tourism and enhance the local economy. Marcel and Julie invite visitors to savor the fruits of their labor, experience the warmth of their hospitality, and join them in celebrating the art of food, wine and music that defines their winery. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a connoisseur of fine dining, or simply seeking a memorable experience in the foothills of Colorado, Aspen Peak Cellars promises an unforgettable adventure for all who venture through its doors.

Surrounded by the tranquility of Bailey's natural scenic beauty, Polita's Place Apothecary & Wellness stands as a beacon of holistic health and wellness. At its helm is Paula Marquez, a passionate clinical herbalist and Reiki master whose journey towards healing and empowerment has woven seamlessly into the fabric of her community. Paula's trajectory is as diverse as the herbs she lovingly tends to. With a background in healthcare as a medical assistant, she embarked on a path toward traditional medicine, and then moved into eduction for 16 years, only to find her true calling in educational holistic practices. Her transition from the rigors of the medical field to the gentle embrace of education and herbalism reflects her unwavering commitment to holistic healing. As the founder of Polita's Place, Paula has curated a space where ancient wisdom meets modern sensibilities. The essence of an apothecary, with its roots in antiquity as a haven for herbal remedies, finds new life in her storefront. Here, over 70 herbs stand ready to offer their medicinal gifts, each meticulously selected and blended to address a myriad of health concerns. From soothing teas to potent tinctures, Paula's offerings are as diverse as the individuals they serve. But Polita's Place is more than just a purveyor of herbal remedies; it is a sanctuary for holistic wellness. With her background in Reiki and holistic nutrition, Paula extends her healing touch beyond the physical realm. Reiki sessions, workshops, and private consultations form the cornerstone of her practice, offering clients a holistic approach to well-being that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. What sets Polita's Place apart is not just the products lining its shelves, but the depth of care and expertise Paula brings to each interaction. Her consultations are not mere transactions but transformative journeys, where she delves deep into the root causes of imbalance and crafts personalized wellness plans tailored to each individual. Drawing upon her extensive knowledge of both herbalism and conventional medicine, Paula bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, offering her clients a holistic approach that honors the wisdom of both worlds. Beyond her role as a healer, Paula is a beacon of inspiration for her community. Her journey from uncertainty to empowerment serves as a testament to the transformative power of following one's heart. In a world often defined by hustle and haste, Paula's steadfast dedication to her dream of owning an apothecary in the mountains is a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's vision, even in the face of uncertainty. As Polita's Place continues to flourish, Paula's vision extends beyond the confines of her storefront. She dreams of fostering a community of wellness practitioners, where collaboration and camaraderie reign supreme. Her desire to create a wellness group within the Platte Canyon Chamber of Commerce reflects her commitment to nurturing a network of support and collaboration, where healers of all modalities can come together to uplift and empower one another. In Paula Marquez and Polita's Place, the community of Bailey finds not just a storefront, but a sanctuary—a place where healing is not just a transaction, but a journey; where wellness is not just a destination, but a way of life. With each herb lovingly blended, each consultation thoughtfully crafted, Paula invites her community to rediscover the healing power of nature and the boundless potential that lies within.