Shop K) Employees' Side Business'
Cripple Creek Mandolins
Of the many surprises on a rafting trip, live music is one of the most enjoyable. If you have enjoyed music on your river trip, this is an opportunity to bring some of that magic home with you.
I build stringed instruments and several have found their way to the Canyon; a handful of guitars, ukuleles and even a mountain dulcimer for a southern belle turned river guide.
They all have some form of inspiration drawn from the Grand Canyon; from laser etched thoughts or images, to woods from the Grand Canyon region used in the construction process.
I am pleased to offer a limited edition of “River Ukuleles”. These ukuleles are built to order with a detailed map of the major rapids and features along the length of the Colorado river through the Grand Canyon.
These have a sopranino scale, which is the smallest of the ukulele size range. The scale is 2 inches shorter than a soprano ukulele, and fits nicely in a carry-on bag.
Please contact me if you are interested in having one of these special ukuleles built for you. The price is $295 and includes a nice padded bag and free shipping to most locations.
David Hanson
Website: https://www.cripplecreekmandolins.com
Email: tukanu22@gmail.com
Funluvin Fleecewear
FunLuvin’ Fleecewear was born on a cold and stormy trip to Alaska in the summer of 2015. I noticed the locals were wearing fleece shorts under their drysuits for an extra layer of insulation where it mattered. I loved the idea and thought it would work great off the river too. I went home to South Dakota and enlisted my aunt to teach me how to sew and design prototypes. As I refined the designs, I found myself wearing fleece shorts and skirts all of the time. I started picking out fun fabrics that I thought my guiding friends would enjoy, and started giving my fleece clothes away for my friends and fellow guides to try out.
Everybody loved it! My friends were using fleece wear as a technical layer, but also loving it for casual use in town. With lots of encouragement from the community, I started sewing more and hit the road selling FunLuvin Fleecewear. Over the past 7 years, my clothing company has grown dramatically. I am no longer sewing each garment, but thru the help of a passenger I met on an AzRA trip I was able to establish manufacturing. My clothing is made with love, and 100% made in the USA. Over the years, I have been able to spread the Fleece Clothing Love all over the U.S. and we’re now in over 40 retail stores.
My clothing is guide inspired, and I am fully committed to creating fun, functional, and affordable clothing for a lifestyle of adventure! Currently I make fleece skirts, fleece shorts, coffee talk blankets, cuddle buddies (paco pad covers), beanies, trucker hats, and sun hoodies. I still guide river trips seven months out of the year, but anytime I’m not rafting the classic rivers of the West or chasing powder, you can find me sewing or on the road with my clothing company.
Website: www.funluvinfleecewear.com
Instagram: @funluvin_fleeecewear
Contact info: k.okeefe38@gmail.com
Mx. Auri East Sex/ual/ity Education & Consulting
I am a scientifically-based, shame-reducing, pleasure-positive, and trauma-informed Sex/ual/ity Educator and Consultant. Essentially, that means that I use research--among many other useful tools--to elevate myriad intersectional identities so that participants may develop empathy for the Other and self-acceptance for whoever they themselves are. I present content in terms of what pleasure is possible given one's own gender, body, sexuality, value-system, etc., and I provide space for participants to determine that for themselves. Content, curriculum, and activities are designed for a gradient of engagement so participants may self-determine their experiences--this ensures my workshop space is an as-safe-as-possible learning environment for everyone. It meets them where they are available to learn.
As a Consultant, my values remain the same. I am interested in working with school faculty and administrators, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses to help them improve their hiring practices, content/curriculum, internal and external documents, websites, and general culture to ensure gender- and sexuality-diverse students, clients, and employees feel safe and seen. These consultations always include some level of education.
Website: www.mxaurieast.com
Email: mxaurieast@gmail.com
Shining Waters Handmades
Shining Waters Handmades is a Diné(Navajo) owned small jewelry business. I am from the Diné Nation in Northern Arizona. I am of the Kinyaa'áanii (Towering house) clan, and born for Lok'aa' Dine'e (Reed people). I started making jewelry in 2019 when my nieces asked to teach them, and it's been slowly growing since. Products are inspired by my way of life growing up on the reservation. Many are Native designs and one-of-a-kind creations. I am self-taught, although I have learned some techniques from relatives when I was younger. I enjoy making unique pieces and hope to share it with the world.
Ahe'hee (Thank you).
Bobbi Cooley
Website: www.shiningwatershandmades.com
Email: shiningwaters86054@gmail.com