In the chaos of everyday life, it’s easy to forget to celebrate the good stuff, the big milestones and even the little wins — but this year, we’re making space for all of it.
Colleen Mauer Designs (CMD) turns 20 this September (!!), and while I’m still wrapping my head around this big milestone, one thing is for sure: I want to celebrate this year in a big way. I’ve got some exciting things in the works (more on that soon), but in the meantime, I’m kicking things off with a visit to one of my favorite places — Georgetown in DC.
It just so happens that our longtime stockist and friend, The Phoenix, is marking an even more impressive milestone: 70 years in business. That’s right — seven decades of thoughtful curation, rooted community, and creative inspiration. Compared to that legacy, we’re practically infants.
The Phoenix is more than a store — it’s a Georgetown institution and a space that truly feels like home. Third-generation owner Samantha Hays Gushner grew up in the shop her grandparents opened and now runs it with an eye for sustainability, craft, and story. She’s one of my favorite humans (and retailers!) in this industry — effortlessly cool, endlessly supportive, and fiercely dedicated to her community and the makers she carries.
Come join me at The Phoenix for a special CMD Ring Bar Pop-Up — our third year in a row! I’m especially excited to be heading back to DC, where I have quite a network of friends and family. Being a Virginia Tech grad, so many of my college buddies ended up in the DC area. I love connecting with new clients at the Phoenix and spending evenings enjoying some good laughs with my old friends.
Whether you’re local to Georgetown or just passing through, I’d love to see you there. Come celebrate the magic of handmade with me… I’ll have my Ring Bar and entire collection in tow.
Here’s to showing up, stacking away, and celebrating it all — even in the midst of all the chaos. Connection and community is our greatest power… no one can take that away from us!
Hope to see you soon,
Colleen
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Tania Francioni
May 07, 2025
Pretty pieces