There are some creative projects that become more than a publication, a platform, or an event. They become part of the cultural fabric of a city.
For me, Birdy Magazine is one of those things and they need our support!
Jonny DeStefano, co-creator of Birdy alongside Krysti Joméi, has been a major force in my creative life since the mid-90s. Long before social media, before websites, before influencer culture and algorithms… there was Denver’s DIY creative scene. And it was electric.
Back then, I was the merch girl for Jonny and his brother Sam’s punk band. That season of life taught me some of the greatest lessons I’ve ever learned about grassroots marketing, community building, promotion, and what it means to truly believe in creativity.
This was before Instagram.
Before Facebook.
Before digital flyers and boosted posts.
We were hanging posters by hand, passing out flyers, talking to people face-to-face, building scenes through real human connection, late-night conversations, zines, music, art, and passion.
Jonny also helped get my own band, B.Sue, up and running. Looking back now, I realize how much those early experiences shaped not only my creative career, but also the heart behind Fashion Denver itself.
