Otter Shop Hosts First Friday Event Featuring Local Jewelry Artist and Community Workshops

The Otter Shop in Fort Collins will host a First Friday event featuring local artisan Emily with Beloved Sovereign and community workshops led by two regional nonprofits.

The event will showcase handmade jewelry by Emily, whose designs can be viewed at belovedsovereign.com. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an ornament-making workshop organized by OtterCares Foundation and Volunteers of America Colorado.

The Otter Shop mascot, Ollie the Otter, is expected to make an appearance during the evening.

The retail location serves as the storefront for Otter Products LLC, the Fort Collins-based company behind the OtterBox brand. Founded in 1998 by Curt and Nancy Richardson, the company has maintained headquarters at 209 S. Meldrum St. in Fort Collins since its inception as a garage startup producing waterproof protective cases.

OtterCares Foundation, established in 2009 by Nancy Richardson, focuses on supporting youth entrepreneurship and education programs throughout Northern Colorado. According to the foundation, Otter employees have contributed over 134,000 volunteer hours to local schools and nonprofits, providing more than $3.8 million in community value.

Volunteers of America Colorado provides human services including homeless outreach, affordable housing, and veteran support programs across the state. The organization operates regional offices serving Larimer and Weld counties, focusing on vulnerable populations including seniors, families in poverty, and at-risk youth.

The company operates under a "We Grow to Give" philosophy, regularly hosting community events at its retail location to connect residents with local artists and nonprofit organizations.

The Otter Shop is located at 209 S. Meldrum St. in Fort Collins. More information about Beloved Sovereign's jewelry designs is available at belovedsovereign.com.