ABOUT us
Established in 2019, The Bird & Bear Collective is a vision & brand that breaks down barriers and opens doors to connection, leadership, creativity, wellness, meaningful work and belonging.
why Birds & bears?
Just like you and me, birds and bears are very different beings. We differ in size, what we look like, and how we live our days. However, though we are all different, we (just like birds and bears), go through very intentional seasons of nesting and resting, so that we can explore and soar. How we do these things, may be different, but what connects us in this wild world, is that we collectively do these things.
The Bird & Bear is an intentional metaphor for inclusion and the wild that’s within and around each of us.
Where we started.
The Bird & Bear was launched out of our backyard barn in Medway, Massachusetts. For 10+ years our family has been opening the barn doors to our friends, family and community in an intentional and inclusive way.
We know what it’s like to have a space that you can open doors and invite people in ~ without the barriers or mindsets that come with some of the traditional places of gathering (i.e. our homes, work, sidelines, houses of worship, or other establishments) in the places we do life.
Where we are now.
In 2020 (yes, right in the middle of the wildest of times) we made the decision to move from our backyard barn, to a downtown historic bank building in Holliston, Massachusetts.
We’ve once again created a space that will sometimes feel like a quiet nest or den to come home to, and other times an invitation, or perhaps a gentle nudge, to get out and explore,
This is your corner of wilderness Birds & Bears. Let's nest & rest, explore & soar TOGETHER.
3 easy Ways to Become a Bird & Bear
01
ATTEND OR HOST A WORKSHOP OR EVENT
02
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN THE SHOP
03
FIND YOUR PEOPLE, COLLABORATE & CONNECT
Founder & Collective Connector
About Erin Defoyd
Hey there, I'm Erin, and I want to personally welcome you to The Bird & Bear Collective.
Whether you are hatching ideas, surviving the wilderness of life, or hibernating during a season of rest, I invite you to a space where you can nest and rest, explore and soar. This is your space. We are your people. You belong here.
5 quick things about me:
1. I am a self-defined Mrs & Mama {Bird and Bear}, Feminist, and Farmer who left a 15+ year career in Corporate Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion with a dream to leverage my education and experience, live fully in my passions, and build something beautiful in our corner of this wilderness.
2. I'm a #2 on the Enneagram and care deeply about community and connection, sisterhood and stories, and I believe that there is tremendous beauty and growth when we gather, share, listen, learn and love one another.
3. I married my high school sweetheart, Wes, and together we have the joy of raising up three incredible children, Ella, Bennett and Jane, on our little backyard farm in Medway, Massachusetts. We have 2 dogs (Gus & Winnie), 1 bunny (Walter), and flock of chickens.
4. My faith is my foundation. I seek daily guidance and encouragement through God’s word, prayer and my relationships with my brothers and sisters on this side of heaven.
5. I 100% did not expect to start a business in the middle of a pandemic. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Our Heart for this Space
I did not create this space for me...I created it for us...a collective us. And while yes, it is being hatched out of the Mama Bird nest that is my heart, and is being nudged out of the den with my muddy Mama Bear paws, it is a space for us. This is your space to collect, imagine and create. Together we’ll brave the wilderness as we share our passions, stories, gifts and talents.
Welcome to the Bird & Bear Collective, we are so glad you are here!