Call: 970-793-8119
ABOUT US
The Mother
Lesli Anderson
Meet the mom and inspiration of The Ginger Cat.
Lesli is a Colorado native who grew up on a small cattle ranch on the western slope. She began crafting at an early age and focused on knitting and sewing in 4-H. She went to Adams State College (now University) to become a music teacher and taught private piano lessons for 30 years.
After moving to Ault to attend CSU, she met her husband of 30 years. She and Rod have spent a lot of time in the woodshop together and create high quality jewelry boxes which can be found all over the world.
In her spare time (what is that?) she likes to read and has raised Labrador Retrievers. She volunteers with Ten24 Ministries however she can, and helps out at The Resource Center in Greeley with various fundraisers. If she can’t be found –which is rare– she’s at home with a pair of knitting needles in hand.
The Daughter
Ilona Cathalan
Ilona's passion lies in fiber, but where did it start? Her grandmother began teaching her to sew when she was 8, and she participated in 4-H for several years with it. Lesli, Ilona's mother, attempted to teach her how to knit when she was about 8-9, but didn't even get far enough to finish her first project. They tried again when she was 11, and it went much better! Away she delved into the world of knitting, and now usually designs her pieces from ideas rather than using patterns. Ilona didn't start crocheting, however, until she was 23. That, she had a 2-hr session from another instructor and was able to teach herself most of what she knows now (her favorite crochet pieces are doilies).
Ilona married Brendon in 2019, and enjoys his company at the store when he can provide it. She taught him the basics of knitting, and is proud of how much he's accomplished on his own since. They're working on crochet (too many projects, not enough time). Before she opened The Ginger Cat, she was working in the corporate world and not enjoying it. She had always dreamed of working for a mom-and-pop shop, but never dreamed that her mom would be the actual "mom" of the shop! When Lesli approached her with the idea, Ilona said, "let's make it happen!" And in under a year, The Ginger Cat was open and running! Since opening, Ilona has thoroughly enjoyed learning how to teach, and loves giving back to the community by sharing her crafts with others. These are lifelong skills, and meant to be enjoyed.
Since there is life outside of the shop, Ilona has other hobbies. The piano has been loved by her since she was born, and she started playing at 2. Video games both retro and new are also enjoyed, with Chrono Cross being her favorite. Her absolute favorite pastime is spending time with her wonderful husband, Brendon.
The Boy Friday Brendon
Boy Friday. A nickname he earned with great pride (he's the only one with muscles around here). Brendon married Ilona in 2019 and that's when she started trying to get him to knit. With great amounts of teeth pulling he relented at one point and decided for her to show him. It took some time before he wanted to continue learning. Once he learned the hang of it he really enjoyed it, but there was always something missing.
When Ilona discussed her dream of doing a mom and pop shop with her literal mom, Brendon had nothing but support in his heart. Then the Ginger Cat was born. With having a local area to spend time and knit, he had no choice but to pursue more interest into fibre arts and grow his own skills. From colorwork to cables, he's become proficient in knitting on his own, but thanks to The Ginger Cat, and more importantly the teaching ability of his wife and mother-in-law.
The Mascot
Ginger
Ginger (also known as Mister Man, Ginger Boy, and Ging) is a rescue cat that Ilona and Brendon got in October 2021 at 3 months old. He inspired the name of our shop, but doesn't spend any time there since, like us, he's a sucker for yarn (or rather, the destruction of it).
Ginger is a typical crazy orange cat, and spends his days doing whatever it is cats do. We love him very much!
