Do you even have a clue what goes on inside 763 Washington Street?  Even its name—The Bird and Bear Collective—belies no solution to the mystery within.  But step inside, have a chat with owner Erin Defoyd, enjoy browsing through thoughtfully displayed collections, peek around the available space, and you’ll leave with a new idea of the potential of this little brick and mortar storefront.

“The Bird and Bear Collective is a place for unique conversations, events, merchandise and apparel whether you are in a season of nesting and resting, or exploring and soaring,” Erin says as she points to a table card handwritten with this phrase.  It is a place created by Erin to bring people together, break down barriers, and offer encouragement.  And yes, it is the historic home of Holliston’s first bank—still featuring the enormous vault.  Each of the three rooms is unique:  one is designed with a comfy sitting area, one displays some custom designed Bird and Bear merchandise, and the third has modular picnic tables—and all inviting visitors to spend some time. And everywhere your eyes focus, a thoughtfully created vignette greets you.

Erin, a self-proclaimed farmer’s daughter, recently left a 15-year career in the corporate world with a dream of putting her education and experience to work in a completely different arena.  In 2019, she opened her home’s backyard barn in Medway as a space to “Nest, Rest, Explore, Soar,” dubbing the space The Bird and Bear Collective.

“The world gets small quickly,” explained Erin.  “We live in sections of a community,” she continued.  Erin was looking for a place where groups could interconnect—a place where a person could “replug in” that was different.  Her backyard barn became a place where friends and strangers could play, gather, and create “the inclusive backyard of my childhood,” she explained.  Her barn (in photo below) provided a space for workshops and small events.  She described an apple pie making workshop where participants gleefully peeled apples onto the floor but produced plenty of pies as well. The cross-pollination of people in her barn occurred naturally as workshops drew people from all avenues of experience and interest.

In March 2020, Erin leased a Holliston studio space on Water Street, looking to host an area reminiscent of her childhood home’s backyard with its open-door policy.  But the pandemic delivered an alternate route.  With everyone quarantined, Erin created a Bird and Bear Gift Box, and partnered with other businesses to sell them.  Offered on Father’s Day, the first box, “The Dad and Dude Day Gift Box,” included a custom-designed item of clothing. Anticipating selling 30 boxes, she instead found herself with orders for 100!  A summer box featured a unifying message—“Love Better”— that led to a massive restocking of the item. 

Walking to her car last December, Erin spied the tiny “For Lease” sign in the window of 763 Washington Street. Following a remake of the interior, Erin opened her doors.  Upon entering, everyone should “see the space as theirs…to feel lifted…there are no expectations…it’s an open door to conversations,” according to Erin.

“People don’t have to know everything.  They want to be creative,” claims Erin.  Some of those converging here have enjoyed classes in yoga, charcuterie, gardening, and crafts. A “Productivity Power Hour” is held weekly. People from various backgrounds gather for a work hour—outside of their home—in an encouraging and positive space.   Erin opens the doors, and conversations are started; connections are made.  Other “purposeful gatherings” (to use Erin’s words) include conversations, pop-ups, and special invitations. 

A Calendar of Events may be the best concrete exhibit of Erin’s vision.  Visitors to the Bird and Bear website can scan the list of events and register for these online as well:  https://www.birdandbearcollective.com/   Better yet, stop by for a conversation sometime.