Proprietress

By: Katelyn Parker

In the 13 months since Live WYld was created, we have discovered that one of our favorite aspects of travelling Wyoming and exploring local businesses is the ability to see business owners that have worked tirelessly to make their dreams come true. It is inspiring to meet so many wonderful people with the drive and the ambition to have a dream and make it reality, providing their communities with unique and wonderful products and services. Michelle Prevost, owner of Proprietress in Cody, is a shining example of an inspirational business owner that found her niche and running a business that is truly remarkable.

Proprietress, formerly known as Juniper, is a retail/event space that provides their customers with an epicurean experience, elevating the average food and beverage experience to a new level.  Michelle describes the Proprietress as a foodie, drinkie boutique which, after experiencing it for ourselves, we determined is a fair description.

The Retail Boutique

The front half of Proprietress is home to the retail aspect of the business. Shoppers step off the streets of the Wild West and enter a space that is more representative of something you would expect to see in France rather than the Old West. Michelle has a great reputation for only stocking goods of high quality and unique flavor. Michelle is known around the state for her extensive knowledge of the industry and her exquisite taste. In fact, during our exploration of Wyoming distilleries and breweries, Michelle’s name was brought up several times in the context of excellence.

Wine, Beer and Spirits

The wine, beer, and spirit selection are diligently handpicked to ensure that the quality reflects the brand and to maintain a selection that meets several price points, appealing to consumers of all levels of taste and means. Also in stock is several materials that give the patron all the tools they need to make excellent craft cocktails at home. Ditch the maraschino cherries and replace them with liquor-soaked Bing cherries to elevate your old fashioned and give any cocktail a unique twist with any one of the several bitters sold in the store.

Delectable Bites

Any great cocktail is only made better when it is paired with the perfect snack. In addition to the liquor selection at Proprietress is a unique variety of food goods such as gourmet canned seafood, delectable cheeses, sauces and spreads, cured meats and so much more. Everything you need to create an exquisite and delicious charcuterie board can be found at Proprietress. You really must try the Manchego cheese paired with the fire roasted red peppers and the peppered cured meat paired with French Dijon. Whatever you choose, it is guaranteed to be delicious.

Gift Baskets

The gift baskets that Michelle creates are custom made for the person receiving it. She will have grab and go baskets made up for the holiday season, but the true magic happens when you give her the freedom to do what she is good at. Simply describe the type of person for whom you are buying, and she can quickly put something together that perfectly reflects the recipient. Perhaps they are a wine enthusiast with a taste for fine cheese or a whiskey nut that is also a craft cocktail aficionado, Michelle can procure the gift that they will be the most enthusiastic to receive this holiday season. If you don’t have the time to stop in, give the Proprietress a call and explain what kind of basket you would like and your desired price point, simply pick it up when it's convenient for you.

Event Space and Bar

Behind the retail boutique, towards the back of the building is an elegantly decorated event space and bar that can rented out for your holiday parties. Fully stocked with high quality wine, beer and spirits and staffed with mixologists that can make a craft cocktail that will blow your mind, this is the seasons “it” spot for all party needs. When the space isn’t being rented out, Michelle will open the doors for wine, beer and appetizer tastings, allowing patrons to try before they buy. At these tastings you can enjoy the new flavors of several varietals, ranging from crisp whites to bold and audacious reds. Michelle and her crew are very knowledgeable about the wine industry and can teach you the intricacies of the wine while you taste. When you join Proprietress for one of their events or tastings you can open your pallet to a wide array of new and exciting flavors that you may not have considered under different circumstances.

In a world full of choice and competition, we as consumers are constantly seeking an “experience” rather than simply trading money for a good or service. At Proprietress, not only are the goods high quality, but the experience is also unforgettable and is what keeps patrons coming back. It is experiences such as these that we love to share with our readers, spreading the word about the amazing locally owned businesses that make up the backbone of our communities. Thank you to Reliant Federal Credit Union for sponsoring our small business adventures and making it possible for us to share these business owners impressive stories.