Rooster's Nest Novelty Reunites Former Lovers With Mission to End Sex Toy Taboo and Support Denver's Gay Community

Founded by Kristopher Stringer-Shea and Donald Siegler, Rooster’s Nest Novelty is a gay-owned and operated online adult novelty store catering specifically to the LGBT community. 

“Rooster” is Kristopher Stringer-Shea. Cocky, confident, smart and not afraid to tell the world about the pleasures of sex, Shea runs the finance and accounting side of the business and wants to help people become comfortable talking about adult products. 

“Who are you kidding?” asks Shea. “Sometimes you just can’t get it. That’s where we come in.”  

Seigler once lived under a bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas. Against all odds, the troubled young man picked himself up off the ground, literally and figuratively, and not only received his bachelor’s degree but received his MBA from the University of Colorado. His business savvy and his expertise in website management completes the duo’s business partnership. 

The “Nest” in Rooster’s Nest refers to the home that Donald Seigler and Shea shared for seven years before ending their relationship but remaining friends.

After several years as marketing executive for a manufacturing company Seigler found himself, like millions of others, unemployed. Shea experienced a lay-off of his own late in 2013. The two began talking almost daily as a way to motivate each other. When Seigler interviewed for a marketing position at a sex toy distribution company, the pep talks became brain storming sessions and Rooster's Nest Novelty was hatched. 

In addition to their campaign against sex toy taboos, both men are committed to giving back to the gay community. “We want to do more than just sell sex toys,” says Shea. “We’re going to donate a percentage of our profits to nonprofit organizations that advocate and help our community.”

Among the LGBT nonprofits Rooster's Nest Novelty is currently sponsoring is The UP Foundation. The UP Foundation's mission is help combat HIV and other STDs through education and financial assistance.

Artist Profile: Maurice (Mo) Becnel's Picture Perfect Pet Portraits

By Drew Wilson

Maurice (Mo) Becnel is a popular local artist that I've known for many years. I've always been a fan of his pet portraits and really admire his ability to capture the essence of a pet's personality in his work. The first pet portrait Mo ever did was for a friend's birthday. Word got around fast about the gorgeous gift and commissions for handsome hounds and pretty kitties have been pouring in ever since.

Drew: For those who don't know, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself. How long have you been in Denver? How long have you been an artist?
Mo: I am originally from Algiers, LA (a suburb of NOLA) and I moved to Denver from New York City 18 years ago. I love this state and this city.

Maurice (Mo) Becnel

I had only been to Denver once, for a weeks’ vacation, before moving here with my ex-boyfriend. I was a bit of a nomad back in those days having lived in Hartford, San Francisco and Austin previously. When I first visited it was the week of July 4th and I went to the Cherry Creeks Arts Festival every day. It (and Denver, honestly) was so different from everything I was used to on the east coast and certainly from my childhood in the south.

What is it about animal portraits you enjoy doing?
First, I suppose it is because I am animal lover myself. My hubby Jon and I currently have two dogs and a cat. They are the love of my life. One is a St. Bernard/Malamute mix named Belvedere and the other is a Greyhound/Golden Retriever mix named Kozmo. They were both rescued from the Dumb Friends League as was Mini-Man, the world’s laziest cat!

From the very first dog I ever painted right up to a cat I finished the other night, I can honestly say that it brings a great deal of joy to me when I complete a portrait. I have been very fortunate with the portraits as it has allowed me to meet some very amazing pets and pet owners.

Why are animal portraits popular and who commissions/buys them?
People are just crazy about their pets ... believe me I know all too well! I get quite a few commissions from people who have seen one of my portraits at a friend’s house, or someone I created one for might refer me. My website also generates a fair bit of traffic when it comes to referrals. Additionally, I do receive quite a few commissions after a pet has passed on. People like to memorialize their pets in some way and a portrait seems to work well for some people. Many times someone will contact me because their best friend or a relative has lost their pet and they want to show their respects this way. I am rarely present when the person receives the portrait but I usually get a very nice note afterwards.


You really seem to capture the essence or "spark" of the animals you paint--what's the secret to really capturing a pet's personality on canvas?
Well, I work exclusively from photos that the pet owner gives me or someone close to the owner gives me. The very first dog I painted was really a sort of experiment and, although it turned out really well, it was very stylized. I quickly learned as I got more requests that the most important aspect of the portrait for the owner was that they saw their pet, not as I saw their pet, but as they saw them. Gathering three or four really good pictures of the pet from the owner really helps accomplish getting the way they see their pets.


Secondly, I like to capture a full on face shot. I believe it is the way I look at my own dogs that drives this desire or perspective. Capturing the way a pet looks at their owners in a picture really fascinates me. Sometimes the pet never looks directly at them in the picture and sometimes you can almost sense they are smiling at them. That’s what I try to capture. I have been told many times by the owner, “that is exactly the way he would cock his head” or “my cat always stared at me just like that.” It is very fulfilling when I sense I have gotten it right for them.

How can MHGG readers order a painting of their very own and how long do they generally take for you to finish?
The best way to reach me is through my website, www.MauriceBecnel.com or my email: mo@mauricebecnel.com. Generally speaking it is about 6-8 weeks to get a portrait done.

Do you have any message for readers of MHGG or is there anything you'd like to say that we haven't covered already?
In closing I would want them to know that I work within anyone’s budget. I don’t really have a price list established. Typically, I work with acrylic paints although I can use oils, pastels, chalk or charcoal. There is a minimum price for the portraits but again I am very flexible working with a client’s budget.

MHGG Business Profile: Dr. Jason Markijohn, Cherry Creek Spine and Sport Clinic

Dr. Jason Markijohn

Dr. Jason Markijohn, D.C. of Cherry Creek Spine and Sport Clinic completed his undergraduate studies at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. In 2000, He completed his graduate studies at Sherman College of Chiropractic and received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in December of that year.

Since graduating, Dr. Jason has completed over 200 hours of continuing education with a focus on human nutrition, muscle strengthening/rehabilitation, and core muscle stabilization.

Dr. Jason is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Colorado in October of 2006. He is a diehard fan of the Steelers and Penguins. Outside of the office, you may see Dr. Jason playing ice hockey, running with his Siberian Huskies, at the gym or attending a live music show. Dr. Jason's family and loved ones are an integral part of his life. He thanks all of them for their continued love and support!

Dr. Jason Markijohn's professional mission is to assist multitudes of people live healthier lives and let people know that a wellness oriented lifestyle can assist you in reaching your optimum health goals. Dr. Jason will assist you in reaching your maximum health potential and will give you the best options for your health care decisions.

For more information or to arrange an appointment visit www.cherrycreekspine.com or call 303-759-5575.

Business Profile: The Modern Rug Store

David Shaw (pictured left) and Jesse Brettin launched The Modern Rug Store online in December of 2011. They sell a hand-picked selection of area rugs from leading vendors like Nourison, Calvin Klein and Oriental Weavers in addition to products from innovative eco-friendly rug manufacturer Anji Mountain.

Not only does The Modern Rug Store sell great stuff at great price points - they'll even give you a discount for reading this profile!

As for what sets The Modern Rug Store apart, David says, "It's great stuff at a great price. We sell for as low our vendors will allow. And instead of filling a site with thousands of rugs from our vendors for you to sift through, we've selected those that fit our brand and your budget. We've also created a series of video buying guides with a local designer from a cable network show to help shoppers learn more about rugs and feel more confident of their purchases."

Shoppers on a budget might be interested in The Modern Rug Store's High/Low Project, in which David and Jesse show how to achieve a look for less by offering affordable options to expensive rugs.

"Like most shoppers in this economy, our tastes are bigger than our wallets," says David. "We shop the big names like Room and Board, Design Within Reach, but sometimes the prices are a bit much to take, so we've created a high/low comparison feature on our design blog to show you how to save money while achieving the same look."

Among their most popular items are their paper shag rugs. Says David, "They're a very contemporary design with an eco edge to them. The Anji Mountain Bamboo company makes a variety of innovative eco-friendly rugs. Last year they introduced the Silky Shag rug - it's made from rayon that was manufactured from bamboo! This year they just introduced the Paper Shag rug. The primary ingredient (50%) is recycled paper. I know that sounds delicate, but these are durable rugs - think how durable paper money is, then add in other strong yet soft fibers" 

Readers of MileHighGayguy.com can use discount code MHGG to get 15 percent off all of your orders in addition to free shipping and a free rug pad with every order over $200. And if you want to help out a couple of local guys with their new business (why wouldn't you?), you can click here to 'Like' them on Facebook.