Wilson's Story
As told by Derek's wife, Alexa
Some of the greatest loves of our lives come in the most unexpected ways. For me, that love arrived in a cardboard box outside a coffee shop on an early morning in May 2011.
I was opening the coffee shop where I worked in Lafayette, Colorado, when I noticed a box sitting outside the door. Thinking it was a delivery, I walked over and discovered a handwritten note on top: “Six weeks old. Have no money to take to shelter.”
Inside were several tiny kittens, all looking up at me with their little eyes. My heart melted.
Throughout the day, customers adopted the kittens until only two remained: Wilson and his brother. I brought them home, planning to take them to my parents, who were interested in adopting one. Wilson's brother, a spirited little escape artist, eventually went to live with them and was named Broder, meaning “brother.”
And just like that, Wilson was my sweet boy.
What I couldn't have known that morning was just how much this little kitten would change my life.
Wilson grew into a cat with a personality as big as his appetite. He loved exploring, taking naps, cuddling (strictly on his terms!), and, more than anything, eating. If there was food involved, Wilson wanted to be part of the action. He was curious, opinionated, endlessly entertaining, and completely convinced that he was in charge.
And honestly, he was.
When Derek started Colorful Colorado Creations, it was only fitting that Wilson would become part of the business. After all, he had already spent years supervising our household and making sure everything met his very high standards.
Wilson became CCC's official mascot and heat meter, earning his place on every single bottle of hot sauce. Although he never actually tasted the sauces, he was undoubtedly the boss, and we wouldn't have had it any other way.
But Wilson was so much more than a mascot.
He was family. He was a constant companion, a source of laughter and comfort, and a reminder of the extraordinary love that animals bring into our lives. He taught me to appreciate the little things, to live in the moment, and to love without conditions. He had a way of making ordinary days special simply by being part of them.
When we said goodbye to Wilson in June 2026, we lost a piece of our hearts. But the love he gave us, the memories we made, and the joy he brought into our lives will never leave us.
And while Wilson may no longer be here to supervise the sauce-making operation, one thing will never change:
Wilson will forever be the face of Colorful Colorado Creations.
His place on our bottles, in our business, and in our hearts is permanent. Every bottle bearing his image is a little tribute to the remarkable cat who started out in a cardboard box and ended up leaving his paw prints on something so much bigger than we ever could have imagined.
Wilson's story reminds us that sometimes the smallest, most unexpected beginnings lead to the greatest love stories.
Rest easy, sweet Wilson. Thank you for choosing me, for loving us, and for making our lives infinitely better.
Forever our boy. Forever our boss. Forever our mascot.