I am very much an entrepreneur. I grew up with the motto, successful people do what unsuccessful people are unwilling to do. And that meant always reaching for more, stiving to do it better, or simply enhancing things that bring more joy for my family, friends, co-workers and clients. I am also a work smart not hard kind of person and I fully embrace the work/life balance concept. I realized early on when I was starting my family and worked fulltime that I will need to take time for myself, and regularly recharge my battery in order to be successful in life and work. I love helping others be successful and truly believe in a ‘lift as we climb’ kind of work ethic. And as a life long learner, I love organizing and attending events that help build strong connections that can foster growth and learning. I love sharing what works so that others can continue their growth and hopefully pay it forward.
We moved to Estes Park January 2020…shortly before the pandemic hit. We moved here from Loveland to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and small-town life. During the summer of 2020, the opportunity arose to acquire The Mad Moose and I jumped at it. I have always wanted to own a shop in Estes Park and The Mad Moose was a perfect fit. A few months later we acquired the Village Store which enhanced our offerings. We love our location, just a mile or so from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live here in Estes with my business and life partner Chris, we have been together 7 years. We also have a new puppy, Bailey. I have two grown daughters, one in California and one in Chicago. I have three sisters and two brothers and we try our best to stay connected.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am one of the owners of The Mad Moose, a home and outdoor store here in Estes. Prior to moving to Estes, I was Director of Operations for HomeCare of the Rockies, a homecare agency that my sister had started in 2012.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Claire’s, Bird and Jim’s, El Mex Kal and The Rock Inn.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved here 3 years ago.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Carey, who owns Cabintique…we met her when she was opening up her new shop, I think she does such a great job marketing her shop and has been so supportive of us.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Beaches for movie, A Million Little Things for current TV and we DVR Sunday Morning so we can watch when we get home.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Ask for what you need, most people are willing to help.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Caramel Crisp. When we first moved to Colorado, we would come up to Estes Park quite often to go into the Park or to shop and without fail, we would stop to get their cheese popcorn for the ride back to Loveland.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Brene Brown, I just love her books and podcast on leadership and vulnerability. We could meet at Bird and Jim’s to enjoy long conversation, great food and drink along with the view.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love driving to our store and taking in our amazing views regardless of the weather.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I would like to see The Mad Moose continue to thrive and potentially add to our business with some sort of gathering space for women in our community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I really love to play Pickleball
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Hiking in RMNP
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My girls, I always want them to see me continue to grow and thrive.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, comfort and gathering space
