I am originally from Southeast Missouri and moved to Denver after completing a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. I moved to Denver and lived with my sister while I was getting my career started. I moved to Golden in 2012 when I moved in with my then boyfriend, now husband, and have never left—nor intend to ever leave! My husband and I now have two boys, ages 5 and 9, and love living here. Our community continues to grow and strengthen.
Nearly 3 years ago, the JeffCo Charter school that I was working at as an SLP closed, so I decided to pivot my life. My boys were obviously much younger, and I wanted more flexibility to be with them, especially when my husband was traveling for work. I originally thought that I would go into event planning, but after talking with someone in the industry I decided to capitalize on the relationships that I had created with a number of food trucks while managing the food truck program for Mountain Toad Brewing. I then started The Whicker Hive, which is a small business that manages food truck programs for breweries and businesses, and also books food trucks for events, both public and private—think anything from Buffalo Bill Days to family reunions. I now have six locations in the metro area that I book food trucks for on a weekly basis, and my little business continues to grow organically through word of mouth and the connections that I have made.
When I am not working, which is most of the time, I take time to spend with my husband and kids, attend Golden Women in Business events, or get up to our cabin outside of Estes Park.
I never saw myself as a business owner, but obviously the universe had a different plan for me. I really love connecting people and seeing things come together. By bringing food trucks to locations, I not only help the business, but I also create an opportunity for new people to connect.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
Of course Mountain Toad Brewing! Also, I enjoy meeting friends at Humble House or Scully's Cafe. For a night out, my husband and I like Nosu Ramen, Sherpa House, and Sushi Uokura. Family faves include Woody's, Mannie and Bo's, and Bob's Atomic Burgers.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Golden for nearly 14 years.
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
While we don't hike as much as I would like, I love a walk along Clear Creek.
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Don't be afraid! Just because I don't know how to do something doesn't mean that I can't learn.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I miss Pangea Coffee and prior to that was 5th Ring, where Natural Grocers is now, and Noa Noa. All great coffee shops!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how connected and involved our community is. For better or worse, we are a community that is invested in the growth and future of our city.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
Most people don't realize that I was in dental school. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an orthodontist and I attended dental school in Kansas City at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. I left before I graduated after determining it wasn't the best fit for me. I switched to Speech Pathology because I enjoyed working with children.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I am inspired by so many female entrepreneurs in our community. They are the backbone of Golden, and I look up to what they have accomplished. I am also inspired by my children to continue to better myself and create things to show my children that you can accomplish anything as long as you take the time to do it.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, community, legacy
