Aloha, I’m Alissa, creator of Kona Bowls Superfoods, a health food cafe with Hawaiian vibes! I have done a ton of different things and lived in a handful of awesome places–Colorado being one of places that I love most! When my family moved here 5 years ago, we missed all of the fresh, healthy, island foods we enjoyed in Hawaii. I had always dreamed of creating a cafe that was a happy, healthy, safe space for people to come enjoy good eats and good vibes. I wanted to bring it to my community first. So here we are bringing the beach to Golden, CO! It gives me joy to share this space with you all. The dream is to bring Kona Bowls to many communities in Colorado and beyond!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
I love to follow my passions and interests wherever they take me, and I’m not afraid of change. All of the things I have done have prepared me for the next. I have tackled teaching high school English, working for the University of Alaska, designing and flipping many investment properties, volunteering as a visiting artist in elementary and middle schools in Hawaii, owned and managed a vacation rental business in Hawaii, and now own and operate a superfood cafe, Kona Bowls, in Golden, CO — my favorite project of all! The thing I love most about my job now is that I get to create a space where my employees can have a healthy work environment and my guests can enjoy feeling happier, healthier, and bolder in our cafe.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
Oooh, Golden has some goodies! Xicamiti La Taqueria for the best tacos and margaritas outside of Mexico! Barrels & Bottles Camp George West for Hawaiian eats and wine slushies. Woody’s Pizza for a family hang out. Happy Cones for the best ice cream! I respect the owners of each of these establishments tremedously!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My husband and I used to come into Golden to hike and climb 20+ years ago! After our time living in both Alaska and Hawaii, we decided to move back to the Colorado community we love. We knew Golden was the place for us with the proximity to outdoor recreation out our back door and a thriving small community. We have been here 5 1/2 years and feel very grounded here.
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
I love to bike the Peaks to Plains trail into the canyon! I can’t wait for that project to continue to expand in the future.
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Believe you can and do the work. That’s all. That is the secret — mostly the ‘believe you can’ part.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Coors has such an incredible legacy in Golden, and it’s a fun tour to take visiting friends and family.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that Golden is small enough that I can walk through town and always say hi to someone I know. We were drawn to Golden for it’s small town charm. We have travelled and lived in some unique places, and Golden is a special community of supportive and like-minded people. We also LOVE having water recreation close by!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My day always revolves around fun. I plan my fun before I plan my work. Every morning I decide what my fun thing is for the day: biking, paddleboarding, yoga, painting, working out, playing in the creek, going out with friends or family. The work day gets scheduled around the fun — as much as possible. I take self care and enjoying my days very seriously!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family. Hands down. I have the best time with my husband and young adult kids, and I am always striving to be my best self in order to maintain healthy and fun relationships with them. My bond with them makes me happiest in this life. They are all such uniquely awesome humans who also inspire me with all that they do!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Laughter, Family, Rest
