For years, I've been writing stories, interviewing fascinating people, and shining a light on the people and places that make our valley special. But what I thrive off of is bringing people together and raising the vibe in our valley. The more people you know, the more you can walk into any room and know who is there, and I love that feeling.
That's why a started to produce Culinary Adventures, like the Supper Club I had in Redstone, Colorado and Carbondale, Colorado. Dining together over food is apart of a much larger vision. A vision where newcomers are introduced to longtime locals. Where people doing meaningful work find others who can support them. Where relationships are built not through transactions, but through shared experiences.
Our Supper Club at Sprazzo gave me the opportunity to celebrate the launch of Aspen's most beloved destination site, Aspen Real Life, with one of the most concise event calendars that shows you what is happening in Aspen each week. And yes, without having to sort through endless recurring listings for goat yoga and arts-and-crafts classes. After years of hearing people say, "I wish I'd known about that," I am filling a hole in our valley of knowing the events to go to each week. No mo' FOMO.
Our valley is changing. Some of that change is wonderful. Some of it is challenging. Visitors to Aspen Real Life want to be in the know of where to go, and to find a resourse they can trust for Aspen's top services and adventures. They also want to know how to get in on it all and learn how to get involved.
The stories, interviews, directory, professional network, comprehensive calendar, and curated gatherings are all pieces of a larger ecosystem designed to strengthen the fabric of our community and I will continue to bridge my worlds; connecting newcomers with longtime locals, amplifying meaningful voices, and creating opportunities for genuine connection in a time when so much interaction happens through screens.
My supper clubs are a glimpse of what's possible when great food, great people, and a shared sense of place come together. It is also a glimpse into where I was pre-pandemic and where I am just feeling able to return to, but with more structure. I want Aspen Real Life to continue to be a place where people don't simply consume content, they participate in it.
To keep my work going, I'm actively looking for founding partners, sponsors, mentors, and strategic supporters who believe in authentic storytelling, meaningful connection, and feeling proud for investing in something that is greatly needed in our valley. If this evening proved anything, it's that people are hungry for more than great food. They're hungry for connection.
