14 minute read
TEACHERS + LEADERS
MAKING OUR OWN WAY
Stories of Latina Entrepreneurship
by Marisol Cruz
When the funding for her unique business venture was pulled out from underneath her, Monica Villalobos did not give up on her idea of a Latinx-owned, Latinx-themed coffee company. The pandemic scared community lenders from wanting to continue to pursue new ventures like Villalobos’ Cabrona Coffee — a place where members of the Latinx community could “walk into a space and see [themselves] on the menu and see [their] culture in those four walls,” explains Villalobos. So, when the opening of her coffee shop, set for April 2020, came to a halt, she was not willing to let her company come to an end.
Villalobos has always been entrepreneurial. From selling cinnamon toothpicks in elementary school to starting a cake decorating business in middle school, Villalobos embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. “I used to come up with things to sell and make and create,” she says. Without any real role models or examples of other entrepreneurs who looked like her (that she can recall), she simply states, “I’ve always had it in me,” and she jokes, “No MBA, [I’m just a] little nerd, so I … deep dive and go down those rabbit holes, learn as much as I can about something, and then just do it.”
When the opportunity to start a social enterprise at her nonprofit workplace surfaced, she signed up to lead the initiative. The mobile coffee cart concept that she developed along with other team members provided young girls from under-resourced neighborhoods of Denver the opportunity to gain real world exposure to business. At Bold Beans, they worked alongside Villalobos. “They were able to see my progression too … we problem-solved together, we learned together, we would troubleshoot … we figured it out, so they had a lot of opportunity for that ownership magic [of a business] and rolling with the punches,” she shares. Eventually the coffee cart became so popular that it evolved into Strong Smart and Bold Beans with a permanent space at STEAM on the Platte in Denver.
Many of the baristas that started working at the coffee cart while they were still in high school stayed in touch with Villalobos and followed her as she continued on her entrepreneurial journey. One of those girls, Jenny Valadez Fraire, loved working at the coffee cart and learning all about how to run a business, so when a trip to Mexico inspired her to start her own handmade beadwork company, she reached out to Villalobos for advice. Through text messages and side conversations at the coffee shop, Villalobos provided Valadez Fraire with mentorship and ideas for how to start her own business: “Any opportunities that she could, she would send my way. [With things] as simple as liking my Instagram posts … she’s always super supportive,” adds Valadez Fraire. They participated in community events together, selling their products, which are rooted in their Mexican cultural heritage, and bonding over their entrepreneurial interests.
Valadez Fraire loves working on her company, Duality Beadwork (dualitybeadwork. bigcartel.com), making beaded jewelry in a style that she learned from her mother to create pieces that celebrate the individuality of the person wearing them. She continues to grow her business, creating unique pieces for weddings and other events. Even though, she admits, that sometimes imposter syndrome creeps up for her as a young woman of color running her own business, she does not let that stop her. “I am capable, and I do have a lot of skills, and I have a right to show up in whatever space I choose to, so I’ve been trying to go towards things that scare me … and somehow I survive them,” she reflects.
It takes bravery to keep pursuing your passion when faced with a pandemic, funding loss and broken commitments from community lenders. Cabrona Coffee exists in pop-up markets and community events, where you can find Villalobos selling bags of her sweet horchata (traditional Mexican rice beverage) mix, café de olla (spiced coffee) mix and other Mexican-flavor-inspired treats. Her products bring the reminiscent warmth of an abuelita’s kitchen to any household. Villalobos and her work are a testament to how Latinas can reclaim the word cabrona — a term that is often used in a derogatory way to describe a strongwilled, independent woman — and bravely make their way in spaces that have been historically inaccessible to them, while inspiring others to do the same. Through her dedication and passion, Villalobos shows us how to surpass roadblocks and pave the way for others to follow. With this momentum, we can have more cabronas choosing their own way in life. + Learn more about Cabrona Coffee at cabronacoffee.com or on Instagram at @cabronacoffee. Check out Duality Beadwork on Instagram at @jenti.vf.
For over 10 years, MARISOL CRUZ has practiced yoga for its profound healing and revelatory qualities. She believes that yoga is a tool for gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and the way we relate to the world. In her classes, Marisol focuses on pranayama breathing exercises and vinyasa practice to guide students through their own personal experiences. When she is not practicing yoga, Marisol dedicates her days to serving the community through her work with nonprofits. She lives in Denver with her husband and two little boys.
THE CAT CAME BACK!
Merlin + Camden Moving On, Together
by Sandy Ferguson Fuller
Our previous CO YOGA + Life “Renewal” issue included a feature article about successful pet rescues following the devastating Marshall Fire in Louisville and Superior, CO on December 30, 2021.
We thought it would be heartwarming, also in the spirit of our current theme of “Bravery,” to check in on Camden Hall and his cat, Merlin. How’s it going, guys? What’s new? What lingers? Where has your journey taken you over the past months? What are your reflections? Your new directions? What can you share now about this unexpected, life-changing experience?
On a sunny, summer afternoon, I met Merlin and Camden in a shady park to reminisce and to create wishes for the future. What a treat to sit down with this dynamic duo! Camden’s warm, handsome smile is welcoming, and he wears his gentle, infinite affection for his pet on his sleeve. I fell in love with Merlin, instantly. I had seen countless photos of this brave cat who survived both a blizzard and a wildfire, but now, I appreciate his abundant personality. He’s affectionate, curious, smart and the quintessential “cat’s meow!”
A Vermont native, Camden first moved to Colorado in 2008 to attend University of Colorado Boulder. “Someone told me when I arrived here … either you’ll stay your whole life or move on,” he reflects. “I think I’ll probably be around for a long time!”
Camden adopted his pet from the Longmont Humane Society after Merlin was found almost frozen to death during a blizzard. Their happiness bloomed as they began their journey. Merlin’s previous eight to nine years hadn’t been easy ones. Camden’s life was about to hit a rough road.
After graduating, he got mixed-in with a negative crowd, made bad decisions and faced dark times. He was arrested for drug dealing, ruined his credit, neglected his own physical and mental health and paid the piper. He battled addiction, judgment and a grim reality. Merlin was Camden’s bright light throughout. Gradually, Camden found a steady job at Eldora Ski Resort working the snowmaking systems and rented his own living space. Together, they turned the corner and headed in a smoother direction, still with miles to go.
The Marshall Fire threatened to upend all of the personal gains Camden had earned. While he was at work, his Superior rental house burned to the ground.
“All I had left was with me in my Subaru,” he remembers. “I still miss the artwork that I had bought at Creek Fest. When I went back to my place on Sunday with my mom, I could make out my charred metal bedframe. Nothing else.”
Except for Merlin! Camden didn’t know it yet, but his cat with more-than-nine-lives had miraculously escaped through an open sliding glass door. Badly burned, he was taken to Northside Emergency Pet Clinic in Westminster. Thanks to his chip I.D., eventually, they were reunited. Merlin spent 33 days in the hospital.
Meanwhile, a coworker helped Camden secure temporary furnished housing in Nederland, close to work, until May. Eventually, Merlin came home to continue his healing and rehab. But, their road got bumpy again.
“When I moved to the mountains, I started to feel the fire. Everything was upside-down for a while. I was escaping and started drinking more. I worked a lot, but I didn’t ride/board or go to the gym much. I wasn’t very happy. To continue on that path, it
wasn’t going to get any better. If I want my life to be better, it’s up to me to take control,” Camden says.
Some positives … Merlin was getting better, back to prowling the house at night and drinking out of the bathtub! At season’s end, Eldora named Camden “Snowmaker of the Year.”
Time for another reality check.
“My old buddy in Broomfield invited us to move back down to the Front Range and stay with him as long as needed. We’re there now. I have a new job working with irrigation and sprinklers. It’s tough, but it’s what you make of it. I often work alone, more my own boss. We stand behind quality, and that’s my motivation.”
So, what’s next?
“I’m not sure. Solid opportunities for promotions … money is good. Maybe I’ll develop my own handyman business. Home renovation. I enjoy working with tools, fixing things, taking pride in that. It’s easier now, more back to the routine I had before. I try to live an active and busy life. Run, bike, board, some golf. Enjoy my health. No idle hands for boredom. Before the fire, I hadn’t paid attention to so many things. I’ve started focusing more on my attitude and life choices. Bring on the positive … or the negative,” he shares.
“Also, I want to be more involved in the community. The help and support I’ve gotten hasn’t been from FEMA or Boulder County … a struggle. Rather, it has been from people who reached out right away, many who didn’t know a thing about me. They just wanted to help, asking nothing in return. Where would I be without them?
It’s amazing what has come my way, and I’m so grateful. That’s the biggest takeaway from it all. It’s funny how little we need. I have Merlin, and he’s what matters now. He is NOT replaceable! He is just the best,” Camden concludes.
I couldn’t agree more. Camden and Merlin, you’re BOTH the best AND the bravest! Onward. +
SANDY FERGUSON FULLER is a publishing industry professional with over 50 years spent as author, illustrator, international literary agent and freelance editor. Her primary focus is children’s picture books, originally mentored by Maurice Sendak as a student at Yale. Once introduced, the picture book genre captivated her imagination with its unique blend of story and illustration. She hopes that her own books, as well as those she has helped others to publish, will touch many souls, young and old. She is a regular contributor to CO YOGA + Life.
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IN CELEBRATING 40 YEARS! Vail Public Library opened on July 4, 1983 but we will be celebrating throughout 2023!
WILLOW BRADNER
The Accidental Psychic
by Chris Kassar
“Spirit is directing my attention to you. Is there someone you want to talk to?” My lip trembles. I can’t speak, afraid the tears will start and never stop. With a calming grace that is one of her many calling cards, Willow Bradner, known as the Accidental Psychic, artfully diverts attention from me and dives into the planned content for this “develop your intuition” workshop. My sister died 33 days ago, and I’ve barely been out of the house since, but something guided (or forced) me here today.
Later, during a private reading at her home in Salida, Colorado, I am astounded by her gifts and how she uses them to provide the only bit of relief I’ve felt throughout my sister’s brave, but futile 10-month battle with cancer.
Bradner proudly owns her psychic abilities, but she certainly didn’t ask for them. Instead, they arrived late on her wedding night when she started channeling her grandfather. She chalked it up to copious drinks and went to bed. But, her gifts, and the responsibility she felt, didn’t disappear.
At first, Spirit only showed up when she drank or did hair. “I resisted and tucked this power away,” says Bradner, who was a successful hairstylist in Denver for years.” But, Bradner had a change of heart when she gave birth to her daughter. “I realized I had to be a role model … to show her how to follow her dreams.”
Bradner sought guidance from wellknown psychics and mediums. “It took years and many teachers to learn that all I had to do was trust myself and create boundaries,” she shares, “which took therapy and cleanup of past misunderstandings and trauma.”
While honing her skills to successfully communicate with our Angels, Guides and loved ones, Bradner also discovered her own approach. “Humor is first above every other form of communication,” she says. By allowing her inner goofball to shine, Bradner can quickly shift a group’s energy and allow messages to be received even more deeply.
In a way that’s uniquely Bradner’s, she also brings reverence and big heart to her work. “When someone is grieving, I’m so sensitive
to their need to hear from their person. I don’t want to misinterpret.” So, she takes extra precautions when delivering messages by asking a series of questions to validate she’s communicating with the right energy.
But, Bradner does much more than deliver messages. She focuses on illuminating a path forward. “I show you the light in the tunnel and hold your hand or throw you the rope,” she expresses. Of course, it’s up to each individual to act (or not). “I leave each reading with big hope and lots of prayers,” Bradner adds. “Hopefully, showing you the way helps break the cycle you’re stuck in, whether it’s grief or a shit job.” In this way, she helps people discover the courage needed to act.
Bradner’s ability to inspire us to be braver goes well beyond her teachings or readings. In 2021, after a year of fighting with doctors who ignored her intuition (which told her she was sick), she was diagnosed with cancer. “The bravest thing I’ve done is choosing to be here, knowing my family needed me and choosing to stay,” she says of picking the hard road of chemo and radiation.
“Death’s door is soooooo much closer than we realize,” she says. “If that isn’t message enough to get you off your butt and live fully, I’m not sure what it will take.”
Bradner admits she is scared often in what she does, because she doesn’t want to “get it wrong.” So, where does she get the strength and confidence we see at her events or in private sessions? Bradner credits her 10-year-old daughter for inspiring her daily. “She has severe anxiety,” Bradner explains, “and when she overcomes a fear or bravely does something she wasn’t able to do before, I am so moved and inspired. My daughter reminds me every day to face my fears, trust in spirit and just surrender.”
Her advice for tapping into this bravery for yourself?
“Trust is the absence of control,” Bradner shares. “Control is the antithesis of trust. Can you be brave by simply trusting yourself? That’s the whole key.” + Learn more, book a private reading or a find a “Wine and Woo” event at
willowbradner.com.
CHRIS KASSAR is an award-winning writer, photographer and editor with published features and photos in National Geographic Adventure, Outside Online, the Boston Globe, Climbing, Mountainflyer and Mother Jones. She’s also an avid mountaineer, climber, adventurer and yogi, a guide, and the Senior Editor of Elevation Outdoors Magazine. Chris enjoys the sweetness of mountain living in Salida, Colorado with her husband and yellow lab, Nala. Together, the three of them form the team behind the inspiring wildlife and landscape images of Elk Raven Photography. To see more of their work, visit elkravenphotography.com.
Spoke+Blossom is a lifestyle print and digital magazine based in Western Colorado — an incredible place to live, work + play. S+B builds community by creating thought-provoking content and stunning photography that highlight a truly vibrant way of living. SPOKEANDBLOSSOM.COM
