Business leaders and innovators are changing how we do business in Aspen. This is timely for March’s Women’s History Month as these Roaring Fork Valley are providing wellness offerings, sustainable spirits, outdoor adventure and more for the benefit of the community. The 2020 Women’s History Month theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote.” Each of the following five founders is available to offer their perspective on what’s next for spring, summer and beyond, whether it’s a wellness-focused Buddhi Fest, women’s adventure clinics on the summit, personalized holistic healthcare from within, sustainability in production or launching luxury skincare offerings designed for Aspen’s climate. For more information on all story ideas below, check out more Spring 2020 updates.
The Wellness Guru: Jayne Gottlieb created Aspen’s destination yoga studio, alchemy spa and wellness center as a community space for locals and travelers alike. The thought leader, community gatherer and the magnetic force behind Aspen Shakti expands this spring with two cutting-edge events: Meditation & Kirtan lead by Gottlieb and Olympic athlete, Gretchen Bleiler — and Buddhi Fest, a one day festival of creative, sexual and spiritual empowerment, with a moderated panel discussion that includes a Daoist Priest and porn star.
The Innovator: Connie Baker founded Marble Distilling Co. and invested in the future of our planet by designing and building the first of its kind Water Energy Thermal System (WETS), capturing 4-million gallons of water each year. A typical distillery requires millions of gallons of water to cool and convert hot vapor into spirits, which is then dumped into the sewer. Marble’s system reuses the water and heat generated in the distilling process producing vodka, whiskey and specialty liquors 83% in a more energy-efficient manner than city requirements. Details about sustainability.
The Consummate Roadtripper: Rejecting the cookie-cutter approach to RV rentals, Kimbo Schirato co-founded Aspen Custom Vans after embarking on multiple iterations to grow along with the needs of her family while exploring the west. Starting with a customized4x4 Mercedes Sprinter van named Blue, Shirato now helps people create memories with their own families and loved ones. The Aspen-based founders also partner with peer-to-peer rental company Outdoorsy to offer the security of roadside assistance, insurance up to $1 million, and travel connoisseurs to offer support such as ‘van-style s’more-cooking 101’ and van=specific destination guides. Custom builds available.
The Holistic Healer: Sheridan Semple grew up in the mountains of Aspen, where she discovered her love for the outdoors and how the human body can be healed by nature. Whether communing with plant spirit medicine in spiritual aromatherapy or a person’s understanding of themselves and their soul’s intent through Shamanic Astrology, Semple strives to make positive lasting impacts on women’s lives. In addition to one-on-one Shamanic Astrology and Spiritual Aromatherapy readings, Semple offers free New Moon online readings and recommends essential oils to pair with the monthly energies of Astrology as a benefit to the community. Register for free.
The Maker: Spiro Lyon Glass was co-founded by Jacqueline Spiro-Balderson, a glass artist who has worked with the unique hot-cast glass since 1990. Spiro-Balderson is currently building a brand-new kiln in the Roaring Fork Valley”brick by brick.” Planned for completion this month, stay tuned for more details about the project of building a glass furnace. She is available to speak more about this project that will elevate glassworks created here in the valley. Glass updates.
The Skin Alchemist: Former Chanel Beauty and Skincare Executive Karina Marconi co-founded Antedotum in 2019 with a mission to revolutionize the skincare industry by developing potent hemp-based products that work from the inside out. Marconi developed the formulas in Aspen with her partner, Chanel’s National Makeup Artist, to hydrate and soothe mountain skin using the plant power of full-spectrum CBD, with plans to launch on Mother’s Day: May 10, 2020. Designed to allow for glowing, healthy skin, the Vital Face serum and Elixir Firming Serum work in tandem. Available at Silverpeak Aspen and pop-ups this spring. Upcoming events.
The Trailblazer: As a World, U.S. and South American Extreme Skiing Champion, Kim Reichhelm broke expectations and barriers as the defining force behind women’s big mountain skiing in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Today, Reichhelm’s ski camps are experiential trips that allow participants to level up their skills in encouraging, safe and thrilling bucket-list experiences. When she isn’t at home in Aspen or surfing at her off-the-grid casa in Baja, Mexico, she can be found on the slopes around the world hosting co-ed and women-focused ski camps—trips she’s hosted for 30 years running. She’s built a small empire thanks to her ability to leave lasting impressions about what’s possible on a personal level for individual skiers looking to remove obstacles and find the fun. Spring / Summer Calendar.
