Meet Regan Smith | Founder, Facilitator & Chief of Staff

We had the good fortune of connecting with Regan Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Regan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Living in bigger cities around the world has given me the opportunity to meet many different kinds of people. Throughout these experiences, building these diverse relationships has really challenged my perspective on life, work, and my faith. I found that when I moved back to Denver, there were not a lot of spaces to meet people who were wildly different from me. Also, I found that most of my conversations revolved around similar topics such as work, outdoor activities and other surface level conversation. I deeply desired to go beyond the surface, learn from others and facilitate a safe place where people felt comfortable sharing with strangers. This began at my dining room table, and has become a sacred place to grow with the people in this city.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I have a heart for entrepreneurship which is very evident in my career. I believe we were all created to create! That can look different for everyone, but it is such a gift to work with entrepreneurs around the world through the organization I work for, Global Accelerator Network. I have had many different roles at GAN, but am currently the Chief of Staff, which is a role that blends my two passions: people and project management. In addition to my role at GAN, I have been involved in a local non-profit in Denver, called CrossPurpose. In my role there, I have had the privilege of leading a group of underrepresented founders build their businesses through a 9 month incubator called Change Agency. Because of my love for people & entrepreneurship, I started my own small business, Sikhona Dinner Parties! I spend a lot of time “working”, but truly my heart comes alive getting to support others in their own dreams and ventures, as well as explore my own. I believe I got to where I am because I stay curious, and I am always willing to try new things. This has given me a ton of great experience and exposure to the world around me!

That being said it is hard work. I have way less free time than most of my peers. I have to set a tight schedule to make sure I keep everything in order, and that comes with its own benefits and challenges. There are seasons that I long to be more spontaneous, and have more balance, but it comes in waves. Most importantly, and I believe it is crucial to learn your capacity, and your limits, in order to live a healthy life.

Sikhona Dinner Parties give me such great perspective along the way. Anytime I am struggling and I step into one of these dinners, I am blown away. I get to hear the most incredible stories that inspire me, give me hope, and resilience to keep going. I am beyond grateful to share a meal with people from various backgrounds who all have something to teach me. This truly is the way I overcome any stress, frustration or lack of motivation. I share a meal with a friend or a stranger and hear about their life and what they have overcome, which continues to fuel all that I do. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Friday night we would drive to the mountains and camp by a fire. We would hike in the morning and spend the afternoon at Lake Dillion on the water.
On the way down, we would stop at Bread Bar in Silver Plume for a drink and appetizer.
For dinner, we would go to the Highlands at Ash Kara. From there, we would bop around to get drinks at Wildflower or High Lonesome.
On Sunday, we would get delicious coffee in the morning at Lekker Cafe and attend my local church- The Summit Denver in Rino.
After church, we would go to the Pearl Street Farmers Market and get lunch at Perdida or Hoja and walk around Wash Park.
Sunday night, we are definitely going to Red Rocks for a summer concert or movie night!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes! So many people deserve credit for my story. The first being my mom who has exemplified generous hospitality, along with her ability to bring people into incredibly meaningful conversation. The second would be my dad who always made eating meals together a priority growing up. I have learned from the best. Thirdly would be my roommates. They have allowed me to open our home to a variety of people to feast together at our dining room table. I also want to recognize all of the incredible chefs who have cooked for me, especially Tiffany Leong and my intern last year Gracie Hambourger who helped my side project become a real business. I want to shoutout all my family and friends who have financially supported me along the way as well. I could not do this without my community or without my faith in Jesus who continually guides my vision for these dinners!

Website: https://www.sikhonadinners.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sikhona_dinners/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regan-smith-69800047/

Image Credits
Kelsey Lane