Meet Alexandra Arama | Small Business Owner & Caterer | Rocky Mountain Raclette

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

Hi Alexandra, how do you think about risk?
In order for the magic to happen, you have to be courageous and take chances. I craved something outside of the box and always envisioned myself being my own boss. I felt very strongly that I wanted to change my career path and knew that in order to see any change, I had to embrace the uncomfortable. Working towards someone else’s dream was not my goal, I knew I wanted to take charge of my life and work for myself for a very long time. Entrepreneurship was enticing but intimidating. I had no idea where to start and I feared failure and uncertainty. What I feared more was having a profession that brought me zero joy and that I lacked passion for more.

When the opportunity presented itself to buy a unique catering business from a friend, I knew I had to trust my instincts and take the leap. I saw so much potential and always enjoyed the business. Becoming a small business owner would also afford me the opportunity to take full control of my work life and my success. I wanted the freedom and flexibility to build a life I love while doing work that I loved and have a business that I was proud of. A healthy work-life balance was so important to me to take advantage of the beautiful place where I live and do the things that make me happy. I truly never thought I would end up in catering but this opportunity felt so right in so many ways. The former owner was always an inspiration to me, I was so proud of her entrepreneurship and bravery and I loved watching her success over the years. I am so grateful for what she has passed along to me and I want to grow and evolve the business into even more of a success. I am so thrilled that I followed my heart and am beyond excited about where I will take it.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I went to the University of Central Florida and worked in Orlando, FL, a hospitality and tourist hot spot. I spent many years in the hospitality industry in both Orlando, FL, and Vail, CO, and learned a lot about the importance of guest experience & satisfaction.

After a few years of living in Vail, I transitioned into a career in Real Estate. I often felt overly stressed and did not have the work-life balance that I desired. I felt I could not prioritize my mental and physical health and time with my family and friends, which is so important to me. I am so grateful for the skills I learned, but it was time to consider a change.

I honestly never thought a career in cooking or food and beverage was in my future but when the opportunity came into my lap, I knew it would be perfect for me. I carried everything I learned in my previous roles into my catering business. While every day is a challenge, it is also so much fun and I learn so much from the business every single day. Nothing brightens my day more than getting feedback from a dinner experience that I provided, it truly fuels my confidence and success.

Rocky Mountain Raclette is an extremely unique experience that brings family and friends together in a private and interactive way that restaurants do not offer around here. We often hear that it is an unforgettable dining experience that is a must if you’re in the area! No day is perfect and being a small business owner comes with its own set of challenges. We are only human and have to embrace the fact that things will go wrong. My goal is always to have a positive mindset, remain calm if things don’t go the way I planned, always always always laugh, and learn from my mistakes and move on!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question because I feel so incredibly lucky to call the Vail Valley home. Colorado is truly my favorite place on earth and there is no shortage of things to do and places to see in this beautiful state. As far as an itinerary for a friend who is visiting, this entirely depends on the season!

Summer:
People often ask, “what is there to do here if you can’t ski?” Well, the local saying goes, “you come for the winter and stay for the summer.” We live for the outdoors and there are endless summer activities to take advantage of. Not to mention, the stunning Rocky Mountain scenery and miles of wilderness to explore. Hiking, camping and simply just exploring the mountains and other towns is our favorite thing to do. We fixed up a 1980s camper and we go on a lot of road trips with our dog, Penny. Without a doubt, I would take my visitors on some of my favorite hiking trails to soak up the scenery and nature. I would definitely take them to see some of my favorite mountain views, lakes, and waterfalls. Next, we would go on a good ol’ Rocky Mountain road trip and go to some of our favorite camping spots in Crested Butte, Telluride, and Vail to sit by the fire and sleep under the stars. I would then take them white water rafting for a fun experience that just can’t be beaten. Next on the agenda would be live music. We are lucky to have some of the most beautiful outdoor venues here and a vibrant music scene, so attending a concert is a must on the list! I would take them to catch a show at either our local venue here, Ford Amphitheatre, Dillon amphitheater, or, of course, an unforgettable show at Red Rocks!

Winter:
It is no secret that Colorado is home to some of the best skiing in the world. So first on the winter activity list would definitely be taking them skiing or snowboarding at my home mountain – Vail! Next, we would apres at some of our favorite spots to grab a post-ski drink – Vendettas and El Segundo. Then we would get a delicious dinner at Mountain Standard or La Nonna and end the evening with a cocktail at the Bad Kitty Lounge. Another fun winter activity I would take them on is a hut trip. It is definitely one of the best and most memorable winter experiences! I also always love taking friends and family to relax at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs after a day on the slopes. The scenic drive through Glenwood Canyon makes the 1-hour trek worth it.

Living in the Rocky Mountains has enriched my life in so many ways and I love sharing my love for this place with my friends and family. Moving from Florida, I never thought I would embrace mountain living the way that I have. Mountain life can be challenging at times, but so incredibly rewarding. From hiking to snowboarding to white water rafting, I honestly wouldn’t want to live life any other way. Nature is simply the best medicine, it lifts my spirits and gives me life. Some of my favorite memories are the ones I have created right here at home. There are way too many things I love sharing about this amazing place but this list is a good start!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all, I want to thank my loving fiance, Bobby. With little to no idea how to run a business, he gave me his full support. He knew I was unhappy in my role working in real estate, longed for something different and he encouraged me to follow my heart, regardless of the outcome. He recognized how important this endeavor was to me and put our wedding and buying a home on the back burner in order to give this our all. Thank you for having faith in me to pursue something unconventional. Thank you for always being willing to help however you can and to learn about running a small business even after working a full day at your job. Thank you for your encouraging words and your unconditional support. It doesn’t go unnoticed and I am so lucky to have you by my side.

I am also so grateful to the previous owner of Rocky Mountain Raclette, Kathryn, for having trusted me to carry on the business that she started and put her heart and soul into. She is a dear friend who after 7 years of running a small business in Vail, moved across the country and presented the opportunity to me to purchase her thriving business. Knowing my very driven personality, she knew I possessed the right qualities to be her successor. Even with a seamless transition, she continues to share guidance, resources, and encouragement with me and I am so appreciative.

I would be foolish not to mention my family and friends who cheered me on in my transition from real estate into catering and believed in me the entire time. Stepping into the unknown world of business ownership and catering, they gave unwavering support in this new journey. Thanks for allowing me to do test runs with you and ask a million questions when I felt completely clueless. I have the greatest support system and I am beyond grateful to you all.

Website: https://rockymountainraclette.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-arama-98a44a80/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockymountainraclette/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rocky-mountain-raclette-vail-2

Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1509268-d9804835-Reviews-Rocky_Mountain_Raclette-Avon_Beaver_Creek_Colorado.html

Image Credits
Dominique Taylor Photography