We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Vines and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kim, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had a passion for traveling and experiencing all that the world has to offer. After having children, I knew that I wanted to impart that passion to them and show them all of the exciting things that there are to do around us. I also wanted to share my experiences with other parents so that they have the tools that they need to do the same thing. Creating Highlands Ranch Kids is my outlet to help families find fun, connect with one another, and hopefully create core memories in the process.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art, which revolves around sharing family fun experiences, is defined by its authenticity, vibrancy, and inclusivity. What sets me apart from others in the family fun space is my commitment to sharing weekly events and discovering new experiences that my kids and I genuinely love. I bring a unique blend of excitement and authenticity to my content, fostering a sense of joy and togetherness within my community.
One of the things I’m most proud and excited about is the vibrant community we’ve built at HR Kids. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear from parents who have found inspiration and joy in the activities and recommendations I share. Building connections with families and helping them create lasting memories has been a truly fulfilling experience.
The journey to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. The biggest challenge I faced was leaving behind my previous career, which was a significant part of my identity. However, through this transition, I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters—my family—and listen to my inner voice guiding me towards my passion.
Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons about resilience, authenticity, and the importance of following my heart. By staying true to myself and embracing the challenges as opportunities for growth, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and continue pursuing my dream of promoting family connection and fun.
Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited about the upcoming launch of the HR Kids website this summer. This platform will serve as a comprehensive resource for families, offering a calendar of events, insightful blog posts, local guides, and much more. My vision for HR Kids is to grow into a globally recognized resource, promoting family connection, kindness, and the joy of discovery for families everywhere.
In essence, HR Kids is not just about sharing fun experiences—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, spreading kindness, and creating meaningful connections within families and communities. I’m thrilled to continue this journey and see where it takes us next!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Love this question and I get DM’d from families passing through Denver looking for recommendations all the time!
Favorite places to play are: Children’s Museum at Denver, Candeeland Kids, Kickin’ It Kids Gym, & Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Places to eat: Casa Bonita, My Neighbor Felix, Edgewater Public Market, Denver Central Market, Stanley Marketplace
City exploration: Dairy Block, RiNo, 16th Street Mall
Family Fun: Pindustry, PuttShack, Boondocks, Bowlero
Outdoor activities: Hiking (Clear Creek Trail in Golden – then Golden Mill for lunch, Chautauqua Park in Boulder), for winter snow tubing (Dillion or Breckenridge), ice skating (Evergreen Lake, McGregor Square)
Mom’s Night: Denver Central Station the Terminal Bar is a great place to grab a cocktail and wander into one of the many restaurants around there – Snooze for brunch and Ultreia for dinner are my favs. My Neighbor Felix is also a great solo date spot if you like margs and Mexican food! Postinos is another great option for wine and charcuterie!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I’d like to extend my heartfelt shoutout to the incredible individuals and groups who have been instrumental in my journey:
First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mom, whose unwavering encouragement and belief in me have been the driving force behind my ventures. Her faith in my abilities has empowered me to fearlessly explore new paths and share my experiences with others.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to my husband for his unwavering support and for being my biggest cheerleader. Despite any hesitations, he’s always there, capturing precious moments on camera and offering his encouragement every step of the way.
To my children, who have been my greatest source of inspiration, thank you for allowing me to accompany you on your adventures and for reminding me of the joy of discovery in everyday moments.
A special acknowledgment goes out to the HR Kids community for their incredible support and encouragement. Their camaraderie and shared passion for enriching children’s lives have been invaluable in fueling my own journey.
And last but not least, I want to recognize author Jay Shetty for his transformative insights and inspiration. His podcasts and books have not only enriched my own life but have also inspired me to share my passion with the world and make a meaningful impact.
Together, these individuals and communities have played an integral role in shaping my story, and I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support and encouragement along the way.
Website: Highlandsranchkids.com (coming summer 2024!)
Instagram: @highlandsranchkids
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyvines