Meet Jasper Axelrad | Registered Dental Hygienist & Freelance/Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jasper, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking, to me, has never been about diving in blindly — it’s about thoughtful courage. I’ve always seen risk as something to be weighed, measured, and most importantly, mitigated. I ask myself: what’s the potential cost — to me, to the team, to the project — and what’s the possible upside for everyone involved?

When I take risks, it’s never for the sake of risk itself. It’s because I see a path where the outcome could benefit the greater whole without causing real harm if it doesn’t go as planned. I look for those smart, strategic risks — the kind where the worst-case scenario is manageable, but the best-case could elevate the entire team.

That mindset has guided me through some of the most meaningful steps in my career. In fact, it’s what first set me on the path toward entrepreneurship. At the start of the pandemic, I paused my career as a dental hygienist — a field I loved — and decided to start a food truck from scratch. It was a leap, for sure, but it wasn’t reckless. I had a vision, a plan, and a deep belief that I could create something meaningful not just for myself, but for my community.

Looking back, that moment taught me that risk, when taken with care and intention, can open doors to opportunities you never imagined — and that growth often lives just beyond our comfort zones.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart? Honestly—it’s the unique balance I’ve built between two very different worlds that somehow fit together perfectly in my life: dentistry and entrepreneurship.

Today, I’m lucky to split my time between part-time dental hygiene—an industry I deeply love—and running my own creative consulting business. I actually started out studying biomedical engineering before pivoting into dentistry, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Working as a hygienist lets me walk with people through incredibly vulnerable moments—helping calm anxiety, build confidence, and relieve pain. I get to play a small, but meaningful part in someone’s bigger life journey, and that kind of purpose fuels me.

But there’s another side of me—the entrepreneurial spirit that just won’t quit. I work closely with startups and small businesses, helping bring their visions to life. Whether it’s branding, social presence, website design, merch, or creative campaigns—I help people find clarity, define their goals, and move forward with confidence. What feels overwhelming or “too big” to many new business owners, I can break down into achievable steps with a birds-eye view. And because I’ve been there, I make sure it’s affordable and accessible—no big agency fees, just real passion for helping others build what they believe in.

The road to entrepreneurship wasn’t smooth—and wow, did I learn that fast! I had zero formal training, and it showed in ways both hilarious and humbling. I came from a hygienist background where we’re incredibly independent, so I naively assumed managing employees would be a breeze. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Managing people was one of my biggest learning curves—and I learned quickly (and painfully) that running a team requires entirely different skills.

My first big leap? A food truck, started during the pandemic, with absolutely no food industry experience. I’ll never forget the moment my chef yelled “86 carnitas!” and I thought we still had 86 left. Or my soft opening where I accepted every payment method except cash—and forgot to bring change. The learning curve was real. Eventually, I sold the truck and pivoted toward what I do best: creative strategy, heart-driven branding, and helping others be seen and felt in ways that truly resonate in a digital world.

Now, I’m proud to work with incredible entrepreneurs and visionaries across the world. One of my biggest local projects has been with Amy Whitesell, founder of Blues On The Mesa, and her husband George of A Music Company Inc. We’re heading into our 5th Annual Festival on September 27, 2025—a beautiful collaboration of nearly all local businesses. As the creative director, I get to handle everything from the website, merch, and social media to advertising campaigns, flyers, and highlighting the amazing talent involved. It’s a role that blends everything I love—creativity, community, and connection.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that passion and perseverance matter more than a perfect start. I want the world to know that you don’t have to know everything to begin—just be willing to learn, adapt, and keep showing up. And if I can help you bring your vision to life, I’m all in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit Colorado Springs for a week, ohhh they’d be in for a treat—and likely headed home 20lbs heavier, in stretchy pants, but very happy! I’m a total foodie and explorer at heart, so the whole week would be a mix of nature, incredible eats, and the best little gems this city has to offer.

We’d definitely kick things off with a walk through Garden of the Gods – But not just the usual trails—I’d take them to one of my favorite hidden-in plain sight spots, the natural amphitheater at the Chuckwagon stone circle. When you stand in the center of those three stones and speak, it echoes right back like magic. I’m always surprised how many locals don’t know about it!

A day at The Broadmoor would be a must: brunch or dessert at Café Julie’s, a stroll around the ponds, and maybe a spa day if we’re feeling fancy. Then we’d dive into the fun shops of Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City for boutique shopping, crystal hunting, and local honey.

When it comes to food, we’re going all out. Black Forest Bistro is a can’t-miss with dishes that are both heartfelt, creative, and beautiful! Just like the chef and owner Deanna Johnson—it’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’re experiencing art on a plate. For brunch, we’d hit up Garden of the Gods Market & Café for their epic foodie or mimosa flights, or head just down the road to The Exchange for a coffee flight.

And to wrap up the week in full flavor, Paravicini’s—some of my favorite Italian food in town. Definitely a walk at Red Rock Open space afterwards.
We’d have to soak up the mineral springs at Desert Reef Hot Springs in Penrose.

Colorado Springs is filled with magic—natural beauty, deep local roots, and so many hidden gems.

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?
Big love and a heartfelt THANK YOU to BNI Colorado Springs (Business Networking International) for being such a game-changer in my journey. When I first arrived in this city, I didn’t know a single soul — but through BNI, I found an incredible network of driven, kind, and collaborative people who made Colorado Springs feel like home.

The connectivity, support, and accountability BNI builds into its foundation isn’t just impressive — it’s powerful. It connects people with purpose, holds space for growth, and genuinely roots for every member’s success. I’m beyond grateful for the relationships, opportunities, and confidence that started with that network.

And a massive shoutout to the small business community in Colorado Springs — y’all are something special. The way this city shows up for one another, the interconnectedness, and the overwhelming intentionality to lift each other up… it’s the kind of environment that can launch anyone who’s willing to show up, commit, and grow.

Website: https://Www.BluesOnTheMesa.org

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