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

Hi Alissa, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?

What fills my cup is helping to fill others. Of course there’s water sports, yoga, cooking, my family, my dogs, and Hawaii, that bring me happiness, but my true JOY is found in creating spaces where we can be happy and healthy together. An employee in training once said to me: “I figured out why I love this job. I go home and I just feel good.” When I implored as to her reasoning, she said “it’s because I get to help make people feel better all day”. Nailed it. It’s exactly why I love my job too, and why I do what I do. It’s shared happiness.

What should our readers know about your business?

Kona Bowls was born out of an awesome life chapter lived in Hawaii. We’ve lived a few different wild places, but Hawaii was a true dream realized. We spent 7 awesome years raising our kids there. Hawaii life taught us about “aloha”, healthy living, and how to live closer to your calling. When I opened Kona Bowls in Golden, CO in July 2019, I never could have imagined the challenges that lie ahead with a global pandemic to hit 7 months later, an economic shut down, and the growing pains that miraculously followed. Our growth was continual and fast. In reflection, our intention to focus on health and happiness has resonated with others. We work hard to create a space that is positive for everyone and promotes healthy, bold living! We serve nutritious and delicious superfoods, including: acai bowls, smoothies, poke, avo toasts, fresh juice & lemonade, vegan Buddha bowls, and more. Our goal is to serve with aloha! #happyhealthybold

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.
Hands down, I think Golden is one of the best communities in Colorado! The people are down to earth, and there is a ton of recreating, activity, and shopping. It’s almost a mountain town feel, but without the I-70 traffic headaches. My favorite activities in Golden are: hiking S. Table Mountain, biking Chimney Gulch Trail, or riding e-bikes on the Peaks to Plains Trail/tubing Clear Creek with Adventure West Rentals (I mean what other Colorado town is full of bikinis and water fun?!). Kona Bowls for lunch or mid-day snack, and Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza for dinner (a feel good place with great ownership, great staff, great food, and a good vibe all the time)! If you’re looking to do a little shopping, we love A Little Piece of My Heart, Truly BoHotique, Vital Outdoors, and Icelantic Skis. Golden puts the RAD in ColoRADo!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A quick dedication to my husband, Andrew. Sometimes a dreamer needs someone by their side who says “go for it” and helps them make it happen; that’s my husband. He helps make every wild dream I have come true!

Website: www.konabowlscafe.com

Instagram: @kona_bowls

Facebook: KONA BOWLS

Yelp: Kona Bowls

Image Credits
Smooch Photography

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