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

Hi Amy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always felt I was meant to own my own business. After graduating from Colorado College in 2002, I began my career as a high school English teacher. While I enjoyed aspects of teaching, I quickly realized that I was too young—and looked too much like my students—for it to feel like the right fit at the time. So, I pivoted and applied to graduate school, ultimately enrolling in a poetry MFA program at the University of Utah.

While in grad school, I needed to earn money but couldn’t see myself working a typical part-time job in a bar or coffee shop. Instead, I decided to start a dog walking and pet sitting business. What began as a small operation with just a few clients soon grew into a thriving business, complete with employees. By the time I finished my degree, I had built something significant and was even able to sell the business to one of my employees for a profit when I moved on.

That experience was a game-changer for me. I loved the autonomy, the freedom to set my own schedule, and the balance it gave me between work and life. I discovered that I thrived on the responsibility and challenges of being my own boss, and I never looked back. Since then, I’ve owned several businesses and helped start many others. Apart from a brief stint working for someone else—a government job at a national lab, which I quickly realized wasn’t for me—I’ve always charted my own path as a business owner.

For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about work—it’s a way of life. It’s how I express my creativity, pursue my passions, and maintain the freedom to build the kind of life I want. Owning a business is part of who I am, and I can’t imagine it any other way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our business, Fable Communications, stands out because of our unique approach, creative problem-solving, and the ability to think outside the box. What truly sets us apart is that neither Ben nor I came to communications through a traditional path. I hold an MFA in poetry and spent years as a freelance writer and editor before transitioning into communications, marketing, and design. Ben, a religion major who initially wanted to teach, worked in the nonprofit sector before becoming a consultant and moving into PR. This unconventional background allows us to approach challenges differently—we’re not confined by the “standard” way of doing things, and that has become one of our greatest strengths.

At Fable, we also reject traditional business structures. We prioritize work-life balance and ensure our entire team feels supported, both at work and in life. We celebrate side hustles and passion projects—we each have several ourselves! This flexible, people-first philosophy extends to our work with clients. We pride ourselves on tailoring our strategies to each client’s unique needs. While many agencies claim to do this, we truly commit to it, even when it’s harder or less profitable, because it’s the right thing to do.

We thrive on creative challenges and love working with clients who allow us to “get weird.” At the same time, we can deliver highly polished campaigns when needed. Our client mix reflects our versatility, ranging from banks and government agencies to nonprofits and more. We particularly enjoy working with clients who are doing good in the world—there’s nothing more rewarding than helping amplify their impact.

What I’m most proud of is that our success has been driven almost entirely by word of mouth. We’ve never marketed ourselves because we’re so focused on serving our clients. The fact that people recommend us and stay with us for years speaks volumes about the quality of our work and the relationships we build. That trust and longevity are incredibly fulfilling.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. It’s been a winding road with challenges at every turn, but it’s always felt worth it. Every hurdle we’ve overcome has taught us something valuable. We started with nothing and built something truly meaningful—it’s a great feeling to look back on that journey.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. “Just keep swimming.” Like Dory from Finding Nemo, you have to keep going even when things are tough. There will be moments when you feel stretched thin or face setbacks—like losing clients or doubting your path—but persistence pays off. New opportunities always arise if you keep doing the work.
2. Prioritize balance. Work-life balance is essential. Taking care of yourself and pursuing passions outside of work allows you to stay energized and inspired.
3. Take the leap. I always encourage people to start their business, make the leap, or say yes to the opportunity. Doubts will always be there, but action drives progress. One decision leads to the next, and before you know it, you’re further than you ever imagined.

At the end of the day, I believe in working hard, staying adaptable, and building a business that reflects who you are. Fable Communications is a testament to that philosophy, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created.

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.
I live in the San Luis Valley, a rural and breathtaking part of southern Colorado. It’s a place I love for its open spaces, access to incredible outdoor activities, and the absence of crowds. If my best friend were visiting, here’s how I’d show them the best of this magical region.

Day 1: Bucket List Adventure

Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park – Start the trip with one of the most iconic destinations in Colorado. Climb the dunes, explore Medano Creek (seasonal), or visit Zapata Falls for even more incredible views.

Day 2: Winter Powder or Summer Water

Winter Option: Ski Wolf Creek – Known for its world-class powder, Wolf Creek is a skier’s dream.
Summer Option: Fish the Rio Grande – Hire a guide for a float during the June salmonfly hatch (an unforgettable experience!) or take a relaxing tube ride through Del Norte’s play wave.

Day 3: Crane Magic

Attend the Monte Vista Crane Festival (March) – Witness thousands of sandhill cranes migrating, with snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristos as their stunning backdrop.

Day 4: Small-Town Charm

Stay and Dine at the Historic Windsor Hotel – Enjoy the historic elegance and fine dining that makes this a big-city-quality experience in a small-town setting.

Day 5: Explore Creede

Visit Creede – Check out local shops, the Creede Repertory Theatre in summer, or the pond hockey tournament in January for a unique slice of mountain life.

Day 6: South San Juan Mountains

Hike, Mountain Bike, or Climb – Spend a day adventuring in the South San Juans, one of the most beautiful and less-traveled mountain ranges in the state.

Day 7: Reflect and Relax

Hot Springs or Local Gems – End the trip with a soak in a nearby hot spring or visit one of the Valley’s hidden gems, like an artist studio, a local coffee shop, or a peaceful spot to simply take in the view.

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?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my business partner, Ben Lewinger, who nominated me for this feature. Ben and I have known each other literally since birth—we grew up across the street from one another. It took a huge leap of faith for us to go into business together, leaving behind stable jobs with great benefits to create something of our own.

The decision wasn’t without its risks. I had my doubts—what if we couldn’t work well together? What if disagreements strained our friendship? But I’m happy to say that it’s been an incredible journey. Ben and I complement each other in every way, and working with him has been nothing short of a dream come true. Our partnership has not only strengthened our friendship but also proven that taking big risks with the right person can lead to the best rewards. I’m so grateful for his support, collaboration, and shared vision along the way.

Website: https://createyourfable.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylinengle/

Other: I didn’t really mention the whole ranching side of my life, but I also ranch. Here is that website: https://www.corsetranch.com/

My husband is a 4th generation rancher here in the SLV. I work on the ranch when I am not at my desk. Part time cowgirl.

Image Credits
Amy Engle

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.