Meet Anderson Walfred | Small Business Owner & Friend

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

Hi Anderson, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
There’s so many to choose from, but I think the two that resonate with me the most and are the quotes I constantly repeat to myself and friends is “If it was easy, everyone would do it!” and “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.” Just like my education and the belief in myself, a strong work ethic is something that can never be taken away from me. My parents used to say these quotes to me all the time growing up whether it came to school work, sports, or even starting my own businesses. To me, they encompass everything about life in a nutshell, and force you to hold a perspective within yourself that drives you to reach for success in all that you do. They go hand-in-hand with my favorite poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling, where the challenge of life is to care for others, to remain steadfast in your commitments and goals, and to keep a resolved sense of self and emotion in all that you do. “If you can fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds worth of distance run, Yours is the earth and everything in it, and – which is more – you’ll be a man my son!”

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’ve always approached business from the mindset of innovation. How do I take a business model that has existed for years or even decades, and differentiate it from everyone else? It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time, and it is most definitely not easy. I enjoy using my creativity to take niche businesses and bring them into the mainstream for everyone to love and be a part of the experience! I strongly believe that unparalleled knowledge of the products, top-tier customer service, and competitive pricing will bring the volume of repeat business that is needed to be successful.

With my smoke shop/glass gallery, I wanted to offer people from every walk of life the ability to feel comfortable in a historically counter-culture environment. Especially in an industry the was becoming more and more legalized, I knew that a majority of the population was interested in trying these products, but were hesitant to walk into the average shop and feel “out of place”. So we approached it with fair pricing, an inviting yet luxurious atmosphere, and a supreme understanding of the products that allows us to provide the customer service required in such a nuanced industry. It has paid dividends many times over to us, with an 80% repeat customer basis and a 97% conversion rate of every customer that walks in the door. We find what will fit the customer’s needs regardless of the sale value with full transparency, and I can’t count how many times people have mentioned to me how much they appreciate our business model. We showcase a bunch of local artists in Denver, so that everyone who walks in can appreciate their work and help them get noticed for their talents. One of the most beautiful parts of the shop is connecting a customer with an artist through the transaction process and creating a lasting relationship and appreciation for the art forms. It’s been a wild ride battling through business partners leaving, a global pandemic, and ever-increasing regulations, but we are happy to say it has made us better people and more experienced business owners.

For our boba shop, Noah and I went with a similar approach. How do we take a traditionally taiwanese drink that only a sliver of the population (predominantly younger people) has tried and make it a place for everyone of all ages. So while still paying homage to the Taiwanese people who introduced this style of drink to the world, we decided to incorporate flavors and teas from all over of the map, as well as create a zen-garden environment with our store layout that boasts a large seating area with plant life and fun vibrant neon. We differentiate ourselves further by using real milks and ingredients as opposed to our margin-driven competitors that use artificial lactose powders who only provide limited options. When combined with the dozens of topping options, we have over 50,000 combinations of drinks that can be made, including our “build-your-own-Boba” menu that invites customers to share the experience with us! We feel as though life and business are about collaboration, and who better to collaborate with than your everyday customers? And hey, if your custom drink build is good enough, we’ll throw it on the menu with your name attached for everyone to enjoy! This mindset and business model has allowed for us to quickly grow, and in our first year of business, we are proud to announce that we won the award for “Best of Mile High”.

Both of these business ventures, as well as the new ones we are just getting off the ground have been the most fulfilling and simultaneously taxing endeavors of my life. They have been beyond challenging and I’ve experienced every emotion under the sun making them the success that they are today. There isn’t some magical recipe for a huge financial windfall when it’s done honestly and without help. But I think that’s what makes you stronger and more experienced for what lies ahead! I’ve met some truly amazing people on this journey, and while I would have certainly done things different, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first, we’re going hiking. A brutally challenging overnight hiking trip into rocky mountain national park. If you want to know what it’s like living in the rockies you need to dive straight into the deep end. Becoming fully immersed in the wildlife at 13,000 feet is a second-to-none experience. It’s something that everyone should experience if they come to Colorado. It challenges you, gives you perspective, and makes the fun parts even more enjoyable here. Next we’re going to some of the hidden gem food places around town. Venice Ristorante for the best Italian food, saucy southern BBQ for some good southern cooking, and any one of the ramen/sushi shops around town for a true Denver experience. Of course, they have to try our boba to branch out and try some award-winning teas! For nightlife, obviously a concert at Red Rocks is something that must be checked off the bucket list. People come from all over the world to experience what it’s like, and you’ll never feel more connected to the music than anywhere else. Denver Comedy Underground is an extremely slept-on experience as well. Some of the greatest comics in the world perform here, and laughing yourself to tears is one of the greatest feelings ever. Finally, the Denver art scene. There are jaw-dropping world class murals all over the city. Art is another one of those aspects of life that can forever change your outlook forever. Denver has a magical sense of expression, and enjoying that through it’s art and music creates a better, more empathetic person!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, friends, and business partners deserve all the credit. They’ve taught me everything and are the ones I hold close to my heart. Through every challenge, success, low-point and high, they’ve been there for me. It’s the little things that mean the most. A text, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, and their willingness to move heaven and earth to be there for me makes it all worth it. My parents Anthony & Leigh have sacrificed their lives to give my sister and I a better one. Instilling in me every great quality I have, they are the true embodiment of those who plant the seeds of trees that they know they’ll never get to experience their shade. Every second, every penny, every ounce of effort and work was spent teaching me what’s right and providing me all the joys in life.

My sister and business partner Stacy. What she means to me is more than words can describe. She’s been my best friend since day one, and since we moved a lot when we were younger, we established a bond that could never be broken. Through all the struggles we’ve experienced together and separately, there is no one I would rather have in my corner. The sacrifices she also made from a young age for me are a huge part of why I’m here. I couldn’t ask for a better sibling to experience life with!

My friend and other business partner, Noah Crowley. I’m so glad I found someone like Noah who was willing to take the risk with me to start a business that we had no experience in. He and I built our business alone with zero help, and were able to create something that won the “Best of Mile High” in two categories within our first year. Through sleepless nights and countless hours of work, he’s been with me every step of the way. He might be the only person I know that works harder than I do, and with the other business ideas we are planning to pursue together, I am beyond lucky to have found a friend in him who takes every challenge thrown our way in stride and works tirelessly to solve it.

And finally my best friend Chase Foster. An incredible artist, and even better person. He’s one of the most creatively talented people I’ve ever come across, and we’re practically attached at the hip at this point. He’s a drop everything and be there type of friend who keeps me humble, shares all the laughs, and constantly reminds me of the my hard work paying off even when I don’t see it!

Website: bobabotanica.com & highrollersmoke.com

Instagram: @andy_walu, @bobabotanica, @highrollersmoke

Facebook: Andy Walu, bobabotanica, highrollersmoke

Image Credits
First photo was taken by the “Best of Mile High” organization but I own the rights to the photo. All other photos are taken by me or my businesses.