Meet Arrika Bales

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Arrika Bales again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Arrika, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
I am Arrika Bales, and I am a mover and shaker, a thinker and wanderer. When I moved out to Colorado, I stepped into the world of nonprofits for the very first time. And that was at the same time when I was interviewed last. What’s crazy is, the same thing is happening again! I have just stepped in to a role at Trails and Open Spaces Coalition in Colorado Springs. I am leading my life with love, just as before, and it’s bringing me back to a similar place as it did when we last spoke. Isn’t it funny how things work out?

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
Man, life is truly such a whirlwind. The last time I got interviewed, I had just moved my life out here from Atlanta. I had also just left teaching yoga full time to pursue a future in using my skillsets for good. I stepped into the world of nonprofits, only to be let go a year later. It was a crushing time. There was a lot of uncertainty.

Being me, I pulled up my big girl pants, and figured out a way to stay out here and survive. I fell into the bartending industry that I had alluded for many years. I have dabbled in the restaurant industry a couple times in my life and thankfully, I was able to land a couple bar gigs to support my life and figure out what was next.

As of November 2024, I have been working at Trails and Open Spaces Coalition and stepping back into the nonprofit world with so much excitement and love to give. At TOSC, we are advocating for the spaces around us that can’t. And being a Coloradan, I know how important these spaces are. I love to hike, to camp, and get out there with my dog as much as I can. So, being able to step into a place that is doing the work we are is exhilarating. TOSC has had a huge imprint on Colorado Springs over its 38 year history and my future with them is going to be building on those past accomplishments. This year, we are planning for bigger and better things.

We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.

Favorite Movie: Boondock Saints

Favorite Book: Harry Potter

Favorite TV Show: Schitt’s Creek

Favorite Band or Artist: Quinn XCII

Sweet or Savory: Savory

Mountains or Beach: Mountains

Favorite Sport (to watch): Football

Favorite Sport (to play): Swimming

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): I was a swimmer!

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: A veterinarian

French Fries or Onion Rings: FF. The OG.

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: …….

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Rocko’s Modern Life

Favorite Childhood movie: Hook

Favorite Breakfast Food: Cinnamon Rolls

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
It almost feels like I’ve got a new lease on life this year. Stepping into my daytime job, seeing the sun, spending time with my dog, hiking, wandering, and dreaming are all on the list.

Instagram: bales_o_hay