Meet B.J. Nolletti | Business Owner / Technology Developer / Hula Hooper

We had the good fortune of connecting with B.J. Nolletti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi B.J., how has your work-life balance changed over time?
If any entrepreneur out there has the work life balance thing completely figured out, please let me know the secret. As far as I can tell, this is something that requires regular attention. I have to keep reminding myself that no matter how many hours I work, or how many cups of coffee I drink, I will never reach a point when I say to myself, “Oh look, I’m caught up on everything!” Because of this, time management skills become very important. I manage my time as wisely as I can and make daily lists of work tasks to be accomplished. And if I start catching myself not taking enough time for me, I’ll start writing things on those lists like, “eat lunch”, “go home by 6:00”, “go on a bike ride”.

Boundaries are also very important. There’s times that I work, and there’s times that I try really hard to think about, talk about, and do anything other than work. On my phone, work email notifications are always off. I check emails intentionally, when I have the time and the headspace to answer them properly, and my personal time is never interrupted by them.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
An important aspect of Astral Hoops is the value we place on creativity and innovation. We’re careful not to copy what’s been already done, but instead push forward the edge of what can be done. However, the creative process doesn’t happen in a vacuum. One idea inspires another. The concept of a hula hoop that lights up is older than I am, with a patent which predates my birth. When I built my first light up hoop, my intent was to make it do what no other light up hoop had yet done. Twelve years later, this is the same intention that drives our current innovations. We bring new ideas into existence.

Innovation starts with inspiration. I love watching flow artists using our products. Many times, seeing someone’s unique interaction with an Astral Hoop or Levitation Wand, and how the light patterns integrate into their flow will inspire new ideas for me. It isn’t only me coming up with the ideas though. In the Astral Hoopshop everyone’s ideas are valued and individual expression is encouraged. We inspire each other and everyone who works at Astral Hoops is part of this creative process.

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 hope this friend likes bicycles, because in my time on two wheels, I’ve uncovered many great rides around Denver! We could huff and puff up to the top of Lookout Mountain. Then coast our way past Red Rocks and into downtown Morrison for lunch. Or if this friend is wanting a more casual ride, then maybe a cruise along the beautiful Clear Creek trail to Golden for a pint at Mountain Toad Brewing. For a bit more adventure, a mountain biked lap around North Table Mountain is sure to get the heart pumping.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Mother, Gina Watson, quit her job when I was 2 years old and started a home sewing business so she could care for me. Her strong independent and entrepreneurial spirit was major influences on who I am today. After my Father passed away when I was 12, she worked tirelessly to provide for my little brother and me. I learned from an early age that my future was mine to create, but I would have to put in the effort to earn it.

Website: https://astralhoops.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astralhoops

Youtube: https://youtube.com/astralhoops

Image Credits
Astral Crew (left to right, top to bottom): Michael Berg, Caitlin Morris, Jay Eric, Quinn Broderick, B.J. Nolletti, Tyler Chic, Catherine Lepiane All other subjects’ names are in the file name. Photographers: Stewart Eastep, Melissa Rose