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

Hi Daniela, what role has risk played in your life or career?

All the best things that have ever happened to me, came from taking huge risks. Leaving behind a life, career and moving to a city where I didn’t know anyone–that was a huge risk. Taking on the responsibilities of starting a new business from scratch–another big one. In both cases what motivated me was the conviction that there was something better for me out there. I knew that if I wanted to achieve real progress in my life, I couldn’t simply stay where I was: if I continued repeating the same routines that were making me so unhappy in the first place, I would just stay unhappy.

It might seem almost trite, but when it really hits you it’s like an illumination: You can sit around and complain about your life and feel sorry for yourself, or you can take a risk and choose to make a change.

There are pitfalls and difficulties that come with such decisions. I for one have struggled with imposter syndrome: I’m not good enough! I don’t have any experience! I’m going to fail! At times it has been terrifying. Still, what has kept me going is the knowledge that nothing will ever change for the better until I make that change. It’s more than just “fake it til you make it;” when you’re taking a risk you must also make the conscious decision that you will succeed. Period.

What should our readers know about your business?
Social media was always something I did as a side-hustle, but I never thought it could be a *real* job. I started my local Colorado Springs blog -About The Springs- just for fun. But when it took off and I started to become presented with new opportunities. And more importantly, I got to really get to know my amazing community.

In January, I decided to make it my full-time hustle and I started my social media management agency Barred Rock Social.

My heart is with small businesses and I have clients all over the country. I found my passion late in life, and I’m here to say, that’s ok! It’s never too late.

I’ve learned so much. I’ve made mistakes. Many mistakes. I’ve failed at things. But, I switched gears and tried again, and I think that’s the secret. Adjust, regroup, try again. Take a break, take a breath, then try it a different way.

The most successful people I know aren’t better or smarter than anyone else. Most don’t even have college degrees. But they take risks, and they get back up each time they fall.

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 would take anyone visiting Colorado Springs to:

A hike around Garden of the Gods with lunch at Marigolds

Drinks and Live Music at Coati Uprise

Fancy Dress Up Dinner at The Broadmoor

Shopping and Frozen Custard in Manitou Springs

Day Trip to Salida & Buena Vista

Denver Day Trip for Cherry Creek shopping and burgers at Cherry Cricket. Then a stroll around Pearl St and dinner at Tavernetta.

Birria Tacos at Tlaquepaque

Green Chili smothered Breakfast at King Chef

A movie at Kimball’s Peak

Shoot machine guns at Dragonman’s

Karaoke at Dublin House

Happy Hour at Cowboy Star

Pizza at Slice420

Banana Pancakes at midnight at Mother Muffs in Old Colorado City

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My shoutout goes to my handsome husband Robert Yockel. He is a brilliant businessman and the hardest working person I’ve ever met. He owns two Colorado Springs-based businesses; Premier Carpet Cleaning and Rare Restoration.

He believed in me long before I believed in myself, encouraging me (since day 1) to let go of jobs that weren’t appreciative of me, and start my own business. I wish I had listened to him 4 years ago, but I’m grateful to have his support and encouragement. I have so much respect for his hustle, it means the world when he tells me he’s proud.

Website: www.aboutthesprings.com

Instagram: @aboutthesprings

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

Image Credits
Kira Whitney Photography, Élan Photographie Studio

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