Meet Heather Gomez | Owner of Big D Flooring & Dulce Base Tipi

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

Hi Heather, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a young girl, I set up a lemonade stand and even created a pretend boutique in my childhood bedroom, where my mom was my most loyal customer. Entrepreneurship runs in my family—my grandparents co-owned the Gomez 7-2-11 in Lumberton, New Mexico—so I suppose you could say it’s in my blood to build something of my own.

Fast forward to my 30s, I met my partner, Dustin, who was living near Alamosa, Colorado, and working in the flooring installation business. As our relationship grew, we made the big decision for him to relocate to the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in northern New Mexico, where we would start our own flooring installation business. But we didn’t stop at just one venture—we also launched Dulce Base Tipi, a unique tipi accommodation listed on Airbnb.

When Dustin first moved to the area, we quickly realized that there were no local flooring businesses, despite a clear demand. Living in a rural area about 25 minutes from the Colorado state line, we saw an opportunity to serve both northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. What started as an idea has turned into a rewarding journey, allowing us to provide much-needed services to these communities while building something we’re truly passionate about.

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?
Our journey as business owners has been anything but ordinary, and that’s what makes it so meaningful to us. We own Big D Flooring, a flooring installation business, and Dulce Base Tipi, which started as a single tipi and has now grown to three. What began as an idea has turned into something truly special. We originally listed our tipis on Airbnb, but now guests can also book directly through our website at dulcebasetipi.com.

Being a Native woman-owned business adds another layer of pride to what we do. It’s important to us that we not only serve our community but also create opportunities within it. When we started Big D Flooring, we realized there were no local flooring businesses in our area, even though there was a real need for it. We took a chance, built relationships, and now we’re proud to be expanding into government contracting, allowing us to take our business to the next level.

Dulce Base Tipi is just as personal to us. Located on the Jicarilla Apache Nation, it’s not just a place to stay—it’s an experience. We wanted to create something that brings people closer to nature and showcases the beauty of our home. Our tipis offer an semi off-grid escape, where guests can soak in the stunning mountain views, stargaze under some of the clearest night skies, and just slow down. There’s something special about waking up to the crisp morning air and the sound of nature all around you—it’s the kind of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. Seeing guests come here and leave feeling refreshed and inspired makes it all worth it.

But none of this has been easy. Running a business in a rural area comes with challenges—limited resources, a smaller customer base, and the need to prove ourselves in an industry dominated by larger companies. There were times we questioned if we were doing the right thing, but we pushed through. We learned that hard work, word-of-mouth, and truly caring about what we do makes all the difference.

One of our biggest dreams moving forward is to launch an apprenticeship program to train and hire young Native youth in flooring installations. Skilled trades offer a path to financial stability, and we want to be part of creating those opportunities for the next generation.

At the end of the day, everything we do—whether it’s installing a floor that transforms someone’s home or offering a tipi stay that reconnects people with nature—is about building something bigger than ourselves. We’re grateful for this journey and excited for what’s next.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Immersing in Dulce, NM

Morning: Arrive in Dulce and check into the Dulce Base Tipi, a unique and cozy stay surrounded by nature.

Mid-Morning: Visit the Jicarilla Arts & Heritage Center to explore the culture, history, and art of the Jicarilla Apache Nation.

Afternoon: Head to Mundo Lake for some fishing or kayaking, enjoying the peaceful scenery and fresh mountain air.

Evening: Grab a delicious meal from a local Jicarilla Apache food truck vendor, tasting authentic flavors and traditional dishes.

Night: Relax by a bonfire at the tipi, stargazing in the clear New Mexico sky and soaking in the serene vibes or looking for UFO’s with a view of the Dulce UFO Underground Base.

Day 2: Scenic Train Ride from Chama to Antonito, CO

Breakfast: Stop at GloryBrys in Chama for a satisfying meal featuring New Mexican favorites, with green chile taking center stage.

Morning: Start your day with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad ride from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO. The journey will take you through incredible mountain scenery.

Midday: After reaching Antonito, take some time to stretch your legs, explore, and maybe grab a quick bite in the town before heading back to Chama.

Afternoon: Ride the train back to Chama, taking in the breathtaking scenery once more.

Afternoon: Explore downtown Chama, check out the local stores, and enjoy the quaint charm of this historic railroad town.

Evening: End the day by relaxing or having a drink at Fosters bar, soaking in the peaceful vibes of the area.

Day 3: Adventure & Relaxation in Pagosa Springs, CO

Morning: Start with a delicious breakfast at Two Chicks and a Hippie, a popular spot known for its cozy atmosphere and tasty breakfast options to fuel your day.

Mid-Morning: After breakfast, head out for a hike at Seven Falls—the stunning waterfall hike will give you amazing views and some fresh mountain air.

Afternoon: After your hike, it’s time to soak at Pagosa Hot Springs, where you can relax in the rejuvenating mineral waters.

Late Afternoon: Treat yourself to a massage to unwind and refresh after the hike and soak.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Alley House Grill, known for its upscale dining and fantastic food. Perfect for wrapping up a day full of adventure and relaxation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout-out Dave Vedera from WESST. He has personally helped and connected me with the right resources to grow both of my businesses.

Website: bigdflooring.com and dulcebasetipi.com

Instagram: @bigdflooring and @dulcebasetipi

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-c-gomez

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigDFlooring

Other: TikTok @dulce.base.tipi

Image Credits
Credit: Heather C Gomez