Meet Jennifer Alford | small business owner, maker, and school nurse

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

Hi Jennifer, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am so glad you asked! Risk taking is something I have talked to students about in my job as a school nurse. It’s natural, healthy, and can really teach you a lot. Some risks are wiser than others, of course. Everyone should consider the consequences of risky behavior. But overthinking and waiting can make you feel anxious and stuck. Sometimes you have to take a leap! Sometimes you have to try whatever it is even though you don’t know what will happen. I have lived and traveled alone, volunteered with the Peace Corps in Uganda, and even started a business without much money or experience! All of these big risks have been well worth it so far. Ha! With each leap, you gain more confidence and learn more skills. Even if you learn that you don’t like that job or sport or date, at least you tried! Now you know.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Drawing Table is a very new, small business that opened in November of 2024. It is a combination retail space and art-making space. We sell secondhand home decor and original art. My mom, Penny, a Longmont artist, has cards, drawings, collages, a calendar, and some knit items there on consignment. I have greeting cards in the shop, made from original drawings, and some sewn items for sale as well.
It’s important to me to also have the class and open studio side of the store. I hope to demystify art-making a bit and encourage people to try new things. Art is for everyone! It’s taken me years to realize that the value or art, like beauty, is subjective. You never know when someone may be touched by something YOU made. And equally as important is to enjoy the process. I have seen students talk and relax with their peers as they sew or draw in a way that they don’t otherwise.
Starting a new business with no financial assistance is challenging but I am so glad that I am doing it anyway. I am forced to be patient, take my time, make careful decisions. When you don’t have the money, you really have to prioritize! You also think of alternatives, ask for help or favors, and eliminate things that aren’t so vital.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Colorado, I would take her to Babette’s in Longmont for pastries and an Americano and then to walk at Pella Ponds in Hygiene or a hike at Hall Ranch in Lyons. Crackpots in Longmont would be a fun stop plus ice cream at Sweet Cow. Lucille’s for brunch and Summit tacos for dinner- both in Longmont. Rocky Mt National Park is a must as is a day in Denver– Ramen and mural gazing in RINO! and a visit to the Botanic gardens.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was just thinking about this last night and number one is my mom, Penny. I am so grateful that we read so much as kids and that we explored, traveled, played outside for hours on end and grew these wonderful imaginations. My mom is an artist and is very visual and detail oriented. We share a love of antiques and flea markets, road trips, and making things. My Dad is also creative in that he would make up stories and songs for my brother and I. Shout out too to Matt, Rose, John, and Shirin who have been so encouraging regarding my jump into small business ownership!

Website: https://thedrawingtable.square.site

Instagram: @drawingtableart

Facebook: The Drawing Table