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

Hi Jennifer, how do you define success?
For me, success is not measured by numbers or titles. It is about living in alignment with my values. When the way I parent, the way I work, the way I show up in my relationships, and the way I care for myself are true to what I believe matters most, then I feel successful.

There are days when this alignment feels steady and full of gratitude and abundance. There are also days when it feels like I am holding a lot at once, stretching in many directions. Yet even in those moments there is a deep knowing that I am choosing a life that reflects what I value.

Success is not a destination. It is a continual practice of returning to what matters, and encouraging both my children and my community to do the same in ways that are true for them.

What should our readers know about your business?
Getting to where I am today was anything but easy. There were seasons of doubt and seasons of hope, and I learned to walk with both. When I started, I had three thousand dollars in the bank, no investors or loans, only a willingness to work hard and a belief that healing matters. I was fresh out of college, working at Mountain Crest Hospital and with the Health District’s Connections Counseling, while slowly watering the seeds of what would become Beyond the Mirror.

I leaned on the wisdom of other business owners, because I have always believed we are not meant to do this work alone. Community is like soil, and without it nothing truly grows. That belief still shapes everything we do at Beyond the Mirror. We are not just a counseling center. We are a place where people can come as they are and find connection, safety, and belonging.

What I have learned along the way is that the hard moments are not failures. They are part of the landscape. Sometimes they feel like storms that make it hard to see what is ahead, and other times like stones in the river that shift the flow in a new direction. Each one has shaped me, and each one has carried me further. I do not believe in failure. I believe in learning, in beginning again, and in trusting that even detours can bring us somewhere meaningful.

What I want the world to know is that Beyond the Mirror is more than a business. It is a community of hearts committed to wholeness, to seeing the beauty in one another, and to reminding people of the strength and wisdom that already live within them. That is what makes me proud, and that is what keeps me walking forward

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I would want them to experience the rhythm of both Denver and Fort Collins, because each has its own heartbeat. I imagine the week as a balance of good food, beautiful places, and time outside soaking in Colorado’s spirit.

Day One
We would start in Denver around Union Station in LoDo. I love the energy of that whole area. We could run through the fountains and sprinklers outside of the station like kids, then wander through the shops and restaurants nearby. Dinner would be something lively and delicious at one of the many spots in that neighborhood.

Day Two
We would spend the morning at the Denver Botanic Gardens, walking slowly and letting the beauty sink in. Lunch would be Cuban food at Cuba Cuba, which always feels like a little escape. In the evening, maybe a musical or performance at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts to end the day with something inspiring.

Day Three
This would be a day for something unforgettable. We would head to the Wild Animal Sanctuary and spend time with the animals, knowing that every visit supports their healing and care. Afterward, a quiet dinner in Denver before preparing for the drive north.

Day Four
We would head up to Fort Collins, stopping along the way to notice how the mountains rise in the distance. Once there, breakfast at Rainbow Restaurant, because they truly have the best breakfast ever. We would walk through Old Town, enjoying the local shops, and then spend the afternoon at Horsetooth Reservoir, letting the sun and water refresh us.

Day Five
This would be a Rocky Mountain National Park day. I would pack snacks and plenty of water, and we would hike and breathe deeply, surrounded by that kind of beauty that reminds you of how small and connected we all are. Afterward, dinner back in Fort Collins at Restaurant 415, one of my favorites.

Day Six
A slower day along the Poudre River Trail, walking or biking, then stopping for an Americano or cappuccino at Explorado Market. In the evening, maybe a local brewery or outdoor concert depending on what is happening that week.

Day Seven
I would leave this day open to wander and rest, to revisit a favorite spot from the week or simply sit outside with good coffee and conversation. Sometimes the best memories come from the spaces that are not planned.

For me, the joy of sharing Denver and Fort Collins is not just about the places, but about how they make you feel: energized, nourished, connected, and alive. That is the kind of trip I would want my best friend to remember.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my clients, my staff, and my family. The work I do has always felt like a true win win. My clients give back as much as I give to them, often teaching me and reminding me of the strength of the human spirit. My staff walk beside me with such dedication and heart, making the work richer and more meaningful. And my family has been the steady ground beneath me, offering support and love through every step. I would not be where I am without each of them.

Website: https://Www.beyondthemirror.org

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-amaralkunze-79106a17

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19mHgcHez4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yelp: https://yelp.to/THo98avxeB

Image Credits
The images of Jennifer Amaral-Kunze were taken by her son, Wilson Kunze

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.