We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Von Westphalen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is terrifying. It’s about being vulnerable to the universe and seeing how much maintenance is required to achieve the best outcome. I had to move away from my family home and start networking with new people that I’ve never met, all the while overcoming my severe social anxiety. It takes a lot of energy, physical, emotional and financial energy to start a business and even though it’s something I’ve recently discovered I wanted to do, there is a lot of unknown that still makes me nervous. A lot of good things come from that same place of the unknown too. At a certain point, it gets tiring asking the question “what if?” and one day I finally wanted to see what that “what if?” looked like.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Having lived in so many different places, I grew up learning a variety of skills so I could make myself helpful to others. I’ve work in odd retail shops, restaurants, and real quirky side jobs so when I decided I wanted to start my own business, I immediately thought of combining all of my experiences under one roof. I currently buy, sell, and trade anything of value. I have everything from plants to furniture, records, clothes and books.

That’s only part of what the entire business will eventually be.
In the future, I will provide a space that also creates an eclectic experience for the community, from selling coffee and baked goods, to becoming an art gallery and hosting shows for live music.

It will be a business that is open during odd hours so it does not compete with similar businesses and the coffee and baked goods will be from local shops too.
I wanted to be a business that can help every part of the community so whenever donations are dropped off, I immediately add them to free bins outside the shop for people who are in need of items, ie., clothes, shoes, non-perishable foods, etc.

Of course none of this will be accomplished in a day and like all good things, it will take time, but I am fortunate enough to have the support of the community behind this project.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s so much to do that could fill up an entire week. A day could easily be spent on Union st. where almost all the antique shops are located. Another day could be spent by looking at local art at any art gallery, particularly Blo Back, or just start walking around town and hunt down all the local murals! My favorite place to get coffee is wherever The Sacred Bean is located – they’re a cafe that travels all over Pueblo in their cute VW bus. When they’re not available, Squawk Coffee is the spot to go! Best spots to eat – Mr. Tandooris(Indian), Momo’s(Japanese), Dee’s Tackos(Mexican), Angelo’s(Italian) and Brues Alehouse(American). You could also hang out by the Riverwalk or Mineral Palace Park and bring your own picnic! Another day could be solely dedicated to the Lake Pueblo State Park where you can rent a boat or go tubing!
And if you come during the right time, the State Fair and the Pueblo Chile fest are the perfect way to enjoy your day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Born in Houston, raised in Texas, Mexico and Colorado, adaptation was critical for my survival. That skill was taught by my father who constantly adapted to his environments for the betterment of his family. I am forever grateful of my ability to change in order to become a better person for myself and for the people around me. I would also love to give a shoutout the entire Pueblo community for receiving me with open arms and allowing me to thrive and find a family within the global chaos. Shoutout to my partner, my friends and the art and music scene. So much love to all of you!

Instagram: pueblodrip

Facebook: pueblodrip

Other: Contact Info Pueblo Drip (719)225-8264 pueblodrip@gmail.com

Image Credits
Ciara Valin, Inaiah Lujan

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.