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

Hi Krista, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
The simple things in life make me happy and fill my bucket. I love being in the out-of-doors with family and friends, exploring new places and old places alike. There is always different light in an ever changing season to see something new in every place I’ve been so retuning to those is always magical. Then there are all the places on my growing “bucket list” that I have yet to see. In exploring all those places, it is made better by sharing with my loved ones.

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?
As a third generation maple syrup producer, I am honored to share the family’s organic maple syrup in different forms and uses. I am most proud to have taken this long family tradition and added new life and breath. Not only do I use the syrup/sugar as my everyday sweetener as my family has always done but, I have added it to food and drinks that help fuel me while on all adventures. Maple, compared to other natural sweeteners, is low on the glycemic index and packed full of vitamins and minerals thus making it a better choice for fueling adventures of all shape and size. Our sports hydration drink mix, Tree Juice, and our Maple Hot Cocoa consists of all natural and transparent ingredients that are easy to digest making them the perfect companion anytime or place. Whether you are a competitive racer or on a multi-day trail run or relaxing on a river trip, these products will hydrate and rejuvenate. Starting and building this business has been filled with many challenges. Simply navigating the consumer goods world is like learning a new language…one I had never heard before diving in. That world isn’t setup to foster startups, it is 100% geared towards BIG business and BIG distribution. Thus, it is so important that I’ve had endless support from other small businesses in the area. Without local farmers markets, natural food stores and small grocery stores our products wouldn’t have been accessible to folks around the area. I continue to learn more of the language with each step of growth! If I had to pick one things I’d like for the world to know about our brand and story is that we strive to live simply, tread lightly and eat nutritious, transparent food everyday. #vermontsticky #fillyourbucket #stickyfueled #treejuice #organicmaplesyrup #sportsnutrition

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?
Winter in Crested Butte Day one: Go downhill skiing at the local ski area finished with apres beers from High Alpine Brewing that was brewed with Vermont Sticky maple syrup. Day two: Backcountry ski day under a sunny Colorado sky…don’t forget the sunscreen. Get up high above tree line for big views and powder skiing. Day three: Check the snow conditions…ski either in the backcountry or on the ski area. Find fresh snow and big laughs. Have that day spill into the evening with good friends enjoying Vermont Sticky margaritas at my house and enjoying a home cooked meal. Day four: How about a cross-country ski adventure out one of the valleys! I’ll pack a picnic and warm Vermont Sticky drinks. Snow angels and giggles abound. After the day lets head into town and find a yummy farm to table dinner to warm our bones and fill our bellies. Day five: Where is the hot tub? I’d always say more skiing but we might need to find a hot tub at some point! 😉 That night venture into town for a show at the Center For the Arts music venue. Tim O’Brien perhaps! Summer in Crested Butte Day one: Spend the day mountain biking one of the trails. Enjoy fields of wildflowers and shreddy single track. Lots of giggles and wonder! Finish with a cold beer from High Alpine Brewing that was made with Vermont Sticky maple syrup. Day two: Hike to the top of a mountain. I’ll pack a picnic and Vermont Sticky’s Tree Juice to keep us hydrated and fueled for the day in the high alpine. Let the day spill into an evening around a campfire, grilled burgers/veggie burgers and Vermont Sticky mojitos! Clear star filled night and silly laughter. Day three: Time to blow up the stand up paddle boards and raft for a fun filled day on the water. The evening spend in a grassy field listening to live music at the free music concerts that are offered each week throughout the summer. Day four: More mountain biking!! Dinner out in town at a farm to table restaurant. Day Five: Trail run, hike, mountain bike, wildflower hunt…you name it and I’m IN!!! Finish with a jump in a COLD high alpine lake and a cold beer. Evening spend dancing and laughing at a local venue listening to live music.

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 not be where I am today with Vermont Sticky and in life without the help and encouragement of my husband, Dodson, and my dad, Bob. They both have been instrumental in providing the support I’ve needed to pursue this business venture rooted in a long family tradition of making maple syrup. As a third generation maple syrup making, my grandfather starting “sugaring” (what we call making maple syrup) in the 1950’s and after he passed, my dad continued the tradition teaching my brother, cousins and me all the nuances and subtleties of the spring harvest. So, what it comes down to is, much credit goes to my husband, grandfather, father and mother, brother and cousins. Secondly, I can’t overstate the importances of all the support I’ve received from my extended family and friends here in Colorado. Without all the support I’ve gotten from this community I would not have seen any success or traction. Folks here in the high elevation of the Rocky Mountains have continued to support my business even in the hardest of times. I continuously hear positive feedback from friends and strangers. I am truly very lucky and grateful to be surrounded with so much love and support.

Website: https://www.vermontsticky.com

Instagram: @vermontsticky

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

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