Meet Kristin Lopez | Love Like Lenny, Founder

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

Hi Kristin, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Well, it started as a stirring in my head and in my heart to make a difference. I’ve hesitated for about two years to share this, not knowing what would come of it. But then my passion started to rise, the on going rush of heartache and sadness we see on the news began to weigh on me more heavily and I feel the call now more than ever to do my part in making this world a better place.

All of the typical clichés started piling up and from all directions. Stop Dreaming, Start Planning-If not today then when?-Life’s too short-Lead by example- what have you got to lose?- and here’s a favorite—90% of succeeding is showing up. All that to be said, here is the real magic…

My Pop Pop, Lenny Ettinger, was the most generous human I have ever known. He is my inspiration. He made sure the people around him knew kindness, laughter, love and generosity even far after his soul left this earth.

He made every person he came across, directly and indirectly feel respected and cared for. I want to do my part in my small little piece of this world to keep that going and make a difference.
To lead by his example.

I firmly believe that the generosity of kind words and actions is what people need more of. I feel it deep down that if we all reach just a little further, love harder, try better and help others that the precious lives that we share in our short time in this world would make us smile more.

It looks like this in my eyes… Encouraging others and setting an example of being intentional with your generosity towards everyone even perfect strangers. Kindness to those who need help and to those who don’t. Love the people we see every day, or only sometimes and honor the ones we will never see again on this side of heaven.

It’s such a simple idea, to help make your community better by breathing positivity in to it-even on the hard days. Life gets bigger than us sometimes but I say let’s make it better by making love a priority.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
“Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone” I love this quote so much and I finally feel like, in more tangible ways, that I am making this my reality. Love Like Lenny has been many different things in my mind, from a mobile presence in the community to a service that would provide happy snail mail to people who need a smile and literally almost everything in between. I am realizing that it can be all of it and I am ready to take this little outlet in any way that it will go to reach the hearts of absolutely anybody I can.

Leading up to this point I was apprehensive about what people would think or how people would respond. Overall, was this the path I was supposed to take? Could I just have a sign that confirmed that I am using what I learned and loved about my sweet Pop Pop to do my part, to carry on his legacy. There is no courage without fear, can I get an Amen?!

Well, I decided to put my ideas out there. First to my husband who is my biggest supporter with helpful critiques. Then, I put it on the calendar, February 15, 2021 is when I would publish the Facebook Page and officially make this a thing! But more importantly I would share my plan with my family, who I adore, on February 14th. Valentine’s day, when love is highlighted and hopeful. I sent a group text to my family explaining what Love Like Lenny would be and how it will do nothing more than honor Lenny while trying to make the world more vibrant.

Shortly after I sent that text my cousin replied with such kind words and also a reminder that February 14th was in fact my grandpa and grandmas, Lenny and Ethel’s wedding anniversary. The very two people who brought my Dad into this world celebrated this day for many years, unknowingly I picked the exact same day to speak the language of love in the best way I know how. Coincidence? Maybe. Was that approval? In my eyes yes! Was that the clarity I was looking for? Absolutely. Within seconds of receiving that message I went from unsure to one hundred percent driven in the direction I was headed!

I believe in being loyal to a cause that is dear to your heart. Use what you are given to be generous with what you have, your passion, your resources, your gifts. Attributes that stand out to you are the exact traits you should embrace. The light you see shining from others in your life is the same rays you should offer to others without hesitaion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Welcome to Castle Rock, Colorado! We live in the small but mighty town of Castle Rock, not very far from the famous Mile High City of Denver. I love to take guests into Denver but that will be later in the week. First, we need to embrace the magic of our small town U.S.A. Castle Rock is actually really up and coming. Our hometown go to dinner spots would be local breweries in our sweet town. There are a few that come to mind, Burly, 105 West, and Wild Blue Yonder. Each of these have great food trucks nightly and the local beer is awesome. Then there is the Great Divide brewery and restaurant, it is a step up in the streets of Castle Rock, there is usually a wait but it’s totally worth it. This place is my fav, they have a Strawberry Rhubarb beer that is something special. For a quick craft cocktail or a trendy dinner with the elite wait staff we will have to visit Tribe, fairly new to the downtown scene of Castle Rock but is the extra flair it needed. Along the way we can check out the cute boutiques in the same area. We could take a day to hike the actual Castle Rock (a large rock in the shape of a castle in the middle of the town). It won’t take a full day to hike but its fun to see everything from up high and enough hard work to make us feel accomplished! Later in the week we will have to venture to see a concert at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, literally the very best concert venue I have ever been to and a quick 30 miles from our hometown. A Colorado Rockies game is a must. The fans, the food, the excitement of the ball park, especially when they hit a home run is a fun experience. During a certain season we may also get to go to see the Denver Broncos play, where the scene is larger than life at one mile above sea level where you should drink a lot of water. On our way back south we would stop for sushi at our favorite place, Hapa Sushi. That sounds like a full week full of being outside, eating and drinking with the best of them. So much fun, we have to make sure you want to come back!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many people come to mind who deserve credit and recognition in my story. My husband, Phillip Lopez, who loves me unconditionally and cheers me on with support at every turn I take never once hesitating to be by my side. My mom, Sabine Kaiser, for believing in me even when I wasn’t completely sure I knew how to believe in myself. My brother, John Ettinger, who makes me feel like my voice is valuable when he comes to me for advice and for inspiring me to be the best creative version of myself. My Dad, John Ettinger Sr., who we lost in 2011 but has lit a fire of advocacy and perseverance in my soul. God. My sweet friends and family, my community of followers and of course Lenny Ettinger, my Pop Pop. The things I loved most about Lenny were his kind eyes. His big heart full of grace and mercy. His laugh. I loved the way he was quick to share his knowledge but took his time to teach you something new. His ability to make others feel important no matter your size, age or beliefs. He was a leader in our family and in his community. His smile. He was so caring and was always ready to help, even perfect strangers. Lenny was always generous to charities and non-profits, running along side them to make an impact. The simple ways he could build people up without ever knowing it left a lasting impression.

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/lovelikelenny

Image Credits
Ashley Smith, for family picture