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

Hi Laura, how do you think about risk?
I”ve always believed that if you don’t take the risk, you could regret it. I’ve been faced with that decision many times and sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve recently decided to further pursue my passion of helping others by working toward my Yoga Therapy Certification. Helping others has always been my “why”, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to do this in another powerful way. My entire professional life has been about serving others; in the service industry as a smiling face behind the bar or espresso machine, by helping someone feel great in their own skin, guiding yoga and meditation, and providing opportunities for one to create space for themselves and move through difficulties. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and if it’s proven anything it’s that we can do hard things!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well I’m certain most can agree with me that 2020 was eye opening for many reasons. Lots of us have had to make necessary changes due to hardship, and I’m very grateful that opportunities have opened up for me during such a difficult time. Last time Voyage Mag chatted with me, I was focusing solely on my skincare business with Rodan + Fields. I am still involved with skincare, but have also recently taken over as General Manager at Moxie Bread Co in Louisville (I’ve been there 4 years now), and I’m very proud of our mission to nourish and educate the community with heirloom grains in all that we bake. We were nominated for a James Beard Award in 2018 and 2019, and opened a second location and milling site in Boulder in 2020. I’ve also decided to pursue my Yoga Therapy certification through Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. I was worried that COVID would hinder my ability to complete this training, but the school was able to pivot and provide online training, and certify us to share this special practice with others online as well as in person. 2020 was an incredibly difficult year for everyone, and I know now that this form of yoga therapy is not only healing but maybe even necessary especially now!

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 are so many wonderful places to see and do in Colorado, I’m so lucky to live in such a place of beauty! My local hot spots include: Twist and Shout Records, The Hi-Dive, Domo, Modern Nomad, Ratio Brewing, Trve Brewing, The Botanic Gardens, and Museum of Modern Art in Denver. Then in Boulder I love hiking the flat irons, getting fresh pressed juice from Wonder Press, and maybe happy hour at Jungle or Arcana. Moxie in Louisville is a must of course, to get some great bread, pastries and coffee. I’d likely escape the mountains to Crested Butte or to Eagle and visit some old friends and either do some snowboarding or hiking depending on the time of year.

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 have so many amazing teachers: my parents, my sisters, my yoga teachers and my husband. All have been nothing but supportive my entire life, and I”m so grateful. Those that have put themselves at risk to help others during the last year get my shoutout. They deserve so much credit for ensuring we are all safer and can continue to do the things we love to do. They do it with kindness and selflessness, and ask for nothing in return. They are the real heroes!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/tattoosandglowingskin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-fessenden-0ba36296/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.fessenden.1

Other: https://www.moxiebreadco.com/

Image Credits
Lauren Defilippo Whitney Devoogd

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.