We had the good fortune of connecting with Lexi Van Roekel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lexi, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
I just finished, Everything is Figureoutable, by Marie Folio. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to start a business, get unstuck, or re-engineer their approach to life. Everything is Figureoutable is more than just a book, it’s a mantra and a mindset that carries me through doing things I’ve never done before. As a startup cofounder, there are many things that seem impossible. When I feel like giving up I remind myself that everything is figureoutable, tap into my creativity, and do the work to make it happen.
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?
Elysium Open went from idea to startup during the fall of 2021 after participating in an idea accelerator provided by Startup Colorado. During the idea accelerator, we connected with other Rural Colorado startups, validated our business idea, and won a little cash to put towards getting our idea off the ground. Shortly after the idea accelerator, we decided it was time to toe up to the start line and register as an LLC to officially begin helping businesses reimagine their online shopping experience. With our first tool, businesses can welcome customers into their online store, and standby ready to answer questions just like they would in person with live video chat right in the corner of their website. We are thrilled with the possibilities our tools will bring to businesses. Our goal is to help a million businesses build a better online experience and stronger relationships with millions of online shoppers. We want the world to know that there is more to the online world and with our tools they can build more than a website, they can build a place for their customers to go, be helped, seen, and heard. Online shopping just leveled up.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Welcome to Grand Junction, Colorado’s best-kept secret for the adventure-seeking, outdoor enthusiast. We have everything you need during your vacation, and since you’re my best friend I am going to show you all the best spots! During your trip, we are going to refresh and rejuvenate with outdoor adventures ranging from mountain biking to river floating, get inspiration during the First Friday art walk, experience a winery tour and taste Colorado Wine at one of our local wineries. And if you need to get a little work done, we can snag a day pass at Alt Space, our cozy coworking space in Downtown Grand Junction. Okay, for the itinerary, don’t forget your mountain bike and trail running shoes.
Thursday: Trail run at Lunch Loops! If you are up for an incline we will run Eagle’s Wing, a 6ish mile loop with 360-degree views of the valley. Next up, time to refuel, we will stop by Cafe Sol and grab a big healthy soup, salad or sandwich. Yum! After lunch, we will walk down to Kiln Coffee, snag a cup and enjoy our cups from the window seat. After that, we will walk around DownTown Grand Junction and visit a few of my favorite shops: Pollux Clothing, Out West Books, and Willow Creek Herbs and Teas! Time to head home and get ready for dinner, we will grill and enjoy a bonfire with my local friends.
Friday: Let’s mountain bike! We will head to Fruita and start our day with a breakfast burrito and coffee at Best Slope Coffee. Next up, Kokopelli Trailhead, we will head up Mary’s Loop and ride until our hearts are content. After we ride, we will hit the Hot Tomato and refuel on the world’s best Stromboli and Pizza. Since you are visiting on First Friday, we will head Downtown Grand Junction for the Art Walk. We will end the day with an amazing cocktail and dinner from Bin 707.
Saturday: It’s your last full day. Let’s head out to Palisade for a river float and wine tasting experience. I’ll bring my paddleboard (we will rent you one at Rapid Creek Cycles). We will float from the east entrance to Palisade Park. Once we are finished we will rent bikes from Rapid Creek Cycles and cruise around Palisade, stopping by the local wineries and learning all about Colorado wine. We will finish the day with dinner and live music at Palisade Brewery.
Sunday: It’s time for you to head out. I suggest that you grab coffee for the road and fuel up on the best ever avocado toast, the Cheap Trick from Copeka Coffee!
See you next time friend!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Although there are a ton of amazing people in my life that lift me up, I’d like to give a shoutout to my mom. As a child and teenager, I watched her support our 6-person family as a single mom; she worked multiple jobs and tireless hours, but never gave up and always made sure we had what we needed. Fast forward to today, she is still my biggest cheerleader, confidant, and a big part of my why. Thank you for everything, Mom!
Website: www.elysiumopen.com
Instagram: @elysiumopen
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elysium-open
Twitter: @russellalexia