Meet Maria Lopez | Entrepreneur and business owner

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

Hi Maria, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Finding harmony when running a business is complicated! Like anything when you first begin it takes so much more time. Time well spent learning and quite frankly putting the work in to make sure you can put food on the table. You have a lot on the line and it can get intense. As you gain experience – you realize what works for you.

For me the term work life balance does not resonate. Balance is a state of mind driven by what you prioritize most in life. Understanding that I chose the competing priorities in my life helps with long days no matter what I’m doing.

What should our readers know about your business?
My husband and I started Avant Garde Event Services because, honestly—we love throwing parties. Big ones. The kind where the music’s amazing, the vibe is electric, and the whole community shows up. But for us, it’s not just about a great night out—it’s about bringing people together and giving back.

We focus on music festivals and nonprofit events that put local vendors, artisans, and small businesses in the spotlight. Every event we produce is a mix of unity, creativity, and purpose. We want people to leave feeling like they’ve had a blast and been part of something bigger.

Getting here wasn’t always a smooth ride—event production means juggling a million moving parts, and things rarely go 100% according to plan. But we’ve learned to roll with it, stay flexible, and keep our sense of humor intact. The best lesson? Surround yourself with good people who believe in the same mission you do.

At the end of the day, we’re not just in the business of events—we’re in the business of connection. And that’s what makes all the early mornings, late nights, long hours, walking an hundred miles in one week, and crazy setups totally worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would set out to reconnect and catch up with my favorite human. We would make the beautiful 3 hour drive from Denver to Hooper Hot Springs. There’s nothing like soaking in warm mineral water while gazing at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Great Sand Dunes, and at night, you can see every single star in the sky. .Add in camping under the Aspen trees and a easy hike to Zapata Falls, We would do some treasure hunting through local thrift shops, and supporting small businesses (like ours) that pour heart into what they serve and sell. We’d recharge with a sound healing session in Crestone and then head back to the Mile High City! We would wander First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe, drink lots of wine, be inspired by the talent and creativity. The grand finale? A night at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater—music echoing off ancient sandstone, dancing under the stars. Thats Colorado magic with my bestie.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my mom—a single mother and devoted teacher who believed with every fiber in her that the key to freedoms was knowledge. She sacrificed endlessly so I could chase my dreams. She worked long days in the classroom and even longer nights at home, somehow managing to give me both her time and her wisdom. Her resilience, love, positivity, kindness, and belief in me have been the foundation for every success I’ve had. Mom, thank you for showing me what strength and dedication look like.

Website: https://avantgardeeventservices.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avantgardeeventsco?igsh=MTVsYWplNm9zZnNt&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-lopez-colo?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CFm6QmRTb/?mibextid=wwXIfr