Meet Sloane Ansell: Owner, Alpha Lit Denver

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

Hi Sloane, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I whole heartedly disagree with the phrase, “The customer is always right” because it’s just simply not true! I believe that there is a respectful way to understand why a customer is feeling a certain way, and make it right while still holding true to your values. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
On top of owning and operating Alpha Lit Denver, I also have a day job that keeps me plenty busy! By day I lead a customer success team for Google. I had a very roundabout way of getting to Google… But basically out of college I just started saying yes to opportunities and yes to being uncomfortable. It led me to my first SAAS job at a small startup in California, and then to another in Santa Cruz, CA. That company took me to NYC and ended up getting purchased by Google! It’s been so interesting being part of tiny companies that are truly just trying to get by and make a name for themselves, to now be at arguably the most established software company in the world! I think that a lot of the things that I’ve learned in my professional career on how to interact with people of all different backgrounds, thoughts, beliefs, etc prepared me to be a great small business owner. When my fiancé and I landed here in Denver I knew that with my knowledge and drive I wanted to try my hand at running a business, and that’s what led us to Alpha Lit Denver!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is so dang hard, because we truly love this city and all it has to offer! It seems cliche but if someone has never been to Colorado we usually head to Red Rocks first. I take it for granted, and forget that not everyone has something so amazing in their backyard, AND you can watch live music? It’s truly something special, As for eating, I LOVE Linger. I think everyone visiting by the time they’ve landed knows that we’re going to Linger and we’re eating a dosa. I also love a good cocktail, especially a well done espresso martini so we’re probably also taking them to Death & Co one night and The Family Jones at some point. Attimo Wine Bar is another favorite because it really feels like you’re stepping off the street and going to Italy for a glass of wine! As for breweries, where to even start… Raices has the best outdoor area in my opinion, Prost is always a fun time, and Denver brewing CO is just a staple that gives you a taste of the heart of Denver with some bomb brews. And of course when we’ve drank maybe a little bit too much the night before, we’re taking them to Rosenbergs! Our go to takeout is Pepper Asian Bistro 1 or 2 and Spice Room for Indian.

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?
A little known fact about Alpha Lit Denver is that it’s actually a locally owned franchise! I’d like to shoutout Mackenzie Skipper of Dallas Texas for having this amazing idea of lighting people’s events and empowering people across the country to do it too! We believed in her vision of Alpha Lit and through her guidance and support has made it what it is today.

Website: alphalitletters.com
Instagram: @alphalitdenver
Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/in/sloaneansell