We had the good fortune of connecting with Xiao Xiang and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Xiao, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
A new immigrant from China, I moved to the United States at the end of 2019. It was a new start for me, but it was also the beginning of Covid-19. I felt lonely and like I did not fit into this country.
Luckily, I discovered rock climbing during college back in Beijing, China. Even the first time I ever saw people climbing, I was afraid that climbing would make her bulky and not fit into a dress, or just simply this sport was not for girls, I turned around. Gladly, the adrenaline and excitement of rock climbing brought me back to the sport when I walked by the climbing wall again and I started to accomplish what I had desired.
Climbing has changed my life track and has been a natural therapy for me since then. I took a gap year because of depression and traveled around China, Thailand, and other Asian countries for rock climbing after two years of school. I gained so much experience, met so many global friends, and developed a deep love for the outdoors. After returning to school, I received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and kept climbing.
Boston was my first stop in the United States. I would ride the bike to the climbing gym in the middle of the winter, hang out in the gym quietly, and just climb because I thought my English was poor.
Three years since, I have gained so much confidence through English practice, traveling, and climbing. Climbing has taught me so much: that you can be really strong by being a woman, that you can chase your American dream by working hard, and that you can be alone and just enjoy climbing when you are down.
Climbing is such a fun and empowering sport. It’s my goal to share my experience with more people and we can have fun together. As the only AAPI-female-run guiding business in the Front Range, I am even more excited to introduce the sport to more AAPI communities!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Owned by an Asian woman with 8 years of climbing experience, we hold up a high standard for outdoor climbing, hiking, and backpacking adventures. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients for a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment.
I am proud of being the only AAPI-female-run guiding business in the Front Range. Despite so many outdoorsy people living here, so much fewer AAPI people have the chance to experience rock climbing and other outdoor activities. It was not easy to start as one of the kind for sure. Being an immigrant means I had to learn everything from scratch, the culture, the language, the manner people do things here. Gladly, I have supportive family and friends with me along the way, and rock climbing, is my way to find strength and motivation every time I am down.
In order to provide outdoor guiding service, I spent a month in total taking lessons and gaining certifications. Now I am a certified climbing instructor, personal trainer, and wilderness first responder. I am so proud of myself for completing those classes and now being able to provide professional work to all.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh welcome to the Front Range, where the countless and majestic mountains await.
Day 1: Visit downtown Fort Collins, a historic town with a relaxing Colorado State University vibe. Walk on the bricked street and have an ice cream. Find the crafted beer in NEW BELGIUM or Fat Tire, the award-winning craft breweries in town.
Day 2: Hike around Horsetooth Reservoir and book a Rappel and Climb trip with Swingo Adventure. You will overlook the beauty of the reservoir and be exposed to the great outdoors.
Day 3: Visit RMNP and hike around Bear Lake, experiencing the alpine lakes and crispy air.
Day 4: Have an easy day and have brunch at the Eggs downtown Estes Park.
Day 5: End your trip with an unforgettable Via Ferrata trip with KMAC Guides in Estes Park!
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?
The ESL mentoring program provided by Poudre Library! They have helped me so much with my English and projects along the way. Closely working with a mentor with similar passion and expertise, I have learned so much about finding my inner strength and gained more experience starting my own business.
Whetstone Climbing, is a great climbing community in Northern Colorado, the first climbing gym I had worked for since I moved to the States. The coworkers here are supportive and friendly.
KMAC GUIDES in Estes Park, a really lovely climbing community and workplace. I have learned so much from my coworkers and bosses. They showed me professionalism and passion. They are devoted to providing the best outdoor climbing experience to clients. If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, book a Via Ferrata or climbing trip with us!
Website: https://swingoadventure.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swingoadventure/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiao-xiang-370aba147/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090804955676