This May, we are celebrating the incredible moms behind Arvada’s thriving businesses. From guiding teams to raising the next generation, these women balance entrepreneurship and motherhood with heart, creativity, and determination. Join us in honoring these inspiring women who lead with purpose, love fiercely, and show us how dedication and family can thrive both at home and at work.
Anastasia Haupt
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
One thing I have learned from being a mom that influences how I run a business is empathy. I am raising two wonderful children, and I realize how important it is to see the individual and proceed with compassion.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
My kids would describe me as loving, adventurous, and fun!
DeeAnna Osborne
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
I am great at multitasking and juggling many things at one time.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
Nice, wonderful, and smart
Alana Anzalone
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
One thing I learned from being a mom that influences how I run my business: Someone once told me I’ll never regret choosing my children over my job—but I might regret choosing my job over my children. That’s stayed with me. Motherhood taught me clarity and alignment. I don’t have time for what doesn’t matter, so I prioritize what moves the needle, set boundaries, and use my time intentionally. I’m constantly assessing whether my time and energy align with my values—because when they do, both my business and home life are successful.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
Considering they’re 7 and 5 and their vocabulary is still growing—I’ll translate: Loving. Giving. Compassionate.
Nicole Poel
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned through motherhood that has also shaped how I approach my business: everything is temporary. The joyful moments, as well as the challenging ones, are fleeting. The highs are worth celebrating and fully embracing, because they pass more quickly than we expect. It's important to be present and live "in the moment." And the lows, while often challenging, are just as temporary. Even in the hardest times, there is a quiet reassurance in knowing they won’t last forever, and that brighter days are always on the horizon.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
Loving, Honest, Driven
Rachel Eng
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
At 23, I was a mother of three children five and under. Managing their competing needs taught me to remain calm under pressure, think on my feet, and work at a rigorous pace—skills that became the backbone of my professional life. Daily parenting required prioritization: deciding what truly mattered in a moment and reallocating resources quickly.
Motherhood also cultivated stamina and resilience. Frequent interruptions and unpredictable challenges trained me to recover fast, maintain focus, and keep momentum on long-term goals. I developed systems and routines to streamline repetitive tasks.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
Cuddly. organized. selfless.
Katie Kessler
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
Motherhood has taught me that you won’t always get it perfect, but showing up, treating people well, and putting others first is what matters most. That mindset carries into our business, where relationships, trust, and hard work come before anything else. Some seasons are busy, but I’m committed to being present and doing right by the people who trust us, especially my own two.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
Hardworking, loving, and snack-provider.
Megan Kunz
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
Being a mom has taught me that people are not replaceable—they’re individuals with unique strengths. Each of my children needs support in a different way to bring out their best, and I carry that mindset into how I lead at Fade It. We extend that same care to our guests, making sure everyone feels seen, supported, and welcomed.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
Hardworking, caring, and always there for others—with a little humor, they might add “sometimes patient.”
Jenny Mears
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
Being a mom has taught me the power of showing up even when things feel messy and unexpected. Those lessons guide how I run my business: pivoting when needed and always leading with empathy and heart.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
Loving, determined, and a little silly.
Jess Perry
What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a mom that influences how you run your business?
My children have taught me that time moves far too quickly. I began this business to preserve those precious moments for my own family, wanting to hold onto each stage just a little longer. Today, I bring that same passion to every session, capturing the sweet moments that I know first-hand are gone in the blink of an eye.
If your kids described you in three words, what would they say?
Each kiddo picked one- Chatty, kind, and fun