BizBeat: New Golden business empowers women to connect, learn

Welcome Goddess is probably best described as “a community center for women.”

After opening in March, more than 100 women from across the Denver area have been frequenting the Golden-based business for book clubs and other activities.

About 30 teachers offer classes on dance/movement, breathwork, art, sound healing, trauma release and other activities. Many participants arrive early or stay after, chatting while they make tea or eat dinner.

And that’s exactly what founder Katherine Davis wanted.

She frequently hears women say: “I’m in my own head too much.” But, she hoped Welcome Goddess’ programming would “help them get out of their mental chatter, and connect with their bodies and each other.”

The space at 15940 South Golden Road features meeting areas, an outdoor patio with a community garden, and two studio spaces.

Unlike many dance and yoga studios, Davis said Welcome Goddess’ spaces are dimly lit with no mirrors to help participants from feeling self-conscious.  

“They should feel free to go inward and connect with themselves, and do so in a community of fellow women,” she said.

Although most activities are only for those who identify as female, Davis said some are open to people of all genders.

Welcome Goddess also hosts programs for teens and seniors. It also offers some free events, like a conversation about perimenopause and menopause.

Of all its activities, Davis felt the women’s circles were the biggest hit.

While they can involve some facilitator-led rituals, Davis said women’s circles give women a safe space to share their experiences. Group-share settings help reassure participants that they’re “not alone in those experiences,” she continued.

Welcome Goddess will be offering more activities in the coming months, including more specifically for mothers. Davis said she’s open to suggestions from the community.

For more information, including a list of activities and prices, visit welcomegoddess.com.

Local volunteers, entrepreneurs honored at annual chamber awards

There’s no place like home, and many Goldenites have worked hard through their businesses and volunteer efforts to make Golden the best home possible.

The Golden Chamber of Commerce recognized their efforts at their April 10 awards ceremony, President Nola Krajewski said.

“There are so many wonderful things happening in Golden because of the efforts of some exceptional individuals and it is great to be a part of acknowledging that,” she continued. “We had over 40 (nominees)… and it was challenging to narrow it down to seven winners.”

The 2023 winners were:

• The Golden Civic Foundation received the Community Impact Award;
• Kathy Smith was named Volunteer of the Year;
• Golden Counseling Center’s Marina Buswell was named the Young Professional of the Year;
• On Tap Credit Union’s Marshall Moore won Ambassador of the Year;
• Calvary Church received the Golden Standard Award;
• My Place Pediatrics won the Budding Business Award; and
• MolsonCoors was named Business of the Year.

Krajewski explained that the Golden Standard Award recognizes organizations or businesses that demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusion. Calvary Church was nominated and selected, in part, for its free Lunch & Life program for Colorado School of Mines students, its refugee program and food pantry.

Meanwhile, the Budding Business Award recognizes a company that’s been operating for five years or fewer for its creativity, energy and perseverance, Krajewski added.

Dr. Sheila Tann of My Place Pediatrics at 700 12th St. was nominated and selected for her work starting a telehealth program focusing on children’s mental health in 2021, and offering medical care that encompasses a child’s whole self for more than 250 local families.

Meanwhile, Smith was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for her work with Golden United, Hunger Free Golden and other local organizations.

For more information on the chamber or this year’s winners, visit goldenchamber.org.