Daily Inspiration: Meet Veronica Mata

Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Mata

Hi Veronica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was very fortunate to be raised in a home that encouraged creativity and trying new things. My parents always had paints, crayons, and chalk for us to draw and color. They would come up with scavenger hunts and games for special occasions and when we traveled. They enrolled my brother and I in almost every activity under the sun. I tried pottery, piano lessons, cheerleading, soccer, tap dance, swimming, drawing classes, and hip-hop. While only a few of those stuck as I got older, mainly music and dance, I was always surrounded by creativity.

I used to think I essentially fell into this path of creativity and artistry, but really I was making steps that helped shape what I do today. My childhood inspired me to create. My high school years in the Marching Band taught me leadership and executing someone’s creative vision. My writing degree helped me think more about how people see and need stories. Designing Escape Rooms at The Clue Room full time for the last eight years showed me how to immerse people into a world unlike anything they have experienced before. Fast forward to my added education in interior design, fueled my passion to create spaces that allow people to feel a sense of escapism in their own homes or businesses. Ultimately I pursued this creative career because I love to see people engage with and react to a space and break free from the “ordinary.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I entered college, like many people, I was worried a career in the arts wouldn’t yield a “successful” job post-graduation. So, I started as a business major. I developed a passion for business, especially as my parents opened up Colorado’s First Live Escape business, The Clue Room, in 2014. However, the lessons I was learning in my business courses didn’t match the incredibly useful, real-life experiences I was getting helping my parents operate The Clue Room.

The business program at CU Boulder was competitive and tough. I hadn’t found much of a community and it was easy for me to isolate myself. I loved business, but didn’t love the environment. With the encouragement of my parents, I knew I needed to try something new. I was lucky enough to be able to transfer easily to CU Denver and pursue an English Writing degree. I was able to work more closely with the family business and pursue a more creative major in a tighter knit education community.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
It’s taken me years to feel confident enough to say, I’m a designer. I design Escape Games (Live, Mobile, and Digital). I design Experiences and Events, from Game Shows to Clue Hunts to Story Slams. I’m an Interior Designer that’s worked on commercial and residential spaces.

There’s a lot I’m proud of! I’m proud of puzzles and spaces I’ve designed at The Clue Room for games like Time Capsule and Colorado’s Missing Lynx. I’m proud of a basement bar I designed for a client that was Tokyo inspired. I’m proud to have worked for small businesses for most of my life.

I specialize in unique, practical, and fun spaces! I know how to make a space unlike anything else. I love to create!

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Email me (localbuzzsbs@gmail.com) or DM me @localbuzzsbs – a little side project I’ve had since COVID! I’m always open to new ideas and collaborating! Support me by supporting The Clue Room! Attend our events, book an escape room, or contact us if you’re looking for a fun and new way to reach customers and folks in the community! If you can, always remember to support small and support local businesses!

Pricing:

• $35/person for Live Escape Games at The Clue Room
• Call for a quote on any creative project!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theclueroom.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/theclueroom
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theclueroom/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-clue-room
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theclueroom
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-clue-room-centennial-2

Image Credits
Tracy Rivera for headshot