Meet Trailblazer Tarah MacAlmon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tarah MacAlmon.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Tarah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Lofthouse was imagined in car rides up to the mountains, on date nights with my husband, and in our wandering conversations of how we might live life a little different. A little more anchored, a little more creative, a little more available… a little more of a lot of things. I’ve always loved the woods and been deeply fascinated by good design and modern architecture. In fact, most of my childhood memories involve building forts, climbing trees, exploring the woods, and crafting. “Crafting” is what my parents told me to do any time I was bored. I had two choices. I could explore, or I could craft. Taking things and making something of them… that was “crafting” in my household. As I think about it now, it’s interesting to see the seemingly random threads of curiosity I have had all along, now intersect at the creation of our Lofthouse.

In the winter of 2017, I stumbled across a property that seemed perfect for our family. The real estate market was hotter than hot, and within the first couple of hours, the owner of the home had received four full-price offers. One of those was full cash, and willing to go as high as they needed. (Spoiler alert, ours was not the full cash offer.) We knew we likely did not stand a chance, but as we got to know the owners, we learned there was a beautiful story connected to the home. The owners had dreamed up the house and worked for decades to purchase the land and build a home for their children and grandchildren to gather. The house was situated on a hill with a Pikes Peak view, surrounded by beautiful ponderosa pines and meadows. The parents had passed away and sadly, no one in the family was able to keep and maintain the home. It was a heartbreaking decision for the family to list the home, but the children knew that the time had come to turn this page. On paper, we were the least advantageous pick, but in the end, this family turned down better offers in order for us to be able to purchase the property. They felt strongly that their parents would have wanted it this way, and that the legacy they worked so hard to build would be honored with our family living in these woods. This kindness and intention was deeply impactful and became the foundation on which our dreams of The Lofthouse could be built. It’s difficult, impossible actually, to separate The Lofthouse from this great story of generosity and legacy that our family encountered.

Like all dreams, at first, The Lofthouse was an abstract concept. We dreamed more about its ethos and purpose than it’s design or business model. My husband Drew is one of the most actively curious people I know, and our conversations usually began with one of us saying “What if…” “What if we had a place we could run our business, but also a place for our fellow entrepreneurs to land? What if we had a space that could spark inspiration and encourage collaboration? What if we could showcase this city we love and invite people into a place that is beautiful and intentional?” We spent the next year fleshing out these ideas. We were the architects, designers, and builders. We asked hundreds of questions, and “built the ship at sea” for the most part! We both have day jobs. Drew does film and video production, and I do design and selection coordinating with a local builder. Our need for space like The Lofthouse was both internal and external. We needed a way to maximize our own work hours and wanted to encourage our other entrepreneur friends on their journey.

Has it been a smooth road?
For me, learning how to do the work we do, in the context of the world we live in has been a challenge. I find many entrepreneurs share this sentiment. I think there is a disconnect between who we want to be, and who we feel we need to become in order to be a relevant player in the industry. In all areas, but especially in the “creative” field, there is an assumption that our identity and even belonging, should be wrapped up in the work we do. We decided at the very beginning of our journey with The Lofthouse, to be our most honest and true selves. To create meaningful things more than we curate. To be “in the arena” instead of on the sidelines. To encourage and empower others to thrive, instead of competing, and that in the end, we are not what we do. We are not what our creative contribution is. We are not a business model or a brand. Our success isn’t measured by likes on a photo or hashtags. Our success has already happened! We showed up. We have worked very hard and risked big on an idea that we haven’t really seen before. We have modeled for our kids, the meaning of hard work and imagination. At the end of the day, we shut our computers, turn off our phones, and get to be with one another. To us, this is winning. Anything that happens beyond this is just a bonus!

My advice for other women is simple. If you want the fruit of your life to flourish, dig deep roots into the things that will keep you anchored, strong, healthy and truly thriving. Find ways to build others up with the unique skills you have. In my experience, no amount of generosity has ever been wasted! Champion those around you and you might be surprised by those who are are quick to champion you in the work you do.

We’d love to hear more about The Lofthouse.
Nestled in a hillside in the Black Forest, The Lofthouse takes a modern approach to cabin living. One part studio one part getaway, The Lofthouse is two unique and separate spaces under one roof. The Loft offers a place to find inspiration then put it to work. It is an open concept space with a high vault ceiling and clean, modern design elements. The Loft is primed for versatility and hopes to provide a break from routine that invites creativity, collaboration, and fresh motivation. Our clients love The Loft for offsite, small retreats or events, and photo and video shoots.

The House portion is the private lower level, offering guests a place to stay, unwind, and enjoy the city we love. The interior offers a Scandinavian modern charm inspired by the surrounding ponderosa pine forest. Neutral colors, rich textures, and uncluttered design make this modern retreat the perfect place to exhale. Only five minutes from “the city”, this inviting space offers a getaway experience in a convenient location. It is equipped with all the necessities and technology, plus the uncommon invitation of Colorado outdoors waiting just beyond the front door.

We hope that what sets us apart from others is our genuine hospitality, unique design, and intentional space. In The Loft, we love to celebrate brave entrepreneurial and creative efforts, and hope that The Lofthouse can become a place in our community to do just that! In the House, we hope to offer a truly exceptional guest experience. Plain and simple!

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’m always on the lookout for voices that shape empathy, courage, and ingenuity in me and I believe there is absolutely nothing like a good story. Stories not just of the rich, powerful and beautiful, but the poor, weak, and under-rated!

Audible has become my saving grace. I buy a book for a month and listen and re-listen to each book. In between dropping kids off, meeting clients, and grabbing groceries, I have a discipline of listening to books pretty much whenever I can! In an ideal world, I would actually sit and read, but that is not real life for me right now. If you opened my audible app you’d find books by Malcolm Gladwell, Amy Poehler, Brene Brown, Chip Gaines, Bob Goff, Andy Crouch, Questlove and Ed Catmull (to name a few of my faves.) As a design junkie, I take resources and inspiration in stride! I try to keep up as much as possible with designers who inspire me while maintaining my own sense of autonomy. Sometimes I find inspiration is harder to come by with too many voices and images in my head. I try to take apps like Instagram or Pinterest in small doses to take in the bits of curated inspiration that there is to offer and then be done with it. I move on and let ideas rattle around in my own head. That’s usually when true inspiration strikes!

I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a community of inspiring women. My closest friends are non-profit leaders, authors, therapists, business owners, and some of the best mothers I have ever seen. They live big, brave lives and along with me, fumble through this dance that is life and the balancing act of trying to spend their days on meaningful things that add value and beauty to this earth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thelofthouse.co/
• Phone: 7193044510
• Email: info@thelofthouse.co
• Instagram: @thelofthouseco

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.