Rising Stars: Meet Mariah Kaercher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Kaercher.

Mariah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our story is a long and winding road that started with the desire to create community and provide a space for joy, connection, and expression. That road has taken me through different roles as a teacher, businesswoman, real estate investor, and event organizer.  My partner Jack has a background in business, property management, construction, creativity, and an overall desire to create beauty with the work of his hands.

We knew we had to pursue our Ikigai (life purpose) fully and combine our talents and background to create a space where people could connect to their loved ones, and nature, and leave our ranch with their cups filled. We bought the ranch last June and got to work opening the event space with a focus to start community programs, and host weddings and events.

The previous owners had spent the last 20 years building thoughtful cabins and taking stewardship of the land planting hundreds of trees. Their love and combined efforts gave people affordable mountain vacations that offered nature, relaxation, and lifelong memories. We continue to rent out the cabins in the same sentiment. We got started with an unyielding passion to live our dream life and find our ikigai, and we are gratefully committed to doing that every day through our business as a lifestyle.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our road has been smooth, bumpy, winding, and beautiful. Each struggle whether financial, lack of knowledge, imposter syndrome, communication issues, or any and everything else that happens to new business owners has been a gift on its own. Each obstacle has taught us what we are made of, what we can accomplish, and how to be a lifelong learner.

There have been many tears and fights along the way running a new business with my fiance and business partner Jack, but we make sure that we pause and celebrate our wins. It is easy to get fixated on all the things that can go wrong, or have gone wrong, or focus on the risk involved with starting a new business.

Worrying about a future that hasn’t happened yet is not beneficial and leads to emotional decisions, rather than coming from a place of presence and clarity to make the best decision. Starting a new business is scary, but you have to take it one step at a time and make choices from a place of clarity, rather than feeling over overwhelmed. We are learning that as we go along, and it is an ongoing practice.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I selected others because I felt called to all of the options. I feel like an artist, businesswoman, employee, boss, team member, creative, community member, and overall badass who is building my dream life one brick at a time. Jack and I started Pikes Peak Ranch as a lifestyle and business rolled into one.

We are building a space where all are welcome to come and feel connected to each other, nature, joy, and self-expression. Of course, we need to pay the mortgage and meet our bottom line, but the driving focus of this is people and community. Our professional lives and careers are our purpose and we are so proud of what we are building.

We are known for stunning mountain views, watching the stars from your hot tub, and celebrating inclusive love. Our biggest achievement is that people leave the ranch with a full heart and go back to their daily lives feeling joy from the memories and connections they made at the ranch.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Our views on risk are simple. Greater risk, greater reward. A lot of people would think were crazy for taking on the amount of debt and responsibility we did at our age, but those same people tell us how much they would to be living their dream.

When you find your ikigai, there is no turning back. To settle for the safe route and live a life with regret for not at least trying to accomplish your dream is heartbreaking. Settling was never an option for us, life and people are going to tell you no a million times but you have to believe in yourself and know that the million and one time is going to be a YES.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pikespeakranch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikespeakranch/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PikesPeakRanch/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDSQjQ7FB6U6okZwW6GJwg

Image Credits
Mallory Munson Photography and Breelle Hilsenrath Photography