Arvada Hospitality Heroes
The Arvada Visitors Center recognizes a few of the amazing hospitality ambassadors in our community and thanks them for making our city a place with a reputation for amazing hospitality for residents and tourists alike. Please use the form below to nominate someone you think is a Hospitality Hero!
Alexandra Larsen, Mermaid Walking Boutique
This month, we’re recognizing Ali Larsen, owner and founder of Mermaid Walking Boutique. Ali - a fashionista since birth - has spent most of her career in the cosmetology industry. We’re so glad she transitioned to fashion, and Olde Town is lucky to have her style in our town! After moving around during her earlier years, she settled in Arvada and has been here for over a decade - the longest she’s lived anywhere.
How long have you been open? How long have you been doing this?
Mermaid Walking technically began in 2017 when I purchased a vintage Airstream off Craigslist to remodel into a mobile boutique. It took me almost two years to gut & re-build it myself, so she didn’t launch until 2019. Fast forward a global pandemic, Louise (our second fashion truck that really grew the business), and many lessons later, we opened our first storefront in Olde Town on November 1st, 2024. So, the storefront has been clubhouse-ing for almost two years, but I’ve been popping up in our fashion truck throughout the metro area and working on our website for about six years.
What do you want people to know about you, your store, and your vibe?
When I started Mermaid Walking, I was always dreaming of creating a place where women would leave feeling more capable than when they walked in. Every piece should make you feel like you can go out and conquer the world, defy the odds, do what people thought wasn’t possible—like a mermaid walking.
We don’t just want to sell you clothes; we want to help you step into your full potential and run like heck towards your calling. Sometimes, dressing the part and seeing yourself in a different light spark the fire in you.
What would you tell someone new to Arvada about Mermaid Walking?
Mermaid Walking’s style is edgy, unique and playfully badass. We’re far more interested in dressing you for the next-level version of yourself than the latest trend. Dressing like a badass (however you define her) makes you act like a badass, which means you are, in fact, a badass. We’ve got the clothes for that. We’ve also got one heck of a supportive, walking community of mermaids who want to see you succeed.
Our storefront is called The Clubhouse because it’s a place to dream, plan, collaborate, reenergize, dare, meet up with the girls, and play. We host uniquely inspirational events, book clubs, game nights and, recently, a fashion show featuring role models from the community.
Do you have a personal mantra?
Defy the odds.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
I have the most amazing husband and son in the world. They are so supportive but also so hilarious and fun when I just need a break. I love spending time with them (and our perfect dog, Lyric) doing anything or nothing at all. I’m an avid reader, self-improvement junkie, backyard sitter, Bible study groupie, dancing queen, craft addict, and beach LOVER.
From Ali:
I’d love to meet YOU! Please come visit The Clubhouse, Mermaid Walking Boutique at 5760 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Unit D, directly to the right of Fuzzy’s Tacos in Olde Town Arvada. We’re open every day except Tuesday.
Thank you to our Hospitality Heroes sponsor, the Arvada Hilton Garden Inn!
Hospitality Hero Nomination Form
Do you know of a Hospitality Hero in Arvada that deserves some special recognition? Please fill out the form below to nominate them. Each Hero that is recognized will be featured in Visit Arvada communications and receive a $150 gift card to an Arvada business of their choosing.
Past Hospitality Heroes
2026:
2025:
August / September 2025: Kendal Lyon, La Patisserie Francaise
June / July 2025: Martin Montoya, Apex Park and Recreation
April / May: Taylor Winkler, Malara Gardens
February / March: Paula Hotaling and Andy Busold
2024:
August / September: Marc Baldridge, Residence Inn by Marriott
April / May: Lee Kauffman, Lake Arbor Golf Course
February / March: Bill Orchard, Volunteer at Arvada Gardeners
2023:
October / November: Debbie Mitchell, King Soopers
August / September: Katie Brandt, Apricot Lane
April / May: Nicole Canton, Hilton Garden Inn Arvada
February / March: Emily Grace King, The Arvada Center
2022:
December: Vernon Johnson, Jr., Lead Mixologist at The Butchery
February: Kacey Goode, Lot One
2021:
December: Olivia Mansell, Einstein Bagels
October: Devynne Marshall, LUKI Brewing