Paige Japinga

“Fourth-quarter guts,” that was my Dad’s response to my four brothers and me when we wanted to call it quits or had some lousy excuse for why we couldn’t follow through on a commitment. I grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, with four brothers, one half-sister, and three dogs. My parents encouraged us to work hard, play hard, and take care of others from an early age. So, when we weren’t battling each other for bragging rights on the tennis court, you could find all of us volunteering at “Meals for Wheels” or the Lansing homeless shelter. I’m not going to lie; there were days when we wanted to skip volunteering and just play tennis. We were kids! But even to this day, I can reminisce about how gratifying it felt to serve others; this stuck with each of my siblings and is a part of who we are today.

After graduating from Michigan State University with a Hospitality Business Degree, I moved out to Vail, Co, where my connection with nature blossomed along with my love for mountain sports. I traded my tennis racquet and court apparel for a mountain bike and full-face downhill helmet. Life in the mountains has been a truly magical experience for me because it allowed me to build a successful career while providing the opportunity to play in some of the world’s most beautiful terrain.

When I am not working, you can find me riding my beloved mountain bike, hiking with my two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Gemma Juice and Regal Rose, practicing Astrology, or cooking dinner with my neighbors who have become like family to me. I guess you could say I am one lucky girl. If our paths ever cross, I would love to connect and hear your story too. Until then, keep spreading kindness when life presents the opportunity.