By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Angela Carlson

Angela with her husband Erik, their son Ryan and daughter Katie in 2016 enjoying one of the sites at the San Sebastian Winery in Spain – one of their many favorite places to visit and travel.

“Follow your passion” is a phrase commonly used when looking to pursue something new in life. Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, resident of The Village at Castle Pines, Angela Carlson has always stayed curious and explored things that sparked her passion. Previously a neonatal nurse practitioner, Angela now fills her days as a self-driven entrepreneur and co-owner of REB3L Fitness, a company that has built a community on the strength of one another.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Carlson and her husband Erik moved to The Village in 2002 with their then 3-month-old daughter, Katie (now 18). A city girl from the downtown streets of Chicago, Carlson traded her views of skyscrapers for mountains, when Erik’s company DISH Network, transferred them to Colorado. An avid world traveler, Carlson said the mountain views and trees make it feel like she is on vacation every day. She loves the closeness of the community which has made it a wonderful place to raise her family and grow lifelong friendships.

Prior to Carlson’s departure from Chicago, she was in charge of the neonatal nurse practitioner academic program at Rush University. She understood hard work and long hours. Bringing the online component of the graduate program to life, Carlson continued to teach online classes from their Castle Pines home. It wasn’t until Carlson attended her first cardio-fitness exercise class that she discovered a new passion within the health industry.

The Village at Castle Pines resident Angela Carlson (bottom left) along with fellow Denver Startup Week panelists discuss the challenges and rewards of starting a new business.

Carlson was intrigued by the strong sense of inclusion associated with the ambiance of the class. The dim room, loud music and no talking created a true individual experience for Carlson, yet she was supported by a group of individuals new to her. It was the energy of the members and instructors that drew Carlson to the fitness industry. Taking a page from her parents’ book, Carlson and her business partner started their own business – REB3L Fitness.

Although Carlson’s company is fitness-based and online, its true strength is in the supporting community. The REB3L nation online platform has brought 1,300 nationwide members, many from the Castle Pines community, together. Members continuously lift one another up empowering each other on a daily basis.

Drawing on this community foundation, Carlson was recently one of three panelists to participate in the inaugural virtual Denver Startup Week. Built by the community for the community, Denver Startup Week is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in Denver. Carlson feels that sharing business experiences and brainstorming outside of her core business is so important for community building.

Chasing her passion, Carlson has not only embarked on a new career path, she has traveled with her family on several historic trips. They have explored Europe, Italy and Greece. Next on the bucket list is a visit to Africa. In the meantime, she continues to listen to her club members, connecting emotionally and physically while keeping the strength of her community strong.