Alicia Vanwallaghen

Age: 35
Owner
Leaping Llamas Artisan Shop

Alicia VanWallaghen took her love for art and a leap of faith to open Leaping Llamas Artisan Shop three years ago. Through her shop, she curates an art gallery in which she promotes quality products—many of which are made in Kansas. She also provides educational opportunities for artists and those who want to learn about art.

Alicia currently serves as a board member to the Friends of the Mulvane and helps organize the Mulvane Art Fair. She is a service chair for Topeka South Rotary, heading up the volunteer programs, and she helps coordinate the auction and prizes for the Evening as a Child fundraiser benefiting the Easter Seals Capper Foundation.

“Incredible things happen when your team feels heard,
their contributions are valued, and they are
contributing to the final outcome.”

What brings you joy?
Being outside of my comfort zone. Some of my best relationships and experiences have been the result of embracing the unknown.

Best advice you have received?
Experience, learn and debate respectfully with people who think, act and live differently than you. This approach will help you grow and develop as not only a leader, but also as a person. It is a great way to remember we are all human, and that kindness and grace matter.

What would your superpower be?
To have the ability to survive a day without coffee. But then again, that sounds terrible!