After moving every three years growing up, Kylie Bearse finally found a place she never wants to leave. “You couldn’t kick me out of Colorado if you tried,” she says. A meteorologist for Fox 31’s Morning News, Bearse made a name for herself around town hosting fashion shows and starting Approachable Outdoors, a hiking blog focused on mental health. This month, she’s teamed up with the swanky Poka Lola Social Club in the Dairy Block for a fundraiser that’s both improving mocktails and benefiting mental health. We caught up with her to find out more about the collaboration.
“When I started Approachable Outdoors during the pandemic, I thought it would be a small side project, a place for me to tell people about the hikes I go on. But it turned into so much more. I really believe that the more people we educate about the outdoors, the more people will start taking personal responsibility for it.”
“Too often, when I tell people I hike, they ask me how many 14ers I have done. I am more about hiking and then making it back home for happy hour. I am here to take the intimidation factor out of the outdoors. Approachable Outdoors has also allowed me to partner with local restaurants and charities to bring attention to the causes I care about most.”
“Poka Lola asked me to be the celebrity bartender for its January fundraiser, with the proceeds going to a charity of my choosing.”
“I don’t have any previous bartending experience, but I’m really good at pouring a glass of wine.”
“My favorite cocktail is an old fashioned. But we are making it a mocktail with alcohol- free whiskey and tying in the outdoors by using fresh rosemary and pine. When I wake up at 3 a.m. to give the morning weather report, I can definitely feel the difference when I opt for a mocktail the night before.”
“I wanted the proceeds to go towards mental health, so I chose Khesed Wellness and its pro bono therapy program. They provide free therapy for those in need, with several programs for Denver’s youth, victims of gun violence, hospitality workers and the LGBTQ+ community, to name a few.”
“Therapy has been life-changing for me, but it can be incredibly expensive. I love Khesed Wellness’ mission to make therapy more accessible for people right here in Colorado.”
