We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Helene Rohr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Helene below.

Helene, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

To me, taking a risk means making a decision or taking action despite uncertainty about the outcome. It involves stepping outside of my comfort zone. But if I practice trusting the unknown, then what once felt like a ‘risk’ instead becomes an intentional journey—more of a quest than a gamble. Risk implies a fear of loss, while a quest implies purpose, adventure, and an openness to discovery. This is where I can express my creativity, finding solutions when things change.

A few years ago, I started something entirely new with no guarantee of success. I had a vision for creating an alternative hangout spot—one that aligned with my values and passion. I had no roadmap, only the desire to build a welcoming and accepting space. The uncertainty of creating something outside of what people were familiar with was daunting. It was like a clubhouse—some even called it a youth center for adults—without the expectation to consume anything. Would people be interested? Would I be able to sustain it? There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned whether I had made the right choice.

But as I moved forward, I realized that the very thing that made it feel risky—the uncertainty—was also what made it exciting. Over time, what I started began to evolve in ways I hadn’t expected. It took unexpected turns, shaped by community, creativity, and a willingness to adapt. What once felt like a leap of faith slowly transformed into something deeply meaningful, something I could pour my heart into. It taught me that risk isn’t just about taking chances; it’s about being open to change and trusting the process. Looking back, I wouldn’t call it a risk anymore. It was the beginning of a journey—one that continues to unfold in ways I never could have predicted.

Helene, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m someone who believes in the transformative power of community and creative expression. My journey into this work began with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a space where people could connect, express themselves freely, and explore new ways of learning and growing. In 2017, I took a leap into the unknown and opened a community space designed to foster acceptance, diversity, creativity, with a lot of fun and lightheartedness.

What started as an alternative hangout spot has since evolved into something much bigger than I ever imagined. In 2020, a nonprofit organization [HearthspaceMoab] came on board, embracing the space and expanding its purpose. Today, it has become a vibrant hub for workshops, documentary film nights, QiGong, meditation classes, and other programs focused on self-awareness and personal growth. While I no longer run the programming myself, I am most proud of having created the foundation for a place that continues to thrive as a gathering space for meaningful connection and exploration.

As a naturalized citizen, I understand the challenges of navigating change and finding a sense of belonging. That experience has shaped my deep appreciation for community and the importance of spaces where people feel truly seen and heard. Looking back, I wouldn’t say I simply took a risk in opening this space—I followed a calling. Seeing how it has grown into a hub where creativity and purpose flourish is one of my greatest joys.

What I want people to know most is that this space, at its core, is about community. It’s a place where people from all walks of life can come together, engage in new experiences, and feel a sense of connection. I am honored to have laid the groundwork for something that continues to inspire and bring people together in ways I never could have predicted.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience, to me, is about adapting to forces beyond our control while holding onto what truly matters. Living in Moab, Utah—a place of raw beauty but also unpredictable extremes—has taught me this firsthand. In the last few years, our town has experienced major flooding, and I’ve witnessed the heartbreaking reality of watching things get washed away.

One moment, everything feels solid, dependable. The next, the landscape shifts, and what once felt permanent is gone. Seeing the physical spaces we create—places filled with memories and meaning—get overtaken by the elements is a humbling experience. It’s a reminder that nothing stays the same, and yet, in that uncertainty, we find our strength.

The community spaces have not been immune to these challenges. Floodwaters threatened to undo years of effort, and the sense of helplessness was overwhelming at times. But what I’ve learned is that resilience isn’t just about rebuilding what was lost—it’s about embracing change and finding ways to move forward, no matter how unpredictable the path. I was fortunate to have the support of wonderful fellow creatives and doers around me and luckily I didn’t have to go through the experience alone.

Moab’s landscape is constantly shifting, shaped by time, wind, and water. In many ways, so am I. And while I can’t control the storms, I can choose how I respond to them—with creativity, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the power of community to weather any challenge.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that creativity is only about producing something tangible, like putting pen to paper or making art. For a long time, I didn’t consider myself a creative person or an artist. I believed creativity was something reserved for those who could paint, draw, or sculpt—skills I didn’t think I had.

But over time, I began to realize that creativity isn’t just about creating a physical object. It’s about seeing the world differently, thinking outside of the box, and finding new ways to engage with life. Life itself is a constant and ongoing creation. We’re all creators, whether we’re building relationships, solving problems, or simply finding ways to navigate the complexities of each day.

This shift in perspective was incredibly freeing. It helped me embrace my own creative process and see that it’s not always about producing something to show the world. Sometimes, it’s about the subtle ways we shape our experiences, our communities, and our own growth. Unlearning the old definition of creativity allowed me to reconnect with myself in a more authentic way—and to recognize that creativity is as much about the journey as it is about the end result.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hearthspacemoab.org/
• Instagram: @hearthspacemoab
• Other: @MoabKitchen
  @Helipadmoab