Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocky Donati
Hi Rocky, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Even in its infancy, Maven has always been a community that empowers women.
When co-founder Tessa Arneson opened her Pilates studio in the heart of Salt Lake City nearly a decade ago, she knew it was a stepping stone to something bigger. Clients always asked for recommendations on providers, from physical therapists to hair stylists. After so many instances, Tessa fantasized about what it would be like to have all of her favorite services and products in one location so she could point her clients down the hall instead of across town.
As she began envisioning what it would take to expand beyond four walls, she met her soon-to-be business partner and co-founder, Rocky Donati. A recent transplant from California, Rocky had left behind the high-intensity corporate world in search of something more fulfilling. She found refuge through Pilates, where she and Tessa crossed paths. Tessa knew immediately that Rocky had the business background, talent, and tenacity necessary to get this bold idea out of her head and into real life. In turn, Rocky recognized the transformative potential of Tessa’s vision and how vital it was for SLC to have a more sustainable micro-economy, while also providing locals with a stronger sense of neighborhood.
Together, they saw the opportunity to build something bigger than just a business. Maven could be a sustainable micro-economy that would redefine what local support looks like. With that shared mission, Maven evolved into what it is today: the world’s largest community of women-owned small businesses. Maven has grown into ten buildings across downtown, with six centralized on 900 South between State Street and 200 East. It is home to over 100+ local businesses, 85% of which are women-owned. But more than the numbers, it’s a movement—a place where women support women, where entrepreneurs take bold risks, and where the local economy flourishes through collaboration.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to building Maven wasn’t always smooth. Tessa and Rocky are naturally opposing forces—Tessa thrives on ideation and leads with her heart, while Rocky takes a logical approach and leads with her head. Their differing styles often created chaos and conflict, but their shared vision for Maven pushed them to find balance.
Through dedication, curiosity, and resilience, they transformed their differences into a strength, ultimately shaping Maven’s core values:
Lead with Love
Be Curious
Endeavor Tenaciously
This foundation has fueled Maven’s growth, turning it into a nationally recognized movement.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our mission at Maven is to build spaces centered around communities that empower women. We envision a vibrant world where women are celebrated for their present and future selves. We aim to nurture a community that supports women dreaming big and embraces failure as growth so that future generations will inherit a more equitable future.
We offer numerous ways to connect with us:
Maven DISTRICT: Home to 100+ Women-Owned Small Businesses
Maven STAY: Staff-Less Boutique Hotel Suites
Maven LIVE: Vibrant Residences
Maven CREATE: Coworking + Event Space
Maven STRONG: Reformer Pilates + Wellness Studio
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
If there’s one lesson that has shaped our journey the most, it’s this: Failure isn’t the end—it’s the foundation.
One of the core pillars of Maven’s ethos is embracing failure as a form of growth, learning, and transformation. The moment you stop seeing failure as something to fear and start recognizing it as an inevitable and necessary step toward success, everything changes. It gives you the freedom to dream bigger, to take risks, and to innovate without being paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong.
We’ve learned that failure is rarely about falling short—it’s about discovering what doesn’t work so you can refine what does. It forces you to adapt, to think differently, and to build resilience. Every misstep has led to a better strategy, a stronger team, and a clearer vision.
At Maven, we don’t just celebrate success—we celebrate the courage to try, the resilience to pivot, and the wisdom to grow from every experience. Because when failure is no longer something to avoid, it becomes the very thing that pushes us toward the extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mavenslc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavendistrict/
