Jen Taler is a Las Vegas-based entrepreneur with a focus on creating spaces and connections while highlighting local small businesses. Her projects have captured the essence of the city, building community and supporting the Las Vegas small business scene.
With the opening of Dustland, a bar designed to capture the vintage spirit of Las Vegas, and the continued growth this year of Market in the Alley, the Art & Wine Walk, and Picnic in the Alley, an initiative benefiting the Women's Hospitality Initiative, Jen has made a lasting impact by uplifting local businesses and artists to drive our local economy. She has helped create consistent platforms where emerging makers can meet new audiences, test ideas, and build sustainable momentum. Her work continues to strengthen the city’s independent creative scene and foster a sense of connection in every neighborhood she touches.
Learn more about Jen's work.
Q&A WITH JEN TALER
If you could order one meal from any Las Vegas restaurant as your last meal on Earth, what would it be and why?
If I could order one meal from any Las Vegas restaurant as my last meal on earth, it would be honestly the spaghetti from La Strega. It’s so good. I am not even a pasta gal but man, I dream about that spaghetti. Anytime I know anyone going over there, I ask them to bring me some!
What’s a local issue you wish more people paid attention to and why?
The lacking of chips and queso and breakfast burritos (Tex-Mex style) offered in this city is truly heart breaking ;) It truly brings immediate joy to your life if we had more of it :)
If you were the ruler of Las Vegas for a day, what would be the first improvement you would make for locals?
If I were the ruler of Las Vegas for a day, the first improvement I’d make would be addressing parking in the Arts District. I’m not opposed to paid parking. I understand the value of keeping spaces turning over so businesses and staff aren’t taking up the spots meant for guests. But it’s a sensitive balance. For many locals, the combination of driving Downtown, searching for a spot, and then paying high prices to park on top of their visit becomes a real deterrent.
I’d focus on creating a more welcoming, incentive-based approach. For example, the city already offers free street parking during the week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., but there’s almost no promotion or signage about it. I would highlight that more clearly at the meters and throughout the neighborhood. I’d also introduce free parking on Sundays to encourage locals to come down and explore.
I would hold the city-run lots accountable for capping their parking rates during special events. While I understand there’s increased demand and an opportunity to capitalize on volume, it’s frustrating for guests who are simply coming to support local businesses not attend an event to get hit with steep parking fees.
Another improvement would be implementing validation options. If someone spends money at a local business, they could receive one or two hours of free parking. This would support both accessibility and local commerce without placing the burden back on small businesses.
I know the city implemented paid parking partly to fund a much-needed parking structure, and I recognize that long-term value. But the current system impacts guest accessibility and discourages the foot traffic we’re still building in the Arts District. As retailers and small businesses who keep the neighborhood active during the day, we need more solutions that make it easier, not harder, for people to visit.
Where in Las Vegas do you go when you need to recharge?
I love going up to Mount Charleston to recharge. Nature is always calling! And the mountain-crisp air helps calm the mind and recharge the soul.
Why do you continue to live in Las Vegas?
I truly love this city. When I moved to Las Vegas in 2009, I never imagined I’d stay. Yet somewhere along the way, this place got its hooks in me. Being able to immerse myself in the local creative community and contribute to its growth, along with the evolution of our city and Downtown, has made it feel like there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
I also love how close we are to the mountains. I’m happiest outdoors hiking, exploring, and now sharing that with our little one. Plus, Vegas is so easy to travel to and from, whether we’re heading out on a quick trip or welcoming friends and family here. My boyfriend and I have truly built a life here our child, our businesses, our community, and our friendships. This city has been incredibly good to us, and we’re excited to continue being part of its growth for years to come.
