It takes a certain kind of practical magic to help launch over 100 businesses + brands in a Rust Belt city that has been through the economic ringer. Stephanie Sheldon is the brand + community builder behind Indie Foundry and the Cleveland Flea and she has done just that. We’re chatting with her about curating experiences that connect shoppers with small business, debunking biz myths, facing fear, living an inspired life, and being a changemaker.
In this episode:
• Connecting makers with shoppers by curating experiences that create community.
• Part urban treasure hunt, part culinary adventure, and part maker center… we want to hang out there.
• Helping biz owners have the aha! moment that babies have when they recognize themselves in a mirror.
• Living in a hostel and hosting pop-up dinners brought clients but not enough cash.
• Community + commerce is what people need to grow their businesses immediately.
• Over 100 small businesses launch in Cleveland through Stephanie’s work.
• Making it irresistible to shop small is changing the economic landscape of
• Morphed into creative business coaching
• Passionate change makers are Stephanie’s jam
• Making it all make sense and removing the anxiety for people
• Dealing with competition and jealousy
• Living an inspired life and feeling connected + purposeful brings happiness
• The sadness of Olympic cities
• Making friends at lunch isn’t just for elementary school
• Beyoncé comes up again
• Stephanie is for hire!
• NBA playoffs and how they affect a city
• Leaving a career in architecture during a recession was a wild start to Stephanie’s current work.
• Helping business owners know how to speak to the world involves some practical magic
• Great insight if you want to start a biz at 26:25
Stephanie said:
A logo won’t get you very far. It will just give you the illusion of legitimacy. Tweet This
I feel most glorious after getting through some of the toughest moments. Tweet This
Practical things affect human life. You don’t have to do grand gestures to make the world a better place. Tweet This
Misty said:
I think my parents gave up early on me because they knew I was just going to be a free spirit and end up doing 100 different things. Tweet This
That’s how I feel when summer gets here, life is going to be ok. Tweet This
Randy said:
You’re the first one who said your most glorious moment was firing somebody! Tweet This
Dive Deeper:
Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow
Aloe Blacc + the song you have to hear/see