What I've Learned from Being a Small Town Entrepreneur

As I settled in to write you this week, I started to reflect on my past 10+ years of entrepreneurship. I'm struck by the variety of lessons this journey has brought into my life. It’s been a road of highs, lows, and everything in between. Today, I want to share some of these lessons with you, hoping they resonate and perhaps guide you along your own paths.

The Power of Community

The first and perhaps most profound lesson has been the immeasurable value of community support. In our town, where everyone knows each other by first names and business is more than just transactions over a register, I've learned that our neighbors are our greatest advocates. When Green Roost was just starting, it was the enthusiastic word-of-mouth from our local community that really helped put us on the map. To this day, that word-of-mouth is still what lifts us up and carries us along.

Whether you tell a friend about a new style you’re excited about, interact with us on social media, or share these blogs to people who may not see them otherwise, we are grateful for all the times you chose to share about our shop.

Flexibility Is Key

In small towns, market demands can change like the wind. One day, there's a trend sweeping through, and the next, it's gone. I learned early on the importance of adaptability—whether adjusting our product offerings based on feedback or shifting our marketing strategies to align with new digital trends.

This same flexibility spills into our personal lives, too. It’s always when things seem to be going smoothly that life/business throws you a curveball. It’s learning to be flexible in those moments that helps you navigate those situations.

The Uniqueness of Small Town Charm

There's a unique charm to running a business in a small town—the personal connections, the stories behind each purchase, and the way your store can become a local landmark. Embracing this charm and weaving it into the narrative of your business can set you apart from competitors, especially larger chains and online mega-giants.

There was a time in my life that I was sure I was destined to become a big city girl. But now, I’m so grateful this small-town life chose me.

Celebrating Every Win

In the world of entrepreneurship, especially in a smaller market, every win, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. From the first customer of the day to hitting monthly targets—each success is a step forward.

Celebrate your victories with your team and your community. We all want to see each other succeed!

To sum it up (TLDR), running a business in a small town isn't just about keeping the lights on and the doors open. It's about creating a space where people feel welcomed, where products have meaning, and where every purchase supports a collective dream.