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Local to Legend

Local to Legend

Emily Steele

Local to Legend is the podcast for local business owners like you, looking for the resources and tools needed to create a scalable, profitable, simply irresistible brand. What makes local businesses different than small businesses? Local businesses have their own little ecosystems they work within. Some local business owners have the hopes of being sold to Unilever (Schmidt’s) or getting a HGTV show (Joanna Gaines) or being sold in Target (Ben & Jerry’s). Others want to be a legend in their own community where people know, love, trust, and refer them all the time. The cool thing about being a legend is it’s fairly subjective, right? We have legends in Des Moines, Iowa (my home base), but they aren’t legends in the country. We have legends in the country, but they aren’t legends in the world. What I’ve come to discover in hundreds of conversations with local business owner is this: they desire MORE for themselves. They want to expand, but how? They want to grow their business, but what do they do? They want to pivot, but what will that mean? Local to Legend is about that conversation. And I'm thrilled to have you here.
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Top 10 Local to Legend Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Local to Legend episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Local to Legend for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Local to Legend episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

This week Emily chats with Rabia Kamara, the owner of Ruby Scoops, an ice cream/dessert shop in Richmond, Virginia. Rabia was bit by the baking bug early on when she got her first cookbook around the age of nine. Headed to law school, she changed her mind and instead wanted to do something she was passionate about: culinary school. Her parents were unsure of her decision at first, but warmed after seeing Rabia in her element at school and in her jobs.

After culinary school and jobs in savory food, she decided to switch to pastries in 2013 and has had a career in desserts ever since. As the only Black woman in the restaurant she worked in, she noticed that she didn’t receive the same amount of respect and treatment as some of her coworkers. This pushed her to go out on her own and start selling her ice cream at farmers markets and other events that slowly began growing her brand. Ruby Scoops opened up a storefront in November 2020 and recently WON a Food Network show you might have recently seen, Clash of the Cones with Ben & Jerry’s!

Rabia and Emily chat through her journey to ice cream and what it was like to build her business on the East coast. They dive into her Food Network experience and what it was like to have Kevin Bacon and Ludacris taste her ice cream flavors.

Tune in for topics like:

  • How Rabia got into desserts and started her career
  • Navigating your relationship with your parents when you choose a different career path
  • Rabia’s experience as the only Black woman in her restaurant job
  • Starting Ruby Scoops and Rabia’s first farmers market
  • Rabia’s take on what you need to be an entrepreneur
  • Where to start for aspiring dessert shop owners
  • Rabia’s personal journey on the Food Network channel

Links from the episode: include any links that were discussed

Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!

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For this episode Emily chats with Raven Rose, an Herbalist and Educator, although she personally identifies as a medicine woman. After experiencing years of excruciating pain that came with her own menstrual cycle, Raven began exploring the possibility that the root cause was much deeper within her. This search for healing led her down a discovery path to her ancestors and ultimately to opening Moon Medicine.

Whenever there is a block in our external world, or something that we are trying to create, there is usually some connection to the physical body. That’s one of the things Raven likes to teach people - how they can learn to navigate their personal human process vs. everything they may have read in books or observed in others.

Listen in as we learn from Raven about the power of our cycles and how they are connected to our voice, how getting in touch with our bodies and listening to the messages they provide can help push us past feelings of being blocked (in life and business!), and how healing is fluid and different for everyone.

Tune in for topics like:

  • How Raven followed her own menstrual journey that lead her to open Moon Medicine
  • The power of ancestral connection and how it shows up in the body
  • Herbalism, ethnobotany, womb massage, spiritual healing, and more
  • How to tune into your body’s messages and break through blocks in life and business

Links from the episode:

  • Moon Medicine website
  • Moon Medicine Instagram
  • Moon Medicine Facebook
  • Free Training – Sign up + learn how to generate consistent sales for your local business WITHOUT a complicated or expensive marketing strategy

Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!

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In this episode I’m going to talk about some of the things we are doing with our clients at Love Local and over at the hummingbirds to generate new business, repeat business, and incredible opportunities we’ve implemented to help brands expand.

You’ll hear why holistic strategy is my sweet spot and why I want my clients to know that they can use their business for purpose not just for profit. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Or incredibly expensive. Maybe it’s the scrappy roots I started from, but I’ve worked with many types of clients in different industries to grow their business to the level they desire. Whether it’s hitting an income goal, creating more space for creativity, or setting up systems so vacations are a possibility, it doesn’t matter.

I want to help you illuminate that possibility for your business:

Tune in to find out how we helped a:

  • Local MedSpa streamline systems and create partnerships that drive revenue like a cash infusion that brought in $10,000 of unplanned revenue (in a pandemic!)
  • Physical Therapy clinic optimize their website and increase referrals while also building connections with current patients
  • Cycling Studio create organic buzz with a hummingbird partnership the owner called her “best investment yet”
  • Personal Stylist + Direct Sales Consultant curate a Facebook Group with 400+ members that generate new + repeat business on a consistent basis
  • Nonprofit utilize Facebook Ads to increase their program applicants and build a funnel tailored towards retention of those applicants
  • Photographer serve her clients better while not spending hours in her inbox by creating content she could regularly point potential clients to

Links from the episode:

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Today’s episode guest is Nora Crosthwaite, the creator of Stagerie, a staging solution that pairs agents and homeowners with stagers. Stagerie hosts consultations virtually, making it easier for both stagers and homeowners to find a time that works, and the business specializes in staging occupied homes, a category that can be tricky to do. After working with Stagerie, clients have a full blueprint of exactly how to stage their home to get it sold.

Nora joined me for this episode of Local to Legend to talk about the process that goes into building a tech company from scratch, the world of home staging, and how to build a company that attracts customers because of how well it serves the ones it already has.

Tune in for topics like:

  • Nora’s pivot from a lucrative IT career to forging her own path in real estate
  • The ins and outs of the Stagerie platform
  • Finding a trusted development partner, legal partner and business coach
  • Navigating the world of venture capital
  • Attracting your ideal clients rather than paying for leads

Links from the episode:

Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!

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“It really is a case of a rising tide lifts all boats. Other artists doing well makes the markets we’re at better, which brings more people, which means we do better. So it’s definitely something where the incredible community allows us to do what we do.”

On the podcast this week, Emily chats with Tammy and Adam Winn, owners of Red Door Press. Red Door Press is a letterpress print shop specializing in hand-printed cards, broadsides, social stationery, gig and event posters, corporate branding, workshops and much more.

In 2008 Tammy went through a career change and was in search of a creative outlet as a result. After taking a class at the Des Moines Art Center, she ended up finding and purchasing an old printing press that was about to be thrown away. Her desire for creativity combined with the idea that she could help preserve this technique drove this decision despite the fact that she had no idea how to restore or use the press. The 1,500 lb printing press moved into her garage and was the piece of equipment that ultimately started the journey to starting a business.

In support of his wife’s passion, Adam leaned in to support rather than resist the takeover of the garage. Together they began to learn from an older generation of printers who were gracious enough to share the history, techniques, equipment, type, and much wisdom. They attended their first market with little experience and that led to being invited to another, which led to another, and they soon were included in a lot of indie craft markets throughout the community. Over the years participation has grown and in 2019 they attended 75 different events; all the while both are employed full time outside of the print shop.
This is one of the very things that make Tammy and Adam, and their business, unique. Having their full time jobs allows them to not worry about their basic cost of living, allowing them to create simply because they want to rather than because they have to. This has expanded their freedom and creativity in intentionally making things that they feel are one of a kind, valuable, spread an important message, and are desired by their customers...the stuff you can’t just find in any home decor store.

Don’t miss this fascinating episode as Tammy and Adam dive into what starting a business in a “supposedly” dead industry entails, how they give back and share with the next generation of printers, and their hopes for the future of Red Door Press.

Tune in for topics like:

  • What letterpress printing actually means
  • How having foresight into business purchases is important
  • Why knowing your strengths and those of your business partner is important for teamwork
  • The importance of supporting the community around you

Links from the episode:

  • Visit the Red Door Press website to view their prints and learn more
  • Follow Red Door Press on instagram for new designs and behind the scenes at the shop
  • Free Training – Sign up + learn how to generate consistent sales for your local business WITHOUT a complicated or expensive marketing strategy
  • Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!
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“We’ve literally trademarked the term “word of thumb” advertising, that’s what we call our share feature”.

This week's episode is full of energy as Emily talks with Sara Castillo, Co-Founder and President of TapOnIt. Sara oversees and manages communication between brands and consumers through TapOnIt. Her unique background has allowed her to become an expert in driving traffic and sales into small businesses in the most beneficial way possible. Focused on the customer experience, Sara's strengths lie in building relationships between consumers and businesses, creating loyalty and generating excitement for TapOnIt across all of the markets. Since co-founding the company with her sister, Katie Wilson, in 2015, TapOnIt has evolved into a major player in SMS/MMS consumer engagement.

Whether or not you’re familiar with text message marketing you won’t want to miss this podcast! Emily and Sara discuss how text messaging is the most widely used app on a smartphone, how texting is the fastest way to get a hold of somebody, and how businesses can almost guarantee their text will be seen versus traditional fragmented advertising methods.

What makes TapOnIt unique is that it appeals to both the local business owner and the consumer. It’s never spam and it’s never a list of bought phone numbers...it’s always current deals and 100% opted in. Plus, there are always incredible contests and sweepstakes available, as well as opportunities to unlock bonus offers!

Listen for more information on how you can get connected to TapOnIt to receive the latest deals; as a local business owner and as a consumer.

Tune in for topics like:

  • Relevant, cost effective ways to get your brand in front of people
  • How businesses can grow using “word of thumb” advertising
  • The benefit of using text message marketing as a business owner
  • How to reach consumers who love to save money but want convenience
  • Why our friends recommendations matter to local businesses

Links from the episode:

  • Learn more about how Tap On It works via their website
  • Follow Tap On It on Facebook and Instagram
  • Free Training – Sign up + learn how to generate consistent sales for your local business WITHOUT a complicated or expensive marketing strategy
  • Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!

More from Sara and Tap On It:
Don’t miss out on deals in your area! Send the message TAPONIT to 82928 and respond with your zip code to receive the most recent offers. Note: standard message rates and data apply.

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“Be authentic, be you. Don’t try to be anything you’re not. Don’t try to be everything to everybody. That’s another big piece. That’s where a lot of people tend to lose because they get caught up in not really knowing who their customer is and what they stand for. They truly want to be everything to everybody.”

We are so excited to share this conversation with Jason Pirock, the Director of Marketing for Aparium. Aparium makes “hotels that matter'' and provides “the most unique experiences in the most distinctive places”. When the founders saw an opportunity to bring elevated, upscale, boutique hotels to secondary and tertiary markets that’s exactly what they did. Creating and mastering a niche in translocal hospitality, Aparium brings passing guests together while connecting with local communities and the people that inhabit them.

Not only does Jason manage a marketing campaign for the Aparium brand itself, he also oversees each of the individual properties in the portfolio, personalizing each brand identity to the specific market. The properties alone don’t speak for themselves so it’s crucial the teams in each market are genuine and truly care about the guests and their experiences. Jason relies on traditional PR tactics as well as social media to get the word out in a real time way.

Join us for this podcast as Emily and Jason discuss how Aparium works: from finding historic buildings to restore and bring back to life, to choosing all local vendors, makers, and artisans as the hotel suppliers, to the key role of the Lifestyle Director and their collaborations with locals in the community.

As you listen you’ll quickly realize that Aparium is not just a hotel. It’s an experience. It’s the place to be and hang out.
Tune in for topics like:

  • Translocal hospitality and what it means to immerse the local community into a hotel
  • Creating a hotel that is not just a place to stay but a true experience
  • Managing an overall brand portfolio made up of several properties each with their own unique brand identity
  • How to use hotel space creatively during times of restricted travel and gathering

Links from the episode:

  • Follow Aparium on Instagram
  • Like Aparium on Facebook
  • Stay in the know with Aparium on LinkedIn and Twitter
  • Free Training – Sign up + learn how to generate consistent sales for your local business WITHOUT a complicated or expensive marketing strategy
  • Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!

More from Jason and Aparium:
Aparium currently has seven open and operating locations with five new hotels opening in the coming months. Learn more about each experience on their website.

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Our guest this week is Mary Senese with Dough Re Mi; an edible cookie dough company. Join us as Emily gets a behind the scenes look from Mary about how she started her business from the ground up. From initial concept and product testing, to official launch, to expanding the brand nationwide, and most recently acquiring a brick and mortar storefront - all in less than a year!

After graduating college, Mary returned to her hometown ready to start her career. What began as a way to make homemade Christmas gifts (and some extra dough), soon became a blossoming business. Mary quickly realized she had something extra special in the edible cookie dough recipe she had created and enjoyed herself during her time at school. Trusting her instincts and passion for entrepreneurship, Mary decided to go all in on starting her own edible cookie dough business.

Having no financial backing or budget, Mary relied on Instagram and word of mouth to spread the word. She reached out to local influencers and business owners on the gram and actually *asked* for what she wanted; their support. She would send them samples of her edible cookie dough and in exchange all she asked was that if they enjoyed it they would share about it on their social platforms. It didn’t take long for the Dough Re Mi brand presence to spread and order demand to increase.

Listen to this tasty chat as Emily and Mary discuss all the logistics of operating a food based business, tips for expanding a brand nationally, and most importantly - recognizing and addressing the highs and lows of business and the impact on our mental health.

Tune in for topics like:

  • Expanding a local brand to a national market
  • Why it’s important to actually *ask* for what you want
  • How to use Instagram to grow your online presence
  • How easy it is to tie our personal value to our business value - and why we shouldn’t

Links from the episode:

  • Follow Dough Re Mi on Instagram
  • Like Dough Re Mi on Facebook
  • Order edible cookie dough on the Dough Re Mi website
  • Free Training – Sign up + learn how to generate consistent sales for your local business WITHOUT a complicated or expensive marketing strategy
  • Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!
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In this week’s podcast episode, Emily chats with Regan Doely, owner of Doe a Deer, a product-based business offering kitchen decor and home goods. Regan shares more about her leap from freelance to products, how she’s driven growth and what her expansion to a storefront has looked like.

Reagan graduated from Grand View University with a graphic design degree and spent her first few years working in corporate graphic design departments. Feeling the itch to flex her creative muscles beyond strict brand guidelines, she started her side hustle, Doe a Deer. What started as a primarily freelance business designing logos and brands for other entrepreneurs quickly became part product-based as Regan began selling her stationery designs. A love for vintage kitchen decor like flour sack towels pushed Regan to begin experimenting with designing her own and eventually landed her at craft shows, selling her stationery, towels, and greeting cards. At first her freelance clients gave Regan the cash flow to be able to invest in buying stock of her products but over time she continued to grow the product side so that less and less clients were needed. Today her primary focus is on the products.

Regan walks listeners through her experience growing her business and the steps she’s taken to drive that growth, especially her approach to wholesale. She breaks down some of the wholesale markets she’s tried and which ones are her favorite. Regan also shares her experience sourcing the perfect building and getting ready to launch her own storefront in Stuart, Iowa. She offers her advice for any new or aspiring product based business owners ready to launch their idea into life.

If you’ve been curious about what it’s like to build your own product based business or launch a storefront, listen to this episode with Regan!

Tune in for topics like:

  • Evolution of Doe a Deer from freelance to products
  • When Regan knew it was time to leave her corporate job
  • The story behind Doe a Deer’s signature flour sack towels
  • Why and how you should prioritize your margins
  • Regan’s advice for anyone dipping their toes into wholesale
  • How to test the waters before opening your own store
  • Launching F is for Fawn, new baby product line

Links from the episode:

Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!

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In this week’s podcast episode, Emily chats with Ciara Landroma, an entrepreneur, coach and van-lifer who finally said yes to her dreams and shed the expectations of other people a year ago to set off on her own adventure traveling the country, working on the road, and supporting women with finding financial freedom. She joins Emily to chat more about letting go of goals that weren’t really hers to begin with, selling it all and living in a van, and her new found love for content creation.

A corporate, ladder-climbing professional got to the top and didn’t like anything she saw. So, she said goodbye to it all and drove away. Literally. Ciara Ladroma moves with a purpose to share how life can be absolutely delicious when you start to choose yourself. Ciara lives full-time in her campervan as she works and plays as a 100% digital nomad with her partner and their dog. Ciara creates wealth for Women, Queer Folx, BIPOC through budget & business coaching, as well as, a curator of multi-media content that inspires viewers to choose themselves and choose joy.

Tune in for topics like:

  • Shifting from a work-first mindset to finding joy
  • The collection of moments that led to a radical shift in Ciara’s life
  • Why a month long challenge turned into 3 years of sober living
  • Pivoting to focus on content creation
  • The question we should be asking ourselves regularly
  • Navigating others’ opinions of your decisions
  • The Daily Moment program

Links from the episode:

Follow me (Emily Steele) (Love Local) on Instagram for a little business + a little life, and a whole lot of positive energy!

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FAQ

How many episodes does Local to Legend have?

Local to Legend currently has 67 episodes available.

What topics does Local to Legend cover?

The podcast is about Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Small Business, Business Growth and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Local to Legend?

The episode title '65 - Launching a Local Music Venue with Tobi Parks from xBk' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Local to Legend?

The average episode length on Local to Legend is 32 minutes.

How often are episodes of Local to Legend released?

Episodes of Local to Legend are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Local to Legend?

The first episode of Local to Legend was released on Nov 10, 2020.

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