Opening a boutique supply store at the age of 24 after graduating college with a degree in philosophy.

Chelsea Risling is the founder of Meraki Supply Co. a boutique storefront featuring products from other small businesses. In this episode we talked about her experience of graduating college and then going in a completely different direction and opening a small business.  We talked about the the challenges and triumphs of pursuing passions, the evolution of purpose amidst societal expectations, and the importance of community in guiding one's journey. We also talked a lot about not fearing change and trying something new, like moving to Connecticut and working for Yale's Hockey team. We can all draw insights and motivation from Chelsea's experiences and outlook on life.

Bio:  Chelsea Risling is a Saskatchewan native who after high school, moved to Calgary to pursue a degree in philosophy at the University of Calgary.  After getting out of college and doing some traveling, she decided going to law school wasn't for her and opened up a boutique retail store at the age of 24 with no business experience. After running it successfully for 6 years, she decided to close the doors in 2019 to pursue something new.  Closing her store just before the pandemic allowed her to move into a consulting role to help other businesses struggling at the time.  She then took an opportunity to move to New Haven and work for the Yale Hockey team, and is now at another pivotal point in her life as she moves back to Canada to redefine herself and move onto her next venture.

 ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
00:58 – Childhood in Canada & Foundational School Experiences
02:04 – Choosing Philosophy: Education and Self-Discovery
03:31 – Pressure to Choose a Career Path: Canadian vs. American Work Culture
04:44 – Following Passion vs. Practicality in Education Choices
05:11 – Travel Adventures & Taking Risks
06:36 – The Fork in the Road: Law School or Entrepreneurship?
08:27 – Leasing a Storefront & Overcoming Fear
09:51 – Decision-Making: Heart vs. Logic
11:02 – Building a Boutique: Concept, Products, and Space Design
12:10 – Digital Community Building: Instagram & Connectivity
15:01 – Community: The Heart of Small Business
17:41 – Financial Realities: Retail vs. Ecommerce
18:29 – Creating an Experience: Store Aesthetic & Customer Connection
22:25 – Growth & Evolution of Meraki Supply Co.
25:46 – Pivot to Consulting During the Pandemic
27:29 – Helping Other Businesses & Overcoming Overthinking
31:24 – Looking to the Future: Next Steps and Possibilities
38:59 – Defining Purpose: Authenticity, Kindness, and Change
41:46 – Closing Remarks 

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to start a brick and mortar business at a young age
How to build community 
How to foster local relationships to transform small business 
How to find authenticity in personal and professional life
How to use your gut instead of logic in decision making
How to embrace uncertainty on your pathway to success
How to not follow the crowd and find your own way
How to not live by societal expectations 

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

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Connect with Chelsea:

• Follow Meraki Supply on IG
• Follow Chelsea on IG