On today’s episode we're with Paige Heaton of No Roots Boots in Edelstein, Illinois (pop. 1,060).

Join us at the Berch House, the charming headquarters of No Roots Boots, where we catch up with the visionary behind the brand, Paige Ehnle Heaton. This episode delves into the journey of No Roots Boots, highlighting the growth, challenges, and community collaborations that have shaped the business since our last conversation.

Paige shares insights into why she enjoys working with other small businesses, the importance of community, and key strategies and decisions that have propelled No Roots Boots from its early days to its current success, plus what brought about some recent changes in her business and some fun, new things on the horizon.

You’ll love hearing about the incredible brand that Paige has built, and her willingness to ask herself the hard questions and to make changes in her business to better serve her life goals!

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
Edelstein, Illinois
Handlebend

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Today we're with Carli Ullrich of Rural Grit Co. out of Kiron, Iowa (pop. 257). Carli shares her journey of starting her business at just 16 years old while still in high school, how she expanded her product line, and the importance of consistency in growing her brand.

Carli also reflects on her unique approach to business, explaining why she enjoys traveling to meet customers over having a brick-and-mortar store — at least for the time being — and how she finds ways to serve her customers' individual needs.

You’ll love how Carli has grown this business and the joy she finds in connecting with people, whether it's customers or other boutique owners at events.

If you're looking for a fun experience to add to your next event, Rural Grit Co. would be a great pop up to add to the mix!

Find Carli at the links in our show notes, and be sure to go give her a follow. 

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
Kiron, Iowa
Geneva Market
Rural Route Ramble

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Today we're with Carli Ullrich of Rural Grit Co. out of Kiron, Iowa (pop. 257). Carli shares her journey of starting her business at just 16 years old while still in high school, how she expanded her product line, and the importance of consistency in growing her brand.

Carli also reflects on her unique approach to business, explaining why she enjoys traveling to meet customers over having a brick-and-mortar store — at least for the time being — and how she finds ways to serve her customers' individual needs.

You’ll love how Carli has grown this business and the joy she finds in connecting with people, whether it's customers or other boutique owners at events.

If you're looking for a fun experience to add to your next event, Rural Grit Co. would be a great pop up to add to the mix!

Find Carli at the links in our show notes, and be sure to go give her a follow. 

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
Kiron, Iowa
Geneva Market
Rural Route Ramble

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If you’re inspired by Michelle’s story from Episode 165 and want to dive even deeper into how to apply some of these strategies to your own business, this new bonus episode is for you! In After the Episode, I’ll be breaking down the key takeaways from today’s interview and sharing actionable steps you can use to level up your own hustle. From setting goals to building a brand that feels truly you, it’s packed with practical tips and insights!

Check out more on the blog.

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Today kicks off a brand new season of the podcast, and as announced, this year we are going back to interview some of the people and businesses featured in our first episodes to find out what they’ve been up to since then! Who better to start off with than Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co in Lewis, Iowa (pop. 357)?

I first talked to Michelle back in 2019 when her candle business was still a side hustle. Fast forward to today, and Michelle has not only made her dream a full-time reality, but she’s built an incredible brand, expanded her shop, and even hosted farm-to-table dinners on her farm.

In today’s conversation, we’ll dive into how she made the leap to entrepreneurship, the importance of protecting her creativity, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. You’ll hear about the power of community, her evolving style, and how she’s crafted a brand that truly reflects her rural roots. Michelle’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with hard work, creativity, and a strong community. 

So grab your favorite candle, sit back, and enjoy this inspiring conversation with Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co. And be sure to stick around until the end, because we have two very exciting announcements for you!

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
2019 Interview
Lewis, Iowa
Faire

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AFTER THE EPISODE
If you’re inspired by Michelle’s story and want to dive even deeper into how to apply some of these strategies to your own business, make sure to check out our new bonus episode. I’ll be breaking down the key takeaways from today’s interview and sharing actionable steps you can use to level up your own hustle. From setting goals to building a brand that feels truly you, it’s packed with practical tips and insights. So, after you finish here, head over to After the Episode — you won’t want to miss it!

MADE RURAL PODCAST
We're launching a brand new podcast called Made Rural. Are you ready to step into the purpose God has uniquely designed for your life? Whether you're chasing a dream, starting a business, or simply longing to make a meaningful impact, it’s time to move beyond your comfort zone and take bold action.

The Made Rural podcast is a space where we dive into how to embrace your God-given calling, overcome fear, and step into the life you were created for. In each episode, we’ll explore practical steps, powerful stories, and biblical inspiration to help you trust in the purpose God has placed in your heart.

✨ God has uniquely equipped you with talents, wisdom, and a heart to make a difference—and the world needs what you have to offer!

🔑 Tune in now to the first episode of Made Rural and get ready to take the first step toward living out your purpose!

👉 Make sure to check out Made Rural at maderural.co and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t miss out on what God has in store for you. This is your moment—let’s make it count.

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On today podcast episode we're with Michelle Hamilton of Dandelion Naturals in Hayfield, Minnesota (pop. 1,340). After 21 years in nursing, Michelle took a leap of faith two years ago and started making all natural soap and selling at farmer's markets. This business that started in her kitchen has now grown into an extensive product line and its own main street commercial building. We're talking about how she's managed growth in a business that has exploded almost overnight, the importance of being passionate about what you do, keeping the right mindset, and more.

It's mind-blowing how quickly this business has grown and we couldn't be happier for Michelle and her family. It's going to be fun to see their new building come to life as a storefront, too, so be sure to go give Dandelion Naturals a follow to see this come together.

And if you're looking for a great Christmas gift, Dandelion Naturals has so many great all natural gifts! You'll find this and other ideas on our Rural Makers + Creators Gift Guide.

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
Hayfield, Minnesota
Marigold Days

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BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVAL
We've got a SALE coming your way! It's our black Friday sale where we offer our website design kits at HALF OFF! Here’s why people love our website design kits… they're easy to edit, fully customizable, and they're 100% DIY. This means that with the help of our tutorial videos, you'll learn step by step how to edit on your own so you can have the freedom as a small business owner to update your own website whenever you need. It's truly a win/win for you and your business. We only do this sale once a year, so don't miss out! Go to brandedbyruralrevival.co to find the design kit that's right for you!

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On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we're with Matt Dennis and Michael Stepp of Handlebend in O'Neill, Nebraska (pop. 3,575), where they make handcrafted copper mugs and use their space to bring new creative and entrepreneurial ideas to life. They're sharing how the resurgence of the moscow mule inspired an accidental business that brought them back to their hometown. Plus, how they’ve navigated an ever-changing business, how they refined their process and streamlined production, the move to their current building and their vision for this big space, and what it means for their small town to have this kind of space to build community.

These guys have built an incredible business these guys have built! You’ll love their focus on community and their intentionality around expanding and growing this business. This is a fantastic episode and I know you're gonna be inspired!

I know there's so much more to come from Matt and Michael, so be sure to go give them a follow. And if you're looking for a great Christmas gift, a Handlebend mug makes for a great gift! You'll find this and other ideas on our Rural Makers + Creators Gift Guide.

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
O’Neill, Nebraska
Omaha World Herald Feature Story
Normal Roasting Company

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BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVAL
We've got a SALE coming your way! It's our black Friday sale where we offer our website design kits at HALF OFF! Here’s why people love our website design kits… they're easy to edit, fully customizable, and they're 100% DIY. This means that with the help of our tutorial videos, you'll learn step by step how to edit on your own so you can have the freedom as a small business owner to update your own website whenever you need. It's truly a win/win for you and your business. We only do this sale once a year, so don't miss out! Go to brandedbyruralrevival.co to find the design kit that's right for you!

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On today's episode we're with Jordan Classen of Classen Land & Cattle and Classen Mercantile out of Albion, Nebraska (pop. 1,703), and we're talking all about what it takes to start and grow a beef business from the ground up.

Jordan and her husband Travis are building their dream together and bringing their vision for their farm and business to life — which started with three head of cattle — and now has their beef finding its way to tables around the country and in their local schools. Jordan has worked hard to incorporate an entirely local beef program in those schools! She also talks about how she's betting on herself, the importance of farmers’ markets and why we need to support them, and how she's using this business to impact consumers. 

And here's something fun, we actually got to help build the Classen Mercantile website when Jordan attended one of our Brand Camp events a few years back. If you're in need of a website or other branding, we want to help. Branded by Rural Revival is our rural design studio where we are helping small business owners and small towns with websites, design, marketing assets, brand kits, and more. Our #1 goal is to help provide the tools you need to succeed as a small business owner or small town — and help you build a brand that you love. If you want to learn more or check out some of our latest work, go to brandedbyruralrevival.co.

You’ll love Jordan's heart for agriculture and all the amazing things she’s doing with this business! And as we start to think about the Christmas season, which will be here before we know it, Classen Mercantile is now taking prime rib orders and will be shipping as soon as they get their restock in around November 15! They will also be offering jerky and beef sticks this Christmas. If you're local to Albion area, you can stop by their beef store on the first Saturday of the month from 10-2 or also by appointment.

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
Albion, Nebraska
Humphrey, Nebraska
Bellevue Farmers’ Market
Sunday Farmers’ Market
Local Foods for Local Schools

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BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVAL
Here's something fun - we actually got to help build the Classen Mercantile website when Jordan attended one of our Brand Camp events a few years back. If you're in need of a website or other branding, we want to help. Branded by Rural Revival is our rural design studio where we are helping small business owners and small towns with websites, design, marketing assets, brand kits, and more. Our #1 goal is to help provide the tools you need to succeed as a small business owner or small town — and help you build a brand that you love. If you want to learn more or check out some of our latest work, go to brandedbyruralrevival.co.

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On today's episode, photographer Stacy Preston is showing us how a creative business IS possible in a small town.

Based out of Lynchburg, Tennessee (pop. 6,742), Stacy is sharing her love for photography as a way to preserve history, and how she has turned a lifelong hobby and dream into a profitable business. We're talking about how she found her style, combining creativity and business, and how her family has inspired her mission. You’ll love the heart behind Stacy's business and her take on photography!

If you're thinking about getting started as a small town photographer, there's a link to some of Stacy's favorite gear in our show notes, so be sure to go check that out and give her a follow!

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
Lynchburg, Tennessee

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BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVAL
Do you love your branding? Like really love it? If you love your business, but are not in love with your branding, we want to help change that for you. Branded by Rural Revival is our rural design studio where we are helping small business owners and small towns with websites, design, marketing assets, brand kits, and more. Our #1 goal is to help provide the tools you need to succeed in the best way possible as a small business owner or small town — so you can finally have a brand that you love. If you want to learn more about how we can help you, or check out some of our latest work, go to brandedbyruralrevival.co.

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Today on the podcast we're with Taylor Borkowski of The Cottage in Denison, Iowa (pop. 8,172). Taylor and her mom bought out an existing business in January 2020, only to shut down six days after their open house celebration due to covid.

It's been a wild ride, and Taylor's sharing how they overcame the covid challenges, brought a massive change to their product line, filled a gap in the community, and recently moved locations.

She also talks about her involvement with the community, which includes hosting community events that incorporate a diverse population, and you'll see why she was voted Volunteer of the Year!

If you live near western Iowa, you’ll want to put these upcoming events on your calendar:

Fall Frenzy — October 9, 4-8 pm

Christmas at The Cottage — October 28 (private ticketed event)

Holiday Open House — November 14-17

Recipe Walk — November 17, 1-4 pm

Taylor also used our Farm Dinner Event Kit for their recent farm to table celebration. If you're thinking about bringing a farm to table dinner to your community, this is a great resource for you!

Check out more on the blog.

SHOW NOTES
Denison, Iowa
Hot Summer Nights
Women in Business Impact Organization
Farm-to-Table Event Kit
Van Houten Acres
Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County

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BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVAL
Did you start out the year with big brand goals but still haven't found the time to work on those? If that's you, we've still got over three months left in the year and we can help make this happen for you through Branded by Rural Revival — our rural design studio that specifically focuses on helping small businesses and small towns. From websites to logos, marketing assets, course building, and podcast setup, we are ready to help you build a brand you love. Find out more and check out our latest work at brandedbyruralrevival.co.

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