In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

Today's guest, Reese Hanneman, is a an Olympic athlete, Alaskan, and founder of Antidote. Antidote is the ultra-pure, naturally-powered pre-workout that Reese could never find. Blended with nature’s proven super ingredients like beetroot, tart cherry, and probiotics, this pre-workout is the boost of clean energy you need to get the most out of your next workout without filling your body with sketchy chemicals, artificial ingredients or fillers. Developed by renowned sports nutritionists, Antidote is used by Olympic and elite athletes who want a better, cleaner options for performance.

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

Antidote Clean Pre-Workout: https://antidote-life.com/

In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

In this episode, Heather Kelly chats with Thor Tingey, founder of Alpacka Raft, about the ins and outs of building a brand that revolutionized an entire sport. They dive into the pros and cons of in-house production versus outsourcing, how Alpacka played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport of packrafting, and the contrasts between Heather's fundraising journey for Heather's Choice and Alpacka's growth story. Tune in for an insightful discussion on navigating the challenges and opportunities of growing a purpose-driven business.

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

Alpacka Raft: https://alpackaraft.com/

In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

In this episode, Heather sits down with Samuel Taylor, founder of Long Table Pancakes, to discuss the deep connection between farm-to-table agriculture and the food we eat every day. Together, they unpack the challenges of scaling a food business, diving into the vicious cycle that often leaves small producers struggling to stay true to their mission.

Samuel also shares insights into how our modern food systems have left consumers more disconnected than ever from the origins of their meals—and what we can do to change that. This episode is a must listen if you’re curious about the importance of intentionality in food production, the hurdles of sustainable growth, and how you can make a difference at your own table.

Samuel Taylor is the founder of Long Table Pancakes, a company dedicated to creating artisan pancake mixes that celebrate local and sustainably sourced ingredients. With a passion for farm-to-table agriculture, Samuel built Long Table Pancakes to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, emphasizing the importance of knowing where our food comes from. His mixes not only deliver on flavor but also champion small-scale farming and thoughtful food production. Samuel’s mission is to inspire meaningful connections through the simple act of sharing a meal.

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

Long Table Pancakes: https://longtablepancakes.com/

In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

In this episode of Wherever You May Roam, Heather sits down with Angie Flickinger, founder of AK Waterbody, for an open conversation about the unique paths they’ve taken to grow their businesses. They discuss the differences in scaling Heather's Choice and AK Waterbody, the importance of diversifying sales channels, and the inspiring process of transforming hobbies into thriving, purpose-driven brands. Heather and Angie also tackle a deeply personal topic: coming to terms with the idea of having an exit strategy for the businesses they’ve poured their hearts into. 

Angie Flickinger is an entrepreneur and founder of several small businesses in her rural home community of Wrangell, Alaska. She is the Founder of Waterbody, a skincare brand that shares the beauty of Alaska’s wild nature through natural body care products infused with wild Alaskan ingredients. She also helps fellow e-commerce brands grow their businesses through email marketing with her consulting business Angie Lynn Marketing.

When she’s not steeped in the world of small business, Angie unplugs by spending time outdoors exploring her big beautiful backyard - paddling, hiking, biking, and enjoying all that the gorgeous landscape of Southeast Alaska has to offer. 

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or already on your business journey, this episode offers honest advice, valuable lessons, and plenty of inspiration.

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

AK Waterbody: www.akwaterbody.com

In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

In this episode, Heather sits down with Mallory, the founder and CEO of Youer, an American-made apparel brand based in Missoula, MT. Join them as they dive into the gritty realities of running a small business—rebuilding supply chains from scratch, challenging “business best practices” to stay true to their brand vision, and navigating the art of cash flow management. Mallory’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about paving their own way in the business world!

Mallory Ottariano, founder and CEO of Youer, began her journey in 2012, following her true passion for apparel design despite her background in architecture. Starting with unique, one-of-a-kind pieces she sewed in her parents' basement and sold on Etsy, she soon took the leap to launch her own website, bringing her creative vision to a broader audience. The challenges of building a reliable, USA-based supply chain and navigating the disruptions of 2020 led Mallory to educate her community on the importance of American-made clothing. A creative force at heart, Mallory’s excitement for innovation is stitched into every Youer piece, embodying her vision for bold, meaningful, and sustainable fashion.

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

Youer: https://www.shopyouer.com/

In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

In this episode of Wherever You May Roam, host Heather Kelly sits down with Jenn Brown, founder and CEO of Foraged & Found, to dive into the world of good food, community, and the amazing benefits of kelp! Heather and Jenn explore their shared passion for creating delicious, nourishing meals, share insights on navigating the grant funding process for small businesses, and discuss the versatility and environmental power of kelp. Join this conversation to learn more about these founders’ journeys, the impact of sustainably sourced food, and how kelp could be the next big thing in your kitchen!

Jenn Brown is the founder and CEO of Foraged & Found, a company revolutionizing pantry staples with wild-harvested Alaskan kelp. A former marketing executive with experience at giants like Google and Microsoft, Jenn's journey took an unexpected turn when she became a professional chef in Alaska. Inspired by the untapped potential of kelp, she combined her marketing savvy and culinary expertise to create innovative, kelp-infused products that are both delicious and sustainable. Jenn's mission goes beyond food, as she's also the founder of the Ketchikan Agricultural Producers Association, supporting food security and local producers in rural Alaska. With Foraged & Found, Jenn is pioneering a movement towards healthier, more sustainable eating without compromising on taste or quality. You can find Foraged & Found products online and at leading natural grocery retailers like Whole Foods Market. 

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

Foraged and Found: https://foragednfound.com/

In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving
 business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

This week’s guest is Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, founder and CEO of LIVSN Designs, an outdoor apparel brand focused on creating durable, versatile and sustainable clothing. With a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to environmental stewardship, Andrew launched LIVSN to address the growing need for high-quality gear that supports both adventure and a minimalist lifestyle. Under his leadership, the company has gained recognition for its thoughtful approach to design, combining function, comfort, and sustainability. Andrew’s vision is to inspire conscious consumption by encouraging people to ownless and experience more.

In this episode, Heather and Andrew chat about the complex world of fundraising. Andrew shares his experience of hosting two Kickstarter campaigns and how they differ from Wefunder crowdfunding. He continues about his experiences navigating the ups and downs of raising capital and offers candid insights into the challenges that persist even after securing a venture capital partner. This episode explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the unexpected hurdles that come with growth, and the importance of staying true to a company’s mission amid financial pressures.

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/
Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/
LIVSN Designs: https://www.livsndesigns.com/

In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

In this episode, Heather sits down with Cassie Abel, founder and CEO of Wild Rye, to discuss the ups and downs of being in constant fundraising mode. They dive deep into what it takes to fund a business before securing major investments, how to sustain growth in those critical early days, and the power of leveraging community support through crowdfunding. 

Whether your and entrepreneur just starting out or someone looking for a fresh perspective on business growth, this conversation is full of valuable insight on what it means to turn passion into progress.

Cassie Abel is the founder and operator of Wild Rye. She brings over 15 years of experience in brand and agency work within the active lifestyle, outdoor, resort, and financial services industries. She had managed communication strategies and integrated margin across these segments. Cassie has a deep passion for life under the open sky and love for connecting people. After spending countless years in the male-dominated outdoor industry, she founded Wild Rye in 2016 to provide outdoor-loving women with a better option. Wild Rye crafts beautiful, technical outdoor apparel that fits, inspires confidence, and invites more women-identifying adventurers into the outdoors. 

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

Learn more about Wild Rye: https://wild-rye.com

In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

In this episode Heather sits down with Anastasia Allison, founder and CEO of Kula Cloth. These female founders share stories about the realities of being a female founder, what it's like being a small company doing business with big retail stores, and their struggles to feel comfortable with cash flow.

Tune in for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, the resilience to keep going, and what it truly means to carve out your own space in the world of business.

Anastasia Allison is a former park ranger and backpacking instructor and the founder of Kula Cloth, an outdoor gear company that makes a reusable pee cloth for anybody who squats when they pee and the inventor of the Rapunzel Gaiter -- a patent pending neck gaiter for people with long hair! Anastasia has been hiking, backpacking and alpine climbing in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years, and is on a mission to help others connect more with themselves and nature. Anastasia is also the violinist for a small duo called the Musical Mountaineers. With her musical partner Rose, they climb mountains with a violin and a piano to perform unannounced concerts for nobody. The duo has performed three times at Benaroya Hall to raise money for the Washington’s National Parks Fund and the Washington Trails Association.  She lives in Granite Falls, Washington with her husband Aaron and their three cats. When she isn’t working for Kula, she enjoys spending time outside, dancing (pretty much anywhere) and riding her motorcycle. 

Learn more about Heather's Choice crowdfunding campaign: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

Kula Cloth: https://kulacloth.com

Stories of Grit and Growth

Join us on a journey into the heart of small business resilience. In this series, we sit down with our fellow entrepreneurs who share the raw, unfiltered stories of their beginnings—navigating the ups and downs, facing financial hurdles, and forging a path to success. These candid conversations reveal the grit and determination it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you'll find inspiration, insights, and a sense of community in each episode.

This episode's guest is Jen Loofbourrow, founder and CEO of Alpine Fit, an outdoor cottage brand that creates adventure apparel essentials that are versatile for all your favorite outdoor activities.

In this episode, Heather sits down with Jen Loofbourrow, the founder and CEO of Alpine Fit, as she shares her journey of bringing Alpine Fit to life. Jen opens up about the financial hoops she had to jump through, the challenges she faced, and the perseverance that fueled her vision.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Jen asks host, Heather Kelly, fellow founder and CEO, about the financial health of Heather's Choice and the struggles that led to her decision to launch a crowdfunding campaign. This candid discussion provides an inside look at the realities of building and sustaining a business, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Join the Heather's Choice Community Round: https://wefunder.com/heatherschoice/

Heather's Choice: https://www.heatherschoice.com/

Alpine Fit: https://alpinefit.com/