Episode Category: The Localist

Connor Knapp, co-owner and co-founder of Piper & Leaf Tea Co. delves into how COVID-19 is affecting small businesses. In this incredibly honest conversation, Connor and Carrie discuss the pros and cons of shutting down a business, what the stimulus plans really offer, and how big corporations are still making huge profits during this crisis. Connor talks about his contingency plan, how they are trying to pivot the business to meet the needs of the community, and the importance of adapting as quickly as possible.

Morgan Johnston of Rugged & Fancy and Club Duquette joins Carrie on this week’s episode of The Localist to discuss the ins and outs of pushback on social media and in building a business. Morgan and Carrie kick off the conversation discussing a recent incident that Morgan had on social media that took her back to a previous experience with a troll in 2014. Morgan tells us how that experience affected everything going on in her life at the time, and how she handles negative comments now versus then.

Seth Newell, founder and owner of Ala Grip Co., joins Carrie Rollwagen on this week’s episode of The Localist. Ala Grip Co. is a Birmingham-based rental company specializing in lighting, grip, and production equipment. Seth tells us about the logistics of storing all of his equipment and the value in having a supportive community in Birmingham. Seth and Carrie get into networking, the barter system, and how Seth’s early entrepreneurial spirit showed itself with dumpster diving. Seth and Carrie wrap up with some great travel tips and a shoutout to some local companies.

Trevor Newberry of Newberry Consulting joins Carrie this week on The Localist. We dig into the topics of software products, the necessity of meeting your client where they are, and the surprising amount of creativity involved in web development. Trevor and Carrie then tell us how not to work with developers. Trevor details networking, mentors, building relationship and working with a digital assistant. Trevor and Carrie wrap up with building your team and the merit of some personality tests over others (Enneagram or Meyers-Briggs!).

Susan Rollwagen, owner and founder of Pepperbox Solutions (and Carrie’s mom!), is back on The Localist this week. Susan and Carrie focus on the topic of stepping away from the workforce with the ultimate goal of returning at some point. Susan gives pointers for how to stay engaged during time away from work and encourages anyone considering time off to make a plan for re-entry. She gives us some killer tips for crafting a resume, discusses the power of transferable skills, and talks about finding opportunities for self development.

Craig Hurst, owner and founder of the Birmingham-based camper van rental company Gearbox Adventure Rentals, joins Carrie on this week’s episode. Craig tells us how Gearbox refined the process of camper van build outs and running business operations: marketing the business at events, deciding which vans to use, and the surprising benefits of not having investors in the beginning. Craig wraps up by giving us the scoop on some of the future plans for Gearbox.

On this week’s episode of The Localist, Carrie is joined once again by showrunner Michelle Phillips. Carrie and Michelle take a deep dive into Carrie’s experience as a freelancer and writer, getting real about the feasibility of making a living as a freelancer, the misleading nature of social media, and whether all the hard work and hustling pays off eventually. They wrap up the conversation with the double-edged sword of being your own boss, imposter syndrome, feeling like a failure, and whether the struggle between making art and making money is worth it.

Drea Z. Harbin, artist, graphic designer, creative entrepreneur, and owner of the vintage clothing and jewelry collection Eyes of Wise, joins Carrie on this week’s episode of The Localist. Drea and Carrie dive into Drea’s transition from agency art director to independent entrepreneur, how the advice from men can differ from the advice given by women, how change can sometimes feel like failure, and how slowing down and self care are crucial. They wrap up with the sustainability aspect of buying second hand and local, Drea drops some shocking statistics about the fashion industry and then offers tips on how to make the change to more sustainable clothing options.

Aaron Lane of Lane Woodworking, a custom cabinetry and fine furniture company, joins Carrie this week on The Localist. Aaron shares his approach to Instagram and talks about what he got out of his marketing degree. Then they dive into business operations: how he discusses pricing with clients and how that has evolved through the years, how he manages working on a team with other designers and contractors, and how important it is to know your own limitations. Aaron and Carrie wrap up with the Airstream Aaron purchased as office space for the team — who wouldn’t want to have a meeting in an Airstream?!

Kelly Cummings of the Birmingham-based photography studio Spindle Photography joins Carrie on this week’s episode of The Localist. Kelly and Carrie dive into the behind-the-scenes aspects of running your own business: websites, accountants, hard stuff you never thought you’d have to learn, and the joy of finally being able to outsource. Kelly tells us the value in setting boundaries, explains what a styled shoot is, and gives the low down on what a second shooter does.