Entrepreneurship rarely follows a straight path — and MaryKate Long’s journey proves it.

In Episode 66 of the Lead Lamp Podcast, we sit down with Central PA community connector and entrepreneur MaryKate Long, the founder of Katy Bean Boutique, a unique boutique concept combining online retail, live shopping, and a soon-to-be mobile shopping experience. MaryKate shares how her career started in corporate marketing before she realized she wanted something more creative, personal, and community-focused. Along the way, she built deep connections throughout Central Pennsylvania, worked with local organizations, and discovered a passion for helping women feel confident through fashion. After leaving the corporate world, MaryKate decided to bet on herself — launching Katy Bean Boutique and developing a plan to bring boutique fashion directly to communities through events, pop-ups, and eventually a mobile boutique trailer concept.

In this episode we talk about:

• Leaving corporate life to pursue entrepreneurship

• The power of community connections in Central PA

• Starting a boutique from scratch

• Learning inventory buying and fashion retail on the fly

• Overcoming obstacles like injury while launching a business

• The vision behind a mobile boutique experience

If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or someone passionate about supporting local businesses in Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and Central Pennsylvania, this episode is for you. The Lead Lamp Podcast highlights the people, businesses, and stories shaping Central PA — from entrepreneurs and creators to community leaders building something meaningful.

Follow Katy Bean Boutique

Website: https://www.shopkatiebean.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiebeanboutique

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiebeanboutique

Lead Lamp's Links:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/leadlampmedia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leadlampmedia/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-lamp-media/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadlampmedia

Website: https://leadlamps.com

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