In this special episode, Sharon and Alana discuss the current state of the global economy, focusing on the impact of tariffs on small businesses. They explore how global events affect supply chains, pricing, and business strategies.

Key Highlights:

1. Understanding the Global Supply Chain: Importance of knowing your businesses place within the global supply chain, highlighting the complexities and vulnerabilities involved, especially with raw materials often sourced internationally.
2. Adapting to Economic Shifts: They discuss the importance of adapting business plans and visions in response to economic changes, such as tariffs and recessions. They emphasize flexibility and the need to re-evaluate pricing strategies, branding, and business models.
3. Maintaining Relationships and Community: The episode stresses the significance of maintaining relationships with customers, retailers, and suppliers, especially during challenging times. They encourage open communication, sharing information, and building community as vital strategies for navigating economic uncertainty.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts: Alana Rivera and Sharon Zimmerman

Guest: Ari Takata-Vasquez, multimedia creative, muralist, fine artist, and owner of a branding and retail development agency.

In this episode, Ari share’s a bit about how she went from architecture and city planning to opening a retail space, becoming a muralist, and then creating a branding and retail development design studio.

Quotes:

• "Everything is figure-out-able"
• "Life makes sense backwards, but can only be lived forward."
• "I think one of the things I wish I had known was to not be so hard on myself."

The conversation delves into:

• From Architecture to Retail: Ari's background in architecture and city planning led her to open a retail shop in Oakland, driven by her desire to see more retail and activation in the city.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Ari's ability to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances has been key to her success. She has embraced new opportunities and learned to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Importance of Community and Grace: Ari emphasizes the importance of not being too hard on oneself, especially in the early stages of entrepreneurship. She encourages listeners to celebrate their wins and take care of their mental health. Finding a community of entrepreneurs to connect with is also key.

Connect with our Guest:

• Link to Ari’s website: https://www.viscerastudio.com/
• Connect with Ari on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ari.viscera
• Sign up for Ari’s newsletter: https://www.ari-made.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast Episode 1: Welcome to Running a Business with Sharon Zimmerman and Alana Rivera

Hosts: Sharon Zimmerman (Jewelry Business Consultant) & Alana Rivera (Soap Maven and Small Business Owner)

Episode Overview:

Sharon and Alana pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run a business—spoiler alert: it’s more paperwork than you’d expect. They dive into the politics of business, stressing how business decisions can reflect your values and that may influence where customers choose to spend their money.

The episode emphasizes that business isn’t just about creating; it’s also about pricing, paperwork, and staying true to your brand, even if it means losing a few customers. Sharon and Alana remind us not to let perfectionism stand in the way of launching and to view every business decision as a learning experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Business is Inherently Political: Every business decision reflects your values, and some customers are making purchase decisions based on them.
• Administrative Realities: You’re not going to spend all your time creating—paperwork and pricing are part of the package.
• Value Your Work: Don’t be afraid to raise prices; your work is worth it.
• Stay True: Staying true to your brand might cost you some customers, but integrity beats popularity.
• Test Everything: They encourage listeners to see every move as a test and to prioritize profit over positioning.

Final Thoughts:

Sharon and Alana leave us with a dose of reality and encouragement: running a business isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Embrace the messy parts, stay true to your values, and always, always keep learning.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.