Evolving Entrepreneurship

Small Town Success: Building a Canadian Subscription Box Empire with Virginia Ehrlich

Episode 2: Small Town Success: Building a Canadian Subscription Box Empire with Virginia Ehrlich
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
Virginia Ehrlich shares her journey of creating Acre75, a subscription box service that celebrates small-town Canadian makers and captures the essence of local community spirit.
Episode Highlights:
Creating a business model that celebrates small-town Canadian culture
Managing a subscription-based business single-handedly
Navigating Canadian supply chain and shipping challenges
Dealing with imposter syndrome as a solo entrepreneur
Prioritizing mental health while running a business
Building relationships with local artisans and makers
About Our Guest:
Virginia Ehrlich is the founder of Acre75 Gathered, a subscription box service that brings the charm and craftsmanship of small-town Canada to subscribers' doorsteps. Her business model not only celebrates local artisans but also captures the authentic, comforting essence of small-town life through carefully curated Canadian-made products.
https://acre75.ca/
Key Takeaways:
Strategies for running a successful subscription-based business
Solutions for managing supply chain challenges in Canada
The importance of mental health awareness in entrepreneurship
Tips for working effectively as a solo business owner
Building authentic connections with suppliers and customers
Maintaining quality and consistency in curated products
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) 
 
Books Mentioned:
Throughout our podcasts, we will occasionally mention books as a resource to dive deeper into the conversation. Please note that we provide a link to our local independent bookstore, Fanfare Books, to make it easy for you to buy. We also recommend checking your local library for a copy of the books we love.
Stolen Focus
The War of Art
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please click here to find immediate support or head to your local emergency department.

Sweet Success: From Banking to Bonbons with Kelly Lindsay

Episode 1: Sweet Success: From Banking to Bonbons with Kelly Lindsay
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
Kelly Lindsay shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a 20-year banking career to founding Corner Store Candy Co., a charming sweet shop in downtown Stratford, Ontario, Canada.
Corner Store Candy Co
https://cornerstorecandy.co/
27 York St., Stratford ON Canada
Instagram
Episode Highlights:
The leap from corporate banking to entrepreneurship
Turning a lifelong dream of owning a candy store into reality
Building successful collaborations with local businesses
Managing rapid business growth as a solo entrepreneur
Behind the scenes look at running a specialty retail store
The challenges and rewards of being a hands-on business owner
About Our Guest:
Kelly Lindsay is the founder of Corner Store Candy Co., a unique sweet shop in downtown Stratford, Ontario, Canada. After dedicating over two decades to the banking industry, Kelly combined her business acumen with her passion for confectionery to create a welcoming space that offers carefully curated, high-quality sweets. Her shop has become known not just for its delicious treats, but for creating joyful experiences for both locals and visitors.
Key Takeaways:
How to successfully transition from corporate career to small business ownership
The importance of building local business relationships
Strategies for managing rapid growth as a solo entrepreneur
Creating experiences beyond just product sales
Balancing business operations with customer experience
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)