Learn how Vanessa Weber and Jeremiah Signo turned a local antique mall into a thriving, community-centered enterprise through creative ownership, vendor collaboration, and strategic moves—all while navigating the challenges of small-town retail. This episode explores the intricate workings of their business model, the power of local relationships, and plans for expansion and community engagement.

NOTE: This is the first half of a longer episode -full episode is on https://Patreon.com/Practicalmuse

In this episode:

• The origins of Found in Ithaca and Vanessa's vintage and antique passions
• The unique buyout model used to acquire the business without traditional bank financing
• Details of the operation: vendor-managed booths, commissions, and furniture sales
• Challenges and strategies in relocating from an old building to a creatively refurbished space
• The importance of local, community-driven economy and vendor relationships
• Insights into the renovation process of Southworks and the collaborative design vision
• The role of community support and small-town relationships in business success
• Future plans: programming, community events, and space expansion
• The significance of maintaining a welcoming, high-end boutique atmosphere
• The intersection of local art, mutual aid, and sustainable retail practices

Resources & Links:

Found in Ithaca https://FoundinIthaca.com

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

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

Patricia “Patty” Brown - https://integratedbv.com

Creative ReUse - https://www.rachelfeirman.com/creativereuseofithaca

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Creative-Reuse-of-Ithaca-61575877676117

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

Ithaca Murals: https://www.ithacamurals.com

Join the conversation and stay inspired about local economies and community-driven retail! http://IthacaLocalEconomy.com

In this episode:

• Rod Rotundi shares his diverse background in economic development and his journey to Ithaca
• The origins and mission of Shared Kitchen Ithaca
• How shared kitchens bolster local entrepreneurs
• Examples of successful members, from bakers to hot dog vendors

Resources & Links:

https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com

https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com/the-smorg

https://www.facebook.com/thesmorgithaca

https://www.instagram.com/thesmorgithaca

https://greenstar.coop

https://www.rochestercommissary.org

https://ithacareuse.org

http://farmtofeastny.com

https://www.facebook.com/styxstreetfood/

https://gardellasgoodies.com

https://www.facebook.com/ithacabreadworks/

https://lamexicanarestaurantandgrocery.com

https://littlerambakery.com

https://rashidasawyer.com

https://www.wellspringforestfarm.com

Resources & Links:

• https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com
• Jake Gribschaw https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw
• Stacey Cornelius https://agencyofwords.com
• Sonia Simone - https://remarkable-communication.com
• Erin O'Shaughnessy - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808
• Yen Ospina - http://yenospina.com
• Carsie Blanton - http://carsieblanton.com

Go deeper:

• https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse

Explore the journey of natural fiber production, from raising goats to handcrafting textiles, and discover how local fiber collectives are fostering sustainable, community-centered economies. Lisa Ferguson shares her insights on building relationships, educating consumers, and creating a resilient regional fiber industry.

Key Topics:

• The role and mission of the Local Fiber Collective in Central New York
• The process of turning fiber into finished products: from goat to sweater
• Valuing quality and natural fibers over fast fashion's low-cost, short-lived clothing
• Building customer relationships through storytelling and transparency
• The importance of collective care and fair pricing among fiber farmers
• Challenges faced by fiber collectives, including volunteer engagement and organizational identity
• Opportunities for newcomers: joining collectives as farmers or makers
• Advice for starting a similar community-driven fiber initiative elsewhere

Timestamps:

01:31 - How Lisa got into goats and fiber farming, inspired by natural fibers

03:19 - The community aspect of fiber farming and connection with other farmers

04:26 - How Lisa joined the Local Fiber Collective and its growth

05:38 - Membership details and the regional scope of the collective

07:30 - The fiber chain: from goats to finished garments

08:49 - The processing steps: shearing, skirting, washing, spinning, dyeing

11:15 - Building customer trust through storytelling and transparency

12:31 - How natural fiber production educates and reconnects consumers with craft skills

14:20 - The collective approach to fair pricing over competition

15:14 - The benefits of natural fibers versus fast fashion products

16:37 - Environmentally conscious farming practices in the collective

18:42 - Challenges of maintaining interest and organizational clarity

19:01 - The importance of mentorship and community support for new farmers

22:02 - Advice for starting similar collectives outside Ithaca

23:44 - Building community through local events and shared purpose

25:49 - Challenges: volunteer engagement, organizational structure, funding

Resources & Links:

• Local Fiber Collective
• Laughing Goat Fiber Farm
• https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com

The Practically Real Team:

• Jake Gribschaw - Technical Advisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw
• Stacey Cornelius - Associate Producer https://agencyofwords.com
• Sonia Simone - Content Strategist https://remarkable-communication.com
• Erin O'Shaughnessy - Creative Consultant https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808
• Yen Ospina - Artist http://yenospina.com
• Carsie Blanton - Musician http://carsieblanton.com