182. Tessa Arneson — Empowering Local Small Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs

Season 6 Episode 25: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Tessa Arneson, founder of the Maven District.  Arneson reflects on her upbringing in Ogden and her eventual return to Utah after living in various big cities. She describes how her love for Utah's outdoor lifestyle and the supportive, tight-knit community significantly influenced her decision to settle in Utah. Arneson highlights pivotal moments that shaped her career path. These include her early experiences in sales and high-end design and her eventual decision to purchase her first business, which led to the creation of the Maven District. Arneson elaborates on the development and success of the Maven District, a community-oriented business hub in Salt Lake City she founded in 2015. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment for local and women-owned businesses, explaining how the district was built with a focus on community and kindness. Arneson also shares her experiences with the challenges of entrepreneurship, including her latest venture into the hospitality industry with Maven Stay, a boutique hotel. Throughout the conversation, Arneson focuses on the significance of collaboration, empathy, and the Utah way of doing business.