Downtown Fizz: A Small Town Success Story with Bailey Lowes

n this episode of the Small Town Big Business podcast, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams interview Bailey Lowes, a young entrepreneur who transitioned from teaching to starting her own soda business, Downtown Fizz, in Marion, Illinois. Bailey shares her journey from her initial venture at vendor fairs to owning a storefront in a historic building. She discusses the support she received from her entrepreneurial family, the challenges of inventory management, and her vision for the future. The episode provides an inspiring look at taking calculated risks, the importance of community support, and the power of pursuing your passion. 00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business 00:55 Meet Our Special Guest: Bailey Lows 01:31 Bailey's Journey: From Teaching to Entrepreneurship 04:05 Starting Downtown Fizz: The Inspiration and Early Days 10:03 The Transition: From Vendor Fairs to a Mobile Business 14:12 Opening the Downtown Space: Challenges and Successes 17:58 Searching for the Perfect Building 18:57 The Late-Night Decision 20:44 Support from Family and Friends 22:15 Choosing Marion for the Storefront 23:39 Expanding Product Offerings 26:00 Customer Experience and Store Aesthetics 27:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 30:58 Challenges and Inventory Management 34:45 Marketing and Social Media 35:21 Conclusion and Contact Information Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...