How Downtown DeLand Became a Model Main Street | Tracey Word Interview

In this episode of 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭, Bee Powell sits down with 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱, owner of 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 in Downtown DeLand and former President of 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱, to talk about what it really takes to run a small retail business—and why shopping local matters more than ever.Tracey shares how she transitioned from criminal justice to boutique ownership, how Downtown DeLand became one of Florida’s oldest and most respected Main Street programs, and what small business owners learned during the challenges of 2020.From creative Facebook Live sales and candle deliveries during shutdowns to building a people-first retail experience, this episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, community leaders, and anyone who believes in supporting local business.𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:- Small business ownership- Women entrepreneurs- Historic downtown revitalization- Shop local movements- Community-driven growth…𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂.🔍 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 ✅What makes Downtown DeLand a “Model Main Street” ✅The impact of MainStreet DeLand’s 40-year legacy ✅The realities of owning a boutique retail store ✅Why social media is essential for small business owners ✅Creative pivots during the 2020 shutdown ✅Supporting other local businesses (and keeping money in the community) ✅Renting vs. owning commercial property downtown ✅Growing a retail brand without losing personal connection ✅Advice for aspiring shop owners⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀00:00 – Why shopping local truly matters00:35 – Introduction to Tracey Word01:27 – Owner of Pretty Little Things (14 years in business)02:07 – Serving as President of MainStreet DeLand03:10 – DeLand as Florida’s oldest continuous Main Street04:21 – What makes Downtown DeLand special05:27 – Hiring a new Executive Director after loss06:20 – 40th Anniversary Block Party07:13 – How to get involved with MainStreet DeLand08:38 – Tracey’s unexpected journey into retail10:42 – Creating a boutique shopping experience11:57 – The real meaning of “Shop Local”13:52 – The 2020 shutdown & getting creative15:00 – Facebook Lives, deliveries & selling through crisis17:00 – How 2020 changed business forever19:45 – Renting vs. owning in downtown DeLand22:23 – Considering a second location23:54 – Advice for opening a retail shop25:19 – Why social media isn’t optional26:14 – The romantic idea vs. reality of small business29:16 – Rating Downtown DeLand30:12 – Lightning round: favorite candy30:50 – Final thoughts