How to Break Free from Societal Expectations and Live Authentically with Chelsea Risling | E34

Opening a boutique supply store at the age of 24 after graduating college with a degree in philosophy. Chelsea Risling is the founder of Meraki Supply Co. a boutique storefront featuring products from other small businesses. In this episode we talked about her experience of graduating college and then going in a completely different direction and opening a small business.  We talked about the the challenges and triumphs of pursuing passions, the evolution of purpose amidst societal expectations, and the importance of community in guiding one's journey. We also talked a lot about not fearing change and trying something new, like moving to Connecticut and working for Yale's Hockey team. We can all draw insights and motivation from Chelsea's experiences and outlook on life.Bio:  Chelsea Risling is a Saskatchewan native who after high school, moved to Calgary to pursue a degree in philosophy at the University of Calgary.  After getting out of college and doing some traveling, she decided going to law school wasn't for her and opened up a boutique retail store at the age of 24 with no business experience. After running it successfully for 6 years, she decided to close the doors in 2019 to pursue something new.  Closing her store just before the pandemic allowed her to move into a consulting role to help other businesses struggling at the time.  She then took an opportunity to move to New Haven and work for the Yale Hockey team, and is now at another pivotal point in her life as she moves back to Canada to redefine herself and move onto her next venture. ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way📍 Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:58 – Childhood in Canada & Foundational School Experiences02:04 – Choosing Philosophy: Education and Self-Discovery03:31 – Pressure to Choose a Career Path: Canadian vs. American Work Culture04:44 – Following Passion vs. Practicality in Education Choices05:11 – Travel Adventures & Taking Risks06:36 – The Fork in the Road: Law School or Entrepreneurship?08:27 – Leasing a Storefront & Overcoming Fear09:51 – Decision-Making: Heart vs. Logic11:02 – Building a Boutique: Concept, Products, and Space Design12:10 – Digital Community Building: Instagram & Connectivity15:01 – Community: The Heart of Small Business17:41 – Financial Realities: Retail vs. Ecommerce18:29 – Creating an Experience: Store Aesthetic & Customer Connection22:25 – Growth & Evolution of Meraki Supply Co.25:46 – Pivot to Consulting During the Pandemic27:29 – Helping Other Businesses & Overcoming Overthinking31:24 – Looking to the Future: Next Steps and Possibilities38:59 – Defining Purpose: Authenticity, Kindness, and Change41:46 – Closing Remarks  💡Key TakeawaysIn this episode you'll learn:How to start a brick and mortar business at a young ageHow to build community How to foster local relationships to transform small business How to find authenticity in personal and professional lifeHow to use your gut instead of logic in decision makingHow to embrace uncertainty on your pathway to successHow to not follow the crowd and find your own wayHow to not live by societal expectations   🚀 Start Here If You’re New1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 452. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 483. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39 👥How To ConnectWorkingtowardsourpurpose.comWatch on YouTubeSubstackInstagramLinkedInWTOP MerchFeedback Form WTOP.comConnect with Chelsea:Follow Meraki Supply on IGFollow Chelsea on IG