Ithaca Local Economy Lab - Radical Experiments in Business and Community

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/PracticalmuseIn this episode:The origins of Found in Ithaca and Vanessa's vintage and antique passionsThe unique buyout model used to acquire the business without traditional bank financingDetails of the operation: vendor-managed booths, commissions, and furniture salesChallenges and strategies in relocating from an old building to a creatively refurbished spaceThe importance of local, community-driven economy and vendor relationshipsInsights into the renovation process of Southworks and the collaborative design visionThe role of community support and small-town relationships in business successFuture plans: programming, community events, and space expansionThe significance of maintaining a welcoming, high-end boutique atmosphereThe intersection of local art, mutual aid, and sustainable retail practicesResources & Links:Found in Ithaca https://FoundinIthaca.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foundinithaca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundinithaca/Patricia “Patty” Brown - https://integratedbv.comCreative ReUse - https://www.rachelfeirman.com/creativereuseofithaca Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Creative-Reuse-of-Ithaca-61575877676117 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativereuseofithacaIthaca Murals: https://www.ithacamurals.comJoin 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 IthacaThe origins and mission of Shared Kitchen IthacaHow shared kitchens bolster local entrepreneurs Examples of successful members, from bakers to hot dog vendorsResources & Links: https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com/the-smorghttps://www.facebook.com/thesmorgithacahttps://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.comResources & Links:https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.comJake Gribschaw https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschawStacey Cornelius https://agencyofwords.comSonia Simone - https://remarkable-communication.comErin O'Shaughnessy - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808Yen Ospina - http://yenospina.comCarsie Blanton - http://carsieblanton.comGo 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 YorkThe process of turning fiber into finished products: from goat to sweaterValuing quality and natural fibers over fast fashion's low-cost, short-lived clothingBuilding customer relationships through storytelling and transparencyThe importance of collective care and fair pricing among fiber farmersChallenges faced by fiber collectives, including volunteer engagement and organizational identityOpportunities for newcomers: joining collectives as farmers or makersAdvice for starting a similar community-driven fiber initiative elsewhereTimestamps:01:31 - How Lisa got into goats and fiber farming, inspired by natural fibers03:19 - The community aspect of fiber farming and connection with other farmers04:26 - How Lisa joined the Local Fiber Collective and its growth05:38 - Membership details and the regional scope of the collective07:30 - The fiber chain: from goats to finished garments08:49 - The processing steps: shearing, skirting, washing, spinning, dyeing11:15 - Building customer trust through storytelling and transparency12:31 - How natural fiber production educates and reconnects consumers with craft skills14:20 - The collective approach to fair pricing over competition15:14 - The benefits of natural fibers versus fast fashion products16:37 - Environmentally conscious farming practices in the collective18:42 - Challenges of maintaining interest and organizational clarity19:01 - The importance of mentorship and community support for new farmers22:02 - Advice for starting similar collectives outside Ithaca23:44 - Building community through local events and shared purpose25:49 - Challenges: volunteer engagement, organizational structure, fundingResources & Links:Local Fiber CollectiveLaughing Goat Fiber Farmhttps://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.comThe Practically Real Team:Jake Gribschaw - Technical Advisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschawStacey Cornelius - Associate Producer https://agencyofwords.comSonia Simone - Content Strategist https://remarkable-communication.comErin O'Shaughnessy - Creative Consultant https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808Yen Ospina - Artist http://yenospina.comCarsie Blanton - Musician http://carsieblanton.com

Beyond Insurance - The Healthcare Model That’s Changing EverythingDiscover how healthcare is transforming with an innovative direct primary care model, offering affordable, accessible, and relationship-based health solutions in Ithaca. Learn why this model is gaining momentum as a sustainable alternative to traditional insurance-based healthcare.Key TopicsThe limitations of the current patient care system and the complexities of insuranceHow direct primary care (DPC) simplifies access and reduces costsCost savings with DPC, including cheaper labs, imaging, and medicationsThe role of DPC in managing emergencies and routine health needsHow DPC offers tailored services like men's and women's health, hormone therapy, and home visitsThe impact of DPC on practitioner burnout and patient satisfactionStrategies for starting or joining a DPC practice, including low overhead requirementsThe future of healthcare: people-over-profit and a return to personalized careContact details: homesteadyhealth.com and 607-882-6001Resources & LinksHomesteady Health - https://homesteadyhealth.comHomestead Health on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/homesteadyhealthHomestead Health on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/homesteadyhealth/Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to share this episode, rate, review, and subscribe to support the local economy conversations. For more resources and to connect with hosts, visit https://ithacalocaleconomylab.comThe Practically Real Team:Jake Gribschaw - Technical Advisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschawStacey Cornelius - Associate Producer https://agencyofwords.comSonia Simone - Content Strategist https://remarkable-communication.comErin O'Shaughnessy - Creative Consultant https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808Yen Ospina - Artist http://yenospina.comCarsie Blanton - Musician http://carsieblanton.comConnect with Dia on Patreon:https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

This episode is an introduction to the podcast themes and reveals the fundamental questions behind creating economic systems that prioritize human well-being.Hosted by Dia, the podcast explores radical economic experiments in Ithaca, from local currencies to community-driven finance, offering insights for anyone interested in rebuilding economies from the ground up.Key topics:The core question: What would an economy built to care for people look like?The importance of relationship-building and cultural shifts in economic transformationExamples of radical economic experiments in Ithaca, including local currencies and cooperative ownership modelsThe role of trust, skills, and community in shaping new economic systemsThe purpose and vision behind the Ithaca Local Economy Lab initiativeThe team behind the podcast, including production and creative contributorsHow these Ithaca stories serve as models for other communities worldwideThe podcast's release schedule of first and third Thursdays and access details via Patreon and websiteTimestamps: 00:04 - What if the economy was designed to prioritize caring for people?00:33 - Introducing the Ithaca Local Economy Lab and its focus on radical economic experiments01:00 - The team behind the podcast and its production details01:34 - Closing remarks and gratitude from the creatorsResources & Links:https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.comJake Gribschaw - Technical Advisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschawStacey Cornelius - Associate Producer https://agencyofwords.comSonia Simone - Content Strategist https://remarkable-communication.comErin O'Shaughnessy - Creative Consultant https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808Yen Ospina - Artist http://yenospina.comCarsie Blanton - Musician http://carsieblanton.comConnect with Dia:https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink