Since this episode aired in May, 2018, Robert St. John has revitalized a community and created a catalyst for economic development in Mississippi's capital city. St. John is one of the managing partners of the development that includes The Capri, The Pearl Tiki bar, and the Highball Lanes restaurant, bar, and 10-lane bowling alley. St. John's story is a testament to the wisdom and insight of entrepreneurship in Mississippi.
This episode marks the beginning of a new Era for Made In Mississippi. Casey Combest hosts a fun interview with Shelly Withers Janous. Janous is originally from Starkville, MS and is a successful entreprenuer in Clinton, MS. Listen as they talk about her career, and the persistence, hard work and faith that has prepared her for "such a time as this"- Esther 4:14. Casey finishes the episode with a big reveal about the future of Made in Mississippi.
For this episode of Made in Mississippi, we turn the tables and hear from Casey Combest, owner of Blue Sky Studios and founder of the Made in Mississippi podcast.
Casey sits down with Erin to talk about how he got his start and how to build a business that's the right size for your goals. Casey also shares how he learned that that success doesn't always look like building a bigger team.
Dr. Lee Gary and Dr. Wendy Lewis join the Made In Mississippi podcast on this episode. They share what it’s like to build a truly unique experience that customers look forward too, in a field that typically brings A LOT of anxiety for customers. Wendy and Lee also share about putting the customer experience first, their lessons learned, and what it takes to enjoy the journey of entrepreneurship in Mississippi.
Vince Vavrunek is now building his second business after selling his first. Listen in to hear what drove him toward entrepreneurship in the first place and the decisions he made along the way to build a business that he was able to sell.
On this episode, Marilyn Tinnin and Katie Eubanks join us to discuss 20 years of Mississippi Christian Living. Marilyn and Katie discuss how Katie came to own the brand, and how it has changed over time. Listen in to hear more, or check them out at www.mschristianliving.com or Facebook.com/mschristianliving
Rina White joins us on this episode to share about her journey to entrepreneurship through the acquisition of an already existing, stable business with a platform holding potential for expansion. Rina desired to be an entrepreneur, but she did not have a start up idea or team. By following an acquisition route, she was able to "de-risk" entrepreneurship. Listen in to hear more about her path to owning Laundry South. You can check out her business at www.laundrysouth.com
Cliff Osbon, co-owner of Office Evolution in Flowood, sits down with Erin in this episode, where he shares insight and wisdom as a seasoned entrepreneur. He details his journey from the beginning of his career, and emphasizes how paying attention to cultural trends can help you be more informed to make wise business decisions and take hold of new business opportunities. Filled with great nuggets of wisdom that can be applied to any stage of your career, this is an episode not to miss!
Leslie Ann Jones the founder of Muscadine Press, shares her entrepreneurial journey from her first sale on Etsy to building a robust retail and wholesale business all from her spare bedroom. Get the inside scoop on how she added wholesale into her business model and how relationships have played a part in her success.
Denny VanderMolen of Vermeer MidSouth and Jackson Endeavors joins us today to discuss the ins and outs of how business impacts life. Denny discusses with us the importance of identifying and finding a good partnership to support the end game. Not only that, but he also discusses what it looks like to balance ego and humility in business. Most importantly, Denny discusses the role time can play in both business in life, and the importance of using it well. You can find out more about his work at vermeermidsouth.com or call 601.720.8830 to find out more about Jackson Endeavors.
On this episode, Casey and Erin (S8E2) discuss the past and future of Made in Mississippi. Join Casey and Erin as they discuss where the show is heading, and what it looks like for entrepreneurs in the state. Listen in to find the why behind the podcast. If you're interested in finding out more about Erin Fults, check out Season 8 Episode 2. Subscribe to our email chain madeinmississippi.com and give us a follow at madeinms on social media.
Robby Followell of Followell Fotography shares on this episode about his experiences building his brand. In his photography, Robby works hard to ensure that all aspects point back towards the specific passions of what he is best at and what he enjoys most. Listen in to hear about what it looked like for Robby to identify who and what his brand is. We know you'll enjoy this episode. Check Robby out at followellfotography.com or on Instagram @rfollowell or @followellfotography
Marlo Kirkpatrick is a professional storyteller who found her skill of writing. One of the unique things that Marlo does is that she helps businesses tell her story. Listen in to hear Marlo share about the importance of stories for businesses. As a writer, one of her favorite things is seeing ordinary people do extraordinary things. If you want to learn more, look at kirkpatrickporchcreative.com
Sajani Barot of The Skin Consult joins to discuss how she as a trained, licensed pharmacist is impacting the skin care world. What originally started as Sajani working towards a better skincare routine for herself has transformed into a tele-health consultation business that helps people find confidence and understanding in their personalized skincare routine. Listen in to hear how The Skin Consult is making a difference.
Sarah Smythe of Lagniappe, an interior design, gift shop, and wedding and event planning business, joined in on this episode to discuss her journey over the past few years. Sarah, from MS, spent time in NYC but decided to come back to open her business in MS. Sarah shared about the importance of finding what you love and jumping right in. If you're interested in learning more, follow them on Instagram @misslagniappe or on Facebook.
CreateHealth is an outsource marketing department that does a variety of things ranging from digital advertising to traditional prints to social media. Robyn and Tobey have their foundations in healthcare, but they have expanded to other types of businesses. Their best advice is that if you want something to happen. you have to make it happen. Listen in to find out what makes CreateHealth different, or check them out at creathealth.ms
Jeri Carter of Queen's Reward Meadery shares on this episode about their Mississippi made mead. Mead is wine made by fermenting honey rather than grapes, and you can taste their mead in Tupelo or purchase at liquor stores. Queen's Reward Meadery was opened in 2016 and Jeri describes this venture as the most terrifying fun she has ever had. Listen in on this episode to learn about their experience as entrepreneurs in the state.
NewSouth NeuroSpine is a state of the spine care devoted to care of the spine. One of John Davis' best advice is to pick the right people first, and then build your business around the skill set and people. There is no greater trainer than complications. For entrepreneurs, it is important to do what you do well, and make sure it doesn't stay hidden. Use your skills to keep people and bring people to Mississippi. You can learn more about their business at www.ns2.md
Becky Russell doesn't have a job, and instead she does what she loves every day. Russell Media Consultants is a Public Relations Marketing Video Production company. While Becky is not a MS native, she says that Mississippi has her heart and this is where she always wants to live. Becky's main advice is to listen, ask questions, and listen even more. Check the company out at russellmediaconsultants.com or email Becky at becky@russellmediaconsultants.com
Stephen Kirkpatrick of Kirkpatrick Wildlife Photography joins us on this episode to discuss his journey and experiences as a wildlife photographer. Listen in to hear some of his exciting stories from shoots, and about some of his work with Netflix, BBC, NBC, and Nat Geo. Currently, you can find Stephen transitioning into cinematography and videography. Check his work out at kirkpatrickwildlife.com
Inaka Tea is the first bottled grain tea company in the US, and it launched in October 2020. There was a lot of trail and error in this business starting, and Chat Phillips speaks to what that experience was like for them. Chat's best advice is to adapt your business to the process rather than expecting the commercial world to adapt to your process. You can check out their business and brand at inakatea.com or on Instagram @inaka_tea