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Rural Unrecognized
“Rural, Unrecognized is a podcast in which we showcase the inspiring stories of small business owners from the Flagstaff Region and beyond. We dive deep into the journeys of these entrepreneurs who have turned their dreams into a reality, and hear about the struggles, successes, and lessons learned along the way.
Each episode, we will feature a different small business owner and discuss their unique experiences in starting and running their business. From brick-and-mortar shops to online stores, we'll cover a variety of industries and share valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just interested in learning more about the small business community, "Rural, Unrecognized" is the podcast for you. Tune in and get inspired by the amazing stories of these passionate and dedicated individuals who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.”
Episodes
29 episodes
The Country Cupboard: Slowing Down & Creating an Experience | Trish Muirhead
What if shopping wasn’t something you rushed through… but something you experienced?In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, Jessica sits down with Trish Muirhead, founder of The Country Cupboard Farm Store, a unique rura...
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What If There’s a Better Way? Rethinking Food Production
Sometimes innovation starts with a simple question: What if there’s a better way?In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, Jessica sits down with Bryan of ZS Farms, whose curiosity and willingness to think different...
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The Sarah Wells Story
Olympian Sarah Wells joins Amanda after delivering her keynote at the Flagstaff Celebrate Success Gala to talk about what it really means to pursue excellence — not for applause, but for who we become in the process.Sarah shares h...
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The Rusty Daisy Gift Co. Story
In this episode, Amanda sits down with Mandy, the “unapologetically real” florist and founder behind The Rusty Daisy Gift Co. in Daysland, Alberta. What starts as a conversation about running a floral and gift shop quickly blooms into a heartfe...
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The Hohm and Co Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we sit down with Tylene, co-founder of Hohm and Co. What started as a small family project selling at farmers’ markets has grown into a storefront in Hardisty, Alberta, with...
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The Align and Release Wellness Story
In this episode of Rural. Unrecognized., Bobbi Delowsky talks honestly about how her career has changed over the years, from starting as a massage therapist to running her own wellness space called Align and Release Wellness.
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The Busy Bees Early Childhood Learning Story
Joanne McMahon has been a pillar in early childhood education in Flagstaff County for over 30 years, but when the pandemic hit, she tried something new: she brought her enthusiasm, experience, and spark to the screen. What started as a way to c...
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The Tiny Co Pottery Story
What started as a casual afternoon class quickly turned into a full-blown pottery journey for Morgan, founder of Tiny Co Pottery. In this episode, she shares how a spontaneous workshop opened the door to a creative life rooted in intention, val...
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The Salted Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we talk with Jill, Kristy, and Lynette—co-founders of Salted, a handcrafted caramel company based in Flagstaff County. What began as a small side project during the pandemic has grown int...
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The JD Barrett Woodworking Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we meet Tracey and John, the owners of JD Barrett Woodworking, a custom woodworking business that has found success in both urban and rural Alberta. Originally from the UK, John started his career a...
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The Killam Home Hardware Building Centre Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we sit down with Darek Graff, managing partner of Killam Home Hardware, to talk about small-town business, community values, and playing the long game in entrepreneurship.Darek shares how Home Hardw...
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The BAM Fitness Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we kick off 2025 with Brittany McMillan, owner of Bam Fitness, as our first guest of the year. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Brittany dives into the myths and realities of wellness, d...
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The Kristin Kueber Artist Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we chat with Kristin Kueber, a rural Alberta artist who has turned her love of painting into a growing business. Kristin shares how her small-town upbringing and connection to rural life have shaped her ar...
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The Grey Arrow Farm Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we are joined by Andrea Kristin, an artist, author, and city mouse turned farm girl, as she shares the inspiring story behind Grey Arrow Farm. Andrea takes us through her journey of starting a com...
The Righteous Gelato Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we chat with James Boettcher, the CEO and "Custodian of Culture" at Righteous Gelato, a company that’s far more than just a gelato shop. James shares his unique entrepreneurial journey, from his early days...
The Fifth Gen Gardens Story
In this episode of "Rural Unrecognized," host Amanda chats with Kristin Graves, better known as the Garlic Goddess. Once a radiology technician, Kristin has traded in her hospital scrubs for coveralls, becoming a successful garlic farmer and au...
The Altitude Accounting Story
In this episode, Amanda sits down with Jessica Hersey, the exceptional accountant behind Altitude Accounting. Jessica shares her inspiring journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to becoming a profit strategist and owner of her own...
The Laurie's Vintage Creation's Story
In this episode of "Rural Unrecognized," we chat with Laurie, the former owner of Laurie's Vintage Creations Home Decor in Viking, Alberta. Laurie's journey from a stay-at-home mom to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of ...
The Sweet Three Designs Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we sit down with Candace Patton, the founder of Sweet Three Designs, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and the challenge of overcoming burnout.Candace shares how her business started as a crea...
The Wild Rose Co-op Story
In this episode, host Amanda Wagner sits down with Jennifer Fossen, the Communications and Marketing Manager of the Wild Rose Co-op, to explore the inspiring work they do and their innovative program known as Flagstaff Crafted....
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The Lady's Hat Farm Story
In this episode we invite you to join us in a captivating conversation with Nikki Wiart, the owner of Lady’s Hat Farm. Nikki shares her inspiring story of transitioning from a journalist to a farmer florist, while also shedding light on the ...
The Country Road Chats
In this episode, host Amanda Wagner engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the remarkable Doreen Blumhagen, a farmer, mental health advocate, and incredible storyteller. Together, they delve deep into the essence of rural experiences ...
The Tool Shed Brewing Story
Get ready for an extraordinary journey as you listen to this exclusive interview recording from the 2022 Flagstaff Celebrates Success Gala. Join host Amanda Wagner as she sits down with Graham Sherman, the mastermind behind Tool Shed Brewing...
The Milk Jar Story
Join host Amanda Wagner in an engaging and enlightening conversation with the extraordinary Holly Singer, CEO and Queen of Candles at Milk Jar Candle Company. In this episode, Holly shares her inspiring journey of building a successful candle e...
The HOM of Well Being Story
In this episode, host Amanda Wagner sits down with the incredible Shirley Damberger, owner of HOM of Well Being and a Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Thai Therapist, Facial Stretch Therapist, Oncology Massage Specialist, and Educator. P...
