October is Women’s Small Business Month! Main Street America's Spring 2023 Small Business Survey found that 61% of respondents stated that their business was woman-owned. Many of these business owners are introduced to the Main Street Movement through their downtown presence, and some go on to become volunteers, board members, and executive directors. We spoke to Kirsten Gjesdal, owner of The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co. and Executive Director at Downtown Brookings; Andrea Zwiebel, owner of Small Onion Studio and Executive Director at Downtown Wabash; and Stephanie Burden, owner of The Flower Depot and Executive Director at Cynthiana Main Street; to learn more about the intersections of Main Street leadership and small business ownership.
How did you get involved in Main Street?
Kirsten Gjesdal (KG): I participated in many local promotions as a part of my business and was the Chair of our Chamber of Commerce's Downtown Brookings District Committee in 2018. During that time, I attended my first Main Street America conference and got totally absorbed into the mission and vision of MSA. Our downtown's needs have since outgrown the support the Chamber was able to offer so I began the process of creating the ideal organization for our Main Street program to thrive in, following the guidance of the many MSA resources. Downtown Brookings officially launched this past spring and I stepped into the executive director role.
Andrea Zweibel (AZ): I joined the Design Committee more than 10 years ago to utilize my art degree! I love the creative placemaking side of the Design pillar. Then I was asked to join the Board of Directors. Now I serve as the executive director of Downtown Wabash, Inc.
Stephanie Burden (SB): I was a board member for our Main Street program representing small businesses. Once the Executive Director position became available, I filled in interim, then ultimately became the permanent director. I have been the director since January 2016.
Why did you become a small business owner?
KG: The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co. opened in 2015 when I was looking for a way to have more impact on my community and control over my day-to-day life. Small shop ownership was the perfect fit, providing challenging but rewarding work with room to experiment with fun projects and to volunteer for the Brookings community that I love.
AZ: As artists, my husband and I started a home-based art studio named Small Onion Studio in 2007. We exhibited at local festivals and started taking commissions. Now we sell wholesale and fulfill orders year round!
SB: I was raised with entrepreneur parents, so I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. My family member owned a flower shop and when it became available, I purchased the store. I have been the owner of the floral and gift store since 2007. The store is located on Main Street in our downtown district.
How does being a small business owner interact with your Main Street work?
KG: Owning a small business gives you a lot of empathy for the struggles and needs of our Downtown Brookings business owners. I have been in their shoes and know how frustrating it can be to work with an absent landlord, how difficult it is to separate work life from home life, and the financial uncertainty the slow months bring. I also own the historic building that The Carrot Seed is housed in, which helps me understand the challenges our building owners have with renovations, financing, and the "surprises" old places hold. Having participated in Downtown Brookings events and promotions as a store and building owner for years, I can better see potential issues and prepare for participation roadblocks. I won't lie though—managing small business ownership while being a Main Street Director is a lot of work! My calendar and inbox are very full.
AZ: My husband and I both work full time, so we weren't ready for brick-and-mortar endeavors. The next best option was to expand to our local farmers’ market. Our Main Street has been running the farmers market for 16 years and focuses on handmade, homemade, and homegrown vendors. We joined the market as a vendor three years ago and it has been such a great outlet for Small Onion Studio. The farmers’ market continues to grow every year and so does our small business!
SB: As a fellow small business owner, I see and know the challenges that we all face. I have first-hand experience of how events and downtown revitalization affects small businesses. As the director, I want our downtown to thrive, not only for my business but for everyone. When there is foot traffic downtown, whether from events or downtown promotion, we all benefit.
What is your proudest accomplishment with your small business?
KG: Our business made it through 2020! That was an extremely challenging year professionally and personally (I had a baby in April 2020), but The Carrot Seed made it through and is stronger than ever. Stepping away from day-to-day management and into the Downtown Brookings role this spring was
another huge win. I have the very best team that was ready to step up and take on increased responsibilities. I'm so proud and thankful for them!
AZ: Our daughter attends the farmers' market with us, and she is learning every week! Our customers are always astounded at her knowledge as a 12-year-old. She started selling handmade jewelry, so we call her a kid-preneur!
SB: My proudest accomplishment with my business is the growth I continue to have year after year. I was able to move and expand my business early on and by moving to Main Street my foot traffic increased along with my customer base.
Franklin Bronze Plaques, a Main Street America Allied Member, is this quarter's Main Spotlight advertiser. For more information about the products and services they provide to Main Street organizations, click here >