Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Spencer
Hi Brittany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The idea of The Local Radish started back in 2012. I was pregnant with our second child. I knew I didn’t want to return back to my career of 10 years working as a Pharmacy Technician in the hospital. I had always wanted to open a small business. I’d had dreams about it since I was a little girl. I started off by selling different canned preserves, and body care products I’d make. I later re connected with jewelry making. I hadn’t made jewelry since I was in high school but once I started it was like something clicked and I was unstoppable. I’ve made thousands of pieces of jewelry over the last 12 years. In being autistic, I have always had super power when I learn something I connect with I become very passionate about it. During the years from 2012-2020 I worked likely over 500 different art markets, festivals, shows and was featured in over 12 different small businesses. When Covid-19 hit in March of 2020 it really changed everything.
During the shutdown of Covid-19 and not being able to work I used that time for many things. I started to prioritize myself and my work. I started therapy and used this time to learn more about what I was passionate about. I would stay up many nights re searching about geology, Greek mythology , mindfulness practices and making jewelry. I really used this time to start manifesting the future path of The Local Radish. In being a non essential worker I wasn’t allowed to work markets and festivals and most all of the small businesses that carried my jewelry were closed. Many of the small businesses I was selling my jewelry in ended up going out of business. My family and I had to re evaluate my business model. We considered the amount of money we were paying in commissions in the stores each month and the prices of our markets and festivals prior to Covid-19 shut down. We realized we should just take the chance and open up our own location. That one decision opening up our own brick and mortar store in July of 2021 would forever change our entire business as we knew it. Things have really moved fast and it almost doesn’t seem real at times. I went from being a single artist selling their own jewelry to a full time small business owner/entrepreneur . I’ve had to adapt fast and learn as I go. I’m no longer a single artist selling only my products. I’m now a small business selling hundreds of artists & makers products while also working with people from all around the world. We have created a small eco system of artists, makers, seers, creatives, miners striving for the goal of creating sustainable ethically sourced products. These deep connections with this community are powerful in maintaining a respectful and supportive culture.
The first couple of years of The Local Radish brick and mortar store being open I taught many classes. My sister and I spent countless hours creating lesson plans and curating classes about crystals, rituals, practices and how to use them in your daily life. We taught sold out classes over the last 2.5 years. It’s been such an amazing experience talking with our students and customers about the things I’ve spent so many years learning about. This year (2024) I’ve cut back on my class teachings and I’m focusing more on getting the information out via our newsletter and online platforms.
Through all the amazing highs and lows of our business I just can’t thank our amazing customers enough. They have supported us through so many things and we couldn’t ever say thank you enough to them! Being able to live this dream I thought of known as The Local Radish is really an honor for me. I’m just so thankful each day to be able to do what I love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As mentioned above I have had to adapt and change through many life experiences since I opened The Local Radish in 2012. From the struggles of a sole artist trying to survive off their art. The covid ’19 shutdown, opening up a brick and mortar in July of 2021 post covid ’19 , transitioning and expanding at a rapid rate as a small business, to now surviving in a struggling economy. It has at times been a roller coaster of emotions. But I can honesty say there is nothing else I’d rather be doing even through these struggles. Getting to work with so many amazing people, investing back into other small businesses and hearing the stories of our community is priceless! I’m just so thankful to be apart of it all!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The work of The Local Radish started as a sole artist and creative that has now evolved into a community of artist and small businesses working together from around the world. I’m so proud of the community we have built. Working with other artists and being able to invest in one another is really what’s most important. It is truly an honor to assist fellow artists in bringing their dreams to life.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned many lessons from the start of this journey as an artist and small business owner. Through all of it, All of the doubts, struggles, & losses I can say one thing. Don’t Give up! Just keep going. I really believe this! There are so many times I wanted to give up but I didn’t. I just kept believing in myself and my community. I knew what I was creating was important and I still feel that way. Keep believing in yourself! Things will fall into place as you go. Even through the struggles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://localradish.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelocalradish/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thelocalradish/