Episode Highlights

• Rachel Schofield shares the inspiration behind starting Pickerington Online, stemming from her journalism background and a desire to provide accurate local news
• The online magazine began during COVID, with a print version added later to cater to readers who prefer physical copies.
• Pickerington Online generates revenue primarily through advertising, with rates ranging from $50 to $500.

Key Insights

• The lack of communications officers in local government bodies poses a challenge for gathering information.
• Collaborations with the Pickerington Violet Township Historical Society have led to popular projects, including a 1970s Pickerington slideshow.
• The magazine has helped promote local fundraisers and community events, contributing to their success.

Community Impact

• Pickerington Online organizes an annual Earth Day cleanup event, which has grown from 20 volunteers to 150 in recent years.
• The magazine's coverage of the new canopy tour at Black Lick Woods garnered unexpected attention and became their most popular story.
• Rachel's intern program provides valuable experience for students and supports various community events.

Business Advice

• Rachel advises aspiring local news entrepreneurs to build a community of supporters before investing too much time and effort.
• She emphasizes the importance of organization, goal-setting, and breaking tasks into manageable steps.

Personal Insights

• Rachel's aunt serves as her "number one reader" and unofficial editor, helping to keep her motivated and on track.
• She expresses a desire to improve her public speaking skills, as she finds writing easier for precise communication.

Future Plans

• Rachel hopes to expand Pickerington Online's coverage and potentially establish a physical location that could also serve as an art gallery.
• She aims to create a chamber internship program, connecting students with local businesses for real-world experience.

Pickerington Online
Pickerington Online Facebook
Pickerington Historical Society
Columbus Hardscapes
Sorso Coffee
Green Columbus
Coyote Run
Blacklick Woods
The Night Circus
Greatest International Scavenger Hunt

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Episode Summary: Season 2 Kickoff & Personal Updates

• Hosts Michele and Janis return for the second season of Cosmos and Commerce with a casual catch-up episode, discussing their lives, businesses, and future podcast guests.
• Michele opens up about the launch of the new Body Ache Escape Wellness Center, which had a grand opening in May, attracting over 200 people.
  • New hires include an esthetician, an acupuncturist, and a nurse practitioner specializing in weight loss.
• Janis shares an update on her recovery from foot surgery and getting back into hiking.
  • She talks about her involvement with the Pickerington Village Association, which won a Non-Profit of the Year Award at the Pickerington Chamber Awards.
  • Her real estate business is thriving, with high demand and low inventory in the market.
• Both hosts share funny and surprising stories from the grand opening event, including a mishap with ribbon-cutting scissors.
• Michele discusses dealing with theft at her wellness center and the challenges of handling a fraudulent transaction.
• They chat about upcoming travel plans: Michele and her husband Joe are heading to a Note School class in Texas to learn about investing in mortgage notes, while Janis reflects on her own experience in Dallas.
• Janis talks about the success of her Humble Crate business and new vendors joining, including a sourdough bread maker and a jewelry artist.
• Looking ahead to season 2, the hosts tease exciting upcoming interviews with local business owners, including:
  • Rachel Schofield from Pickerington Online
  • Jeff Comer from 3XP Tours
  • Jay from Hot Head Burritos
  • Jennifer Beckwith from Wayside Bookkeeping.

This episode is a warm and personal reintroduction for the hosts, setting the stage for an exciting new season of guest interviews and business insights.

Remarkable
Velocity Capital Solutions
Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses

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Welcome to "Cosmos and Commerce," the podcast where business and fun converge. Hosted by Michele Cook of Body Ache Escape Massage Center and Janis Francis of The Humble Crate. Join us as we engage with some of the most creative and influential minds in the business arena. In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Heather Lipe, the creative force behind Woodchuck Arts. Heather's unique talent lies in weaving together the aesthetics of design and the pragmatics of business, enabling small companies to flourish in the digital landscape. With a knack for creating websites that are not just visually stunning but also highly functional, Heather has become an expert for entrepreneurs eager to expand their digital presence.

1. Introduction:
   • Michele Cook introduces the podcast and guest Heather Lipe from Woodchuck Arts.
   • Overview of Heather's expertise.
2. Heather Lipe's Journey:
   • Heather shares her background and journey to becoming a business owner.
   • Her evolution from aspirations in hairstyling to a passion for art and graphic design.
   • Family influence and entrepreneurial spirit.
3. Starting Woodchuck Arts:
   • The inception of Woodchuck Arts in 2012.
   • The story behind the unique name and its branding impact.
4. Websites and Entrepreneurship:
   • Discussion on common issues entrepreneurs face with their websites.
   • Heather’s approach to solving website design and functional problems.
   • Importance of content for SEO and user engagement.
5. Effective Website Design:
   • Strategies for adding content without clutter.
   • The role of FAQs in website design.
   • Tailoring website content for Google and users.
6. Challenges in Web Design and Small Businesses:
   • Heather's insights on market valuation of design and art.
   • Balancing client needs with financial sustainability.
7. Success Stories:
   • Heather shares examples of successful projects and client experiences.
   • The impact of comprehensive digital marketing on client success.
8. Favorite Tools and Techniques:
   • Heather's preferred tools for digital marketing, like Canva.
   • Insights on copyright issues and safe image sourcing.
9. Working with Heather:
   • The process of collaborating with clients.
   • Customizing services based on client needs and projects.
10. Future Trends and Goals:
    • Predictions for web design trends and future business directions.
    • Heather's personal goals and aspirations for her business.
11. Fun and Personal Questions:
    • A series of lighthearted and personal questions to explore Heather's interests and perspectives outside of work.
12. Closing

Links

Woodchuck Arts
Earthing Mat
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Canva
123RF

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