Behind the Radish

 

Since 2012, my journey from a hospital Pharmacy Technician to an entrepreneur began when I decided not to return to my career after having my second child. I nurtured childhood dreams of running a small business, starting with selling homemade preserves and body care products. Rediscovering jewelry making reignited a passion dormant since high school, propelling me to create thousands of handcrafted pieces using natural elements. From 2012 to 2020, I participated in over 500 art markets and shows, collaborating with 12 small businesses until Covid-19 upended everything.

During the pandemic's shutdown, unable to work, I focused on personal growth, exploring interests like geology and Greek mythology while deepening my jewelry craft. The closure of stores carrying my products forced a reevaluation, leading my family and me to open our own brick-and-mortar store in July 2021. This pivotal decision transformed my role from a single artist to a full-time small business owner and entrepreneur. Now, I curate a diverse collection of products from hundreds of artists worldwide, fostering a sustainable, ethically sourced ecosystem. These connections form a supportive community dedicated to maintaining a respectful culture of creativity and innovation.

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!

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’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.

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!

-Brittany Spencer (The Local Radish)