About the Guest:

Emily Sikora\ Emily Sikora is a dynamic entrepreneur and the owner of two flourishing businesses, Gray Bird Label and TriStar Trading. With a background in exercise science and occupational therapy, Emily transitioned from the healthcare industry to the world of fashion and online commerce. She founded Gray Bird Label in 2016, which has grown from an online boutique to a manufacturer and wholesaler of fashion accessories across the globe. Alongside Johnny Bragg, Emily also co-owns TriStar Trading, a merchandise business catering to YouTubers and online influencers. Her journey showcases her adaptability, drive, and resourcefulness in navigating business challenges and scaling her ventures.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, host Colin Johnson sits down with Emily Sikora, a successful entrepreneur from Johnson City, to discuss her journey and the growth of her businesses, Gray Bird Label and TriStar Trading. They begin by reflecting on the local charm of Johnson City, with Emily highlighting how her appreciation for the area grew as she started raising her children there. She particularly enjoys the vibrant community, good schools, and numerous festivals and events.

Emily delves into the origins of Gray Bird Label, which started as an online boutique selling women's clothes and accessories. She explains how the business scaled rapidly, transitioning from Facebook groups to an online store with both an app and a website. Facing the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, she pivoted Gray Bird into manufacturing and wholesaling unique fashion accessories like earrings, purses, and bathrobes to stores across the country and the world. Emily also talks about her other venture, TriStar Trading, which she co-founded with Johnny Bragg to provide merchandise for YouTubers. The episode is a deep dive into Emily’s entrepreneurial journey, filled with actionable insights and inspiration for aspiring business owners.

Key Takeaways:

• Adapt and Pivot: Emily’s successful transition from retail to wholesale manufacturing highlights the importance of adaptability in business.
• Leveraging Social Media: Connecting with manufacturers and customers through platforms like Instagram can significantly foster business growth.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Emily shares how entrepreneurship allows her to maintain a flexible schedule that accommodates both her business and family needs.
• Community Support: Building a strong local customer base can facilitate initial business growth and sustain long-term success.
• Business Partnerships: Effective collaboration, as seen with TriStar Trading, can bring complementary strengths together and drive a business forward.

Notable Quotes:

• "I needed a little more for my brain than just being home all the time."
• "A lot of the stuff that I worked really hard learning with Gray Bird, I've been able to put into use with TriStar."
• "It's a balancing act. You gotta think really, at least probably, six months out."
• "There is not a manual for how to start and run a business. It just doesn’t exist."
• "I have a heart for other people that are interested in owning a business. I don't think that you have that inkling inside of you for no reason."

Resources:

• Gray Bird Label Website
• Gray Bird Label Instagram
• TriStar Trading Website
• TriStar Trading Instagram

For an in-depth look at Emily’s entrepreneurial insights and to hear more about her journey, tune into the full episode. Stay tuned to the podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice from local business leaders.

About the Guest:

Rebecca Alexander is a dedicated and experienced State Representative for Tennessee's 7th District. Elected in 2020, she has devoted her tenure to serving her community with passion and integrity. Besides her legislative role, Rebecca prides herself on her commitment to public service, focusing on various issues ranging from educational reforms to healthcare improvements. She is known for her strong faith, community involvement, and advocacy for key regional issues, making significant contributions to Tennessee's development and well-being.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Johnson City Living, host Colin Johnson chats with long-time family friend and State Representative, Rebecca Alexander. As they explore the beautiful fall in Johnson City, Rebecca reflects on her four years of service, the intricacies of her role, and the community's spirit. With her rich background in public service, Rebecca offers unique insights into the life of a State Representative, from legislative processes and advocacy to the importance of community engagement and faith.

Rebecca emphasizes the paramount importance of community connections and the hospitality that defines Johnson City. She explains her motivation for pursuing legislative work post-retirement and shares anecdotes of her impactful contributions, such as assisting with unemployment issues, facilitating disability claims, and securing essential community funding. The conversation covers the legislative processes Rebecca navigates, including bill creation, committee meetings, and the necessity of lobbying, encapsulating the essence of her commitment to making a tangible difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Spirit and Growth: The warmth and hospitality of the people in Johnson City play a crucial role in its appeal, along with the beautiful mountainous landscapes.
• Legislative Journey: Rebecca details the complexities of her role as a State Representative, including the creation and passage of bills, committee assignments, and advocacy issues.
• Faith and Public Service: Rebecca's strong faith guides her work, underscoring the importance of incorporating personal beliefs into public duties for genuine community service.
• Importance of Hard Work: Drawing from her own upbringing, Rebecca stresses the values of hard work and perseverance, essential traits for community and personal success.
• Future Goals: Rebecca outlines her ongoing objectives, such as improving broadband access and healthcare reforms, reflecting her dedication to addressing both immediate and long-term community needs.

Notable Quotes:

1. “I love seeing our community get money that we've never gotten before. That thrills my heart.”
2. “A lot of our self-esteem in our work. And when we enable people not to work, they lose their self-esteem and their purpose in life.”
3. “If you don't vote, you vote it the other way, and your vote does matter.”
4. “I start out every day on my knees, literally praying, God, please help me have the wisdom to guide our community.”
5. “I firmly believe that I was there. I'm there for a reason. I know that he has a plan for our state, and I just wanted to be in that will.”

Resources:

• Early Voting: Begins October 16th
• Election Day: November 5th
• Rebecca Alexander's Office: Engage with your local representatives to discuss community issues and legislative processes.
• Tennessee State Government: For more information on bills, committees, and legislative calendars.

Tune in to this insightful episode to gain a deeper understanding of the integral role of community, faith, and dedicated public service in shaping Johnson City's future. Stay updated with more enlightening content from Johnson City Living!

About the Guest:

Greg Turner is the founder and owner of "Get Bricked," a premier Lego store located in Johnson City. With a deep-rooted passion for Lego that began in his childhood, Greg reignited his interest during the COVID-19 pandemic and turned it into a thriving business. Beyond Legos, Greg has extensive experience in retail, having owned multiple brick-and-mortar stores specializing in minerals and fossils. His wife, too, is an entrepreneur, owning the West Main Antique Store in Johnson City. Together, they are deeply integrated into the local business community.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Greg Turner, owner of the popular "Get Bricked" Lego store in Johnson City. As summer lingers and the town buzzes with activities, Colin and Greg delve into the world of Legos, discussing everything from the origins of Greg's passion for these iconic building blocks to the thriving business he has created. They explore the intricacies of the Lego market, the community involvement, and the excitement of upcoming projects.

Throughout the conversation, Greg shares fascinating insights about the Lego industry, including investment tips and the immense popularity of certain sets like Star Wars and Harry Potter. The episode covers nostalgic memories, entrepreneurship lessons, and the joys of bringing a childhood passion back to life. Essential themes such as community growth, family bonding, and the enduring appeal of Lego are skillfully woven into this informative and entertaining discussion.

Key Takeaways:

• From Passion to Business: Greg Turner's rekindled love for Lego during the pandemic led to the creation of "Get Bricked," a booming business in Johnson City.
• Community Involvement: The store is not just a retail space but a community hub offering events like build sessions and the upcoming birthday party room.
• Lego Investment Insights: Lego sets, especially Star Wars and Harry Potter, can be significant investment vehicles, with sealed sets increasing in value over time.
• Family Bonding: Legos provide an excellent opportunity for family bonding and creativity, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Downtown Growth: Greg talks about the growth and charm of downtown Johnson City, highlighting the benefits of living and owning a business in a smaller, bustling town.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The amount and variety of parts now compared to 20, 30 years ago has definitely expanded greatly." - Greg Turner
2. "We wanted to get back to a small town. Cost of living in Asheville skyrocketed. The traffic, crime, etc." - Greg Turner
3. "Lego Forbes named it two years in a row the number one investment vehicle on the planet." - Greg Turner
4. "I've been an entrepreneur my entire life. I remember selling dum dum lollipops in the first grade for 10 cents." - Greg Turner
5. "With Legos, you can just take the bricks and build whatever you want and use your imagination. What's better than that?" - Greg Turner

Resources:

• Get Bricked Instagram: @get_bricked_jc
• West Main Antiques: Owned by Greg Turner’s wife, also located in downtown Johnson City.

For more captivating insights and to learn about the expanding world of Legos and community events in Johnson City, be sure to listen to the full episode. Don’t miss out on the upcoming birthday party room at "Get Bricked" and other exciting projects! Stay tuned for more enriching content from the podcast, bringing you closer to the heart of Johnson City's vibrant community.