Re-thinking Commerce: Enter the Gifting Grove

As we enter the winter solstice, exploring the dark that inevitably comes before the light, we’re considering new ways to think about gifting, yes, and what of commerce?  What of a community that reverses the epidemic of loneliness pervasive in our modern society?  Can we do better?  That’s up in the latest Are We Here Yet? Podcast to close season X and 2024. 

I’m joined by Veronica Mangio, founder of the Minneapolis-based Gifting Grove and once again by my good friend from Grand Isle County, Vermont based Byron Garcia of Natural Designs. 

Veronica is the inspiring founder of Gifting Grove, a company dedicated to facilitating community that can involve creating meaningful, sustainable, and handcrafted gifts that leave a lasting impact, sharing time, and skills. Her vision is rooted in promoting conscious gifting, empathy in an epidemic of loneliness, and supporting local artisans/organizations, fostering environmental and social well-being.  Veronica has turned her passion for sustainability and community into a thriving business redefining how we think about giving. 

Referenced in our episode

Braiding Sweetgrass Wall Kimmerer

Our episode on Biomimicry with Byron Garcia on the Innova802 series

The Giving Tree: Shel Silverstein (link to the youtube video)

Artist Neri Oxman

Strong Towns