Rural Revival

Rural Revival

From farming and agriculture to amazing restaurants, vintage markets, and even tech start-ups, people are thinking outside the box, taking risks, and bringing life back to the hometowns and small communities we love. Our hope is this will be a place where you can be inspired to do the same. So jump in, hear the stories of people who are doing life in rural America and loving it, and start dreaming. And then let us know what you're up to so we can share your story, too!

  1. MAR 14

    168 | Tim and Morgann Boettner of A Well Worn Story

    Today we’re taking you to the charming little town of New Glarus, Wisconsin (pop. 2,208) where craftsmanship, community, and a whole lot of heart come together. I’m sitting down with Tim and Morgann Boettner of A Well Worn Story, a husband and wife team with a business that’s all about high-quality, handcrafted leather and canvas goods. What started with just $5,000 and some spare time has grown into something truly special — a blend of online hustle and a brick-and-mortar storefront where they make everything by hand. In this episode, we’re diving into their journey: how they expanded from an online shop to opening a storefront with a workshop in the back, the way they’ve curated a space that’s as beautiful as their products, and why balancing online and in-store sales has been a winning combo for them.  We’ll talk about their new private-label collaborations with other small businesses, how customer feedback sparked fresh ideas for their product line, and why they’re so passionate about the slow fashion movement — because quality matters.  Tim and Morgann are also sharing the keys to their longevity in business, how they’ve teamed up as husband and wife to make it all work, and what’s changed in New Glarus since we last caught up.  From their love for historic buildings to the wild adventure of entrepreneurship, they’re keeping it real — staying true to their brand, their values, and their faith.  Their story is a testament to the power of quality, adaptability, and staying true to who you are, all while building something that lasts in a world that’s always changing! Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESNew Glarus, WisconsinNew Glarus Brewing FOLLOW A WELL WORN STORYINSTAGRAMFACEBOOKPINTERESTWEBSITE FARM DINNER EVENT KITIf you're thinking about hosting your own farm or ranch dinner this summer, our Farm Dinner Event Kit has everything you need! This kit covers every part of your planning — from organizing volunteers to ticket sales to creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. And of course the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way! We’ve designed this to help save you time, streamline the details, and make things as easy as possible for you. And it's on sale for this month only! Go to ruralrevival.co/farmdinner for all the details. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    50 min
  2. JAN 23

    165 | Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co.

    Today kicks off a brand new season of the podcast, and as announced, this year we are going back to interview some of the people and businesses featured in our first episodes to find out what they’ve been up to since then! Who better to start off with than Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co in Lewis, Iowa (pop. 357)? I first talked to Michelle back in 2019 when her candle business was still a side hustle. Fast forward to today, and Michelle has not only made her dream a full-time reality, but she’s built an incredible brand, expanded her shop, and even hosted farm-to-table dinners on her farm. In today’s conversation, we’ll dive into how she made the leap to entrepreneurship, the importance of protecting her creativity, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. You’ll hear about the power of community, her evolving style, and how she’s crafted a brand that truly reflects her rural roots. Michelle’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with hard work, creativity, and a strong community.  So grab your favorite candle, sit back, and enjoy this inspiring conversation with Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co. And be sure to stick around until the end, because we have two very exciting announcements for you! Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTES2019 InterviewLewis, IowaFaire FOLLOW DIRT ROAD CANDLE CO:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKTIKTOKWEBSITE AFTER THE EPISODEIf you’re inspired by Michelle’s story and want to dive even deeper into how to apply some of these strategies to your own business, make sure to check out our new bonus episode. I’ll be breaking down the key takeaways from today’s interview and sharing actionable steps you can use to level up your own hustle. From setting goals to building a brand that feels truly you, it’s packed with practical tips and insights. So, after you finish here, head over to After the Episode — you won’t want to miss it! MADE RURAL PODCASTWe're launching a brand new podcast called Made Rural. Are you ready to step into the purpose God has uniquely designed for your life? Whether you're chasing a dream, starting a business, or simply longing to make a meaningful impact, it’s time to move beyond your comfort zone and take bold action. The Made Rural podcast is a space where we dive into how to embrace your God-given calling, overcome fear, and step into the life you were created for. In each episode, we’ll explore practical steps, powerful stories, and biblical inspiration to help you trust in the purpose God has placed in your heart. ✨ God has uniquely equipped you with talents, wisdom, and a heart to make a difference—and the world needs what you have to offer! 🔑 Tune in now to the first episode of Made Rural and get ready to take the first step toward living out your purpose! 👉 Make sure to check out Made Rural at maderural.co and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t miss out on what God has in store for you. This is your moment—let’s make it count. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    36 min
  3. 11/28/2024

    164 | Michelle Hamilton of Dandelion Naturals

    On today podcast episode we're with Michelle Hamilton of Dandelion Naturals in Hayfield, Minnesota (pop. 1,340). After 21 years in nursing, Michelle took a leap of faith two years ago and started making all natural soap and selling at farmer's markets. This business that started in her kitchen has now grown into an extensive product line and its own main street commercial building. We're talking about how she's managed growth in a business that has exploded almost overnight, the importance of being passionate about what you do, keeping the right mindset, and more. It's mind-blowing how quickly this business has grown and we couldn't be happier for Michelle and her family. It's going to be fun to see their new building come to life as a storefront, too, so be sure to go give Dandelion Naturals a follow to see this come together. And if you're looking for a great Christmas gift, Dandelion Naturals has so many great all natural gifts! You'll find this and other ideas on our Rural Makers + Creators Gift Guide. Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESHayfield, MinnesotaMarigold Days FOLLOW HANDLEBEND:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALWe've got a SALE coming your way! It's our black Friday sale where we offer our website design kits at HALF OFF! Here’s why people love our website design kits… they're easy to edit, fully customizable, and they're 100% DIY. This means that with the help of our tutorial videos, you'll learn step by step how to edit on your own so you can have the freedom as a small business owner to update your own website whenever you need. It's truly a win/win for you and your business. We only do this sale once a year, so don't miss out! Go to brandedbyruralrevival.co to find the design kit that's right for you! MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    34 min
  4. 11/15/2024

    163 | Matt Dennis and Michael Stepp of Handlebend

    On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we're with Matt Dennis and Michael Stepp of Handlebend in O'Neill, Nebraska (pop. 3,575), where they make handcrafted copper mugs and use their space to bring new creative and entrepreneurial ideas to life. They're sharing how the resurgence of the moscow mule inspired an accidental business that brought them back to their hometown. Plus, how they’ve navigated an ever-changing business, how they refined their process and streamlined production, the move to their current building and their vision for this big space, and what it means for their small town to have this kind of space to build community. These guys have built an incredible business these guys have built! You’ll love their focus on community and their intentionality around expanding and growing this business. This is a fantastic episode and I know you're gonna be inspired! I know there's so much more to come from Matt and Michael, so be sure to go give them a follow. And if you're looking for a great Christmas gift, a Handlebend mug makes for a great gift! You'll find this and other ideas on our Rural Makers + Creators Gift Guide. Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESO’Neill, NebraskaOmaha World Herald Feature StoryNormal Roasting Company FOLLOW HANDLEBEND:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKXWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALWe've got a SALE coming your way! It's our black Friday sale where we offer our website design kits at HALF OFF! Here’s why people love our website design kits… they're easy to edit, fully customizable, and they're 100% DIY. This means that with the help of our tutorial videos, you'll learn step by step how to edit on your own so you can have the freedom as a small business owner to update your own website whenever you need. It's truly a win/win for you and your business. We only do this sale once a year, so don't miss out! Go to brandedbyruralrevival.co to find the design kit that's right for you! MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    45 min
  5. 10/18/2024

    162 | Jordan Classen of Classen Land & Cattle

    On today's episode we're with Jordan Classen of Classen Land & Cattle and Classen Mercantile out of Albion, Nebraska (pop. 1,703), and we're talking all about what it takes to start and grow a beef business from the ground up. Jordan and her husband Travis are building their dream together and bringing their vision for their farm and business to life — which started with three head of cattle — and now has their beef finding its way to tables around the country and in their local schools. Jordan has worked hard to incorporate an entirely local beef program in those schools! She also talks about how she's betting on herself, the importance of farmers’ markets and why we need to support them, and how she's using this business to impact consumers.  And here's something fun, we actually got to help build the Classen Mercantile website when Jordan attended one of our Brand Camp events a few years back. If you're in need of a website or other branding, we want to help. Branded by Rural Revival is our rural design studio where we are helping small business owners and small towns with websites, design, marketing assets, brand kits, and more. Our #1 goal is to help provide the tools you need to succeed as a small business owner or small town — and help you build a brand that you love. If you want to learn more or check out some of our latest work, go to brandedbyruralrevival.co. You’ll love Jordan's heart for agriculture and all the amazing things she’s doing with this business! And as we start to think about the Christmas season, which will be here before we know it, Classen Mercantile is now taking prime rib orders and will be shipping as soon as they get their restock in around November 15! They will also be offering jerky and beef sticks this Christmas. If you're local to Albion area, you can stop by their beef store on the first Saturday of the month from 10-2 or also by appointment. Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESAlbion, NebraskaHumphrey, NebraskaBellevue Farmers’ MarketSunday Farmers’ MarketLocal Foods for Local Schools FOLLOW CLASSEN MERCANTILE:FACEBOOKINSTAGRAMWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALHere's something fun - we actually got to help build the Classen Mercantile website when Jordan attended one of our Brand Camp events a few years back. If you're in need of a website or other branding, we want to help. Branded by Rural Revival is our rural design studio where we are helping small business owners and small towns with websites, design, marketing assets, brand kits, and more. Our #1 goal is to help provide the tools you need to succeed as a small business owner or small town — and help you build a brand that you love. If you want to learn more or check out some of our latest work, go to brandedbyruralrevival.co. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    31 min
4.8
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

From farming and agriculture to amazing restaurants, vintage markets, and even tech start-ups, people are thinking outside the box, taking risks, and bringing life back to the hometowns and small communities we love. Our hope is this will be a place where you can be inspired to do the same. So jump in, hear the stories of people who are doing life in rural America and loving it, and start dreaming. And then let us know what you're up to so we can share your story, too!