Under the Canopy

Hannah Wen

What does it truly mean to bring people together? Well, here on Under the Canopy, we answer that very question. We will explore what it takes to build a community from conversations with local leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the place we live in. From menial decisions to big risks, we will dig into the stories behind the people who are building something for the greater good. Hosted by Hannah Wen, a high school student based in Ann Arbor!

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Red Barn Realty | Brokerage | Merrill Guerra Pt. 2

    Before Dragonfly and Birch, there was Red Barn Realty — and for Merrill Guerra, real estate has never just been about closing deals. In part two of our conversation with Merrill, we dig into the brokerage that's been the backbone of her career for over a decade. She rose to Top 250 out of more than 2,000 agents at one of Michigan's largest brokerages, then eventually founded Red Barn Realty LLC, a local boutique brokerage dedicated to serving the Ann Arbor area. We talk about what drew her to real estate in the first place, what it really feels like to be the first person a family meets when they're planting roots in a new town, and the client stories that have stayed with her long after the papers were signed. We also get into how running a real estate brokerage and a community boutique at the same time isn't as different as it sounds — because at the core of both is the same question: how do you help people feel at home? And we close with something close to our hearts here on the podcast — Merrill's advice for young women who want to build something of their own, and what she hopes people remember about everything she's created in Manchester. In this episode: What pulled Merrill into real estate and kept her thereRising to the top 250 of 2,000+ agents — what she did differentlyThe client stories that go far beyond the closing tableWhat it means to be a community gatekeeper as a RealtorAdvice for young women with entrepreneurial dreamsWhat Merrill hopes her legacy in Manchester really looks like Hope you enjoy! Stay tuned for the next episode (you'll love this guest!).

    19 min

  2. Jun 28

    Dragonfly and Birch | Bookstore, Gift Shop, Event Space | Merrill Guerra Pt. 1

    What does it take to build not just one business, but a whole ecosystem of community-driven ventures? In this episode, we sit down with Merrill Guerra — entrepreneur, Realtor, and owner of both Dragonfly and Birch and Red Barn Realty in Manchester, Michigan. Here, we focus specifically on Dragonfly and Birch, which is a bookstore, gift shop, event space, and bar, among many things all at once. In this episode: The story behind Dragonfly and Birch's name and conceptExploring the Unique Blend of a Gift Shop and Gathering PlaceCuration Philosophy and Product SelectionThe Importance of Community GatheringChallenges and Unexpected Joys of Business Ownership On the next episode, we delve into RedBarn Realty, a real-estate brokerage that Merrill has owned for a decade. Stay tuned!

    19 min
  • 2 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What does it truly mean to bring people together? Well, here on Under the Canopy, we answer that very question. We will explore what it takes to build a community from conversations with local leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the place we live in. From menial decisions to big risks, we will dig into the stories behind the people who are building something for the greater good. Hosted by Hannah Wen, a high school student based in Ann Arbor!

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah Wen
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hannah Wen
  • Show Website
    Under the Canopy