E34 Breaking Free from Societal Expectations with Chelsea Risling

Working Towards Our Purpose

Opening a boutique supply store at the age of 24 after graduating college with a degree in philosophy.

Chelsea Risling is the founder of Meraki Supply Co. a boutique storefront featuring products from other small businesses. In this episode we talked about her experience of graduating college and then going in a completely different direction and opening a small business. We talked about the the challenges and triumphs of pursuing passions, the evolution of purpose amidst societal expectations, and the importance of community in guiding one's journey. We also talked a lot about not fearing change and trying something new, like moving to Connecticut and working for Yale's Hockey team. We can all draw insights and motivation from Chelsea's experiences and outlook on life.

Bio: Chelsea Risling is a Saskatchewan native who after high school, moved to Calgary to pursue a degree in philosophy at the University of Calgary. After getting out of college and doing some traveling, she decided going to law school wasn't for her and opened up a boutique retail store at the age of 24 with no business experience. After running it successfully for 6 years, she decided to close the doors in 2019 to pursue something new. Closing her store just before the pandemic allowed her to move into a consulting role to help other businesses struggling at the time. She then took an opportunity to move to New Haven and work for the Yale Hockey team, and is now at another pivotal point in her life as she moves back to Canada to redefine herself and move onto her next venture.

Topics in this episode:

• Pursuing a college degree from enjoyment not practicality
• Embracing a diverse path not a traditional one
• Opening a retail store at 24 years old with no experience
• Being true to oneself
• Significance of support and community
• Fostering in-person connections
• Adapting purpose to changing circumstances
• Using what you learned to help others
• Uncertain future plans and exploring new opportunities

Connect with Chelsea:

• Follow Meraki Supply on IG
• Follow Chelsea on IG

Connect with me:

• Buy some WTOP SWAG
• Workingtowardsourpurpose.com
• Subscribe to my Substack
• If you would like to start your own podcast you can find some help at pleasantpodcasts.com