E34 Breaking Free from Societal Expectations​ with Chelsea Risling

Chelsea Risling is the founder of Meraki Supply Co. a boutique storefront that she opened at the age of 24.  After going to school for philosophy, she decided to take a completely different path and open her own brick and mortar business.  Our dialogue was centered around pursuing passions, navigating through societal expectations, and harnessing the power of community in finding purpose and fulfillment. 

Chelsea shared her journey from starting her entrepreneurial path in the boutique retail space to pivoting towards helping struggling businesses amid the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Her decision to close her physical retail location came at an ideal time, right before the pandemic.  This allowed her to shift her focus to assisting other businesses, driven by her desire to provide the support what she wished she had received when starting her own business. Her ability to adapt and find ways to help others is a testament to the resilience and innovation that comes with being an entrepreneur.

One of the pivotal points of our conversation was the emphasis on embracing the support of a community while pursuing one’s purpose. Both Chelsea and I highlighted the significance of finding inspiration from others and fostering in-person connections. Our discussion sheds light on the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive and like-minded community as an essential component of choosing this type of path in life.  With entrepreneurship comes uncertainty, and greater ups and downs.  Having a supportive community around you will help to weather the lows and share the highs. 

Furthermore, this episode delved into the evolution of purpose and the importance of staying authentic in one’s journey. Chelsea’s openness about her struggles with overthinking and the pressure to be more responsible as she gets older I’m sure resonates with many.  Her sentiments encourage a reframing mindset to pursue enjoyment and exploration, rather than feeling held back by what societal pressures. Throughout the conversation, it became evident how Chelsea’s journey reflects the ethos of pursuing what feels true and authentic to her rather than what society expects of her.  Her story is a perfect example of how individuals can choose a pursuit of purpose with meaningful pathways to express ones talents and passions.

The episode also sheds light on the inherent changes and shifts that occur in the pursuit of purpose. Chelsea’s uncertain future plans, her desire to move back to Canada, and her consideration of new opportunities underscore the fluid and evolving nature of purpose. Her willingness to explore new possibilities demonstrates that purpose is not a static destination but a dynamic journey that evolves over time. 

In conclusion, our conversation underscores the power of pursuing passions, navigating through change, and embracing the support of a community. Chelsea’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to authenticity that are essential in finding and working towards one’s purpose. 

To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform.