Spotlight on Entrepreneurship: Vanessa Wodtke and Windy Acres
Today we begin a week of profiles of local entrepreneurs who have started businesses in Siouxland. Some are small – with only one or two employees – while others have grown through the years to many employees. But all of them have started businesses here and this week will share some feedback on what it means to start and grow a business in Siouxland.
BUSINESS OWNER: Vanessa Wodtke
BUSINESS NAME: Windy Acres Natural Farm Products
MAIN PRODUCTS: Bloom Wild goat milk soap and other natural skin and beauty products
YEAR STARTED: 2008
ADDRESS: RuraL Sioux City
WEBSITE: Facebook
Q: What makes you an entrepreneur?
A: I guess I am by definition. I gathered resources and assumed the risk. . . although I’m kind of a lousy risk taker.
Q: What was the driving force behind you starting a business?
A: Creativity. I can’t shut my brain off and so I need to focus the energy somewhere.
Q: What drives you each day?
A: I don’t feel driven each day, but the days that I am, its to create something. Its to create the thing that is in my head and to have it turn out as good if not better than the prototype in my mind.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as you’ve grown your business?
A: Time, money and location.
Q: What has been your greatest reward?
A: Manifesting whats in my head and customer satisfaction.
Q: Why are startups and small companies important to a local economy?
A: These small companies are supporting families, not corporations. My money goes right back to other local businesses. It also encourages the minds of our youth. It gives them goals, helps them to visualize themselves creating a marketplace with their own ideas.
Q: What more can be done to help create, grow and promote small businesses and startups in Sioux City and the region?
A: City support. Driving customers to shop local and not with larger box stores.
Know someone who should be featured? E-mail us here.
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