My Economy

My Economy tells the story of the new economic normal through the eyes of people trying to make it, because we know the only numbers that really matter are the ones in your economy.

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My Economy

How this California business puts animals to work preventing wildfires

by Maria Hollenhorst

Oct 25, 2023

Shepherdess Land & Livestock offers prescribed grazing services with sheep and goats.

“We use our animals in a very special, targeted type of manner, very different to traditional ranching with grazing animals,” says Cole Bush, owner and operator of Shepherdess Land & Livestock in California’s Ojai Valley.

Paul Mirah Collins

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How an urban hiker in Kansas City turned her side hustle full-time

by Sarah Leeson

Oct 9, 2023

"After having my urban hikes for about a year, I realized that if I wanted my business to grow, that I would need to focus full time on it, and that was a scary leap," said Lisa Peña, owner of Urban Hikes Kansas City.

Urban Hikes Kansas City owner Lisa Peña shows off a mural by artist Fem_nine on a hike.

Courtesy Lisa Peña, mural by artist Fem_nine

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Typewriter salesman says creative types in L.A. help grow his business

by Richard Cunningham

Oct 2, 2023

Aaron Therol says he's saving a piece of history while he's saving people from distractions.

Aaron Therol sells typewriters — machines you don't see very often nowadays. He says Los Angeles' creative community keeps his business afloat.

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Arena tours leave little to trickle down to this indie Iowa venue

by Livi Burdette

Sep 11, 2023

Smaller stages want a slice of your entertainment budget, but blowout events like the Beyoncé and Taylor Swift tours are eating them up.

Tobi Parks, owner of xBk, above, says the joy in operating an independent venue is helping her community discover new artists.

Courtesy Lucius Pham

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A Black arts center committed to preserving community

by Livi Burdette

Sep 6, 2023

When the nonprofit system didn't seem to work for it, Seattle-based Wa Na Wari found another way.

Wa Na Wari was once the home of a family member of one of the gallery's founders. Making it into a Black art space was a way to return the home to the community.

Courtesy Inye Wokoma

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Classic car entrepreneur brings British sports cars into the 21st century

by Richard Cunningham

Aug 24, 2023

An unpopular British sports car from the mid-20th century finds new life with American classic car enthusiasts.

Leafar via Wikimedia Commons

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Fly fishing was her passion. Now it's her business.

by Sarah Leeson

Aug 22, 2023

Dylan Demery opened Colorado-based She's Fly with two friends to provide outdoor clothing and gear that were comfortable for women.

Dylan Demery loved fly fishing but often couldn't find gear suitable for women.

Courtesy Demery

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For public good, not for profit.

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My Economy

The second-hand clothing reseller who’s bundling up style

by Livi Burdette

Aug 17, 2023

College student Bella McMinn of Nevada creates custom clothing bundles sourced from local thrift stores for her online clients.

"It's been a really great progression from feeling like this is only ever going to be a side hustle to the possibility of actually turning into a career," says Isabella McMinn.

Courtesy Isabella McMinn

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For animal shelters, higher temperatures mean higher volume and higher stress

by Sarah Leeson

Aug 15, 2023

Record heat in Arizona has brought an influx of mouths to feed at Liberty Wildlife along with high water and electricity bills.

A hawk receiving aid at Liberty Wildlife in Phoenix. Heat waves are a threat to animals as well as people.

Courtesy Laura Hackett

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My Economy

How a personal stylist in Atlanta turned her eye for fashion into a business opportunity

by Sarah Leeson

Aug 14, 2023

Before she turned her affinity for style into a career, Valencia Holland was her friends’ “go-to girl” for advice on what to wear.

Valencia Holland has worked as a personal stylist for 12 years.

Courtesy Holland

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My Economy

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How this California business puts animals to work preventing wildfires

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How an urban hiker in Kansas City turned her side hustle full-time

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Typewriter salesman says creative types in L.A. help grow his business

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Arena tours leave little to trickle down to this indie Iowa venue

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A Black arts center committed to preserving community

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Classic car entrepreneur brings British sports cars into the 21st century

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Fly fishing was her passion. Now it's her business.

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For public good, not for profit.

The second-hand clothing reseller who’s bundling up style

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For animal shelters, higher temperatures mean higher volume and higher stress

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How a personal stylist in Atlanta turned her eye for fashion into a business opportunity

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