WEBVTT 00:00:00.890 --> 00:00:03.629 Welcome to Leveling Up with Lindsay, the podcast 00:00:03.629 --> 00:00:05.769 where we dive into leadership, small business, 00:00:05.950 --> 00:00:08.429 and everything in between. I'm Lindsay, your 00:00:08.429 --> 00:00:10.750 host and the proud owner of White Pony Boutique, 00:00:11.130 --> 00:00:13.890 a space created to empower women, build confidence, 00:00:14.109 --> 00:00:16.570 and foster meaningful connections. Whether you're 00:00:16.570 --> 00:00:19.329 an entrepreneur, a mom, a friend, or someone 00:00:19.329 --> 00:00:22.120 just looking for a little inspiration, This is 00:00:22.120 --> 00:00:25.219 your space to feel seen, supported, and inspired. 00:00:25.500 --> 00:00:28.379 Join me as we share stories, strategies, and 00:00:28.379 --> 00:00:30.760 a little bit of life's chaos while navigating 00:00:30.760 --> 00:00:33.340 what it truly means to level up in starting a 00:00:33.340 --> 00:00:35.820 business, relationship, and personal growth. 00:00:36.140 --> 00:00:39.140 So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's 00:00:39.140 --> 00:00:43.759 level up together. Hi everyone. Welcome to the 00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:46.060 very first episode of Leveling Up with Lindsey. 00:00:46.399 --> 00:00:49.200 I can't even begin to tell you how excited I 00:00:49.200 --> 00:00:52.659 am to be with you here today launching my very 00:00:52.659 --> 00:00:55.359 first podcast. This is something that has been 00:00:55.359 --> 00:00:58.280 on my heart for such a long time and finally 00:00:58.280 --> 00:01:00.719 here we are today. If you're new here and don't 00:01:00.719 --> 00:01:03.679 know me personally let me introduce myself. My 00:01:03.679 --> 00:01:06.060 name is Lindsey. I'm a wife to an incredibly 00:01:06.060 --> 00:01:10.780 hard -working husband. I am a mom to two beautiful 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:14.879 daughters that inspire me every single day, and 00:01:14.879 --> 00:01:18.620 a dog mom to a very spoiled little puppy. I am 00:01:18.620 --> 00:01:20.980 also the founder of a white peony boutique, a 00:01:20.980 --> 00:01:23.200 women's clothing boutique that has grown far 00:01:23.200 --> 00:01:27.000 beyond my wildest dreams starting back in 2018 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:30.799 in my home. From the comfort of my home actually 00:01:30.799 --> 00:01:33.340 to where we're doing this podcast episode today 00:01:33.340 --> 00:01:36.939 in beautiful St. Joseph, Minnesota. But before 00:01:36.939 --> 00:01:38.760 I get in the journey of building the boutique, 00:01:38.879 --> 00:01:41.819 I want to share a little bit more from where 00:01:41.819 --> 00:01:45.439 I came from and the people who shaped me. I grew 00:01:45.439 --> 00:01:47.879 up right here in central Minnesota, and I'm the 00:01:47.879 --> 00:01:52.099 daughter to two of the kindest, supportive individuals 00:01:52.099 --> 00:01:55.120 that I'm so lucky to call my parents. My mom 00:01:55.120 --> 00:01:57.280 is where I get my passion, my people skills, 00:01:57.299 --> 00:02:00.019 and my creativity from. And she's always had, 00:02:00.099 --> 00:02:02.340 honestly, a way of making others feel seen, heard, 00:02:02.680 --> 00:02:07.049 and definitely cared for. And my dad, he's definitely 00:02:07.049 --> 00:02:09.530 where I got my silliness from and my love for 00:02:09.530 --> 00:02:12.090 sports. Together, they've been my cheerleaders 00:02:12.090 --> 00:02:15.370 from day one, encouraging me to dream big and 00:02:15.370 --> 00:02:19.009 absolutely believe in myself. I also owe so much 00:02:19.009 --> 00:02:22.310 to my grandparents who played a huge, huge role 00:02:22.310 --> 00:02:24.550 in my life. Growing up, I worked alongside them 00:02:24.550 --> 00:02:27.349 at my family's Minnesota State Fair stands. Those 00:02:27.349 --> 00:02:29.430 earlier has taught me the value of hard work, 00:02:29.650 --> 00:02:32.199 dedication and connecting with people. And in 00:02:32.199 --> 00:02:34.300 case you're curious about the Minnesota State 00:02:34.300 --> 00:02:38.300 Fair Stands, we have the lunchbox. the Italian 00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:42.099 junction, the Mexican hat, and the charcoal hut. 00:02:42.419 --> 00:02:45.360 Looking back now, I can see how those experiences 00:02:45.360 --> 00:02:48.759 absolutely helped shape my entrepreneurial spirit 00:02:48.759 --> 00:02:51.800 and planted the seed for the business I have 00:02:51.800 --> 00:02:54.419 today. This podcast is my chance to not only 00:02:54.419 --> 00:02:57.120 share my story, but the lessons I've learned 00:02:57.120 --> 00:02:59.800 along the way about leadership, entrepreneurship, 00:03:00.319 --> 00:03:03.169 personal growth, and making an impact. Whether 00:03:03.169 --> 00:03:05.330 you're a business owner, a leader, or someone 00:03:05.330 --> 00:03:08.469 chasing a dream, I hope this podcast will inspire 00:03:08.469 --> 00:03:11.710 you to level up in your very own life. So let's 00:03:11.710 --> 00:03:14.370 dive into my story and the why behind it all. 00:03:14.990 --> 00:03:16.590 So talking a little bit about growing up with 00:03:16.590 --> 00:03:18.509 my grandparents, working at our Minnesota state 00:03:18.509 --> 00:03:22.129 fair stands, I learned so much, whether it's 00:03:22.129 --> 00:03:25.069 leadership skills, person skills. that really 00:03:25.069 --> 00:03:28.810 transitioned actually or elevated when I played 00:03:28.810 --> 00:03:31.810 basketball. Sports growing up were my everything. 00:03:32.150 --> 00:03:34.469 I played softball for a little while, volleyball 00:03:34.469 --> 00:03:36.430 for a little while, but basketball was my true 00:03:36.430 --> 00:03:40.310 passion. And I always tell everyone that if I 00:03:40.310 --> 00:03:43.189 didn't play basketball 360 days out of the year, 00:03:43.210 --> 00:03:45.969 or if I wasn't on a team in that day, I'd have 00:03:45.969 --> 00:03:47.729 my parents actually drop me off at the local 00:03:47.729 --> 00:03:50.909 Whitney Center to just practice on any skills 00:03:50.909 --> 00:03:53.449 or pick up a game with anybody, any of the guys, 00:03:53.610 --> 00:03:55.969 girls. no matter the age I would start playing 00:03:55.969 --> 00:03:58.550 pickup game with them. Fast forward to my career. 00:03:58.889 --> 00:04:01.210 I spent 12 years working at a local financial 00:04:01.210 --> 00:04:03.909 institution where I had the opportunity to develop 00:04:03.909 --> 00:04:06.469 my leadership skills even further and oversee 00:04:06.469 --> 00:04:10.150 multiple branches. I loved my job and the people 00:04:10.150 --> 00:04:13.330 I worked with, but deep down, I knew I always 00:04:13.330 --> 00:04:15.509 wanted something more. Something that would allow 00:04:15.509 --> 00:04:18.850 me to combine my passion for people, my creativity, 00:04:19.189 --> 00:04:21.970 and my entrepreneurship. In 2018, I took a leap 00:04:21.970 --> 00:04:23.850 of faith, actually, and I started a white peony 00:04:23.850 --> 00:04:26.550 boutique out of my home. I began hosting live 00:04:26.550 --> 00:04:29.370 selling events and in -person shopping experiences 00:04:29.370 --> 00:04:32.879 right out of my basement. Within a year, the 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:35.100 boutique started to take over my home, literally, 00:04:35.540 --> 00:04:37.980 and my husband was very eager and encouraging 00:04:37.980 --> 00:04:42.220 me to find a space somewhere else. Before I knew 00:04:42.220 --> 00:04:43.920 it, White Peony was growing into something I 00:04:43.920 --> 00:04:46.939 had only dreamed about. Today, we have two storefront 00:04:46.939 --> 00:04:50.339 locations, a thriving online store, and an amazing 00:04:50.339 --> 00:04:53.139 team of 16 employees who bring so much heart 00:04:53.139 --> 00:04:56.100 with everything they do. But here's the thing, 00:04:56.300 --> 00:04:58.939 White Peony Boutique was never just about selling 00:04:58.939 --> 00:05:01.259 clothing. From the very beginning, I wanted to 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:04.620 be in something so much more meaningful. We sell 00:05:04.620 --> 00:05:06.319 beautiful clothing, but the heart of the boutique 00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:09.110 is about connection, community. and making a 00:05:09.110 --> 00:05:11.269 difference. That's why we started Operation White 00:05:11.269 --> 00:05:13.689 Peony in the very beginning. It's an initiative 00:05:13.689 --> 00:05:15.790 focused on giving back to our local community, 00:05:15.910 --> 00:05:20.129 which our team has done in so many ways, from 00:05:20.129 --> 00:05:22.649 gathering school supplies, to giving back to 00:05:22.649 --> 00:05:25.889 teachers, to gathering food for the food shelf, 00:05:26.129 --> 00:05:28.610 to supporting cancer warriors at Christmas with 00:05:28.610 --> 00:05:32.730 our indie blessing trees. We've literally served 00:05:33.129 --> 00:05:36.290 thousands of individuals, but also given back 00:05:36.290 --> 00:05:39.829 to many, many nonprofits. It is also why I launched 00:05:39.829 --> 00:05:42.470 the White Peony Small Business Initiative. This 00:05:42.470 --> 00:05:45.329 is created to honestly support other small businesses 00:05:45.329 --> 00:05:47.610 in the area, which I believe are the heart and 00:05:47.610 --> 00:05:49.870 soul to bring people together and really build 00:05:49.870 --> 00:05:52.889 our community for what it is today. But I am 00:05:52.889 --> 00:05:55.110 here to support and highlight and shout them 00:05:55.110 --> 00:05:57.730 out for the rooftops just as I was supported 00:05:57.730 --> 00:06:00.149 from the very beginning. At the end of the day, 00:06:00.430 --> 00:06:02.709 I believe a boutique should be more than just 00:06:02.709 --> 00:06:05.300 a place to shop. It should be a place where people 00:06:05.300 --> 00:06:08.740 feel seen, valued, and inspired. Whether it's 00:06:08.740 --> 00:06:10.879 through a kind word, a thoughtful interaction, 00:06:10.959 --> 00:06:13.240 or simply helping someone feel confident in their 00:06:13.240 --> 00:06:16.120 own skin, my goal is to create an experience 00:06:16.120 --> 00:06:19.620 that goes far beyond clothing, whether it's individually 00:06:19.620 --> 00:06:23.019 or in our community that we serve. So why start 00:06:23.019 --> 00:06:26.199 a podcast? Well, as much as I love this boutique, 00:06:26.399 --> 00:06:28.519 I realize there's only so much I can share through 00:06:28.519 --> 00:06:31.060 social media posts or conversations in the store. 00:06:31.220 --> 00:06:33.120 I wanted to create a space where I could deep 00:06:33.120 --> 00:06:35.740 dive into the things I'm passionate about, which 00:06:35.740 --> 00:06:39.240 are leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, 00:06:39.699 --> 00:06:42.019 and the stories of inspiring women who are making 00:06:42.019 --> 00:06:45.420 an impact, even those right here within White 00:06:45.420 --> 00:06:47.860 Peony Boutique. through leveling up with Lindsay. 00:06:48.220 --> 00:06:50.279 I'll be sharing lessons I've learned in business 00:06:50.279 --> 00:06:53.540 and life, interviewing incredible individuals 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:55.699 from all different walks of life, and talking 00:06:55.699 --> 00:06:58.939 about what it really takes to level up, whether 00:06:58.939 --> 00:07:02.040 it's in your career, your relationships, or your 00:07:02.040 --> 00:07:05.079 personal goals. This podcast is for anyone who 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:08.339 wants to grow, who's ready to dream bigger, and 00:07:08.339 --> 00:07:10.620 who wants to create a life filled with purpose 00:07:10.620 --> 00:07:13.470 and absolute passion. My hope is that you'll 00:07:13.470 --> 00:07:15.790 walk away from each episode feeling inspired, 00:07:16.009 --> 00:07:18.269 encouraged, and ready to take your next step, 00:07:18.529 --> 00:07:20.870 whatever that looks like for you. Thank you so 00:07:20.870 --> 00:07:22.949 much for joining me in this very first episode 00:07:22.949 --> 00:07:25.589 of Leveling Up with Lindsay. Sharing my story 00:07:25.589 --> 00:07:28.029 and heart with you has been such a gift, and 00:07:28.029 --> 00:07:30.029 I can't wait to bring you along my entire journey. 00:07:30.329 --> 00:07:32.250 If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you 00:07:32.250 --> 00:07:34.529 to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with 00:07:34.529 --> 00:07:36.949 someone who might need a little inspiration today. 00:07:37.170 --> 00:07:39.589 You can also follow me on social media to stay 00:07:39.589 --> 00:07:42.069 up to date on future episodes and everything 00:07:42.069 --> 00:07:44.889 happening, even at White Piano Boutique. Remember, 00:07:45.290 --> 00:07:48.089 wherever you are in life, you have the power 00:07:48.089 --> 00:07:52.009 to level up. too late to dream big, work hard, 00:07:52.170 --> 00:07:55.730 and make an impact. I am so excited to grow with 00:07:55.730 --> 00:07:58.750 you until next time. Thank you for listening. 00:07:58.949 --> 00:08:01.129 If you found this information helpful, please 00:08:01.129 --> 00:08:03.230 share it with a friend. If you're looking for 00:08:03.230 --> 00:08:05.670 more information on the topics we covered, please 00:08:05.670 --> 00:08:08.550 head to the show notes below. And if you wouldn't 00:08:08.550 --> 00:08:11.370 mind leaving a five star rating and review, this 00:08:11.370 --> 00:08:14.129 would help this mission and our journey to get 00:08:14.129 --> 00:08:17.629 started. Let's make today and every day an opportunity 00:08:17.629 --> 00:08:21.139 to level up. Until next time, keep dreaming, 00:08:21.500 --> 00:08:24.100 keep striving and keep making a difference.