Ep. 18: Connecting the Dots to Your Dream with Wild Fennel Owner Anna Sheehy
Welcome Anna Sheehy!
In this episode, I am speaking with my friend, Anna Sheehy, a new mom, avid gardener, food enthusiast, former restaurateur, and the founder of Wild Fennel, a boutique shop in downtown Novato filled with unique finds and heirloom quality pieces. Anna and I discuss her personal and professional journey toward running Wild Fennel, how dreams can (and do!) change, and advice for anyone interested in opening up a brick-and-mortar business.
Anna shares how her pastry and baking background and past restaurant business led her to follow her dreams and become the owner of her own boutique. Then, she illustrates how Wild Fennel is a culmination of all the things she’s interested in: plants and flowers, cookware, sustainable products, and small businesses, and gives advice to anyone considering opening up their own space. Plus, Anna shares new projects she’s working on including a flower program, bakery and pastry pop-ups, and her current manifestation, a trunk show!
Topics Covered
(2:32) Marisa asks Anna about her mantra of the day
(3:18) Anna and Marisa discuss living in the same neighborhood
(7:45) Anna connects the dots between studying pastry and baking, opening up Mas Masa, and now being the owner of her boutique Wild Fennel
(9:37) Anna explains what a "shrub" is
(11:19) Marisa shares a story featuring Christmas tree ornaments from Wild Fennel
(15:31) Anna shares what she learned from her previous business, Mas Masa
(17:37) Anna explains that your dreams CAN change, and that’s okay!
(19:16) Hear what happened when Anna tried to plan every detail about her store Wild Fennel in advance... and what she ended up doing instead
(22:48) Anna explains the “aha” moment that showed her that her dream can change overnight
(24:36) What’s easier to open: a restaurant or a storefront?
(28:45) Anna explains why LOCATION is the most important decision you'll have to make for your brick-and-mortar business
(30:06) Anna details different vendors’ products at Wild Fennel
(33:02) Anna shares the vision for her flower program
(38:01) Anna describes the themed baking and pastry pop-ups she’s been hosting
(43:56) Hear what SURPRISED Anna the most in the first year of owning her own retail boutique
PLUS:
Listen at 7:25 to hear Marisa fill up her house with Anna's decor from Wild Fennel.
Listen at 27:45 to hear Anna's perspective on trusting your instincts and listening to your gut.
For all the plant ladies out there — listen at 36:17 to hear all about Anna's favorite indoor plants and sustainable planter options. 🪴🪴🪴
Tune in at 48:11 when Marisa asks Anna how she has such good taste!
Stay ‘til the end of the episode at 51:30 to find out what little-known fact about Anna surprises people most.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and keep up to date with new episode drops by subscribing to our newsletter at attuneandalign.com!
Resources Mentioned
Guest Info:
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photo by Emilie Bers | cover art design by The Wave Podcasting | fonts and colors by Sophia Studio Co.
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💫 Sending love, light, and hugs from,
Marisa
Hope you enjoy! I can't wait to hear what you end up buying at Wild Fennel. From candlesticks, to wreaths, to soaps, to house plants, you can't go wrong! We might even run into each other walking down Grant Ave. Thank you so much for supporting women owned businesses during the holiday shopping season…and always. Drop me a comment below or email me hello@marisalavalette.com.
