Whether you\u2019re an entrepreneur, a member of the local business scene, or simply looking to meet inspiring individuals, this series is for you. Best of all, food and drinks are on us every time!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Throughout 2025, expect each event to celebrate history, innovation, and the ongoing growth of our region. From exploring Fayetteville\u2019s newest beer gardens to gathering at iconic venues, we\u2019ll highlight innovative spaces, hidden gems, and beloved local hotspots that embody the entrepreneurial spirit of our community.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/FAY-BEER.png” title_text=”FAY BEER” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We\u2019re kicking off the series on <\/span>January 30th at 5:30 PM<\/b> at <\/span>Fayetteville Beer Works<\/b>, Fayetteville\u2019s newest local neighborhood brewery. Join us for a lively evening of conversations, connections, and community building as we set the tone for the year.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Bring a friend, grow your network, and join us to collaborate with Fayetteville\u2019s most innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders. We can\u2019t wait to see you there!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about our January Happy Hour: https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/o\/startup-junkie-1680510601<\/span><\/a><\/span>6<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Startup Junkie is excited to launch a brand-new monthly networking series for 2025, designed to celebrate Fayetteville\u2019s vibrant business community. Each month, we\u2019ll spotlight one of the city\u2019s best breweries, bars, eateries, or local businesses, offering a fresh atmosphere and the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. Whether you\u2019re an entrepreneur, a member of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3838,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" The world of entrepreneurship is filled with stories of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. One such inspiring story comes from Lindsay Neely, founder of Pink Fern, a charming plant shop off College Avenue in Fayetteville, in a row of other woman-owned businesses. In this month\u2019s <\/span>Startup Stories<\/span><\/i>, Lindsay shared her entrepreneurial journey from humble roots to a blossoming business\u2014plant puns intended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> Lindsay's love for plants and vintage decor began at a young age, fostered by childhood memories of frequenting garage sales and estate sales with her parents. \"I grew up going to second-hand sales with my mom and dad. We loved frequenting garage sales. We\u2019d shop on the side of the road, at estate sales, thrifting\u2026 I love a good deal. And then I started incorporating my love for plants with some of those finds.\"<\/span><\/p> Her passion for plants expanded during her college years when she transitioned from traditional gardening to nurturing houseplants. \"I grew up gardening with my parents, but then in college, in between dorms and apartments, there's not really a good place to garden. So I got more into houseplants at that point, and that was really where that hobby started.\"<\/span><\/p> In 2021, Lindsay took the leap and launched Pink Fern as a part-time venture, initially selling vintage home decor through Instagram. As her business evolved, she began incorporating her love for plants, crafting unique planters and terrariums. \"I started taking plant cuttings and putting them in brass vessels or vintage pottery, taking those to markets, and people really liked it.\"<\/span><\/p> Participating in local events like First Thursday in downtown Fayetteville played a crucial role in Lindsay's journey, helping her gain confidence and connect with the community. \"Doing those events really helped build my confidence. It was a great way to earn a little side money to teaching, and really just bring me out of my shell because I used to be more introverted, and it really helped bring out a more extroverted side to me, which I think is easy when you get to talk about things you love.\"<\/span><\/p> From the outset, Lindsay recognized the importance of strong branding for her budding business. \"One of my first tasks that I wanted to do was to really nail down some branding from the get-go, because I knew it was always at least going to be a side hustle. And I think for me, as a consumer, seeing a business that makes a statement with their branding and a consistent aesthetic really, really makes a statement.\"<\/span><\/p> Lindsay also tapped into the wealth of resources available in Northwest Arkansas, including <\/span>Kiva NWA<\/span><\/a>, a microloan organization that provided her with valuable consulting and financial assistance. \"I also got help from Kiva. They helped me. They have a lot of great free resources. And so I did a Zoom meeting with Martha Londagin, and she took a look at my business, heard my story, and had some great feedback on what I should be doing.\"<\/span><\/p> As the demands of her teaching career and Pink Fern grew, Lindsay found herself at a crossroads. \"The more I thought about it, and knowing myself, I knew that if I didn't at least try, I'd always play that <\/span>What if\u2026<\/span><\/i> game, right? I\u2019d always wonder, <\/span>What if I had gone all in? What if I had tried harder? What if I hadn't been so scared? <\/span><\/i>So I went all in.\"<\/span><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-9-200x300.jpg\")
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