Luckily, in Northwest Arkansas, opportunities to make meaningful connections are never far off.<\/span><\/p>\n This month, we\u2019re excited to spotlight <\/span>three unique events<\/b> that don\u2019t just invite you to show up\u2014they invite you to connect. Each one offers a distinct atmosphere, a unique crowd, and a different way to build relationships that last.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/winenene.png” alt=”Event flyer for Startup Stories with Ozark Charcuterie & Wine Bar, showing event details and a wooden board with assorted cheeses, meats, crackers, fruit, nuts, and dips on a marble surface.” title_text=”winenene” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”7px||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”7px||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sometimes, the best conversations happen over a glass of wine and a shared plate of something delicious. <\/span>Startup Stories<\/span><\/i> with Ozark Charcuterie & Wine Bar offers just that: an intimate, relaxed evening where you can hear the story of how one passionate food lover turned a creative hobby into a successful business.<\/span><\/p>\n While the spotlight is on the founder, the real magic happens in the mingling\u2014before, during, and after the talk. Expect to meet fellow creatives, entrepreneurs, and curious locals who know that connection is best served with a little flavor. Come hungry for food, inspiration, and new friendships.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/startup-stories-with-ozark-charcuterie-wine-bar-networking-inspiration-tickets-1344260542469?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||40px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Serv-Bus.png” title_text=”Serv Bus” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you\u2019re energized by fast-paced events and bold ideas, <\/span>IdeaFame<\/span><\/i> is your kind of scene. This pitch competition\u2014open to any service-based startup\u2014is more than just a contest. It\u2019s a rallying point for Northwest Arkansas\u2019s entrepreneurial community.<\/span><\/p>\n With founders, mentors, investors, and supporters in the room, TheatreSquared will be buzzing with potential connections. Whether you’re on stage pitching or part of the crowd afterwards, it\u2019s the perfect chance to introduce yourself, support others, and leave with a few new contacts who might just help you take the next step in your business journey.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/ideafame-pitch-competition-for-service-businesses-tickets-1318790721549?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||40px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Final-creative.png” alt=”A group of people socializing at a networking event. Overlaid text promotes a Creative Community Networking Event on May 2, 5:30-7:30 PM at The Pryor Center, Fayetteville, with CACHE and Startup Junkie logos.” title_text=”Final creative” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”18px||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Networking doesn\u2019t have to be loud or fast-paced. Sometimes, it\u2019s quiet conversation over shared admiration for a beautiful piece of art. This event featuring award-winning artist <\/span>Susan Edgmon<\/span><\/i> offers a space for reflection, appreciation, and connection among creatives and entrepreneurs alike.<\/span><\/p>\n As Susan shares her journey through more than 1,000 paintings, 50 awards, and several patented designs, guests will also have the chance to mingle with fellow artists, makers, and supporters of the creative economy. It\u2019s a slower pace, but no less impactful when it comes to building authentic relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/ideafame-pitch-competition-for-service-businesses-tickets-1318790721549?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||40px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n No matter what stage you\u2019re in\u2014or what industry you\u2019re part of\u2014networking doesn\u2019t have to feel transactional or awkward. At its best, it feels like community. It feels like support. It feels like being part of something bigger than yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n So if you\u2019re looking to grow your network in meaningful ways, <\/span>these upcoming events offer three great starting points<\/b>. Come for the story, the pitch, or the art\u2014but stay for the connections that might just move your vision forward.<\/span><\/p>\n Ready to plug in? We\u2019ll see you there.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/o\/startup-junkie-16805106016″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More About Our Events” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If there\u2019s one thing every entrepreneur, artist, and innovator knows, it\u2019s this: who you know matters. Building a business or creative career isn\u2019t just about hard work and great ideas\u2014it\u2019s about the people you meet along the way. Whether you’re exchanging advice, forming partnerships, or simply feeling seen and supported by others on a similar […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4322,"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>For the Food-Lover and Story-Seeker: Startup Stories with Ozark Charcuterie & Wine Bar<\/b><\/h4>\n
For the Artist and Thoughtful Creative: Creative Entrepreneurship Featuring Susan Edgmon<\/b><\/h4>\n
For the Artist and Thoughtful Creative: Creative Entrepreneurship Featuring Susan Edgmon<\/b><\/h4>\n
Find the People Who \u201cGet It\u201d<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-9-200x300.jpg\")
<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-6-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-2-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-3-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-8-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>