“Am I gonna make it?” All entrepreneurs face this question without always knowing what fate will hold. Too often, entrepreneurs launch their businesses without completely understanding the strengths and weaknesses of their business model. Programs such as Shark Tank allow entrepreneurs to vet their business model to experts and get their feedback. However, community support … [Read more...]
Bohem: Global Bridges Support Artists Abroad and at Home
When you enter Bohem, you have arrived at both a destination and an origin. At first glance, the State Street store may appear to be a straightforward, sophisticated boutique. In addition to offering unique, internationally-made artisan goods, Bohem is also the beginning of Adam and Chelsea James’ intent to create community connection. The cosmopolitan couple has created a … [Read more...]
A Need to Knead: Moore Bread
A revolution is on the rise in Utah. Loaf by loaf, Ryan Moore’s distinct breads have the power to reshape the way we think about our oldest source of sustenance. Moore Bread is Utah’s first Community Supported Baker (CSB) program through which participants buy monthly shares and receive exceptional, consciously crafted loaves made from locally grown and milled organic … [Read more...]
Leia Bell: The Princess of Poster Art
Leia Bell always knew she wanted to do art but she didn’t know how to make it a career. “Luckily, my parents were really supportive,” she recalls. “They didn’t tell me I needed to do some other kind of ‘real job.’” After graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in printmaking, her now husband, Phil Sherburne, suggested she start printing posters for his … [Read more...]
Yelp: Part of the Nation’s New Wild West
In the Old West, people lived and died by their reputations. Reputations were shared, and everyone was aware of who could or could not be trusted. Housewives, preachers and business owners moderated gossip, dispelling myths and supporting truths. But there was always recourse a person could take if someone tarnished their reputation: strong words, a fistfight, a duel. But … [Read more...]
American Eagle Welding
In American Eagle’s dimly lighted fabrication area, the staccato popping of welding torches casts a flickering light on stacks of raw steel and rods of iron railing that protrude from barrels and bins. In the center of the room, a two-story vertical pipe is being transformed into a spiral staircase with the addition of stair treads, balusters and railing. The finished product … [Read more...]
Mary Moody Jewelry: An Instagram Success Story
Artists Can Flourish Online Imagine running a business with no marketing costs. A few years ago it would have sounded too good to be true, but in the millenium of social media, anything is possible. That’s just what Mary Moody realized when starting her jewelry business two years ago. After attending a seminar with keynote speaker Susan Petersen of Freshly Picked, a … [Read more...]
Ra-Elco: SLC’s Place to Find Rare Electronic Parts
Electronics have changed our lives over the past decades, but what about life for those who are in the industry? Many electronic stores have failed despite the technology boom, or they’ve been forced to adapt to new business models. Take Radio Shack for example. The company now pushes cell phones more than electronic parts. One electronics store, however, has persevered … [Read more...]
King Pong: The Utah Native That Started Atari and 20 Other Companies
Many heroes go unsung, but rarely does a legend go unsung. Nevertheless, such is the case with Nolan Bushnell. A Utah native, Bushnell has been credited by Newsweek Magazine as one of the “50 Men Who Changed America” for his role in launching the video game industry with the founding of Atari in 1972. One would think his name would be more known to the average Utahn. Born … [Read more...]
Uprokhiphop: Supporting Hip-Hop Culture
Wedged among the many quirky local shops on State Street is one business that caters to an underrepresented but ever-growing hip-hop scene in Utah. For 15 years, Uprok Art Supplies & Clothing has been a staple in promoting authentic hip-hop culture in Salt Lake, providing a means for all the best local and national acts, DJs, breakdancers and graff artists to find their … [Read more...]