Milkweed Provisions: Kara Flaherty - From Big City to Small Town Marion, Illinois Wine & Cheese Shop

Welcome to Small Town Big Business, the podcast that explores big business in small-town rural America! Hosted by Jennifer Olson, Director of Business Development for the City of Marion, and Russell Williams, Director of Ethos, this episode features a special guest, Kara Flaherty, owner of Milkweed Provisions in Marion, Illinois. 🧀🍷 Kara shares her journey from St. Louis to Marion, turning her extensive background in wine and retail into a charming shop that’s more than just wine and cheese—it's a space filled with all her passions, from books to candles. Kara discusses the challenges and rewards of opening a small business in a rural area, the importance of community, and her plans for the future, including wine classes and private events. We’re also approaching our 100th episode—stay tuned for more exciting announcements! 🎉 Special thanks to our sponsors: Arcadia Wealth Group, Black Diamond Harley Davidson and RV, Fowler Heating and Cooling, Swinford Media Group, Watermark Auto Group Foundation, Banterra Bank, and Southern Illinois Now. Find us on your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! For more about Ethos, visit ethosmarion.org. Tune in now to hear Kara's inspiring story and get a taste of Milkweed Provisions! 📲🍷 #SmallTownBigBusiness #SupportLocal #MilkweedProvisions #MarionILRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest:   / milkweed-provisions-61552216176937