Hey Weirdos! Kicking things off after a little break for the school holidays, we are back with the amazing Emelye Parker from Bean. Em is Queen of all things pink and owner of independent & quirky shop Bean and plant-based cocktail bar The Black Cat - both in Falmouth in Cornwall. She's a big fan of all things fun, colourful and gay, and she is an absolute poster girl for being authentic and running a business that is true to you, to the core.

I've wanted to get Emelye on the podcast for ages to talk about the insane negative 1* Google review her shop received, and how she turned it into the best publicity opportunity, including press, merch and a cult following that came to support and strengthen the brand and community she has so amazingly built. This is a true testament to the 'all publicity is good publicity' mantra, and shows that by those who are clearly NOT your customer speaking up, it brings forth tenfold those who are.

As well as this juicy tale turned success story, Em shares how she built the brand, supports and stocks artists and creatives that align with her values and how she uses her storefront as a political and social lighthouse to beam out her messages and beliefs and stand true to the causes and organisations that she believes in. We discuss how activism and personal beliefs can exist in your business, both online and IRL.

We also discuss how to un-beige your life and business, how to stay true to your niche and how neurodiversity plays a part in business planning.

There's also plenty of hun culture references, lots of pink and a large dollop of authenticity, sprinkled with more pink!

Thanks so much Emelye for being our fabulous Professional Weirdo!

EM'S LINKS

Bean Instagram - www.instagram.com/beanfalmouth

Bean Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@beanfalmouth?_t=ZN-8uIoqWtnbMo&_r=1

The Black Cat Instagram - www.instagram.com/theblackcatfalmouth

About THAT Google review - https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/23858594.bean-hive-sea-falmouth-one-star-google-review/

MENTIONED

Hey Hun it's Nicole - www.instagram.com/heyhunitsnicole

Victoria Essie Studio - www.instagram.com/shopvictoriaessie

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