Ep. 53: Larissa Loden, Jewelry That's a Whole Vibe

[00:00:00] Mall of America, for more than 30 years it has been a retail leader and an international destination and it remains the largest mall in the US. Not to mention it welcomes millions of guests from

[00:00:10] around the world. It's huge, but it's also so much more. In this podcast you're going to hear the real stories of how it started and why it continues to thrive. You'll hear about challenges

[00:00:21] we faced along the way and what you can learn from them. We will feature guests and experts from all walks of life and business. And along the way you'll laugh, learn and maybe even change

[00:00:31] the way you look at things. So if you're a fan of the mall, a brand new visitor, an entrepreneur or a dreamer, prepare to dive deep into so much more. This podcast is presented by the

[00:00:42] Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau. Hi, Mall of America fans. I am Jill Renzel, your host for today's podcast joined by Sarah Johnson, my colleague who works with a ton

[00:00:52] of our tenants here at Mall of America and is also a huge fan of our guest today who is Larissa Loden. So she's not only a Minnesota girl, which we love but she is also a jewelry designer and

[00:01:04] recently opened a beautiful store here at Mall of America. So we're going to talk all things jewelry and learn about Larissa's story. So welcome ladies and so excited for this conversation. So we're going to kick it off to you right away, Larissa, and tell us your story.

[00:01:18] How did you get started in the jewelry business? So it's actually really funny because I originally am from upstate New York and kind of what really started it was my high school graduation teacher.

[00:01:30] She put a beaded necklace for me on my graduation chair and a little bit I was like, why are you holding out on me? Like we've done printmaking, we have done painting like jewelry. Like I just

[00:01:38] thought jewelry came from Claire's at that point in time. You know, it wasn't until I was 18 that I was like, huh, okay, got it. But also that year I met a boy from Minnesota, like I always

[00:01:49] like to joke this is how Minnesota recruits everybody is like either like you're in your like, oh, I like it here or you're like, okay, must follow said person. So I literally came here

[00:02:00] and then like what do you do when you visit Minnesota? You check off the Mall of America. So within hope everybody does. Yeah, I mean, it's in the top 10. And it was just so funny

[00:02:10] is like I came here and then they were like, oh, there's a bead store here. It was called beat it. And they were like, we're hiring. And I was like, Oh, I'm artsy, like I can do this. And like,

[00:02:19] and I had started making jewelry up to that point. And like pretty much got hired on the spot, which was amazing. And they allowed you to sell consignment there. So like whatever you made,

[00:02:28] you could kind of sell. And I was like, Oh, well, I'm a broke 18 year old. If you're telling me I can make extra money, I'm going to make extra money. So I just started doing

[00:02:37] that. And then I grew up in a family business. So entrepreneurship, I think it's just in my DNA. I tried to fight it was an art teacher for eight years. But I mean, kind of like from that point

[00:02:50] at beat it onward, like I was making and selling jewelry on the side. So like when I was an art teacher, in the summers, I'd be doing the art fairs. And then it came to a point where I was

[00:03:00] teaching for eight years and had two employees. And like I was teaching had two employees. And like finally, like a gig. Yeah. And like we had just signed like an account with the Smithsonian

[00:03:12] and then a brand that was really popular back then, Modcloth had placed a huge, huge order from us. And then it was like, some of us like, so you what do you like, you got to pick something? And then

[00:03:22] I was like, okay, we're doing this. And then yeah, and it's just kind of like went on in on it full time about now nine years ago. And it's just like grown nonstop since then.

[00:03:30] So you can say it all started here. It really did. It was funny coming here because very much so like Julie, who has like coordinating weather and everything that she's like you can

[00:03:40] park here. I was like, no, I'm like DNAed like third floor West side. Like that is where I go. Like I'm just like that is my conditioning. So yeah. So what would you say was the biggest

[00:03:50] turning point? Like was there a specific item or something that just took off that all of a sudden turned your head where you're like, okay, I don't have to teach anymore. I can do this

[00:03:59] full time. And this is where I'm going to, you know, put my energy and move this forward. Um, there has been different series of items that have kind of done it. Like I mean, I think

[00:04:10] like we definitely have like our hero products. But I have been in business for a while. So I would say like every like five years, like we kind of noticed like giant trends change a little bit.

[00:04:22] Like it was interesting because about like 15 years ago. And this is kind of when Etsy became like a huge thing like brass jewelry was kind of a big thing. And I've really thought about

[00:04:32] it. And it kind of like Etsy's rise came with the crash of 08 and everything like that. So people were really looking for like affordable jewelry. And I was still like a broke college student at

[00:04:43] that point in time. So it was kind of great because I was like the 08 housing crisis. I was like, well, I'm 22. Like it doesn't really affect me or whatever. But those really kind of went

[00:04:51] side by side. So like in that beginning phase, it was like that brass jewelry, like very giant statement earrings and everything. And now really what people are looking for is that anti tarnish,

[00:05:03] like can I wear in this? Like just my entire life, you know, we've really started to go into like finer like gold fill 14 carat, but also a new thing that's called PVD. So yeah, like whenever

[00:05:15] you see like sweat proof, waterproof, like whatever, but it's at a very affordable price point. It's called it's PVD jewelry. That's good to know. I've seen I get advertised that all the time. I'm always so curious what the logistics are for that. Yeah, so it's PVD jewelry.

[00:05:27] So it's particle vapor distribution. So they actually do it in a kiln. And so that's actually how it's like kind of heat baked on to actually the metals. So it's a very different process,

[00:05:38] but it's actually a lot more sustainable, which is really cool that I see the jewelry industry going in this way. That's great to know. I mean, as I purchased a lot of jewelry,

[00:05:45] I wear a lot of jewelry. Joe knows this about me. I am wearing a ton for those listening, but not watching. So it's good to know that that's a realistic thing and it's actually

[00:05:52] sustainable. It actually makes me feel better about my purchases. Oh, you should. Yes, always. Yes. Sustainability is a big piece as far as for you. So talk about that because you have a whole feature

[00:06:03] on your website where you talk about sustainability. And I think for today's consumer, it's more important than ever that they connect with brands that relate to things that are important to them. So talk about that angle for you. Yeah. So sustainability is definitely something

[00:06:16] that we're really like always kind of considering and understanding in the jewelry space. And the jewelry space is I'm not going to lie. It's not really like been the most sustainable industry.

[00:06:26] Hard truths are like a lot of its mind from the earth and so really kind of looking at like certain things and how can we change it? So PVD is one of those options that I'm really

[00:06:36] excited about. The other is really going for that like gold fill or sterling silver because you can recycle that metal. So like a lot of our rings are actually made out of recycled metals.

[00:06:48] So they'll just actually take stuff like mom's old silver set or whatever, but they actually just like melt it down and then they reuse it so they don't have to remelt it down. And then all of

[00:06:58] our packaging, like all of our bags are now eco bags that are biodegradable. And so we've just been trying to make different milestones and continue and I'm really curious to see like where we in the industry ends up in the future and everything. So yeah.

[00:07:12] Go ahead. I was just going to say I'm so curious on this to Jill's point of that. I mean, that's where everything's going. That's what the questions are for people and consumers. Do you get a lot of people asking about your sustainability efforts in regards

[00:07:22] to your bags? Like is that an ask from the guest? It's a yes and a no. I think it's like a little bit right now. I think the modern consumer is like kind of saying like this

[00:07:32] should be the standard. Yeah. You know, and I think so that's where we like do it, but it's not something that we like double quadruple down and are like advertising and kind of like our marketing of our brand because I think it is one of those things that,

[00:07:46] you know, brands like all of us we just should be kind of moving to then. And I think for us, it's like, I think the interesting thing for my brand and a lot of brands out there,

[00:07:56] which is like if you like 20 years ago, all of us weren't thinking about this, like I'm going to say myself included, you know, like we just weren't there. And so then as you've moved, it's like, how do you kind of, it's like almost like

[00:08:06] reverse engineering a little bit? Like how do you then reverse engineer all of these things that you've done to then kind of start moving forward? And so that's really been like where we've

[00:08:14] been trying to rethink about like, how do we make our products and then just move the needle in the correct way. Like I think it's always like, you kind of like, for me,

[00:08:25] understandably, like I felt like I was like, oh my God, I have to like fix the earth when like, you know, it's kind of like whenever anybody says saying you're like, oh my God. And then

[00:08:32] I was like, you just have to do it and move like at the correct pace for you while maintaining things because it's just one of those things where it is so important, but it's like,

[00:08:42] you have to kind of move it in a way where you know, you're making the right choices and it kind of keeps the ecosystem going. So it's kind of like a both. And I always like kind of like to think

[00:08:51] of it as like a Venn diagram. I'm a very visual person, no surprise. So you've changed a lot already with your brand in just a handful of years and you started online. Now you have your second

[00:09:01] brick and mortar store here at Malva America. So I would love for you to talk about what that transition was like going from online to then understanding the value of being in brick and mortar, having your first location and then selecting Malva America for your second.

[00:09:14] Yeah. So like I said, like I grew up in a small family business. It's a very it's a country gift store. I mean, and they are going on, what is it? Like 30 years that it's so impressive.

[00:09:27] Yeah, it's so crazy. So brick and mortar has always been near and dear to my heart. But it is a different thing. Like online is 24 7365, but you can kind of like set it on autopilot, whereas like brick and mortar is like, you're there, you're engaging, you're interacting. But

[00:09:43] for us, like pre pandemic, we were kind of in this artist's studio and people just constantly were like kind of coming to us. And then we were really at all of these events, like hauling

[00:09:54] tents and everything. And that was really, it gets to a point where you're like, I'm tired of schlepping my stuff around, you know? And post pandemic, if there was anything that we all kind

[00:10:05] of noticed was like, oh my God, we all need more space than we ever thought. There was like a moment there where you're like, you have to stay 20 feet over there, you know? And like what we were

[00:10:13] once had like wasn't going to work. So kind of before the pandemic, I knew I wanted to open up my first store. But then after the pandemic, I was like, we are opening up. And so I'm a very

[00:10:24] like, you know, a smart business person. And so I was like, if I can, I'm going to buy a building and then I'm going to retrofit it to do everything. So our store in St. Paul has our offices,

[00:10:34] fulfillment production, and then the store as well. So it houses everything. And I was really looking for that spot where maybe we could kind of like, it had enough room and I mean, she

[00:10:44] was a diamond in the rough. Those are the best though. I mean, it was a crazy like, I mean, the family that owned it, they had owned it for eight years and they're super sweet,

[00:10:51] but it was a prosthetics company. So like, how you made old legs, like, I mean, we still have like some giant, I mean, what in history though carved out that yeah, you feel the plaster. It's crazy. Decor decor. Yeah. Yeah. I'm like, this is cool firewood,

[00:11:10] but it's also like a 60 pound log. I just don't know how it's going to get up the stairs. And I don't know why. So I was like, yeah, sure, it's fun. You guys can leave it here.

[00:11:18] So, but that was kind of like the first one. And then I've honestly like loved owning a store. And I think it's really that community aspect of it, you know, there's something about it. And I

[00:11:30] think from the pandemic, like it was so interesting, like all the statistics are like, online is the way and everything. And like consumers like, wow, we're social animals, like we want to be with people. And so I think it's been really cool. And like,

[00:11:43] that store is such a community store and I love it. But very much so for the brand, we've been always thinking of expanding. And we were like, okay, how do we expand,

[00:11:52] but also test the waters in a smart way? And I was like, go to the Mall of America, because what's cool about the Mall of America is you get local people, but you also get

[00:12:02] a ton of visitors. So it's brand awareness. Like, and we were like, let's do the Mall of America. And I got connected through some really great people. I actually got connected through my podcast to somebody that like they had a connection with that worked at

[00:12:15] the Mall of America. And, you know, we just kind of started having those chats. And then it was really funny because it was like, we had the chat starting in January and then literally they were

[00:12:26] like, so we have this spot. And then it was like, I was like, you know, it was like kind of like we waited like a month or two. And then it was, I think we opened our store here

[00:12:34] from like, yes, six weeks. Oh, it was a quick turnaround. I remember on our back. I mean, and we custom built the whole, I mean, at first they were like, you know,

[00:12:42] we have these fixtures and everything. I was like, oh no, no, no, no, you don't understand us. We like to do things the hard way. Well, you have a beautiful store here at the mall. And it

[00:12:51] comes full circle. You started here and you're back and we love having you here. So tell our listeners and viewers where they can find you at the mall and give them a little visualization of what they can experience when they walk into your space.

[00:13:04] Yeah. So our store is located right here on the mall of America on the west side on the second floor. We're very biased and we'd like to think that our side is the best side of the mall,

[00:13:14] but the mall is all gray. But it's just like, it's fun. It's like, I almost kind of think of it if I said the word like the content using like the color factor or something like that,

[00:13:23] you just like will walk into it's extremely bright colors, really fun shapes. Like you just like, I'm sorry, you cannot walk into my store and be sad. You can't also miss it. And I can test walking by it's beautiful.

[00:13:33] Sarah and I were one of the first, as soon as we heard you were going to be opening. So Sarah talked a little bit about our experience walking in and we actually ran into Larissa when

[00:13:42] we were walking towards the store. So that was really fun. And we know that you already busy that day and we're like, okay, she's already like, we'll see her again. But no, walking to the

[00:13:50] store was phenomenal. You can't miss it. Like we were talking about, I mean so bright and colorful. And I want to say it's like, is it a peachy orange from afar? So you see it immediately

[00:13:58] as you're even like getting closer. But then you walk in and there's so many different elements to look at. And again, I'm a jewelry person. So my eyes were darting everywhere.

[00:14:06] I couldn't keep her. But I loved all the different elements and I made a note on it that you call them your foodie cutie collection. Yes. Loved them. So it's like the corn or the earrings

[00:14:18] from the clips and the butter. I mean, it's such a fun collection. Is that one of the top sellers I have to ask to? It is. It is for this year. We kind of like just really added

[00:14:26] onto it. And then we're actually adding onto that collection again. We're kind of doing like a state fair surprise. Perfect timing. You wanted a hat that says cheese curds on it.

[00:14:35] Oh, say last I do. Come visit your store before you go to the state fair this year. I like that. I mean, that's kind of yeah, exactly like get all of your accessories because yeah,

[00:14:44] like we're not at the state fair. So like get all of your goodies here. So yeah, also there's air conditioning at the mall. So yeah. Good double dip. Yes. But you really

[00:14:54] do, you have all the different elements and I love that you also have cards that are fun and playful. And then you have obviously your perm bracelet station, which is really fun.

[00:15:01] And it feels interactive and interesting to like walk through it. I mean, I could have spent hours. I know we were in and out, but I was like, I'm coming back immediately. And I've been to

[00:15:08] your St. Paul store too as well. And I've been following along for a while, big, big fiend girl. But I mean, we were, I have to test you guys flipped pretty quick, but on the back end

[00:15:15] in the office, the excitement was beyond everyone was like, Oh my gosh, they're coming. How we need, we're ready. And I have to say to some of our friends in other

[00:15:23] stores. So I've made a note Hunter from Eritzia, he has been in. Have you seen him tagging you? He is the sweetest, but he has probably seven perm bracelets at this point. And I love that

[00:15:33] every week I feel like he's posting about you guys. So I'm seeing it through all the I mean, I'm inspired. Like so our permanent jewelry is like a main capsule of our Mall of America store. Like, you know, the little priest, like we're expanding and everything.

[00:15:46] But Hunter was part of the reason that was like, we're going to be getting some more thicker chain options because of Hunter. His jewelry, him and I talk jewelry and his is phenomenal. He is for those listening. I mean, his gold jewelry is amazing from his earrings to

[00:15:57] his necklaces to his bracelets. I mean, he's got it all. So as he was posting about it, I was like, I'm coming. I'm following. I want your bracelets too. So amazing. No, and that's a huge differentiating factor for you is the permanent jewelry.

[00:16:10] And it's a huge trend. And we've gotten asked by so many consumers, where do we find permanent jewelry at the mall? And now we have your store to direct them to. So it's great.

[00:16:20] And we appreciate the fact that being the owner, the creator, the visionary, you're able to take this input and create designs and get them right into your store. So it's really rewarding for

[00:16:32] us to be able to see that and to work with a retailer that can see that opportunity. So we thank you for that. And congratulations on all your success. I would love to shift a little bit towards you as a, as an entrepreneur, as a leader.

[00:16:44] You recently had a post on LinkedIn that you talked about going from a doer to a manager to a leader. And you recently promoted your COO, your second hand, your right hand.

[00:16:55] And that was a huge change for you. And it's been a huge transition as you've grown up into this, these roles that you've and the hats you've had to wear. So talk about that and

[00:17:04] the role that you and the hat that you wear right now and how you're feeling and just that transition as an entrepreneur. Yeah, it's a really great post, which is kind of like the

[00:17:14] phases of entrepreneurship that really inspired it. And I very much have seen it where it is, is like phase one, if you can figure it out is like, you're the doer of all things, you know, and

[00:17:23] you're starting to find traction and everything. And then phase two is that you start to hopefully give off the things that you're not good at. That's like the thing I've seen so many

[00:17:33] entrepreneurs struggle with is like the, I have to keep it all. I have to hold it all. Like nobody can do it as good as me. And I'm like, let me tell you, people can do a

[00:17:41] spreadsheet's a lot better than this is a hard fact. Recognize your strengths and your weaknesses. Recognize your strengths and your weaknesses, but it's getting the team right, which is really, it's tricky and it's hard, but getting the right. So like we've done, I've done a ton of

[00:17:56] professional development, like my company, we run on EOS, which is called the Entrepreneurial Operating System. We that's how we run our entire company. So really investing in myself, but really investing in the team and the functions and in getting the

[00:18:10] right talent to really do it. And part of me also was like really getting onto a spot. So the next phase was really kind of trying to remove myself from being everybody's manager and everything. And it's helped me really find way more opportunities and then also be very

[00:18:30] like kind of analytical and being able to assess situations a lot better. The other part of it that is part of the reason is I have a lot of passions, like multifaceted passionate humans. So like it's allowed me then to like dive into like I have

[00:18:42] my own podcast where it's called the World's Okay, It's Entrepreneur where we just interview other entrepreneurs. And then I've also in the process of getting coach certified. So I've been able actually have like coaching clients and really helping them. And that's been

[00:18:56] equally rewarding for me personally, but I also see it really helped me like it's so funny when I'm like coaching other clients. I'm like kind of coaching myself and I was like, oh, that's interesting. I'm gonna do that with that and everything like that. But it's so important

[00:19:09] as an entrepreneur, I think to invest in those systems and then really getting the right people. It's like hard work. It's the whole thing is saying like choose your heart. Each way is hard, but which way do you want to go in it? You know,

[00:19:23] and I see so many people getting stuck in figuring out those things. And I'm like, it's still hard, like, you know, failing is hard winnings hard, like it's all hard, you know, and it just is

[00:19:34] which way do you want to go around it? So yeah, but thank you. Yeah, what advice do you have for those future jewelry designers or entrepreneurs and what you've learned and what it's kind

[00:19:44] of your elevator pitch to them of what they can look out for what they should focus on? It's going to be your team at the end of the day, like really understanding what is top talent

[00:19:53] out there. Like I mean, and then you're gonna have to make some risky bets. Like this year we brought in like our head of marketing and like I started paying salaries. I was like,

[00:20:00] oh, I've never paid the seller in my life, you know, but it like pays off. And I think that's like really being smart on like where do your dollars go? And I mean, like in the beginning,

[00:20:10] you're going to need generalists. And I think it's like the thing that I wish I would have done sooner. I think that's like the easiest way for me to kind of answer it is like

[00:20:17] investing in myself. Like I don't have an MBA or anything like that, but like taking the time, like if you had asked me like eight years ago, I've been like, I am way too busy to read a book.

[00:20:28] And like I've really started to slow down and like invest in myself and like take time to read books. Like actually slowing down for me has made me a much better business owner. And so

[00:20:39] in its heart to like it's like to have discipline and like take care of myself, you know, and then don't forget about yourself personally in the process. I think that there

[00:20:48] comes so many entrepreneurs that just kind of like what they how it started and why they loved it and how they built it can grow into something so opposite of that. And so taking those aspects

[00:20:59] of what you love and keeping that and then all of the other stuff, get rid of it. There's so many great people out there that will love to do your spreadsheets. Trust me, they are out there. You are speaking the US language because we also that delegate,

[00:21:13] elevate, delegate and also have your time for your clarity of time. Oh man, you gotta EOS. Let me know. We can speak out for ages. We can go down that path. I saw you light up. I said EOS and you were like, yes.

[00:21:22] I know. Like we're about a year in. So it's very interesting to know how to prioritize your time. It is. And the quarterlies in the annuals, I think are a huge game changer too of really

[00:21:32] getting aligned on the goals and everything. I think that's there's so many facets of it, but I think it is like the right people. If I could say one thing, it's the hugely thing.

[00:21:43] People, you have to have people. Well, I was gonna say it trickles down. I mean, to your store staff are fantastic. Every time I'm in there ready to engage Chit Chat. I mean, you can see that you guys really implement that means something,

[00:21:53] you know, that's big for you guys because it all the way down to the store staff, they're phenomenal. Thank you. Yeah. I mean, yeah, I am, I yes, only retain top town.

[00:22:01] Yes. So yeah. And I think it's hard when you become a leader, you don't want to lose that connection with your customers because I'm sure that gives you inspiration and motivation to continue to keep going those connections, that relationship and to see how people relate

[00:22:13] to your brand. So do you have any fun customer stories or memories? So would love for you to share a story with us. Oh my gosh, fun customer stories. I can tell you my story. I love that.

[00:22:25] And it might honestly, I'm a dot to dot person. You're gonna tell me this one. We like, Oh yeah, there we go. It wasn't funny, but it was memorable and beautiful. And I feel like that's that piece where maybe it was a little funny,

[00:22:34] I guess in some regard because your staff is so fantastic that they made it funny. But my mom and I had come in and so I have a permanent bracelet and she was like,

[00:22:40] I want one too. And I go, I know just the place. And so we had come in and it was right before we were going on a trip to Europe together. It was our big thing. And so I was like,

[00:22:47] let's go in. And she was so excited. She has it. So we have the same matching perm bracelet and the gal that was on staff. And I'm sorry, I can't remember her name

[00:22:54] off the top of my head, but I will figure it out and relate to you. She was phenomenal. She sat down. My mom actually had a couple other questions on other bracelets that she had on,

[00:23:02] and she was so helpful walked her through it and actually fixed a couple of them. I was like, this is the top tier experience, but she was the sweetest. She wanted to know our story. She

[00:23:12] wanted to talk to us about it. And it was just so meaningful. And now my mom and I have matching bracelets from our saloon. Did she go in for one bracelet and walk out with many others?

[00:23:20] She did not this time, but my mom lives in Des Moines. So when she's up next, we'll be back in it. But she did love the butter clip. She was like,

[00:23:26] I think I need it. I think you do too. All right, that does. Okay. So from work at the mall, I think my favorite thing is getting to meet people from other areas because I'm a huge traveler.

[00:23:36] And so there is like a family in from Colorado. And this is always my thing is like, and they were getting permanent jewelry, which is so cool because they're kind of commemorating their trip

[00:23:44] to Minnesota. But I'm like a huge foodie too. We said the food collection. I cannot, like people traveling here, I'm like, I cannot let you have a bad meal. So I was like,

[00:23:54] what are your meal plans? You guys, like what are you doing? You know? And so they told me, I was like, this is no. So like get out this piece of paper and I'm like writing down like,

[00:24:01] you need to go here. Like you could need to go to Matt's bar. You need to go to Barlow Park. Yes. And then it gave me this idea of I was like, I love it. Like when you go to small

[00:24:09] towns and they have like that cute little map of like, and it's like drawn out. And so it's not hasn't happened yet, but I'm putting it out here now to actually make me do it.

[00:24:18] But I want to kind of do like a Larissa sheet of like so that we can hand out to all the guests at the Mall of America. Like this is Larissa's favorite stores in the mall. This

[00:24:25] is where everything else in St. Paul and Minneapolis that I think you should do and like just make sure that people have the most amazing experience here because there's so much amazing things. I would purchase it. I would spend money on that.

[00:24:35] There you go. There's your Q3 Rock right there. Right there. I know. I actually, I love this because I've been wanting to do one of those forever. So yes. So yes, I'm doing it, but it is, it's like just those dots,

[00:24:44] not connections. And it is, it's like, I think our brand is so good on just kind of making it's like the permanent jewelry, like foodie. It's just like, it's like a core identity thing.

[00:24:53] So yeah, I was going to say you guys give the flare of trendy, but with your own personal like layer to it. And I think that's what makes you guys so fantastic and fangirl over you guys.

[00:25:01] Yeah. I think our head of marketing and we like were chit chatting and we came up with this like new phrase. And I was like, that's it. And it was like cute with the side of a reverence.

[00:25:09] Yeah. Where it just kind of speaks to us. Like we're just like a little fun then diagram and have to have your twist. Yeah. And I think one of the other things that makes you really unique is your connection with the community. And I did,

[00:25:19] you know, we're getting close on time, but I wanted you to be able to touch on that. Cause I think it's really important for your brand and especially being in Minnesota, we're very philanthropic in Minnesota and to be able to connect with so many different

[00:25:29] nonprofit organizations and to really give back. So touch on that a little bit for us. Yeah. We do a huge part of our business is like just giving back and signing in our business is like our brand. It's just really important to me to give back.

[00:25:42] Like last year, it's really actually cool. Like really kind of doubling down on that idea of community. Really great hometown here, Jesse Diggins. We have, she's an Olympian of cross country. Like I think she's like the, she's the goat now, I would say probably.

[00:25:57] And so like last year, her big one is protect our winters. And I believe from our collaboration of that one, like in just the past year, we've been able to donate like

[00:26:07] $30,000. So yeah. And so that's really huge. And I think what I'm really trying to do now is also like, obviously we always like to say, like put our dollars where our mouth is, but I'm trying

[00:26:17] to do way more like volunteering. So like we've started doing like Ronald McDonald house is really personal to me. And so we've volunteered there last year and then this year hope to we're going to volunteer again, but then also do parts of the walks and everything. But it's

[00:26:30] also just like, I think connecting with the community and bringing space. Like we host workshops and we're always trying to kind of figure out how to like Minnesota is this really

[00:26:38] great like place where I think there's so many people, but it is like a little bit like if you grew up here, like you kind of have your community in your net. So I was like to like always start

[00:26:45] my workshops with like, I'm like, well, if you're here, it's like, we're like all of them. We're like, if you hear your family, like all of you like honestly, like we're the filter,

[00:26:53] like you all should be friends honestly. So at the end, so we kind of like to do like, I like to do like a little social mix or quickly with them and everything. So yeah. Thank you for sharing and thank you for what you do in the community.

[00:27:03] And of course, bringing amazing designs to all of us and for being part of our Malvamérica community. We love having you here. So thank you for joining Larissa. Thank you, Sarah. And thank you for tuning into this week's episode of so much more.

[00:27:15] Be sure to check out Larissa Loden on West level two here at Malvamérica. Get your gear ready for the state fair. It sounds like we've got a great lineup of jewelry for y'all to check out. So have a great day. Thanks for joining us.

[00:27:27] Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of so much more. If you want to hear more, be sure to subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your favorites, including Spotify, Apple or Google podcast. And you can also watch a video cast on YouTube.

[00:27:42] Go to podcast.malvamerica.com to leave a review, ask a question, or give us an idea for the show. Until next time. Thanks for listening. So much more is presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minnesota.

[00:28:01] Before your next trip to Malvamérica, visit bloomingtonmn.org for answers to all your travel questions, deals and packages for hotel stays, and so much more.