small business Archives

Aug 2020

Local business finds ways to adapt and thrive in the midst of pandemic and hardship.

“Adapting was the only option. I mean I’m an Iowan, resilience is in my blood.” On March 16, as COVID-19 was beginning to increase across the country, White Lion Treasures closed for just the second time in its history. “This new location has been a business in my family for 33 years. The only other

Posted by Christa Nelson, MBA | Posted in a spark, creating a spark, sparking something new | Tags: business adaption, creative, pandemic response, Pivot, small business |

Apr 2020

Epiphany Receives TSB Certification

Marion, Iowa – Epiphany, a Corridor public relations and marketing firm, announced today that they have qualified for and now hold Targeted Small Business Certification (TSB). According to the Iowa Economic Development website, this certification is specifically designed to help women, minorities, individuals with disabilities or service-disabled veterans overcome some of the hurdles in starting

May 2018

Epiphany Featured in #smallbizsalute by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate

Today’s #smallbizsalute goes to Epiphany, a full-range marketing company owned by Christa Nelson and Anna Patty in Marion, Iowa. Epiphany opened January 1st, 2018 and just recently had their grand opening and ribbon cutting on May 25th. The two combined have 30 years of marketing experience and offer services such as strategic planning and fundraising,

Posted by Christa Nelson, MBA | Posted in a spark | Tags: #smallbizsalute, buy local, epiphany news, made in Iowa, small business, why epiphany, woman owned business |

Mar 2018

New town, new store, new look

Just before Thanksgiving a power couple approached me for assistance in launching their new store in town. They knew how to set up and run a pet store, but needed assistance getting the word out. We spoke about their need for social media, public relations and digital marketing to start. In getting to know them

Posted by Christa Nelson, MBA | Posted in a spark | Tags: brand awareness, brand identity, Retail Store Launch, small business, Soft Business Opening, strategic marketing |

Nov 2017

Why Epiphany?

I am often asked this question and to answer this, I have to go back to the beginning. In 1999, Julie, whom I affectionately call my “sister from another mother” and I decided to start our own business. I was recently married and had a son on the way. She had just adopted a daughter