Q1: How long have you had the vision to do a Pop-Up, and why do you think it was important for The Dripping Root to bring an event as iconic as this one to Minneapolis?
A1: As long as I’ve had my own space (going on 3 years now) I’ve wanted to be able to involve more local entrepreneurs. More so recently (December)—I decided I have 2,000 square feet of space that was intended for my expansion, why not put it to use?! My thought was there are tons of local makers that survive off of Pop-Ups/events/Farmers Markets. Lots of those things happen in the summer & fall months as it is nicer outside during that time but in the colder months these folks who survive off of their craft may not have as many places to showcase their talents or their business; the Extra Drippy Pop-Up was perfect for that. I think it was important for The Dripping Root to bring the Extra Drippy Pop-Up to Minneapolis because it really showcased the positivity, the good, the creativity, the variety, the community & the togetherness that we have here.
Q2: You speak about community a lot across your social media platforms, and because of how you visibly spotlight small businesses—you have created the standard of unity in local entrepreneurship. How does it feel to have a full house of vendors, and a line out-the-door of customers?
A2: Absolutely, we all win when we all win. It really is a feeling indescribable. I feel like I put so much into wanting things to be just right so the energy that I give is genuine & it has deep meaning. I go hard for mine & in return people show up & show out. The feeling of having any idea & it being a success is truly one of the most heart warming feelings ever because really you just never know how others receive it. Ideas in your head are always great, seeing them actually come to life how you pictured [them] is pure beauty & the most important and successful thing about it all is knowing that the local makers that were part of the events expressed how good of a time they had, how much stuff they were able to sell & how many people they were able to meet. That’s what truly put a smile on my face.
Q3: How important is having a great team to help execute daily operations, special events and creative endeavors?
A3: Having a great team (myself & Grannie Drip) is so important. We have our roles & tasks & we execute accordingly. Really we are two opposites, It’s not always butterflies & rainbows but it is true passion & family. Communication is so important and creating a positive environment is key. Grannie Drip (ever since I was young) has really put a lot of her energy into assuring I had the best life & it just never stopped as I became an adult because here she is on this journey of following my dream. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.
Q4: During Black History Month you’re making history in real time as The Dripping Root continues to grow not only locally, but on a national and international level. What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur just getting started?
A4: The best advice that I could give to anyone is to keep doing more of what you love. Be creative. Be original. Keep trying new things & keep tunnel vision. If there is something that you are passionate about doing, go after it. No fear, no questioning yourself, just go all in. Some say there is a way to do certain things, I say create your own path & your own way. There are tools in books, there are tools in seminars, in classes, in daily life. Utilize all of those to your benefit. No one person will have the same story, just go after what you believe to be true for you. Keep a notebook, write down your tasks to get you to your end goal, and start marking them off one at a time. Some motion is better than no motion. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
BONUS Q: With the limited menu additions this February being a huge success, (the mouth-watering “Be Mine” juice and the tummy-filling “Sexy Mofo” smoothie bowl), have any creative juices started to flow with developing new, temporary/seasonal items for the spring & summer months?
BONUS A: Yes! My mind is on a constant flow of creating new things. I have tons of ideas in my notebook that I eventually want to release & a few collaborations in mind, always have to stay 10 steps ahead & keep it fresh & innovative with some new drops. CBD collaboration coming up next…