This episode dives into the amazing creative journey of Tesa Klein, the cowgirl-turned-entrepreneur behind Wildflowers, who rebuilt her business after years in the rodeo world and rediscovered her spark. She's deeply rooted in rural (she lives in a NoDak town of 50!) but has had her share of big-time viral moments. It's an inspiring look at trusting yourself even when your dreams don't seem to match your zip code, and we love hearing her take on balance and dreaming big from her tiny ND town.

About Tesa:
Tesa is the owner, operator, and creative artist behind Wildflowers, a western and seasonal home décor business that operates as an occasional shop, hosts markets and travels to events across the region. A small cattle rancher and wife of a cowboy, Kelly, she draws inspiration from life on the prairie, the rhythm of the seasons, the beauty of nature and the spirit of the western way of life she lives. When she's not creating (which is rare), you will find her chasing sunsets or soaking in the views of rugged country by horseback. 

In this episode, we cover:

• How Tesa rebuilt her creative business after years in the rodeo world

• The decision-making that goes into all the things we love, and why we have to sometimes let things go (like fifty cows) to make time for other things

• What going all-in on a big vendor show did for her confidence and visibility

• Navigating judgment, assumptions, and loneliness as a creative in a tiny town

• How she keeps her spark alive and what's next for Wildflowers

Links + Resources Mentioned:
Website thendwildflower.com
FB @thendwildflower.com
IG @junkinwildflower

Sponsor Spotlight: The Yellow Bird
The Yellow Bird is a longtime favorite and friend of Growing Small Towns and our Executive Director, Rebecca.

The Yellow Bird is a family-owned, all-natural skincare company committed to keeping things pure, simple, and safe. Their products are made with real ingredients you can pronounce (and actually read on the label), free from synthetic chemicals, and gentle enough for the whole family—especially anyone with allergies or sensitivities.

Founded by Nicole, who grew up in a home that prioritized holistic living, The Yellow Bird was born from a simple truth: what we put on our skin matters. Their mission is to make effective, affordable skincare using minimal yet powerful ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils. You can shop their full line online, including on Amazon.

Use https://www.theyellowbird.co/?ref=REBECCAUNDEM when you shop! 

Want to get your business in front of our audience?
We are looking for podcast sponsors!

Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas.

With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you.

When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org

We have a membership!
Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America.

For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events.

It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership.

Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support. 

We Want to Hear From You!
We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!)

Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show:

1. "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things. 

2. "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that. 

If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you! 

Get In Touch
Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org

 Subscribe + Review
Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!