In this solo episode, Elsa dives into a spicy and nuanced topic: the complicated truth about supporting local. As a self-confessed farm girl raised in a small town, Elsa knows the importance of backing regional businesses — but she's also had some real-life experiences that reveal why “support local” isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

Elsa unpacks the two sides of the coin — from the pride and power of supporting community-run businesses, to the frustration of rude customer service, lack of innovation, and territorial attitudes in small towns. She shares her personal stories, thoughts on flying in as an “outsider,” and why sometimes locals do need outside help to grow.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
💥 Why supporting local can be both empowering — and problematic
🧃 Elsa’s personal experiences in small towns (some good, some spicy)
🧭 The grey area of bringing in “outsiders” to regional communities
💡 The real reason people still choose external providers
🤝 How collaboration between locals and outsiders can be the magic combo
🛍️ Thoughts on big box stores, fast fashion, rising costs, and why it’s all just... hard
💬 Why business mentoring in rural areas needs sensitivity, connection, and zero ego

Key Takeaways:

• Supporting local shouldn’t mean settling for bad service or zero innovation

• Sometimes an outside perspective can offer new opportunities and vital connections

• Being private about your business is okay — especially in close-knit communities

• It’s not about competition — it’s about collaboration

• There’s no one-size-fits-all way to “support local”

Links & Mentions:
📸 Connect with Elsa on Instagram: @‌elsa_mitchell_
📧 Say hi via email: hello@elsamitchell.com.au
🌾 Apply for Elsa’s rural & regional scholarship: Contact Elsa
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — it's like a one-way ticket into a podcaster’s panties (Elsa’s words, not ours 😂)