We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandy Underwood a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brandy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
When I first launched Shop Botetourt in 2020, the world was in a state of uncertainty. Local businesses were hit hard by pandemic restrictions, and I saw firsthand how difficult it was for many owners to get the word out and connect with customers, let alone recover. As a small business owner myself, I could relate, but I also saw an opportunity. I knew that if these businesses had a way to showcase what made them unique—what made them worth supporting—they could find the encouragement they needed to make it through.
So, I started small, dedicating my time to creating content, reaching out to local entrepreneurs, and setting up a space where they could share their stories. What began as a Facebook page quickly grew into a community-driven hub. I spent countless hours volunteering, crafting posts, hosting online events, and collaborating with other local advocates. Every message, like, and share felt like a small victory—not just for me but for the businesses I featured. I remember the excitement of a vendor telling me they had sold out at a market because of a post I’d shared or that a new customer drove in from out of town after learning about them through Shop Botetourt.
This journey taught me the power of consistency and persistence. In the beginning, I didn’t have a blueprint, but I knew that if I showed up every day, reached out to more businesses, and provided them with a spotlight, we could build something meaningful. I became intentional about listening to their needs, adapting my approach to better support them, and finding new ways to connect them with the community. Eventually, as Shop Botetourt gained traction, it became a real resource—a space where local businesses felt supported, seen, and celebrated.
The beginning shaped everything for me; it built a foundation of resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to our community. Now, four years later, I’m proud to see the positive impact we’ve made together and the thriving network of local businesses that continues to grow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the founder of Shop Botetourt and the owner of Cupcakes & Canines, my work focuses on supporting local businesses such as my own and being part of the community, though in very different ways. Through Cupcakes & Canines, I get to express my creativity and provide joyful experiences for my customers, whether it’s a custom cake for a birthday celebration or special treats for furry friends. Each creation is made with love and care, and I truly enjoy seeing the smiles my treats bring and being a part of their celebrations.
Currently, I’m excited about upcoming events for Shop Botetourt, where we’ll be hosting a holiday pop-up market for makers and a small business mixer to reconnect and engage with our local small business community. These events not only showcase our talented vendors but also create connections within the community. I am also planning to expand our initiatives next year to provide even more resources for entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
Overall, my work is driven by a commitment to uplifting our community and celebrating the unique offerings of small businesses. I’m thrilled to be a small part of what makes our area so special and look forward to what the future holds!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey with Shop Botetourt and Cupcakes & Canines, I can pinpoint three qualities that have been particularly impactful: resilience, adaptability, and what I like to call “relationship currency.”
Resilience has been crucial in my path as a small business owner since 2013. The ability to bounce back from challenges has helped me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. My advice for those early in their journey is to cultivate a resilient mindset. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and don’t be afraid to pivot when things don’t go as planned.
Adaptability is essential in a constantly changing landscape for small businesses. Being open to new ideas and willing to adjust your approach has helped me navigate shifts in the market and customer preferences. Understanding your ideal customer is key; knowing who they are, what they need, and how they interact with your business can guide your decisions and help you tailor your offerings effectively.
“Relationship currency” refers to the value of the connections we build within our communities. Building strong relationships by engaging with local businesses, customers, and fellow entrepreneurs has not only provided support but also valuable feedback and collaboration opportunities. I encourage those starting out to actively seek out networking events, join local business groups, and connect with others who share their passions. Building a supportive network can be incredibly beneficial.
For anyone at the beginning of their journey, remember that growth takes time and effort. Embrace the process, stay committed to your vision, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support from your community. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can make all the difference!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always on the lookout for collaboration opportunities that can further support small businesses and enhance the community experience. I’m particularly interested in partnering with:
– Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to showcase their products at events or pop-ups.
– Organizations that focus on promoting small business development and entrepreneurship.
– Creative professionals, such as graphic designers or photographers, who can help elevate our brand and the stories of the businesses we feature.
– Community groups dedicated to bringing small business owners together for networking, initiatives, or workshops.
If you’re interested in collaborating or have ideas on how we can work together, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me through my social media platforms or send an email to shopbotetourt@gmail.com. Let’s create something special together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopbotetourt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbotetourt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopbotetourt
Image Credits
Kelsey Lynn Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
