Meet Meagan Braganca

We recently connected with Meagan Braganca and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Meagan, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I was in the environmental club in high school so I’ve always had an interest in, and have been concerned over, environmental issues. Right after college, I joined the Sierra Club and within a few years I started signing petitions for all kinds of issues. The more environmental concerns I read about, the more confused I was as to why we weren’t doing more. So many of our environmental problems are a result of poor legislative & regulatory decisions. We have the knowledge & ability to fix many of these issues. It’s just the political will that stands in our way. With solutions so tangible, it’s easy to fall into the purpose of bringing about positive change. I started Earth Tribe Shop to be a part of a cleaner, greener economy- offering sustainable product options made by give-back brands. The shop also donates a percentage of gross sales to 1% for the Planet.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
After working at a commercial solar company for a few years, I decided I wanted to make a change. I had always wanted to work at an eco shop because you get to sell more eco-friendly versions of products people are already buying. There are so many different items to carry, replacing the mountains of plastics & synthetic ingredients that can be found in everyday products. As a bonus, many of the small brands we carry make clean products while also giving back to people & planet. A portion of sales from our seed paper greeting cards goes towards tree planting. A portion of sales from our perfume rollers goes towards blue carbon projects. The trucker hats and sunglasses we carry are made from recycled plastic bottles. So there are really cool products out there that are made by brands that aim to do good.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I’ve become a more courageous person from my years of activism. So, to start there- I would say if you see something that you think is environmentally damaging- say something and do something. Action is the countermeasure to despair. What action you take is up to you- it could be anything from picking up trash to building rain gardens to advocating for a greener future. Don’t sit back and wait for someone else to do it. The same applies for business. If you see an opportunity that you really don’t think you should pass up, then don’t let it pass up. I was planning on starting the shop in spring of 2024 and had just started looking for a space in September 2023 when a small retail spot opened up on my town’s Main Street. I ended up signing a lease the first week of October with just a logo, a newly-formed LLC and a few ideas of what inventory I wanted to carry. The night I found out I was getting the space, I placed a bunch of orders with money from my savings and  hoped for the best! That said- I would also say- start off at an organic level and grow from there. Don’t bite off more than you can chew with a big rent and lots of overhead. Your capabilities will grow with the business.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I mean the good thing about the shop is that part of the overall feel of it is aimed to help people chill out. I see so many people stressed out on a daily basis. We need more remedies for that. I started my own business so I could have more control over how I spend my time. I actually love being busy at the shop, I think it’s really fun. Sometimes things get overwhelming, though. Hiking, yoga and hanging out with my favorite people really helps put things back into perspective.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me.

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you walking a path—or wandering?

The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season

Highlighter Series
What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?

With so many high-achievers in our community it was super interesting to learn about the

Highlighter Series
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger