POPULARITY
Green Gab Podcast – Green Homes, Green Living and Green Companies
In a world increasingly driven by the pursuit of sustainability and community well-being, the rise of B Corps is emerging as a beacon of hope for a more conscious and responsible business approach. I was recently captivated by a charming shop called Plenty Mercantile, nestled in the heart of Automobile Alley in Oklahoma City. It is a delightful store that embodies the principles of sustainability and ethical entrepreneurship, and I was thrilled to meet Traci Walton, one of the owners! I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I invite you to join me in exploring the incredible achievements of Plenty Mercantile and learn how they charted their course toward becoming a B Corp. So, fasten your seatbelts for a heart-warming and inspiring tale of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the pursuit of a better world! The Origin of Plenty Mercantile Plenty Mercantile came into being due to Traci and her daughter Brittany's passion for sustainability and desire to bring sustainable practices to mainstream retail. Traci was raised by her Native American grandmother, who instilled the values of respecting the environment, which further influenced their vision for the shop. The idea to create a store resembling their home and promoting sustainability took root, and they embarked on their journey of starting Plenty Mercantile in 2012. Becoming a Leader in Sustainability in Oklahoma City Plenty Mercantile has played a pioneering role in promoting sustainability in Oklahoma City. They aim to create a safe and welcoming space for customers to shop while making informed choices to support sustainable practices. Becoming a B Corp A B Corp certification is a voluntary designation for businesses and organizations committed to positively impacting people, the planet, and profitability. Traci explains that they aspired to become a B Corp from the start, aligning their business practices with sustainability on every level. However, achieving the B Corp certification was challenging. After years of following the B Corp structure and seeking improvement, they finally enlisted the help of a consultant, which proved to be a game-changer in guiding them toward their B Corp certification. The Importance of B Corp Certification The significance of a B Corp certification goes way beyond just marketing a company as sustainable. It involves a deep dive into financials, governance, impact, and various aspects of business operations, providing third-party verification of their sustainable practices. The Power of Making Sustainable Choices Sustainability does not necessarily mean higher costs. It means there are cost-effective and sustainable alternatives available in the market. Making sustainability choices sends powerful messages through purchasing power and contributes to long-term positive change. People-Centric Sustainability Sustainability is people-centric because it focuses on how sustainable choices positively impact individuals, their health, and future generations. Considering the health implications of products and practices is crucial for everyone- especially those who are cancer survivors! Building a Sustainable and Equitable Business Sustainability is integral to the business values of Plenty Mercantile, and it gets reflected in every aspect of their operations. Traci points out that sustainability extends beyond the products they carry in the store. It also encompasses how they treat their employees, community engagement, and overall business practices. Encouraging Others to Pursue Sustainability Traci aims to inspire others to pursue sustainability and B Corp certification. Sustainability is a journey that requires continuous effort and improvement, and she hopes to see more businesses in Oklahoma and beyond adopting sustainable practices and becoming B Corps because it will positively impact communities, the environment, and future generations. Celebrating Sustainable Products Traci and I love sustainable products! We also enjoy educating consumers about the benefits and values of using sustainable products and explaining why they should choose products that align with their values and contribute to a sustainable future. The Role of Plenty Mercantile in Promoting Sustainability Plenty Mercantile is a leader in promoting sustainability in the retail industry and creating a positive impact on the planet and the lives of individuals. Its commitment to sustainability has shaped its unique identity as a sustainable lifestyle store, offering products that meet the needs of consumers and align with their values. Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19 Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Plenty Mercantile managed to stay afloat. They used the opportunity to expand their online presence and went from offering 400 products on their website to an impressive 4900, making their online platform robust and thriving! The expansion allowed them to delve even deeper into understanding the ethos behind each product and the companies they work with, reigniting their passion for sustainability. Showcasing Sustainable Home Goods and Eco-Friendly Products Plenty Mercantile proudly offers an array of sustainable and eco-friendly home goods and products. From direct imports from Nepal to toys and baby products that prioritize health and sustainability, the store has been dedicated to curating products that align with its vision of responsible and ethical consumption. The Positive Impact of Making Sustainable Choices Sustainable choices need not be expensive, and consumers can positively impact the environment by choosing products that align with their values. The Sustainability Summit Sustainability efforts get amplified through collaboration and partnerships. To foster a sense of community and bring like-minded individuals and companies together, Traci and I are co-hosting the Oklahoma Sustainability Summit. The event will serve as a platform for businesses, organizations, municipalities, and individuals interested in sustainability to connect, share ideas, and collectively drive positive change. We hope the summit will inspire people to demand more sustainable choices and support local businesses prioritizing sustainability! Expanding Sustainability Efforts and Future Endeavors Plenty Mercantile continues to expand its sustainability efforts by actively seeking ways to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into its operations. They are excited about their upcoming store at the airport, where they can introduce travelers to sustainable choices and showcase local businesses that align with their values. They are also actively exploring electric vehicles and renewable energy as part of their commitment to a greener future. Creating Healthier and Happier Communities Traci and I believe that sustainable choices are not only beneficial for the environment but also contribute to healthier, happier communities. Through collaboration, education, and the Oklahoma Sustainability Summit, we hope to inspire others to make informed choices that promote positive change and create a more sustainable world for future generations! Have a great green day! Links Green Home Coach Workshop - How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features Plenty Mercantile Plenty Mercantile on Becoming a B Corporation Plenty Mercantile B Corporation Certification B Corporation - Make Business a Force for Good Ok Sustainability Summit
In this Snippet of Good we hear from the lovely ladies of Plenty Mercantile. They share how they worked with their team to define their core values. Enjoy!
Wow, it just doesn’t get better than these two. A mother and daughter dynamic, community impacting duo. Join Traci Walton and Brittney Melton of Plenty Mercantile as they share about community building. Catch the full episode at mpbblog.us
We are immersed in the sounds of Omni Hotel construction as we visit Scissortail Park before heading across Robinson to the hotel, which opens January 26, for an interview with Omni Oklahoma City General Manager Steve Keenan. Steve tells us about specials and options for residents to take advantage of, as well as some of the special designs and plans for the hotel that will be sure to please. We also talk shopping and eating locally for the holidays and some VeloCityOKC stories you should check out, like Christmas dinner options from Chamber members. Want video? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeXBg5_c4VxGGR_kxMHb2wg Want show archives? http://www.velocityokc.com/audacity Links, Chamber members and resources mentioned in this episode: Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC campaign info and sharable social media assets: https://www.velocityokc.com/ShopSmallForOKC Woody Candy Company: http://www.woodycandy.com Plenty Mercantile: https://www.plentymercantile.com/ Shop Good: https://shopgoodokc.com/ The Black Scintilla: https://blackscintilla.com/ Full Circle Books: https://fullcirclebooks.com/ Chamber member restaurants: https://www.okcchamber.com/index.php?src=sba&srctype=businesssearch_lister&submenu=Membership&allanyexact=All&search_key=&search_cat=581208&submit=Submit Parlor OKC: https://www.parlorokc.com/ A Good Egg: https://www.goodeggdining.com/ Hal Smith Restaurants: https://halsmith.com/ McNellie’s Group: https://www.mcnelliesgroup.com/ Pearl’s Restaurant Group: https://pearlsokc.com/gift-cards/ Homeland Grocery Stores: https://www.homelandstores.com/ Omni Oklahoma City Hotel: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/oklahoma-city Omni gift cards: https://www.omnihotels.com/shop/gift-cards Bob’s Steak & Chop House: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/oklahoma-city/dining/bobs-steak-and-chop-house Omni Oklahoma City restaurants: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/oklahoma-city/dining Mokara Spa: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/oklahoma-city/spa First National renovation a special project to Brooks as well as to OKC: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/development/first-national-renovation-a-special-project-to-brooks-as-well-as-to-okc/ OK’s landscape incorporated into new Univ. of Okla. Medical Center North Tower: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/development/ok-s-landscape-incorporated-into-new-univ.-of-okla.-medical-center-north-tower/ Christmas dinner options around OKC: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/lifestyle/christmas-dinner-options-around-okc/ Christmas lights to see around OKC: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/lifestyle/christmas-lights-to-see-around-okc/ -- VeloCityOKC COVID-19 coverage and stories: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/?mrkrs=COVID Chamber COVID-19 resources: https://www.okcchamber.com/covid19 VisitOKC’s “support OKC” list of local shops, restaurants, services and attractions you can creatively patronize during the pandemic: http://www.visitokc.com/support-okc/ Downtown OKC’s list of open restaurants/services/shops: http://www.downtownokc.com/support-local/ OKLAworks Twitter page (job announcements): http://twitter.com/OKLAworks OK for OK local biz listings: http://www.okforok.com Sign up for a weekly VeloCity email to stay up on what’s going down in OKC: https://www.velocityokc.com/index.php?src=forms&id=enews&category=&email=EMAIL&submit.x=40&submit.y=28 Feedback: networking@okcchamber.com or Chamber social media (@okcchamber) - https://www.facebook.com/okcchamber - https://twitter.com/okcchamber - https://www.instagram.com/okcchamber/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-oklahoma-city-chamber/
Traci Walton and Brittney Matlock are the mother-daughter duos behind Plenty Mercantile. Co-hosts, Katherine Buxton and Emmi Kobs discuss with them the importance of sustainability in their business as well as how they've educated their Oklahoma City and Edmond customers on what that means. Traci and Brittney have been on a mission for the last eight years to show that sustainable sourced products and goods can have beautiful aesthetics while doing good for the world. Welcome to Action City! Plenty Mercantile: @plentymercantile Website: Plentymercantile.com
We sit down with the owners of Plenty Mercantile.
Want video? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeXBg5_c4VxGGR_kxMHb2wg After breathing a sigh of relief and relaying our excitement about MAPS 4 passing, we thank a new podcast sponsor, tell you about the OKC Social Squad (a great way to win prizes while promoting OKC via your social networks), some of our local holiday favorites, Downtown in December, OSU-OKC Farmer’s Market moving to Scissortail Park in the Spring and other things we’re looking forward to in the new year. We also get a rundown of OKC’s local retail options and some info on what’s coming to the retail scene in 2020 courtesy of the Chamber’s Sr. Retail Development Manager, Tammy Fate. Want audio and/or show archives? http://www.velocityokc.com/audacity Links, Chamber members and resources mentioned in this episode: OKC Social Squad: http://www.okcsocialsquad.com DD Audio: http://ddaudio.com/ OKC Ballet: https://www.okcballet.org/ OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker: https://www.okcballet.org/performance/the-nutcracker/ OKC Streetcar how-to: Brewery taproom crawl: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/lifestyle/okc-streetcar-how-to-brewery-taproom-crawl/ OKC Streetcar how-to: Caffeine crawl: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/lifestyle/okc-streetcar-how-to-caffeine-crawl/ Streetcars + screwdrivers: All aboard the OKC Streetcar brunch train: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/lifestyle/streetcars-screwdrivers-all-aboard-the-okc-streetcar-brunch-train/ Downtown in December: https://downtownindecember.com/ Celebrate the season with Downtown in December: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/lifestyle/celebrate-the-season-with-downtown-in-december/ OKC citizens say YES to MAPS 4: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/inside-okc/okc-citizens-say-yes-to-maps-4/ OSU-OKC Farmer’s Market at Scissortail Park coming spring 2020: https://scissortailpark.org/osu-okc-farmers-market-at-scissortail-park/ McNellie’s Public House: https://www.mcnellies.com/locations/oklahoma-city-pub/ Bricktown Brewery: https://bricktownbrewery.com/ Burger Punk: https://www.burgerpunkokc.com/ Painted Door Gift Boutique: https://painteddoor.com/ Stella Nova: https://www.stellanova.com/ Sur La Table: https://classencurve.com/stores/sur-la-table Chisholm Creek: https://www.chisholmcreek.com/ Black Scintilla: https://blackscintilla.com/ Plenty Mercantile: https://www.plentymercantile.com/ Scissortail Gifts: https://scissortailgifts.com/ Shop Good: https://shopgoodokc.com/ Capitals Ice Cream: https://www.capitalsicecream.com/ Midtown Popup Shops: https://www.okcpopups.com/ Flix Brewhouse: https://www.flixbrewhouse.com/ Chicken N Pickle: https://chickennpickle.com/ Blue Zoo Aquarium: https://www.news9.com/story/41311400/construction-on-okcs-new-aquarium-blue-zoo-set-to-begin-next-week Things to do with friends and family that are in town: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/lifestyle/so-your-loved-ones-are-visiting-okc-this-holiday-season/ OKC Streetcar: http://okcstreetcar.com/ THUNDER UP: http://www.okcthunder.com Sign up for a weekly VeloCity email to stay up on what’s going down in OKC: https://www.velocityokc.com/index.php?src=forms&id=enews&category=&email=EMAIL&submit.x=40&submit.y=28 Feedback: networking@okcchamber.com or Chamber social media (@okcchamber) - https://www.facebook.com/okcchamber - https://twitter.com/okcchamber - https://www.instagram.com/okcchamber/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-oklahoma-city-chamber/
This week we're talking about Theatre Crude, the first ever Fringe Festival in Oklahoma City, with co-founders Adam and Jenny Brand along with Rodney Brazil of Next Stage Theatre and Kayla Jenkins of Perpetual Motion Dance. Theatre Crude begins on September 25th and runs through October 6th, mostly at Capitol View Event Center on Northeast 50th and Lincoln Boulevard with a one night performance in the Venue at Plenty Mercantile in OKC's Automobile Alley. The festival includes ten shows, five from OKC groups and five from other parts of the country. You can find out more on the Theatre Crude website: https://www.facebook.com/theatrecrude/ (https://www.facebook.com/theatrecrude/) Support this podcast
On this episode, your host Mike Hearne joins Traci and Brittney from Plenty Mercantile in OKC and Edmond. This mother daughter team, along with a co-founder, started this entrepreneurial journey to sustainable and local shopping right here in Oklahoma. Listen as they brought their passion to life and continue to make an impact on their community.
This week we are joined by Steve Schlegel of Schlegel Bicycles & Traci Walton of Plenty Mercantile to talk about the 21st Annual Chocolate Decadence benefiting Automobile Alley coming up February 1! To purchase tickets and learn more, visit ChocolateDecadenceOKC.com.