Each week we are excited to introduce you to an amazing businessperson!
This week our Fresh Impact business spotlight is shining on Megan Raposa!
Name: Megan Raposa
Company Name: Sioux Falls Simplified
Email: megan@sfsimplified.com
Website: www.sfsimplified.com
Phone: 605-545-4565
How long have you been in business? Since Feb. 2021
What is your business all about? It's about making it easy to feel informed about Sioux Falls, and it's about creating locally owned local news for the city.
What made you start your business? I've long had a passion for journalism, and I've seen firsthand the challenges traditional media outlets are facing as demand for the old ways of news is waning. I wanted to bring a new business model for local news to the Sioux Falls market to give people an option to support local news that's actually truly local.
What makes your business unique? It's been built with the help of two accelerator programs, one at the international level through the Google News Institute and LION Publishers, and another one at the local through the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship's Co. Starters program.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful business owner?
- Patience
- Flexibility
- Resolve.
What three pieces of advice would you give to someone who wants to launch their own business?
- It's kind of like having kids in that you're never truly ready, but you just have to dive right in.
- Be prepared to change and iterate as needed. It's a lot of building the plane while flying.
- My dad once told me, "Do what you love and the money will follow," and I think that's absolutely right. Passion first, and then figure out how to build a profit from there.
Who has been your greatest inspiration? Or what book has inspired you the most? Or what is your favorite book? There are so many extraordinary local journalists and journalism entrepreneurs. I don't even have to look further than Sioux Falls for mentorship--Jodi Schwan with SiouxFalls.Business and Pigeon605 has been a mentor to me since the very beginning of my journalism career. I'm also incredibly inspired by the work of other local news organizations around the country, including Santa Fe Local, Austin Vida, BoiseDev and many more.
How do you conquer those moments of doubt that so often stifle or trip up or stop so many? I take a few deep breaths and remind myself that I'm doing the best that I can with what I have, and I can only control my actions in this moment.
Please feel free to share any other information that will help your audience get to know you better. I've been a journalist for six years, most of which was spent at the Argus Leader as both a reporter and editor. I'm also a South Dakota native and have lived in Sioux Falls for the last 10 years. When I'm not working, I'm probably taking a walk with the dog or hanging out with my husband and our 10-month-old daughter, Margot.
Passion: My passion is reporting news that helps people feel smart instead of making them feel tired or frustrated. I want to make staying informed on your community seamless and fun.
Learn more about Megan Raposa and Sioux Falls Simplified at www.sfsimplified.com!
If you are interested in being in our Feature Friday spotlight please complete this form: https://bit.ly/FreshImpactFeatureFriday