Found: One of the Most Radical Stores in Ithaca Doesn’t Look Radical at All

Vanessa Weber and Jeremiah Signo are turning a local antique mall into a thriving, community-centered enterprise through creative ownership, vendor collaboration, and strategic moves — all while navigating the challenges of small-town retail. This episode explores the intricate workings of their business model, the power of local relationships, and plans for expansion and community engagement.

In This Episode

• The origins of Found in Ithaca and Vanessa’s vintage and antique passions
• The unique buyout model used to acquire the business without traditional bank financing
• Details of the operation: vendor-managed booths, commissions, and furniture sales
• Challenges and strategies in relocating from an old building to a creatively refurbished space
• The importance of local, community-driven economy and vendor relationships
• Insights into the renovation process of Southworks and the collaborative design vision
• The role of community support and small-town relationships in business success
• Future plans: programming, community events, and space expansion
• The significance of maintaining a welcoming, high-end boutique atmosphere
• The intersection of local art, mutual aid, and sustainable retail practices

The Practically Real Team

• Ithaca Local Economy Lab
• Jake Gribschaw — Technical Advisor — LinkedIn
• Stacey Cornelius — Associate Producer — Agency of Words
• Sonia Simone — Content Strategist — Remarkable Communication
• Erin O’Shaughnessy — Creative Consultant
• Yen Ospina — Artist — yenospina.com
• Carsie Blanton — Musician — carsieblanton.com