The 47th Friday Four

Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.

It’s the time of year to be sharing gratitude. And I’m feeling that there is loads to be thankful for, while holding onto hope as I look towards the new year. I was reflecting on the people in the entrepreneur space who who have supported TLCo. and wanted to share out a few who have made a difference in Tura Lura this year! Feel free to reply back and tell me what you are grateful for this year! The more we express appreciation and thankfulness to others, the better.

Let’s get into it!

1. I want to share gratitude with the talented family photographer who helped capture and share the joy of the last year in West Branch. She’s an EXCELLENT photographer in the area and wonderful to work with. If you are looking for someone to help document the joy in your life, check out Jessica Schroeder Photography. Thank you Jess!

2. My business buddies who helped me gain skills over the last few years, and have continued to be great resources this year are on my list to thank! Katie with Riverside Writing who helped me touch up all my language and communications, Robin Springer Consulting who launched my understand of business finances, and Ellen with Balanced Birth for all the brainstorming and encouragement. Thank you Katie, Robin, & Ellen! (Also, I highly recommend all these local services as I am a consumer of all of them!) 

3. Dodge Street Coffee Shop is an inspiration of pivoting and transitioning, and I’ve appreciated learning from their owner Jamie these last few years. Check out their brand new location in the South District of IC at Pepperwood Plaza (home of the Diversity Market) that just opened and grab some delicious coffee and scones! Thank you Jamie!

4. And finally, I have to share my gratitude to the Builders + Backers team. This is the program where I got my entrepreneurship education. Who continues to provide such high quality education, programming, and mentorship. The research shows that while many people have ideas, only 8% of people move on getting those into action. They invest in people to teach them the skills to move into action. And for that, I am extremely grateful.

That’s all for this week! Next week I’m going to share my favorite small businesses to shop at this holiday season :)

Happy Friday!

Erika

P.S. The last open Candle Pour Bar of 2024 is happening next Friday!

The 46th Friday Four

Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.

Let’s get into it!

1. I am still glowing about the special event at the Vue last night. It was so fun to gather and have a pre-holiday celebration with friends! I really appreciate that folks are inviting me into their spaces to help people connect and have fun creating. If you missed out, the last class that has available spots for the year locally (in West Branch) is the day after Thanksgiving, to kick off the holiday season. How has time passed so quickly this year?

2. I am getting everything ready for my first pop up event in 2025, a Candle Pour Bar at Big Grove in Iowa City! The link is live on the website here. I haven’t event posted it on social media (because life is a bit busy right now!) and I hope to get that all posted this weekend. But if you are looking for an experience gift to give this holiday, consider grabbing a few tickets for the loved ones who love candles, and join us on Tuesday, February 11 from 6pm to 8pm at Big Grove!

3. All the private parties are booked for 2024, and it’s hard to believe that I am starting to talk about 2025 private parties. In the coming weeks I will be updating my Private Party guide for 2025 sessions. I’ve had a few folks reach out for 2025, and I am always happy to chat by email to help plan your team builders or celebrations!

4. To end my time in West Branch, I am going to open my doors during West Branch’s A Christmas Past to say thank you to everyone who supported me! I was able to move some things around so the doors will be open December 7 from 3-5pm! I am inviting in everyone to grab a little goodie from me, and explore the town. The town has some fantastic holiday merriment, including llamas, music, hot cocoa, and more starting at 5pm. Grab your family, friends, or come on over solo to pick up a small gesture of my appreciation to you and enjoy a magical afternoon and evening. I’ll be closing at 5pm sharp though - me and the kids want to go see the llamas!!

Happy Friday!

Erika

The 45th Friday Four

Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.

Let’s get into it!

1. My friends over at FilmScene reached out with a very creative project I got to work on this week! I got to cook up my version of Blueberry Pie for a special edition candle, the premiere of HERETIC. Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods will join FilmScene in person for a Q&A November 10 at 7pm. Head there early at 6:30pm for some blueberry themed treats! More information here.

2. I think I just booked my last private party of 2024 for West Branch! The calendar is full but no fear if you need to come make a candle! The next Candle Pour Bar is on Thursday, November 14 at 6pm at the Vue (tix here) in Iowa City! Then the final available and open class for candle making is the day after Thanksgiving, we have a little gathering in West Branch. While things are winding down for 2024, I am excited to release the 2025 dates soon :)

3. From announcing closing up the West Branch studio last Friday to a very stressful election, it’s been a week. And the one thing that I continue to feel right now is hope. I get to spend so much time with strangers at Tura Lura Co. connecting and creating. When we talk during our classes and parties, I learn about what people care about. An inside glimpse into people’s hearts and what they love. I feel so incredible lucky to bring people together, experiencing light when life can feel dark.

4. To end my time in West Branch, I am going to open my doors during West Branch’s A Christmas Past to say thank you to everyone who supported me! Save the date for December 7, more information to come next week!

Happy Friday!

Erika