#139 Whimsy, Wingdings, and Wears: AnnRae Hochheimer - Small Town Big Business
AnnRae Hochheimer, the proprietor of Whimsy, Wingdings, and Wares, an eclectic art shop in Anna, Illinois shares her multifaceted career journey—from working in the Utah Opera Company, teaching vocal master classes, to running a restaurant—and her eventual move to Southern Illinois. She discusses the shop's unique offerings, which include handmade, upcycled, and multimedia art pieces created by a collective of local artists. The conversation also explores the community's vibrant efforts to revitalize downtown Anna and the broader Southern Illinois region, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering artistic creativity. AnnRae also talks about the key role of technology and social media in modern marketing, the potential of AI in the arts, and the need for collaboration among local businesses. The episode concludes with AnnRae's vision for her shop and her commitment to community engagement and artistic preservation.