Familiar Faces
The GRACEful vagabond Natalie Pierson’s vision for a positive community endures
W
hen Natalie Pierson opened Vagabond Village in 2015, it was the coolest, quirkiest little shop in Mankato’s Old Town district. But no one would have blamed you if, at the time, you didn’t give it much of a chance. After all, most businesses fail. It didn’t take long for Pierson — along with her grit and tenacity — to prove the naysayers wrong. Vagabond Village is a survivor. Six years after opening, the store has become a hub of activity and positivity. Pierson is constantly looking for ways to connect and uses both Vagabond Village and GRACE Thrift in Lake Crystal to do whatever she can to make southern Minnesota a better place.
Photos by Pat Christman
NAME:
Natalie Pierson HOMETOWN: LAKE CRYSTAL
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Executive director at GRACE Thrift Store, owner of Vagabond Village
FAVORITE PRINCE SONG: “Call My Name”
CURRENT NETFLIX BINGE: I’m bouncing between three different series: “Being Mary-Jane,” “Insecure” and “Betty.”
16 • JANUARY 2022 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
Mankato Magazine: You’ve been the proprietor of Vagabond Village for a number of years now. What have you learned in that time about running a small business? Natalie Pierson: It doesn’t get easier with time. There’s always a problem to fix, a shift to cover, not enough money ever to handle the issues at bay, and you will be required to wear 20 different hats at all hours of the day. If for some reason it falls apart — it’s all eyes on you, so, depend on yourself for the answers. Even if you hear others trying to “advise” you on what you should be doing differently, try not to listen to too much. Remember, this is your vision, trust yourself, and do what you think, because at the end of the day, no one is as invested in the work as you are. MM: If you could go back in time and give yourself one bit of business advice, what would it be? NP: Don’t feel the need to give repeat opportunities to people who don’t follow through the first time. Just because they show up, doesn’t mean that they are or will be contributing anything of value. Don’t put in the work for lazy people! If they don’t match your work ethic or vision, move on. Limit your amount of chances and don’t hold on to partnerships that don’t advance the work or lighten the load. Caring about people and wanting them to be involved doesn’t mean they should be. Most importantly, at the end of the day, remember these things: You are capable of doing great things, regardless if others participate or not. Don’t stress about disrupted plans and remember to give yourself kudos for all you have accomplished. Because the truth is, not everybody can do it, and most people won’t even try. You’ve built programs out of thin air and have helped many students, artists and visionaries supersede their projected potential, simply by giving them a voice, an opportunity and basic emotional support.
