
Episode #142
Building a Brand That Builds a Community With Christi Ashby
In this episode, we introduce you to Christi Ashby, founder and publisher of Orange Appeal, and her perspective on local media, leadership, and Orlando’s growth. We hear how a childhood love of magazines led to a women-focused publication launched in 2008 as the economy collapsed and how small businesses and nonprofits helped keep the magazine alive. Christi shares how she earns reader trust, chooses stories that highlight real women, and balances staying in her lane with evolving as the community changes. She and Amy talk about cash flow, patience with big organizations, and why relationships matter more than quick wins. Christi also reveals the story behind Orange Appeal’s new Orlando International Airport store and what it means for local makers. Listeners learn how long-term thinking, generosity, and consistency can steadily build a brand and strengthen a city. In this episode, you will hear: Launching and surviving as a media brand during the 2008 financial crisis How trust, consistency, and relationships shape local storytelling and advertising Highlighting women, nonprofits, and small businesses before they are widely recognized Lessons on cash flow, patience with large organizations, and long-term thinking in business Views on leadership, motivation, and building community through everyday kindness Resources from this Episode amycalandrino.com creorlando.com thecalandrinofoundation.org Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com . Let them know we sent you.






