We’re looking forward to introducing you to Heather McCartyb . Check out our conversation below.
Heather , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Farm Life
My family has been blessed with the opportunity to live on a farm, and we’ve fully embraced the lifestyle. We have cows, chickens (including some fancy, unique breeds), rabbits, donkeys, dogs, cats, and at one point and even pigs! Caring for our animals is something we all enjoy, and our kids love being a part of it.
The land and scenery are peaceful and beautiful. We take gator rides around the property, and the kids have plenty of room for sports and dirt bikes. The sunsets and sunrises are truly breathtaking.
I named my business The Porch Swing because it reminds me of a simpler time—slowing down, soaking up every moment, and watching life unfold. I picture swinging on the porch, watching your children play in the yard, and one day, your grandchildren.
The farm life embodies everything I dreamed of when I chose that name. Maybe, in a way, I manifested this slower, more peaceful life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Heather McCarty, and I’ve owned The Porch Swing Collective Boutique for the past 10 years! The Porch Swing is more than just a retail store—we’re a collective. That means we’re a small business made up of many small businesses, all under one roof.
We get to support and showcase local makers, creators, and sellers. One of my favorite things about The Porch Swing is how many unique personalities come together to create magic—blending their styles and products into a truly unforgettable shopping experience.
We specialize in furniture (both new and repurposed), boutique clothing and accessories, home décor, art, giftables, Kansas City spirit wear, and so much more! It’s a one-stop shop where you can support multiple small businesses at the same time.
Our vendors work together to create an eclectic shopping experience, with carefully curated displays that make every visit feel fresh and inspiring.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It’s hard to pinpoint one single moment that changed how I see the world, but my mind always goes back to 9/11. I remember the unity that followed such unimaginable tragedy. For a little while, it felt like America was one big family. I was a freshman in college, and that event shaped so many conversations in the classroom.
We were grieving, but we were also stronger together. Looking back now, I realize that was one of the only times I can remember Americans truly being on the same side.
Today, the divide feels enormous. You can sense it everywhere race, gender, economic status, political beliefs, who someone loves. The tension can be so thick it’s almost suffocating, and it’s nothing like the atmosphere I remember from 20 years ago.
I’ve learned to approach news and information more critically, because it often feels like every story is told through a lens of bias. I make an effort to hear multiple perspectives before forming an opinion. I’ve also seen how quickly people can judge or dismiss one another simply for thinking differently, and it’s made me value empathy and listening far more than “winning” an argument.
Social media has only amplified the divide, turning discussions into battle lines. I’ve had to learn when to disengage for the sake of my own peace. I’ve noticed how fear and anger can drown out our shared humanity, and it’s made me fiercely protective of kindness and more willing to defend it when I see it slipping away.
This shift has also shown me how fragile unity really is. It’s changed how I raise my kids, because I want them to grow up seeking connection over division.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of judgment of what others might think. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to talk myself out of caring, but the truth is, people can be hurtful. Strangers on the internet can mock you, friends and family can whisper behind your back. At one point, I even received anonymous packages and hate mail sent to my business.
When you go through things like that, it’s tempting to retreat into your shell and hide your true self from the world. But the reality is, you might simply be “too much” for some people. And as Taylor Swift says your energy is just too expensive for some people. I’m learning to be okay with that.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Over the years, we’ve built a following on social media, and I think it’s because we try to be real about who we are and who I am. I share a lot about my personal life, my family, our struggles, and the season of life we’re in. I don’t keep much private because I believe people like to do business with people they truly know, like, and trust. I want them to know me, not just the brand.
I’ll be honest sometimes I feel “less than” because I’m not a polished influencer with perfectly curated posts. But I also know that’s not what real life looks like, and I share to remind myself and others that not everything you see on social media is the truth. My public self is my real self messy, imperfect, and honest because I think that’s what truly connects us.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
This is a tough one to answer. Owning my business was a dream come true but it’s also been a rollercoaster. There are ups that fill me with pride and downs that make me wonder what’s next. I think once you’re a dreamer, you’re always a dreamer. And when you have an entrepreneurial heart, you’re never fully content you’re always imagining the next adventure.
Some days I think about taking the business fully online (but would it lose its brick-and-mortar charm?). Sometimes I dream of starting a franchise. Other days, I picture a reality TV show where my team and I travel to boutiques and antique shops across the country, helping them create unique shopping experiences, thrive on social media, and set themselves up for success. Then there are days I imagine farming full-time, or focusing completely on social media.
And sometimes? I’m just grateful to turn the key and open the doors for another day as a small business in this wild economy. It’s a ride that can make me want to get off at times, but more often than not, I love the butterflies that come with the big dips.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_porchswing/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=guest_homepage-basic_nav-header-signin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Greenwoodporchswing
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_porchswingboutique
