Embracing Passion and Resilience: Lessons in Building a Community-Centred Business
Angela Skudin (right), Owner of The Codfish Cowboy with one of her favourite customers Shannon Hayes
“I’ve never not started a business or seen a road to something that I wanted to do.”
Angela Skudin's journey is a testament to the relentless spirit of passion, resilience and entrepreneurship.
You may recognise Angela for the work she’s doing as the Founder and CEO of the 343 Fund - an organisation that provides grants and support for first responders.
In the aftermath of tragedy, Angela found herself not only grappling with enormous loss, but recognising a significant gap in support for those who endure traumatic incidents like hers. Her late husband, Long Beach native Casey Skudin, a decorated New York City firefighter and a member of the renowned Long Beach Skudin surfing family, died on June 17, 2022, at 3:43 p.m., in an accident in a windstorm in North Carolina.
The 343 Fund is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the support Angela gives back to the community!
From selling retail out of her cousin's window as a child to building a thriving retail store in Long Beach, New York, Angela has always followed her intuition and passion, often ignoring conventional advice to forge her path.
Born in Oklahoma and later moving to New York, Angela’s entrepreneurial journey was unconventional from the start. She never completed college, a fact she mentions with a hint of humor, stating that she had "no idea what she was doing in business."
What she lacked in formal education, Angela made up for in grit and an unwavering desire to be her own boss. She says “I knew from a young age that I wasn't cut out to work for someone else” and this realisation became the driving force behind her ventures.
One of Angela's key businesses, the Codfish Cowboy, is a reflection of her commitment to supporting local artisans and fostering community. Located in Long Beach, New York, this unique retail space stands out for its rejection of the high-pressure, profit-driven model that dominates much of the retail industry. Instead, Angela's store focuses on creating an experience—something special and one-of-a-kind that can only be found by visiting in person.
Angela’s approach to business is refreshingly simple: she does it for the love of it, not just for the money.
This philosophy has allowed her to weather economic storms, including the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many small businesses struggled. Angela's commitment to her community and her ability to adapt led to her store's continued success, even expanding during a time when others were closing their doors.
Angela's story is not just one of business success, rather a deep belief in the creativity and collaboration. She empowers others to be their own boss, offering free meetings and advice to budding entrepreneurs and makers. This mentorship is rooted in a belief that no one's job should define them completely—a philosophy that has guided her throughout her career.
Now, almost a decade into running Codfish Cowboy, Angela is expanding her influence even further, with plans for a hometown apothecary and a coffee shop in her local community. Her vision is clear: to create spaces that serve not just as businesses, but as vital parts of the community's fabric, offering unique products and fostering connections among people.
Angela Skudin's journey is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about making money; it's about passion, resilience, and creating something that resonates with your values and your community. For anyone looking to carve their path in business, Angela's story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom: believe in your vision, embrace the challenges, and never be afraid to do things your way.
“I am by no means a business expert. I am a college dropout from Oklahoma that moved to New York and just pretty much just never listened to anybody that told me I couldn’t do anything and did everything that I wanted to do.”
IGNITE YOUR PASSION!
Follow The Casey Skudin 343Fund and The CodFishCowboy on Instagram and drop into the shop and say hi to Angela when you’re next in Long Beach, NY!
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