Meet Ciana Simpson | Founder of The MoCo List

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ciana Simpson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ciana, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of The MoCo List has been trust. I built it slowly, intentionally, and with genuine care for the businesses and community it represents. I don’t share places just to fill content or chase trends. Every feature, market, and recommendation comes from real experience and real relationships.

The MoCo List works because it’s rooted in connection. I listen to what small businesses actually need, I show up for them in real life, and I treat their work with respect. People can feel when something is authentic, and that authenticity has allowed the brand to grow organically while staying true to its purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career hasn’t followed a straight line, and that’s actually what sets me apart. I started in the corporate world, learned how systems work, how brands communicate, and how structure can either support or stifle creativity. Becoming a mother reshaped everything. It forced me to get clearer about how I wanted to spend my time, what kind of work felt meaningful, and what kind of example I wanted to set.

The MoCo List grew out of that season. It wasn’t built from a business plan as much as it was built from listening. Listening to small business owners who needed visibility, to shoppers who wanted to support local but didn’t always know where to start, and to a community that craved connection over transactions. I positioned myself in the middle of that conversation and let it evolve naturally.

It isn’t easy. There are moments of doubt, burnout, and learning in real time. I had to get comfortable being visible before feeling “ready,” trusting my instincts, and setting boundaries so the work didn’t consume my life. I learned that consistency matters more than perfection, that community grows when you lead with generosity, and that success doesn’t have to look loud to be impactful.

What I’m most proud of is that The MoCo List feels human. It’s curated but not curated out of reality. It celebrates ambition and softness, business and belonging. What I want the world to know is that my brand is built on intention. I believe in slow growth, meaningful collaboration, and creating space for others to be seen. My story is still unfolding, but it’s rooted in the idea that when we support local and lead with heart, everyone rises together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want them to feel the pace and personality of the area, not rush through a checklist. We’d start most mornings with really good coffee. Wilderlove Coffee would be a must, the kind of place that sets the tone for the day without trying too hard. From there, we’d wander through some of my favorite local shops. Meadow to Market is always high on my list for thoughtful gifts and beautiful finds, and I love stopping into Ranch & Revival Country Store because it feels grounded and nostalgic in the best way. The Highland Pine is another favorite, it has that elevated, cozy energy that makes you want to linger.

I’d definitely plan time around local markets and pop-ups, because that’s where the community really shines. You get to meet the makers, discover brands you didn’t know you needed, and feel the creative heartbeat of the area all in one place. That’s honestly one of my favorite ways to spend a morning. And lunch at Bar A BBQ is a must.

Since kids are part of real life, we’d balance it all with park time. There are so many great parks around here, perfect for letting kids run while adults catch up, sip coffee, and breathe a little. Those moments matter just as much as the dressed-up ones. And painting at The Painted Potter Studio, of course.

For shopping with a little edge and personality, we’d stop by Get Fictional. It’s one of those places where you can pick up a candle and a book and leave feeling inspired. It always feels curated in a way that’s fun, not precious.

Evenings would be about slowing down and enjoying good food. Dinner at Petite Suzette would be a must, it’s charming, cozy, and always feels like a treat. I’d also take them to The Audrey for a night that feels intentional and celebratory. The kind of place where conversation flows and you don’t feel rushed out the door.

More than anything, I’d want them to experience the people. The shop owners, the creatives, the families, the small business founders who pour so much heart into what they do. That’s what makes this area special. It’s not just where you go, it’s how connected everything feels. And that’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you leave.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would dedicate my shoutout to the community of small business owners, creatives, and local women who show up even when it’s hard, quiet, or inconvenient. The MoCo List exists because of their courage to keep creating, keep opening their doors, and keep believing that what they offer matters.

On a more personal level, I owe a lot to the women in my immediate circle. Friends who hype me up, challenge my thinking, offer honest feedback, and remind me to rest when I’m tempted to push through. Their belief in me often came before my own.

And finally, my family. They’ve been my steady ground. They’ve given me the freedom to take risks, the grace to pivot when things change, and the support to build something that feels aligned with my values. Every step forward has been shaped by people who believed in community over competition and connection over perfection.

Website: https://www.themocolist.com

Instagram: @themocolist

Facebook: The Moco List