Explore real-life strategies, growth hacks, and proven marketing advice through powerful interviews with top leaders and retailers in the retail industry. Join Ashley Alderson, the Founder of The Boutique Hub, as she talks with retailers, boutiques, wholesale brands, vendors, and industry insiders. Discover the invaluable secrets that have propelled companies to success while maintaining a healthy balance between life and business. Embrace the spirit of Community over Competition, and uncove ...
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Five Minute Friday: Six Questions to Ask Wholesale Vendors at Market
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When you're headed to market, knowing what to ask vendors is so important. Listen in to learn six key questions to make sure you get answered so that your future trips to market go as smoothly as possible. How to Buy Wholesale Guide
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#606 Mastering Leadership: Building Strong Teams, Ensuring Compliance, and Creating a Great Workplace
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Have you found yourself propelled into the world of managing people when all you were prepared to do was focus on scaling your business? Jackie Koch, Founder of People Principles and host of the World's Greatest Boss podcast, knows the feeling all too well. Today, she joins us to demystify the challenges of team management and equip entrepreneurs w…
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Five Minute Friday: Five Steps to the Perfect Online Sales Process
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Last week, you heard me talk about the perfect process to follow for in-person sales. Today, I'm breaking down how to make the perfect online sale. Listen in to hear the key steps to follow to give online customers a memorable sales experience. Resources: Facebook Ads Masterclass
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#605 The Power of Adaptability: Thriving in a Changing Retail Landscape
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Today we’re joined by April Rector, owner of The Light House Boutique. In this episode, she shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges of launching her business amidst the pandemic to its eventual success. She also offers practical insights into running a boutique during uncertain times, including the importance of perseverance, strate…
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Five Minute Friday: Five Steps to the Perfect In-Store Sales Process
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How often have you gone into a store and heard someone immediately ask: "Can I help you with anything?" Asking this question right off the bat is the kiss of death—and a common mistake you should make sure your staff avoids at all costs. Listen in to learn what they should be doing instead to close the perfect sale in your brick-and-mortar store.…
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#604 Facebook Ad Strategies for Small Business Retailers
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Curious about Facebook ads and eager to harness their potential for your business? Look no further! In this episode, we're diving into the dynamic world of Facebook advertising with our expert, Jeff Fenn, Director of Marketing. Whether you're new to Facebook ads or hoping to level up, Jeff unpacks the ins and outs of Facebook ads, from debunking co…
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Five Minute Friday: Cultivating Success: Why Culture is King
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We've all heard people say "cash is king." But more important than cash—and what leads to more cash—is culture. Listen in to learn why figuring out your company's culture is the key to long-term success. Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub: Instagram
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#603 Unlocking the Secrets of Apparel Manufacturing
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In the intricate process of garment production, there is a lot of complexity that often goes unnoticed. Joining us today is Philippa Comfort from Creative Culture Consulting, sharing her journey into the industry and revealing the nuances of garment production that many overlook. Philippa explains the behind-the-scenes realities of production, the …
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Welcome to another Five Minute Friday episode! Today we're talking about the key things to measure in your business. Download the Retail Acronyms Sheet
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#602 Mastering the Art of Boutique Ownership: A Deep Dive into Niche Markets and Online Expansion
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Jincy Wallace, the dynamic Boutique Boss and Owner of Jincy’s Southern Change, joins the show to offer a fresh perspective on boutique ownership. In this episode, Jincy shares the lessons she learned about understanding her ideal customer's demographics, personality, and style preferences, as well as the importance of personalized customer experien…
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Five Minute Friday: 5 Common Retail Acronyms Every Retailer Needs
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Welcome to our new Five Minute Friday series, where I'll be sharing bite-sized actionable tips to help you grow your business! In this inaugural episode, I'm breaking down the major retail acronyms every retailer should know—no matter what kind of business you're in. Download the Retail Acronyms Sheet…
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Season 6 Kickoff: What's Working For Small Business Retailers Right Now
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Welcome to Season 6! This season, we're shaking things up. It's time to get real and authentic because life is too short for anything less. We're diving deep into the world of boutique ownership, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. I'm here to listen to your stories, your questions, and your struggles, and together, we'll…
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FTV: Boutique Owner Myths Debunked with Sara Burks
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Sara Burks, our director of partnerships and education at The Boutique Hub, and I go over Boutique Owner Myths Debunked in this Season 2 episode — which was the topic of one of our breakout sessions at the 2019 Boutique Summit. No matter where you’re at in your business journey, it's always good to go back to the play book. We cover loads of useful…
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FTV: How to be more Productive as a Business Owner with Ashley Alderson
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“It’s so common today to hear the word busy. Everybody is busy. But the question is, are you busy doing the right things?” In this episode from Season 3, I talk about how I’ve learned to think like a CEO, prioritize my time and set necessary boundaries, and I outline my top tips for How to be More Productive. I cover the three questions you need to…
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6 Lessons Business Owners Can Learn from Taylor Swift
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As I wrap up Season 5 of the podcast, I want to talk about where we are in the industry, where there’s opportunity right now, how to approach marketing your business in 2024 ... but mainly I want to talk about Taylor Swift! Whether you like her music or not, you can’t deny that Taylor Swift has had a monumental economic impact. The Eras Tour alone …
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Discover more MAGIC in 2024 with Kelly Helfman, President of MAGIC
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I’m so excited to welcome back to the show one of my favorite guests and BFFs, Kelly Helfman, President of MAGIC. And we have some BIG news to share with you! Of course, I first get the inside scoop on emerging trends and what we can expect at the upcoming MAGIC events in Las Vegas, New York and Nashville. But Kelly and I spend most of the episode …
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A Masterclass on Building and Scaling a Brand with Sam Paik, State of Fashion / YZE Agency
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This week I am talking to one of my favorite people in the industry who’s advised me, encouraged me, brainstormed with me … and pushed me to eat more than just meatballs! In addition to being a good friend and foodie, Sam has worked in every single corner of the fashion industry and has such amazing insight into how things work and where there’s op…
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FTV: Legal Tips for Small Businesses with Andrea Sager, founder and CEO of The Legalpreneur
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On this episode of the #BoutiqueChat Podcast, Andrea Sager joined me for Legal Tips for Small Businesses. As an attorney and former boutique owner, Andrea knows all the legal information small business owners may overlook. I chatted with her in season 3 about how to choose the right entity, how to avoid infringement, and trademarks. Bring a pencil …
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How Regional Markets Can Benefit Your Business with Tara Thorn, Cedar and Cypress Designs
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Today we’re talking all things market – what sets regional markets apart from national shows, the benefits of both, the importance of attending market, and tips for success while there. In addition to being the owner and founder of Cedar and Cypress Designs, my friend Tara Thorn is also on the board at the Minneapolis Mart, which holds six annual s…
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FTV: Scaling from Entrepreneur to CEO with host Ashley Alderson
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I reflected on some of my personal experiences as a business owner in this solo episode on Season 3. When I started to look backward through the evolution of The Hub, I identified five steps that I think we took to grow our business and that I have seen mirrored in other businesses. I call them the 5 Steps for Scaling from Entrepreneur to CEO, and …
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If You Don’t Adapt, It’s Not Going To Work with Taylor Jones McClellan, The Tiny Closet
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Diversifying sources of revenue, building a personal brand, social media marketing and running a business through different seasons of life – Taylor and I talk about it all in this episode! The founder of The Tiny Closet, Taylor Jones McClellan is back on the podcast to update us on her life and business. Since last being on the show in Season 2, T…
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FTV: 12 Crucial Tips for Boutique Owner Success with Sara Burks
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In this episode, I was joined by our retail professor Sara Burks to talk about the 2020 Retail Bootcamp and go through our 12 Crucial Tips for Boutique Owner Success that were a key focus of the course. Retail Bootcamp isn’t just for those who feel their business is failing; your business will always have areas to improve on and grow. Retail is shi…
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How EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Can Transform Your Business and Team with Tom Wesner, founder of EOS Worldwide
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This episode is a little different. This week I am joined by my business coach Tom Wesner of EOS Worldwide — so you’re going to get all the juicy details of what it’s really like at The Hub behind the scenes! Aside from reminding me of the things I need to continue to work on, Tom breaks down what the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Model ac…
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FTV: How To Maximize Your Market Experience with Amy Harper, DMC Sr. Vice President of Retail Development and Market Services
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Dallas Market Center’s Amy Harper joined me in Season 2 for How to Maximize Your Market Experience. In this episode, Amy gives some amazing tips on attending to market, whether it’s your first time or you are a veteran buyer! She gives us valuable information on why going market is so important, how to plan your time at market, what to expect at Da…
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Key Components of the Six Layers of Retail in 2024 with Sara Burks, Director of Partnerships & Education at The Boutique Hub
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Our very own retail professor is back on the podcast! Today Sara Burks, Director of Partnerships and Education at The Boutique Hub, is joining me to dive into the six essential pieces of growing and mastering your business, which we refer to as the Six Layers of Retail, and the most important components of each of these layers specific to 2024. As …
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FTV: Creating a Strategic Marketing Plan for Your Business, with Brand Expert DruStew
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What does it mean to sit down and create a strategic marketing plan for your business? In Season 1, I visited about it with my friend Dru Stewart, a marketing and branding expert who works with Cactus Ropes, Pro Equine Group, Hatco, and many more. Not only do we cover marketing strategies working for the world’s largest brands in western, but we al…
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Prepping for the New Year: Reflections on 2023 and Predictions for 2024
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This is my favorite week of the year! I know things may still be chaotic for you with inventory reduction sales and taking inventory. But in the busy that it can bring, I think this week between Christmas and New Years is one of the most reflective — which is why I love it so much! I personally try not to plan a lot of meetings and keep my schedule…
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FTV: Tips to Create a Profitable Ecommerce Business with Erin Hooley, Bailey’s Blossoms
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Erin Hooley, founder of Bailey’s Blossoms, joined me in Season 3 for Tips to Create a Profitable Ecommerce Business. Erin is a living example of being more successful by knowing her numbers. She goes in-depth on conversion rates, branding, and how she manages business and motherhood. But there are so many more helpful business tips from this well-s…
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We’re all wrapping up 2023, which means it’s time to reorganize, reflect and get ready for the new year. And while we are all tired and we’re busy and we’re ready to spend the holidays with our families, there are so many opportunities we can take advantage of during this time to close out the year strong and head into the new year fresh and in the…
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FTV: Strategies for Social Media Success with Shannon Gordon, Social Media Manager at The Boutique Hub
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Shannon Gordon, Social Media Manager at the Boutique Hub and former boutique owner, joined me on the podcast at the beginning of Season 3 to talk Strategies for Social Media Success. In this episode, Shannon gives us her back story on becoming a young, working mother and wanting to turn her passion for creativity into a full-time job. She gives us …
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Simplifying Banking and Small Business Loans with Tracey Smiskey, Northwestern Bank
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It may be uncomfortable, and you may not like it, but building a good relationship and regularly checking in with your banker is just as necessary as going to the doctor. Today I am talking to my good friend Tracey Smiskey all about banking. As the EAU Claire Area Market President at Northwestern Bank, Tracey is community minded, small business min…
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FTV: Tips From a Successful Boutique Owner with Alison Grooms, Jules & James
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I was so fortunate to have Alison Grooms, owner of Jules & James Boutique, join me on the show for Tips From a Successful Boutique Owner. In this episode from Season 3, Alison goes over everything and anything you can think of when it comes to owning a boutique. You'll hear her go over lives sales, vendor tips, hiring employees, and what it's like …
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How to Plan, Buy and Manage Your Inventory in 2024 with Mary Landgrebe, Management One
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“You can’t be successful at marketing or sales unless you have a good handle on your inventory.” Get ready to hear some straight-up real talk with my good friend Mary Landgrebe of Management One. We dive into the tough conversations that are being had right now in our industry and the challenges small business owners face in the current economy. As…
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FTV: 6 Steps to the Perfect Purchase, with Bob Negan, Founder of WhizBang! Retail
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In case you missed it in Season 1, Bob Negan, founder of WhizBang! Retail Training, joined me on the show to share the secrets to building a successful business. Early on in Bob’s retail career, he realized that making the customer happy is the most important thing in sales. Not just accepting returns with no receipt or sending thank you cards afte…
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Dig In and Do the Hard Thing with Anais Almazan, Pretty & Pink Boutique
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No one knows the meaning of hard work and perseverance better than my guest today, Anais Almazan, the founder and owner of Pretty & Pink Boutique. I want to encourage you all to listen to this episode because her story is truly inspiring! I may even shed a tear or two during this one. Anais fell in love with retail while working at the local Dollar…
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How to Make the Most of the Holiday Season: 5 Tips To Close the Year Out Strong
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I know this year in retail has been like the gauntlet; it has been a challenge. That’s why making most of the holiday season is more important than ever this year. So, I want to share some tips to help you not only survive and hit revenue goals in the fourth quarter but to really finish out the year strong and set yourself up for success in 2024. L…
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FTV: Collaborating with an Influencer with Shaley Ham, West Desperado
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Shaley Ham joined me in Season 2 for Collaborating with an Influencer. Shaley starts by giving us background on how she grew to become an Instagram influencer. She gives us some extensive and valuable knowledge on the correct ways to work closely with an influencer and LOTS of tips and tricks to help grow your following and engagement on Instagram.…
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Encouraging Consumers to Shop Small First and Celebrating the 4th Annual Pink Friday
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This is a big week! The 4th annual Pink Friday is this Friday, and I am so excited to celebrate with all of you. This year will be bigger and better than ever with more than 5,000 boutiques around the world will be taking part in Pink Friday. There’s nothing I love more than seeing boutiques and small business owners come together in their communit…
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FTV: 7 Ways to Get More Bang for Your Buck When it Comes to Pricing Your Products
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Whether you're an experienced boutique owner or just a beginner, this episode may have you rethink your old pricing ways. This Season 2 solo still resonates, and in it I go over some important topics such as turn rates, how to rethink markdowns, and why your pricing is unique to your business. We want you to be able to capitalize on all the hard wo…
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10 Takeaways from the First 10 Months of 2023
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I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite lessons, tips and words of wisdom offered by guests this season all in one episode! You’ll hear from Ferne Boutique’s Laura Horwath on the importance of networking; Little Details Boutique owner Jessica Throneburg on perseverance and size inclusivity; Angela Schmook, VP of Operations at Road Runners LLC, on the bes…
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FTV: Marketing to Your Audience on a Personal Level with Erica Kelley, Whiskey Darling
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Erica Kelley, founder of Whiskey Darling Boutique, joined me in Season 2 to talk about Marketing to Your Audience On a Personal Level. Erica’s mission is empowering women of every shape and size to be themselves and knowing they can feel confident in her boutique’s clothing. Erica covers other topics such as marketing to a large age range, photo ed…
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Ask Ashley Anything! Listener Questions Part 2
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This week I’m at my kitchen table for another edition of Ask Ashley Anything, and I’m doing my best to answer all of your questions! You guys submitted so many great questions, not only about your business growth and strategy but also work-life balance and personal development. I do my best to address them all. This episode is overflowing with what…
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FTV: Being a Successful Business Owner Means Knowing Your Customer with Dani Flaming, The Fringed Pineapple
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Dani Flaming, owner of The Fringed Pineapple, came on the show in the height of winning Idaho's overall boutique of the year and the top 10 global boutique of the year in 2019 to tell us what it’s like to run a powerful, small-town business. Dani gives us insight on what social media outlets work best for her, how she stays real, and why finding yo…
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Trend Report: What's Hot for Fall/Winter and What's Up Next in 2024
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Today we're talking trends! I want to give you a sneak peek at the latest Boutique Hub Trend Report and talk through some of the trends we’re currently seeing for fall/winter and holiday, as well as what will carry into and what you can expect to see next in the new year. I highlight some of the biggest trends in women’s apparel, accessories and ho…
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FTV: Buying Strategy & Cash Flow Analysis for Retail Growth with Dan Jablons
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How can retailers make smarter buying and inventory management decisions to make more money? This episode is PACKED with information about the flow of inventory, data analysis, point of sale systems, merchandised plans and all the details retailers need to manage a successful cash flow and buying strategy. Meet Dan Jablons, Founder of Retail Smart …
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Pink Friday is officially one month away! For those of you who don't already know, Pink Friday is an annual event held every November before Black Friday with one mission: to promote shopping small first. It’s a chance for you to get consumers in the door before all of the big guys and Black Friday deals. So, today I'm talking all things Pink Frida…
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From the Vault: How to Buy Direct in LA with Fashion Buyer Jacqueline Holmes
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Every Friday I’m re-releasing one of my favorite episodes from seasons past to revisit my conversations with early guests and the business advice and practices they share! Up this week is my Season 1 conversation with fashion buyer Jacqueline Holmes. Buying smarter means understanding your product lifecycle and getting the best quality and pricing …
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We can all feel like a hamster on a wheel at times, and as we enter the fourth quarter, it’s not only important to be ready for the busy holiday season but also take time to plan ahead for 2024 so that you can start the new year off strong — assessing business practices, refining operations and implementing new strategies to help scale and grow you…
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From the Vault: Growing a Mega Boutique with Facebook Ads & Authenticity with Laura Benson, Founder of Filly Flair Boutique
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Every Friday I’m re-releasing one of my favorite episodes from seasons past to revisit my conversations with early guests and the business advice and practices they share! Up this week is my second ever episode with my dear friend Laura Benson, who founded and grew Filly Flair Boutique into a huge online retailer with national reach through strateg…
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Using Story to Grow Your Business with Lyn Graft, founder of Storytelling for Entrepreneurs
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Every great story has the opportunity to not only help you build relationships and authenticity but also to sell your products. Which is why I am so excited to welcome Storytelling for Entrepreneurs founder Lyn Graft to the show to talk about how you can use story to help grow your business. A serial entrepreneur and video producer, Lyn has worked …
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