Boutique Chat

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 shifting and expanding every day, it's time to be pr...

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 actually is and how EOS can transform your business....

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 Dallas Market Center this October, upcoming trend...

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 we all know, the tides are changing, and we want t...

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 also cover some critical questions like 'Is print...

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 clear this week for planning and brainstorming ab...

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-spoken, successful entrepreneur, so tune in now! I...

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 best place ever. So today, I'm sharing my quick t...

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 insight into what elements helped her create a...

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 minded and growth minded, and she works to ensure th...

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 being a mom while running a business. But that' n...

"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 an expert in retail operations, inventory solutio...

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 after a big purchase. Every. Single. Second. Matters....

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 General in Eldorado, Texas. She had little capit...

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. Let's chat about where the opportunity really is, w...

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. You can never learn too much about the world of i...

This is a big week! The 4 th 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 communities to support each other and promote shopping sm...

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 work and effort you've been putting into your busine...

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 best ways to buy home & gift; producer and entrepre...

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 editing, and Facebook ads.    I so hope you enjoy t...

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 I hope will be helpful information, tips and adv...

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 your ideal customer is so important. In this episode...

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 home décor — from colors and patterns to textures a...

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 Guys, analyst, consultant, speaker and Management...

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 Friday – why we celebrate, ideas for how to do so and t...