Boutique Chat

This Five Minute Friday hits close to home. Ashley shares the raw, real side of what it feels like to hear those words: "Mom, you're always working." Whether it's coming from your kids, your spouse, or even extended family, that statement can carry a heavy dose of guilt, frustration, and burnout. Ashley opens up about her own experience building The Boutique Hub while navigating the pressures of b...

What's it like to run a thriving boutique side by side with your partner? In this episode, Serena and Java Patterson share the inspiring story of how they transformed The Farmhouse from a local vendor space into a successful boutique rooted in community. They walk through the key moves that fueled their growth, from switching their POS system from Clover to Shopify to streamline inventory and cut...

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley is getting real about the numbers that actually drive growth in your business. It's not just about sales—because sales are a lagging indicator . If you want to grow, you need to start tracking the leading metrics that influence your results before they show up in your bank account. Ashley shares what she's learned from implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating S...

Struggling with excess inventory? In this episode, we sit down with Melodie van der Baan, founder of Max Retail, to explore how boutique owners can turn unsold merchandise into serious revenue. Listen in as Melodie shares her journey from sales rep to tech entrepreneur and reveals how Max Retail helps over 2,000 retailers move past-season inventory through top third-party marketplaces like eBay an...

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley is bringing the heat with a powerful reality check: Are you truly being effective in your life and business or just keeping yourself  busy ? If your to-do list is never-ending, your calendar is overflowing, and you're constantly wondering where the day went... this episode is for you. Ashley unpacks what it really means to move the needle in your business, show u...

What does it take to future-proof the next generation in a world that's changing faster than ever? In this episode, educational consultant and award-winning innovator Britni Walz joins the show for a powerful conversation about the intersection of education, business, and technology. Britni shares her journey from high school educator to nonprofit consultant, helping young people thrive in a workf...

This week, we've got a special guest episode for Five Minute Friday straight from the Atlanta Apparel team! Join Sarah Beth Jackson, Director of Buyer Services, and Alejandra Trombetta, Senior Events Manager, as they dish on everything you need to know about June Atlanta Apparel, happening June 3–6, 2025 . From the top categories to source (hello, Fall/Winter and Game Day!) to helpful resources fo...

What happens when a casual conversation turns into the biggest event in boutique retail? In this episode, we're diving into the origin story of the Boutique Summit—how a spontaneous chat at the Dallas Market Center in 2013 sparked an industry-shaping movement. Listen in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of hosting the Summit, from behind-the-scenes logistics and unexpected hiccups (yes, in...

In this personal and honest Five Minute Friday, Ashley opens up about the behind-the-scenes reality of growing a business while navigating the emotions, expectations, and communication struggles that can come up with your spouse or partner. If you've ever felt like your spouse just doesn't get your business or you've clashed over money, time, or what success should look like, this episode is for y...

What's the secret to growing a thriving brand online in today's ever-changing digital world—and how can small businesses stand out? Peg Fitzpatrick, acclaimed author of  The Art of Small Business Social Media: A Blueprint for Marketing Success , joins us today to break it all down. Drawing from her own experience moving from traditional marketing to social media mastery, Peg shares expert insights...

In this Five Minute Friday episode, Ashley shares powerful and practical tips to increase your  Average Order Value (AOV) -- without relying on more traffic or more hours. If you're focused on growing sales, AOV is one of the most effective metrics to improve. Ashley breaks down the difference between lagging vs. leading indicators and how small shifts in your merchandising, marketing, and custome...

How does a personal gift idea quickly evolve into a thriving brand? Just ask Annabelle  DeGrazio, a former lawyer turned entrepreneur, who joins us today to share her inspiring journey of launching a distinctive candle business from scratch. With no prior experience in candle-making, Annabelle committed to learning every aspect of in-house production to ensure top-tier quality and built a successf...

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley shares the mindset shift that every business owner eventually faces: what got you here won't get you there. If you've felt stuck lately, it might be time to reexamine what you're holding onto in your business. Ashley breaks down four key areas to evaluate—marketing, vendors, traffic, and team -- and offers two simple but powerful questions to move you forward. Wh...

Ready to make smarter inventory decisions? In this episode of Boutique Chat , we're joined by our very own Samantha Conner, Director of Wholesale at The Boutique Hub, to break down the pros, cons, and strategies behind shopping in-person at market vs. buying online through platforms like Hubventory. We're sharing how to prep like a pro, use tools like the Boutique Hub's market must-see lists, and...

Cash flow struggles? You're  definitely not alone. In today's episode, Sara Burks, Director of Education, gets real about one of the biggest challenges small retailers face — not being able to pay the bills. Whether you're sweating payroll or wondering where all your money is hiding, Sarah is breaking it down in a way that's honest, practical, and totally doable. You'll learn: The  #1 place cash i...

How do you go from shaping careers to reshaping the fashion industry for plus-size women? Just ask Tracy Christian, the visionary founder of Sante Grace! She joins the show today to share her remarkable journey from talent agent to luxury plus-size apparel designer. Her story is not just about launching a brand—it's about challenging industry norms and filling a much-needed gap in the market with...

Are you feeling like you're working double-time trying to find more customers... but still not making the sales you want? You're not alone. In today's episode, Sara, Director of Education at The Boutique Hub breaks down the #1 thing you need to focus on to attract customers who actually buy (and come back for more). Spoiler alert: it's not about doing more , it's about narrowing your focus and get...

What's the secret to growing a successful business while staying true to your roots? Join me as I chat with Kimmy Almon, founder of Kimmy's Boutique, about her journey from side hustler to boutique owner. Starting in 2014 with online and pop-up shops—while juggling a full-time teaching career—Kimmy took a bold leap into brick-and-mortar retail. With deep ties to Waxahachie and Galveston, she revea...

In today's episode, Sara Burks, Director of Education at The Boutique Hub, breaks down one of the most important concepts every boutique owner must understand: Wholesale buying isn't shopping — it's investing . Buying inventory is about making smart, intentional decisions to meet your customers' needs and create profit, not just picking what you personally like. Sara walks through six essential ti...

What does it take to turn a small astrology bookstore into a thriving retail destination? Joining the show today is Denise Welling, owner of Body Mind & Soul in Houston, who shares how she did just that. Offering insights on adapting to market trends and evolving consumer interests, Denise discusses how cultural shifts have influenced retail success and how she has created a holistic customer expe...

Do your in-store displays actually help you sell more? Or are they just taking up space? In this Five Minute Friday guest episode with JR Visual, they're diving into the  exact visual merchandising strategies you need to create beautiful, high-converting displays in your boutique. Whether you're struggling to style mannequins, organize product flow, or just make your store look cohesive, this epis...

What does it take to become an entrepreneurial powerhouse in the retail world? Tony Chinn, a seasoned retail expert, joins us today to share his incredible journey from starting as a greeter at Guess to launching his own successful entrepreneurial venture. With experience at iconic brands like BB, Kitson, Forever 21, Agassi, and Akira, Tony's story is a testament to the power of intention and visi...

In this episode, Emily from  Supermoon dives into the key strategies for delivering exceptional customer service. With insights gathered from interviewing hundreds of support agents, she shares three game-changing ways to streamline support, reduce friction for customers, and leverage AI to improve efficiency. Whether you're a small business owner, a customer support professional, or just looking...

From feeling out of place as a young girl to becoming a beacon of inspiration for women nationwide, DeAnna Maynard-Goodman (also known as "FabD") has embarked on a journey that's nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she joins the show to share how her experiences in the beauty industry shaped her path and inspired her to launch a boutique with just a modest $300 investment. DeAnna also opens up...

This week, Morgan Ramage and Alejandra Trombetta from the Atlanta markets' fashion and events team join us to share trends for the upcoming season across apparel, gift, and home collections, and provide a few highlights for top events at the crossover buying event happening in Atlanta, April 1-4. Resources : About April Buying Week:  https://www.americasmart.com/ aprilbuyingweek A/W '25 Apparel Tr...