Boutique Chat

How do you start your day? Are you intentional with your mornings, or do you let what's going on around you (namely on social media) dictate how you feel? If you're not taking action to set your day up in a way that will take you closer to your goals, then don't miss this episode. You'll learn a few simple questions to ask yourself each and every morning to set yourself up for a day that goes your...

Have you ever found yourself so deeply entrenched in the daily grind of running your business that it feels impossible to see the bigger picture? In this episode, we'll confront the common struggle of getting lost in the day-to-day operations and losing sight of the greater potential of our businesses. From surviving the to-do list to thriving in the entrepreneurial journey, we'll explore the impo...

What is the secret to setting your business apart? Figure out your niche and connect with those people! Listen in learn how to speak—and stand out—to your ideal customer. Resources: Join The Boutique Hub Community

Is it time to reevaluate your business journey? Megan Crabtree, Membership Representative at The Boutique Hub, joins us for a candid conversation about the tough decision to close her boutique. In this episode, she shares her personal experience of navigating having her identity tied to her business—and the realization that sometimes success means recognizing when it's time to move on. Discover th...

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

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 with the leadership skills needed to thrive. From d...

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  

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, strategic planning with SOPs, and effective email market...

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.

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 common misconceptions to tackling budget concerns. ...

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

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 crucial decisions influencers face when starting a...

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

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 experiences and effective feedback loops in refining her b...

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

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 find solutions that can transform not just your...

 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 info, such as the importance of knowing your num...

"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 ask yourself every day, how to implement time...

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 had an estimated $5 billion impact. It's also esti...

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 talking about our big announcement … a new partne...

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 opportunity. Design, production, marketing, sales, c...

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 and paper for this episode because Andrea address...

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 shows and is considered the number one regional mar...

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 in this episode, I talk through them in detail, f...

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, Taylor has been busy! She's gotten married, becom...