Retail Is: Podcast

We sit down with Jamie and Danell Skinner to talk about how they started their family-owned, all-natural cosmetic company. Join us as we learn how they overcame struggles and found their success in the 44th episode of the Retail Is Podcast.

Our very own LOVEVA Marketing Coordinator, Abby Schiano, stops by the show to talk about LOVEVA. She also goes into detail on how she's been using Instagram to reach a greater audience than ever before. You will not want to miss out on her tips for expanding your Instagram!

Grace from Droofin joins us to talk about the local beer delivery service. Listen in to learn how they are partnering with Hampton Road's breweries to get great beers into the hands of customers all around the region.

We're joined by Gary Hughes, owner of Gangsta Dog, to talk about his dog treat (and much more!) business. We explore the history of the company name, his love for the area, and what he's doing to make sure his business stands out.

It's June and that means Pride Month! To celebrate, we sit down with Christian Strange, HRBOR, to talk about Virginia's first LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce. We learn all about their mission, what pride month means to them, and what we can do to support LGBTQ+ businesses in Hampton Roads.

Jim White, Jim White Fitness, joins us on the show to talk about his journey from a young man with $400 in his pocket and an idea to a business owner with multiple locations. Plus tons of fitness talk and we learn his favorite exercise and meal. Listen now!

We sit down for a chat with Mark Bernecker, Cloud9, to talk about the cloud-based VoIP service provider. The talk goes from where the technology is heading to a quiz of all the acronyms that fill his field!

We talk with Andy Sutter, Freedom Boat Club, about how he was able to navigate COVID-19 and handle the sudden increase in boating interest brought on by the pandemic.

We are joined by Ginnele Shonyo, co-owner of Southern Eats, in this episode of the Retail Is Podcast. Together we talk about her and her husband's journey to opening their first restaurant, the struggles that COVID-19 has brought, and the light at the end of the tunnel. 

We are joined by Walt Gardner, owner of Village Bicycles, to talk about the fascinating journey he went through to eventually own the very store he worked in as a young boy. We also talk about how they are handling the pandemic and the increased interest in biking it has caused. 

Ken Lees joins us to talk about his charity foundation, PingPong. Gives. A foundation that combines two of his passions, helping those in need and ping pong. 

We sit down with Adam Connolly, co-owner of Capstan Bar Brewing, to talk about business, brothers, and of course, beer!

Phil Smith, owner of Brick Anchor Brewhouse stops by the show to talk about how he works with both the local and business community to support not just his business, but all the other downtown Norfolk businesses near him.

Two guests for the price of one! We are joined by Jodi Newland and AJ Hyman, Sweetwater Cuisine, to talk not only about their restaurant, but also the two charities they run, Daniel's Grace and The Full Circle Project.

Kathy Yevak, SKY4-TV, joins us to talk about how the pandemic has effected them and all the things they are doing to help support local businesses during this time. We also learn what movies and shows have been played most on their channel over the last 20 years!

We are joined by the owner of Scratch Bakery, Lashonda Sanford, to talk about her time competing on the Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship. She tells us what is was like behind the scenes and how her success on the program has impacted her business. 

We are joined by Kaycee McCoy and Shizuka Benton, owners of Pawsnickety Pets, to talk about the kinds of decisions one must make when deciding to open a business during a pandemic.   

Matthew Netardus, Security 101, joins us to talk about the latest security trends for retailers and business owners, COVID-19's impact on the industry, and what you can do to protect your business this holiday season. 

Pamela Katrancha, Garden Gazebo, joins us as we talk about mentorship, making adjustments, keeping up with trends, and advice for those starting a new business.⁠

In this episode of the Retail Is Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Denise Foster, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, and owner of HempHaven in Chesapeake. Dr. Foster shares with us her passion for the medicinal potential of cannabis and CBD, and why she decided to open up her store to help educate people on the benefits.

Bryan Salerno, owner of Jersey Cards & Comics, joins us for a fascinating look into rediscovering one's passion for their business. We also discuss his unique take on customer service and how he manages his team when it comes to sales training. 

Kylie and special guest host Karen Husselbee, Retail Alliance's newest Membership Advisor, sit down for a virtual chat with Becky Devlin, owner of HortiCulture Design Co., to talk about her experience opening a new business during the pandemic, and how she has been doing since then.

We sit down for a virtual cup of coffee with Kate Dininny, Manger of Coaster Coffee, to talk about what it takes to create a community-focused coffee shop and how that community helped them during the early months of COVID-19.

Mary Landgrebe, Retail Inventory Solutions, joins us to talk about retail trends that have appeared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about what she is doing in her business, the landscape of the retail environment, and our most recent STRIVE Workshop.

Paul Atkinson Sr., CEO of Eggleston, joins us to talk about how his company works to help underserved members of our community through training and employment. We also discuss their 65th year anniversary, some fascinating company history, and their response to COVID-19.