Explore every episode of the podcast Boutique Chat
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #640: Boutique State of the Union: Lessons from 2024 and Strategies for 2025 | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:38:13 | |
Are you ready to reflect on the lessons of 2024 and prepare for an incredible 2025? In today's episode, I’m excited to bring you a year-end wrap-up filled with insights, strategies, and actionable tips to set your business up for success in the year ahead. Listen as I dive into the highs and lows of 2024, including the impact of election-year consumer behavior, the rise of the boutique creator economy, and how lean strategies helped businesses thrive despite challenges. We’ll also look forward to 2025 and explore how to test new ideas, embrace the numbers, and focus on building community and trust. This episode is packed with inspiration and tools to help you start the new year with clarity and confidence. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources:
| |||
| Five Minute Friday: Turning Emails into 24/7 Sales Machines: 5 Must-Know Strategies for Boutique Owners | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:07:54 | |
Today we have a special guest hosting Five Minute Friday! Lou Mintzer from Grid & Pixel is here to share how email marketing can supercharge your business. He’s breaking down simple yet powerful strategies to turn your emails into a 24/7 sales machine. Tune in to discover what you can do to generate constant sales—without being tied to your desk. Resources: | |||
| #635: Mastering Storytelling to Build a Memorable Brand | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:41:48 | |
Should you work with influencers? What’s it like to work with influencers? Why don’t influencers support small businesses? Or do they? Flourish in Frills owner Geordian Abel has the answers to these common questions and more, and she joins us today to shed light on how to leverage influence in your own business. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique Resources:
| |||
| Encouraging Consumers to Shop Small First and Celebrating the 4th Annual Pink Friday | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:11:09 | |
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 communities to support each other and promote shopping small first. Because Pink Friday is such a huge day for us at The Hub, we are launching our PINK FRIDAY SUPER SALE this Friday, which will run through Cyber Monday and includes discounts on all Boutique Hub products (with the exception of the new planner). This is the one and only sale we do all year, so don’t miss your chance to save on our masterclasses, handbooks and products! Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram Small Business Marketing Handbook Small Business Hiring Handbook How to Start a Boutique Handbook
| |||
| FTV: 7 Ways to Get More Bang for Your Buck When it Comes to Pricing Your Products | 10 Nov 2023 | 00:25:11 | |
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 business, that is why the strategy behind your pricing is so important! I so hope you enjoy this bonus episode From The Vault. It's one that is definitely worth hearing again — and taking notes! For show notes and resources, see links below or click here. First released August 2019. Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| 10 Takeaways from the First 10 Months of 2023 | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:47:33 | |
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 entrepreneur Lyn Graft on using story to grow your business; ZigZag Stripe’s Leslie Hall on creating genuine community online; Katsch Boutique owner Amy DeFauw on utilizing your numbers; Blooming Boutique founder Michiko Seto of on energy, leadership and team building; Anthony and Amy Ekren, co-owners of Inherit Clothing Co., on metrics and management; Jane Kasper on the guidelines and restrictions you need to know for text message marketing; and designer/boutique owner Emily McCarthy on how to break into wholesale. Click the guests names to find their full episodes and show notes! Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| FTV: Marketing to Your Audience on a Personal Level with Erica Kelley, Whiskey Darling | 03 Nov 2023 | 00:41:48 | |
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 this bonus episode From The Vault. It's one that is definitely worth hearing again — and taking notes! For show notes and resources, see links below or click here. First released June 2019.
Resources: Whiskey Darling Boutique: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Ask Ashley Anything! Listener Questions Part 2 | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:38:11 | |
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 advice from my own personal experiences. My sister even gets involved in this one! Have more questions for me? Hopefully I have answers! Reach out to The Boutique Hub team or to me personally on social media. I would love to hear from you.
Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| FTV: Being a Successful Business Owner Means Knowing Your Customer with Dani Flaming, The Fringed Pineapple | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:41:35 | |
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, you’ll get some prime tips on the do's and don’ts of starting a business. I so hope you enjoy this bonus episode From The Vault. It's one that is definitely worth hearing again — and taking notes! For show notes and resources, see links below or click here. First released October 2019.
Resources: Fringed Pineapple: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Trend Report: What's Hot for Fall/Winter and What's Up Next in 2024 | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:22:50 | |
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 and metals to cuts and styles — so that you can not only work them into your inventory but also capitalize on them in your marketing and merchandising. So be sure to take notes! If you’re a Hub member, you can download our Trend Reports anytime from your Hub membership dashboard, which directly link to brands carrying the featured trends. If you want to see actual products associated with any given trend, we’ve built boards for you, highlighted brands and linked up products as well.
Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| FTV: Buying Strategy & Cash Flow Analysis for Retail Growth with Dan Jablons | 20 Oct 2023 | 01:01:01 | |
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 One affiliate. I so hope you enjoy this bonus episode From The Vault. It's one that is definitely worth hearing again — and taking notes! First released February 23, 2018. For show notes & resources see below or click here. Resources: Retail Smart Guys: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Gearing Up for Pink Friday | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:12:21 | |
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 the tools at your disposal. Trust me, I know how crazy fourth quarter can get, and I want to make it as easy as possible for you to get involved — which is why The Hub has all the tools you need to make the most of Pink Friday. If you sign up online using the link in the show notes, you can be listed our #ShopSmallFirst map, be invited to our public Facebook event to get tips from and collaborate with other store owners, plus we will send you our Pink Friday media kit full of digital marketing materials and a press release template. We want to help your business have the best fourth quarter yet and continue to grow the #SupportSmallFirst Movement. So, mark your calendars for November 17 and visit the link below to join us in celebrating the Fourth Annual Pink Friday!
Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| From the Vault: How to Buy Direct in LA with Fashion Buyer Jacqueline Holmes | 13 Oct 2023 | 01:07:15 | |
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 for what you’re bringing in. Going to LA on a regular basis isn’t ideal, because well… life. That’s where a buyer like Jacqueline comes in. Jacqueline has been on both sides of the aisle as a boutique owner and buyer. In this episode, we talk misconceptions buying in LA, how to build partnerships with vendors and make the most of your buying dollars. For show notes & resources visit the episode webpage below or click here. Original release date: September 25, 2018.
Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| Five Minute Friday: Pink Friday: Support Small First | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:06:25 | |
It's Pink Friday! This is the day when we see small business owners of all types coming together to collaborate and encourage the mission of shopping small first. And what better way to celebrate small businesses than breaking down how to calculate a very important number for every small business? I'm talking about your local economic impact. Listen in to learn how to figure out this number for your business, as well as how to use it to spread the word. Resources: | |||
| Planning Ahead for 2024 | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:24:03 | |
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 your business. I am constantly driving home strategies like the four-part to-do list and time blocking that help me and my team stay organized (and sane!), but one of the best tools we have to offer is the Boutique Boss Planner, which we at The Hub created specifically to set you as a boutique owner up for success. Every year, we look back at our planner from the year before and ask ourselves, how can we make it better? We also ask for feedback and input from Hub members and get the boutique owners on our team involved in the design process. It truly is the only planner built for boutique owners by boutique owners. And the 2024 Boutique Boss Planner is better than ever! I am so excited to finally get to show off the 2024 Planner and tell you all about what’s included. The biggest update: we incorporated the content creator, so now you can map out every aspect of your business in one place. This planner has strategies to help optimize your business, buying guides, social media and marketing ideas, checklists galore and all of the tracking tools you’ll need for buying, inventory, and content. It’s truly an essential for small business owners. The 2024 Planner is on sale now! Learn more and order yours today at the link below. Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| From the Vault: Growing a Mega Boutique with Facebook Ads & Authenticity with Laura Benson, Founder of Filly Flair Boutique | 06 Oct 2023 | 00:50:03 | |
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 strategic digital marketing and social media. How do you know when to turn up your Facebook Ads? What does it mean for an e-commerce store to build an authentic connection? How can a business owner also find balance to be a wife and mother? Laura Benson, Founder and CEO of Filly Flair Boutique has grown her business from a rural South Dakota community to a multiple 7 figure business, and it’s no secret why. Join us as we meet a woman leaving her mark on the industry. For show notes & resources visit the episode webpage below or click here. Resources: Filly Flair: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| Using Story to Grow Your Business with Lyn Graft, founder of Storytelling for Entrepreneurs | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:44:10 | |
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 with hundreds big brands, events and some of the most successful companies on the planet — including Starbucks, SXSW, Dell, Samsung, Whole Foods, Zappos, Crossfit and many, many more. He shares his experiences working with high-profile entrepreneurs, the lessons he’s learned as a producer, and his inside secrets to storytelling and mastering the art of video.
Resources: Storytelling for Entrepreneurs: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube “Start With Story: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Using Story to Grow Your Business” by Lyn Graft The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| From the Vault: 5 Critical Tips for Holiday Sales | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:31:35 | |
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 a Season 1 Solo intended to help you prep for the holidays and boost fourth quarter sales. Do you know where Black Friday got its name? Well traditionally, retailers were in the red financially all year, but when the holiday shopping season hit they moved into the black. Hopefully, that’s not the case for you but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of this powerful season. This week we are diving into 5 critical tips to help you maximize the busiest season in retail and push you into a powerful next season. Want more tips, strategies, and sales boosters? Click here to watch our 6 Secrets to Double Your Holiday Sales video and to enroll in The Boutique Hub’s Holiday Marketing Masterclass. For show notes click here. Original release date: Nov. 16, 2018 Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| The Power of Community and Collaboration with Anna Ledebuhr, Coulee Boutique | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:34:57 | |
It’s not often that I have local guests on the podcast, but today I’m so excited to welcome my friend Anna Ledebuhr, the owner and founder of one of my personal favorite boutiques, Coulee Boutique in Galesville, Wisconsin. Five years ago, Anna took a big leap, leaving teaching for entrepreneurship, and since she’s built her business from a Shopify site and pop-ups to a 3,500-square-foot brick-and-mortar. Anna has done an amazing job not only with her merchandising and marketing but also with building community and teaming up with other local small business owners. We talk about her involvement with the Downtown Galesville Business Alliance and putting yourself in big rooms even when its uncomfortable, fostering activity through collaboration, and some of her favorite annual events, including Pink Friday! Resources: Coulee Boutique: Website | Facebook | Instagram The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| From the Vault: Back to the Basics of Pinterest with Kat Ahl, Simple Pin Media | 22 Sep 2023 | 01:03:38 | |
Now 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 Pinterest marketing expert Kate Ahl of Simple Pin Media. Pinterest isn’t for short-term strategy, it’s for dreamers. Dreaming what outfit they’ll wear to the rehearsal dinner at their wedding, what house they’ll live in when they have four perfect kids someday, and what cookie recipe they’ll bake for Santa. They are dreaming about what’s to come next in their life. For show notes & resources visit the episode webpage below or click here. Resources: Simple Pin Media: Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| Retail Science and Systemization with Amy DeFauw, Katsch Boutique | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:37:43 | |
I am so excited to be joined this week by my friend Amy DeFauw, who is a multi-state multi-storeowner and has a wealth of experience as the CEO of Katsch Boutique. Today we’re talking all about retail art vs retail science — retail art being the love of the product, customers and marketing as opposed to retail science, i.e. the numbers, inventory management, financing and metrics. And we dive into what it takes to make the retail science side of your business come to life, allowing those numbers and spreadsheets to really speak to you. Amy shares her approach to growing and managing multiple locations and a successful team, the lessons she learned along the way and how she cut out the overwhelm by systemizing her business!
Resources: Katsch Boutique: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| From the Vault: Top 5 Tips for New Boutique Owners | 15 Sep 2023 | 00:25:17 | |
Now every Friday, I’m re-releasing one of my favorite episodes from seasons past to revisit the stories of our early guests and the business advice and practices they share! This week I chose a Season 1 episode that answers one of the questions I most often get asked: What tips would you offer a brand-new boutique owner? Let’s cut through the noise of those Google and YouTube searches and get down to 5 tips that will actually help you start your business off right. While the boutique industry is glamorous, we want you to be prepared for the not so glamorous times too, so prepare yourself for some real talk. From buy-in groups, to hustle and being original, these top tips can’t be missed in your business! For show notes & resources click here. First Released June 26, 2018 Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| HV Anniversary Special! Why to Shop and What's New on Hubventory.com | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:20:00 | |
This week marks another big celebration for us at The Hub — the first anniversary of Hubventory!
For those of you who aren't familiar with it already, Hubventory is our very own wholesale marketplace, built by The Boutique Hub for the boutique industry. In developing HV, our team spent months and months getting feedback from both boutique owners and wholesalers to create a true grass-roots platform to best serve you and your business. I am so proud of how far Hubventory has come in just one year and so grateful to all of you who have supported us and helped us shape and improve it along the way.
So today I'm talking all things Hubventory — what sets it apart from other online wholesale marketplaces, how its tailored for small businesses, the highlights and new features, and what we have in the works for year two! Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| The Hardship that Fueled My Fire and Future of The Hub | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:40:46 | |
This is a super personal episode for me. This week as we wrap up our 10th Anniversary Series, I wanted to chat about not only the origins and evolution of The Hub but also my journey as an entrepreneur, and I’m sharing a story that I haven’t shared until recently or with many people. I learned some huge lessons early on about imposter syndrome and finding strength in adversity. I put my trust in the wrong business partner and almost lost my company, along with my confidence in myself and my vision. As hard as it is to look back on, I want to share my experience with you guys because I think we all know what it's like to stumble, like we don’t know the next step or even if there’s a way forward. And that’s exactly why I built The Boutique Hub, to provide a place where boutique owners can come together, support one another and learn from each other. As I look back on the last 10 years and everything The Hub has become and accomplished, my mission remains the same: to serve others, build community and change the future of retail. The Hub has so much more in the works, and our team is ready to take on the next 10 years continuing to find ways to better serve you and your business. We’re putting a huge emphasis on data and metrics with the launch of our new dashboard and Boutique Hub Black, introducing new tools to help you track performance and pan inventory, developing education specifically for wholesale businesses and home & gift retailers, growing Hubventory.com as a marketplace to shop with brands you can trust … and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Thank you to all of you who’ve joined our community and been a part of this journey. The Hub would not be what it is today without you. Please know how grateful I am for your support and please continue to send us your feedback. Cheers to the next 10 years!
Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| #634: The Impact of Shopping Small First | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:11:47 | |
Have you been gearing up for Pink Friday? Or are you new to Pink Friday and want in on the fun? In this episode, I’ll be breaking down what Pink Friday is all about and giving you my best advice on how to get your business prepped for its best week all year. Listen in to get informed, get tuned into the community, and get excited! Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique Resources:
| |||
| Finding Traction and Fostering Growth in a Niche Market with Ang Castelli, Roman & Leo | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:38:22 | |
Ang Castelli is another boutique owner celebrating a 10th anniversary this year. She’s also a longtime Hub member and her boutique is unlike any other at The Hub — it caters exclusively to boys and boy moms! When pregnant with her first son back in 2010 and trying to prep his closet, Ang thought, “Why are there no clothes for little boys and why are the children’s clothing stores so dominated by girl's apparel?” Three years and two sons later, she’d become an expert on boy brands and shopping online, so in 2013, she’d founded Roman & Leo, an all-boys clothing store named after her sons. Ang says boys apparel can be a tough market, but it’s her passion as a boy mom (she now has three!) and she’s learned to lean into her niche, rely on her community, make the most of media and utilize data to continually adapt her strategies and scale the business. We chat about the lessons she’s learned throughout the last decade, marketing and events, social media, inventory management and collection planning, as well as some of the unique obstacles posed by boys apparel, such as merchandising and photoshoots. Ang also shares what it means to be a part of the Hub and how she’s continuously learning from other boutique owners! Resources: Roman & Leo: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| New Face and Features of CommentSold with CEO Gautam Goswami | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:37:59 | |
You’re most likely familiar with CommentSold, but you may not know what the platform’s been up to lately with new CEO + tech executive and investor Gautam Goswami at the wheel. And it’s A LOT. Gautam (GG) talks about the transformational changes he’s implemented since joining the executive team, as well as what’s coming up next at CommentSold — including a new multi-source that provides a deeper level of creativity and interaction, advanced e-commerce websites with automated video content, a massive drop ship catalog with significant margins, and a user-friendly interface and tools. If you love live selling and want to take it to the next level, or if you're a new boutique owner interested in getting started, this is one you won’t want to miss!
Resources: CommentSold: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Pinterest The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| How to Analyze and Elevate Your Business with Megan Randig, Mezoozah Boutique | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:37:53 | |
I’m joined for another edition of our special 10 Year Anniversary Series by Megan Randig, the co-owner of Mezoozah Boutique and an early adopter of The Boutique Hub! Since buying the business with her mom 10 years ago, Megan has expanded Mezoozah from a home and gift brand to a comprehensive boutique — selling everything from décor and gifts to apparel and accessories to kids, both in-store and online. She joins the show to talk about analyzing your business and making the big changes necessary to take it to the next level, as well as share her thoughts on buying strategy, collections, digital marketing and creating life balance (which boils down to have processes in place and a team that you trust). TAKE NOTE: It’s Holiday Week on Hubventory! Be sure to check out the special deals and discounts on holiday inventory, available this week only on Hubventory.com.
Resources: Mezoozah: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Fourth Quarter Planning and Our Fourth Annual Pink Friday | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:11:20 | |
This week I want to talk not only about fourth quarter goals and planning but also our fourth annual Pink Friday! Pink Friday is a day in November to celebrate small businesses — what it means to be a small business owner, shopping small first, and community over competition. Since founding Pink Friday, we’ve seen small businesses around the world recognize this special day. Last year 38 boutiques in New Orleans alone teamed up to participate. So, today I am sharing everything you need to know about Pink Friday, how to get involved and where to find more information. I want to encourage you to participate and share your story, as well as team up with other small business owners in your community and make the most of Pink Friday. Check the link in our show notes for everything you need to know and be sure to join the email list for tools including a full media kit with press release templates, marketing materials, tip sheets and event planning checklists. I’m also including a link for our Holiday Marketing Masterclass, a training session to help you plan a successful fourth quarter. In the Holiday Marketing Masterclass, we cover all the bases and help you get a jump start on fourth quarter collections, funnels, ads and promotions so that you can be present for and enjoy the holiday season. I want you to have more profit, more peace and an amazing Pink Friday! Resources: Pink Friday Information and Email Sign Up Other Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| Mastering The Mega Boutique with Leslie Hall, The ZigZag Stripe | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:43:32 | |
Are you curious about what it takes to build a "mega boutique"? In today's episode, I’m excited to bring you a conversation with Leslie Hall, the founder of The ZigZag Stripe. Leslie's brand is a shining example of the term "mega boutique," a concept that's been buzzing in our industry for some time, and this is one business story that I have loved to watch over the years. Listen as we dive deep into the intricacies of Leslie's business model, discuss the powerful brand recognition she's fostered, and explore how she's skillfully utilized a recognizable model to become the face of The ZigZag Stripe. We also take a look at the tight-knit community that Leslie has built around her brand, the efficiencies she lived and died by, and how she managed inventory during a big move. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/
Resources: Leslie Hall: Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | TikTok The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Navigating Change with Grace with Lindsay Heyneman, Lettie Boutique | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:35:03 | |
Are you ready to learn from a boutique owner who has navigated the evolution of her business with grace and tenacity? Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Lindsay Heyneman, the founder and owner of Lettie Boutique. As part of our 10-year anniversary series, Lindsay brings her wealth of experience and genuine positivity to the podcast, offering amazing insights for both new and seasoned boutique owners. Listen in as Lindsay shares her journey of building a thriving online community, including orchestrating a memorable Disneyland meetup for her customers. She also opens up about the challenges of managing a successful online business and warehouse while relocating across the country for her husband's education, and her experience establishing her first brick-and-mortar store. Lindsay's resilience, adaptability, and warmth shine through in this episode, and I'm excited for you to meet her! Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources:
| |||
| Building a Size-Inclusive Boutique with Jessica Throneburg of Little Details Boutique | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:53:09 | |
Get ready for an important conversation that no apparel boutique owner who carries extended and plus sizes will want to miss. Our guest today is Jessica Throneburg, the founder and COO of Little Details Boutique. Not only is she a long-time friend of mine, but she's also a valued member of The Boutique Hub community, and she joins the show today to share the highs and lows of building a fully size-inclusive boutique. Get comfortable and listen in as Jessica shares her approach to handling challenges and stumbling blocks with a determination to find solutions rather than vent, as well as how she overcame the highs and lows of building a size-inclusive business. You'll hear about how she makes customers feel welcome in her boutique, a critical issue plaguing the industry today, and what it takes to successfully manufacture apparel for all body shapes and sizes. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: | |||
| 10th Anniversary Series: 10 Lessons Learned throughout 10 Years | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:44:55 | |
Today I'm kicking off The Boutique Hub's 10th Anniversary Series! We at The Hub are celebrating our 10th anniversary all month long and as part of the celebrations, I’m bringing you a very special 10-episode series on the podcast featuring boutique owners who’ve also been in business now for 10 years. These industry veterans are joining me for the 10th Anniversary Series to talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of retail. They share their success stories, the hurdles they’ve faced, and offer tips, practices and advice that you can apply to your own businesses. So, to kick off the series, I'm solo this week to share The Boutique Hub’s story and the 10 biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout our 10 years in business. Hopefully you’ll find some helpful takeaways from our big wins as well as the honest mistakes I’ve made along the way! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this community and being a part of these last 10 years. To show you how grateful we are, The Hub is doing a HUGE ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY on social media, so please head to Facebook and Instagram to enter! You could win a $1,000 shopping spree on Hubventory, a lifetime membership to The Boutique Hub, a VIP experience at the Boutique Summit, a VIP Retail Bootcamp package, a Boutique Boss Planner package and many, many more prizes. Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| So Far in Season 5: Highlights and Takeaways | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:59:17 | |
We have a very special episode for you this holiday week! We’ve rounded up five of our top moments and lessons learned so far in Season 5. Enjoy these highlights from some of our favorite episodes of 2023 and join us next week when we are launching The Boutique Hub 10th Anniversary Series, celebrating The Hub’s anniversary and spotlighting guests with 10+ years in the boutique business. Hear from Anthony and Amy Ekren of Inherit Clothing Co. about their successful e-commerce business, working together as husband and wife, and strategies for managing a happy and effective team. CLICK HERE FOR FULL EPISODE WITH ANTHONY AND AMY Michiko Seto, founder of Blooming Boutique, talks about franchising and building her brand into an empire, the discipline it takes to operate as a cash-based business, and the importance of creating an experience for your customers through events. CLICK HERE FOR FULL EPISODE WITH MICHIKO One of our 2023 Summit keynote speakers, Jane Kasper Cochrane takes me through the dos and don’ts of email and text message marketing. CLICK HERE FOR FULL EPISODE WITH JANE Road Runner LLC's Angela Schmook joins me before home and gift week at Dallas Market Center to talk all things home and gift, how to incorporate it into your boutique, the benefits of working with reps, and what is on-trend for the upcoming seasons. CLICK HERE FOR FULL EPISODE WITH ANGELA And finally, Sara Durcholz of Jo+Co shares about restructuring her business after covid and shaping her business model to bring her joy. CLICK HERE FOR FULL EPISODE WITH SARA
Additional Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Tips for Tackling the J Months | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:16:13 | |
Everyone has what we like to call J Months, months of the year that are slower than others. Whether or not yours are the traditional J Months — January, June and July — we all know what it’s like to struggle through slow seasons. But there’s still opportunity there. We just have to change how we chase business and operate through the slow months for our businesses to sustain and thrive. So, I’m recording solo today to offer you a few tips for making the most of the J Months. Takeaways from this episode: Give yourself permission work on your business instead of in your business and also take a step away for mental clarity, focus on building relationships as opposed to chasing dollars and double down on engaging content, and merchandise to turn wants into needs.
Resources: The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Five Minute Friday: Holiday Retail Tip: USPS Shipping Cutoff | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:04:33 | |
I'm back with another quick tip for holiday promotions! Today's is all about the shipping cutoff date for the USPS this holiday season, which is one of the very first dates you should mark down in your marketing calendar. As you're planning out promotions, events, social media, etc., there is a huge opportunity for you to capitalize on this date. How? Listen in to find out! Resources: | |||
| Creative Marketing Strategies and Breaking Into Wholesale with Marla Skipper, SVM Boutique and Nash Grey Wholesale | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:35:47 | |
My guest this week is someone I admire as a businesswoman and big thinker, who not only continues to grow her boutique business in Nashville but has also launched her own wholesale brand. Marla Skipper is the founder and owner of SVM Boutique and Nash Grey Wholesale, and today she’s joining me on the podcast to share all of the lessons she’s learned throughout the last decade. We talk strategies for attracting and retaining both local customers and tourists, brand events and pop-ups, digital marketing, choosing the right location for your store and negotiating leases. We also discuss how Marla’s wholesale line Nash Grey came to be. When it comes to launching a wholesale brand, she advocates starting small, building strong relationships with your manufacturers and relying on customer feedback. I’ve gotten to know Marla as a member of the Mastermind program at The Boutique Hub and, having been able to watch her business grow and evolve, I’m so excited to see SVM Boutique celebrate its 10th anniversary this year!
Resources: SVM Boutique: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok Nash Grey Wholesale: Hubventory | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Current Trends in Home & Gift with Angela Schmook, Road Runners LLC | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:44:35 | |
If you've been around for a while, you no doubt remember when the separation between apparel boutiques and home and gift boutiques was much wider than it is now. Since the pandemic, we have been on a fast track to see a lot more crossover between these two boutique segments. In this episode, I'm excited to dive into this growing trend with Angela Schmook, VP of Sales and Marketing at Road Runners LLC, a company that supports numerous wholesale brands in every category from home decor to jewelry collections and gifts of all types. Listen in as we delve into what apparel and home and gift boutiques can learn from each other, the common misconceptions between home and gift and apparel, and the different business practices that work for each. Angela also shares her advice for retailers, current industry trends, and her insights on where she sees the overall industry heading. We also talk about the upcoming home and gift show at Dallas Market Center, where you can find Angela next week! Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Angela Schmook: Website The Boutique Hub: Facebook | Instagram | Website Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Lessons Learned In The First Year of Business with Pam Colon | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:33:17 | |
Calling all brand new business owners! This week’s episode is just for you. Pam Colon is the owner and founder of Muted Closet, and we’re diving into the lessons she has learned being in the thick of new business ownership in just the first year. Get comfortable and listen in as we dive deep into what it has been like for Pam starting her business, how she has grown it organically through word of mouth and popup events, and how she leveraged collaborations with other brands. We also talk about how she balances being a full-time teacher with running her boutique and how she is planning to celebrate her very first year in business in only a few short weeks. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: | |||
| The Pursuit of Happiness: Prioritizing Mental Well-being in Business and Life with Sara Durcholz | 30 May 2023 | 00:48:13 | |
Are you racing towards the ‘next big thing’ or finding genuine joy in your journey? Sara Durcholz is the founder and visionary behind JO+CO, and she has an amazing story, from starting her business to expanding to multiple storefronts—and realizing the need for a completely different direction in her life and making the leap to find true fulfillment. Get comfortable and listen in as Sara shares candidly about her initial venture into the boutique business, diving into the ups and downs of her early days as an entrepreneur. You'll hear why she chose the path of franchising her business, how she learned to balance her ambition with personal fulfillment, the mistakes she made along the way, and how she made the shift to make herself truly happy. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Jo+Co: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest | TikTok Bossish Podcast with Sara Durcholz The Boutique Hub: Facebook | Instagram | Website Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| Building Connections and Giving Back Through Your Business with Sydney Petersen, Bizzy's Boutique and Bizzy Izzy's | 23 May 2023 | 00:39:39 | |
This is such a special episode with such a special person — Sydney Petersen, founder of Bizzy’s Boutique, Bizzy Izzy’s Wholesale and the Love Izzy Project. Sydney truly inspires me, not only as a business owner but also as someone who spreads joy and hope to others. Get ready to have your heart strings pulled (especially all you mommas)! Sydney named her business after her daughter Isabelle (Izzy) who was born with a rare genetic disorder and, as a result, had a prolonged stay in the NICU. Fortunately from Sydney’s traumatic experience came a beautiful baby girl, a new community of NICU moms and an inspired business idea. It all started with the Love Izzy Project. Sydney began designing swaddle blankets as a way to give back to other NICU moms and their babies. For every Love Izzy swaddle blanket sold, a swaddle is donated to the Blank Children's NICU. Her Bizzy-ness grew from there, and now Sydney specializes in all things children’s as a boutique owner and the designer of the Bizzy Izzy's kids line. We talk retail vs. wholesale, social strategy, the value of Facebook Groups, customer avatars, ambassador programs, and photography. But even more importantly, we discuss finding a greater purpose in business, serving others, and building authentic connections and community. Grab the tissues along with your notebook this week — hopefully you’ll learn a lot and be inspired!
Resources: Bizzy’s Boutique: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Love Izzy Project The Boutique Hub: Facebook | Instagram | Website Ashley Alderson: Instagram | |||
| Process, Delegation and The EOS Model with Valerie and Ryan Becker, Wellington Design Co. | 16 May 2023 | 00:45:27 | |
It’s Kids Week on Hubventory.com! And to celebrate, today I’m talking Children’s with Valerie and Ryan Becker, owners and founders of Wellington Design Co., who recently made the transition from retail to wholesale launching a kids clothing line of Valerie’s original designs. It all started with wanting to incorporate her own designs into her online children’s boutique. But Valerie's clothing sold so well in her store and on Facebook that in 2020 she went all in on Wellington. Her husband Ryan got on board to help run the wholesale business, and the brand has been growing strong ever since! I talk to Valerie and Ryan about what it takes to successfully launch a clothing line, the struggles and benefits of working with your spouse, balancing professional and personal goals, metrics, evaluation and putting the right processes in place for consistency and growth. The Beckers are big on processes, planning and delegation — which is why EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) has been vital to their new business. It's a model we at The Hub Team use too, and I'm telling you, it WORKS. EOS helps you set, measure and ultimately acheive short- and long-term goals. So, take notes! And be sure to check out Wellington Design Co. on Huventory for special offers this week!
Resources: Wellington Design Co. on Hubventory Traction: Get A Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (a guide to EOS) The Boutique Hub: Facebook | Instagram Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| Ask Ashley Anything! Listener Questions | 09 May 2023 | 00:41:08 | |
This week I answer all of your burning questions! You submitted questions, and I do my best to address them all. This episode is overflowing with information, tips and tricks, so be sure to take notes! I talk about how to handle damaged product and establishing your return policy, implementing creative promotions, how to break into wholesale, growing your business beyond your hometown, rebuilding your foundation, looking at competitors as allies and so much more. Photography, inventory planning, press coverage, insurance — I cover it all in this installment of Ask Ashley Anything! Have more questions for me? Hopefully I have answers! Reach out to The Boutique Hub team or to me personally on social media. I would love to hear from you. To close out the show, I also share exciting news about Boutique Hub Black, a program to help retailers crush their sales goals – especially if they lack time, aren't fully staffed or are uncertain about their growth strategy. As a Boutique Hub Black member, you’ll gain access to the top boutique growth platform and find out how the best boutiques in the country build rock solid businesses. Learn more about Boutique Hub Black and enroll HERE. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/
Resources: The Boutique Hub: Facebook | Instagram | Website Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| Themes and Takeaways from our Mastermind in Nashville with Ashley Alderson | 02 May 2023 | 00:18:28 | |
I hope you have a notebook ready for this episode. I have so much information to share with you this week, as well as some dates to mark on your calendars! After a crazy busy week, I am home from Nashville Market and want to share what I took away from the trip. While in Nashville, The Boutique Hub team hosted our biannual event for our Mastermind members. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Mastermind is a program for our highest earning and experienced boutique owners, all of whom have been in the game a while, and twice a year they come together with our team to roundtable and learn from each other’s experiences. Man did we learn a lot! We talked successes, struggles, solutions, we laughed, we cried … we covered it all. I hope these themes resonate with you and would love to hear your feedback. Drop a note in the comments, reach out to The Boutique Hub team on social media or to me personally on Instagram. We want to hear from you! Coming up next week, a special Ask Ashley episode! If you have questions, I want to answer them. Submit your questions to The Boutique Hub on social media this week, and you may get a callout in the next show. Also don’t miss your chance to sign up for Summer School! We are hosting our virtual summer June 5-7 and we are so excited about the curriculum. We will be talking strategically about beating the summer slowdown, digging deep into IA and why are some boutiques struggling while others are accelerating. We will be covering all of the big issues, concerns, trends, strategies and best practices for growing your business. See the show notes for the link to enroll! Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: The Boutique Hub: Facebook | Instagram | Website Ashley Alderson: Instagram
| |||
| Lessons from the West with Kristyn DeBord Durbin | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:31:01 | |
Kristyn DeBord Durbin paved her way in the family business as a sales representative and designer for Double J Saddlery — a collection of tack, saddles, bags and other leathergoods handmade in Texas. Now as a new mom of two young girls, Kristyn has gone from wholesale to retail, stepping back from the saddlery company to found June’s Pearls, an online boutique of children’s clothing, toys, and gifts. She joins the show today to share her story, her history, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Listen in as Kristyn shares how Double J Saddlery has evolved since it was founded in 1991 and how she has played a pivotal role in driving the fashion side of the business with the curation of the Vestige by Double J jewelry line. We also discuss how Double J has built a brand that has stood the test of time and become a staple in the Western industry, and what non-Western brands can learn from their Western counterparts. We get into so much in this episode, so get comfortable and get ready to be inspired! Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: | |||
| Building a Successful Personal Brand and Business with Emily McCarthy | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:36:45 | |
Are you looking for inspiration to build your own personal brand and business? Emily McCarthy is a successful entrepreneur who has built an impressive personal brand through her designs in print and apparel. She has a successful eCommerce and brick-and-mortar business combining home, gift, lifestyle, and apparel products, and on top of that, she is also a busy mom! A true inspiration, she joins the show today to share how she balances it all. Listen in as Emily opens up about the lessons she has learned through her entrepreneurial journey and gives advice on starting an online and brick-and-mortar business. You'll hear how she has made both successful, what's going on with the wholesale side of her business, and her tips to get it right from the beginning. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Emily McCarthy: Website | Facebook | Vimeo | Pinterest | Instagram | |||
| #633: Designing with Purpose: Crafting Products that Spark Joy and Connection | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:38:08 | |
Today I am joined by Taylor Elliott, a shining light of positive energy and the woman behind the colorful, cheerful, and fabulous products on Taylor Elliot Designs. She’s here today to give us a glimpse into her life, her business, and how she creates products that spark joy and connection. Listen in to learn how Taylor made her way into the product design space, how her designs and products changed (or stayed the same) over time, and more. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique Resources:
| |||
| Revolutionizing the Boutique Game with Jeff Fenn | 11 Apr 2023 | 00:29:34 | |
What is a better way to celebrate a 10-year business anniversary than to burn your whole membership to the ground and re-build it from the ground up? How about launching a brand new dashboard and new tools that will change the boutique game for so many owners? Join me as I chat with Jeff Fenn, a Hub Team Member who's not just known for his terrible Steve Jobs impersonation, but also for the fresh new tools and dashboard features that were rolled out at the Boutique Summit last month. We'll be diving into the project's inception, the goals we sought to achieve with the new dashboard, and the power and importance of SEO. Jeff will also be sharing insights on how to track SEO and what metrics boutiques should be looking for to really leverage the power of organic traffic. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: | |||
| Growing a Successful Business on Your Own Terms with Laura Horwath, Ferne Boutique | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:39:31 | |
Do you struggle with defining success on your own terms? I am so excited to be joined by Laura Horwath, the owner and founder of Ferne Boutique, a clothing store with four locations in the Detroit area of Michigan. Laura has grown her brick-and-mortar stores through effective networking, community engagement, and maximizing Chamber of Commerce opportunities. But beyond business success, Laura is here to share a personal story that we believe will hit home with many of our boutique owners. Listen in as she opens up about her journey of growing a successful business through effective networking, her personal story of how she dealt with a dip in sales, and the lessons she learned about handling the ups and downs of business. You'll hear how she learned to define success on her own terms, how to focus on what's important and avoid getting stuck on a hamster wheel, and what Laura did to trim the fat and get down to the bare bones of why she's in business. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Laura Horwath: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | |||
| Maximizing Events and the Customer Experience with Jodi Stevens, Bless Your Heart Boutique | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:30:40 | |
Today I am chatting with an OG member of The Hub and the queen of events Jodi Stevens, owner of Bless Your Heart Boutique! In addition to taking me through the evolution of her storefront and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Jodi shares all her event planning tips and tricks, and specifically how she’s made Small Business Saturday one of her biggest days of the year. We talk about the preparation and promotion, how she manages the ROI and how she makes every event a unique experience for both loyal and new customers. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Bless Your Heart Boutique Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Website Ashley Alderson Instagram
| |||