You ever look at a super successful business owner and think, Damn, they must have it all figured out? Yeah, no. That’s not how this works.

This week on The Embodied Baddie Podcast, I’m sitting down with the incredible Alison, owner of Jules & James Boutique and Jazz Cosmetics. And let me tell you—this convo is a goldmine for every retail entrepreneur who has ever doubted themselves, stressed over inventory, or wondered if they’re secretly screwing everything up.

Alison built a multi-million dollar business almost by accident, rode the wild waves of scaling, and even landed on the Inc. 500 list—only to see a $2M revenue dip right after. (Cue existential crisis.) She keeps it real about the stress, the imposter syndrome, and why business success does not guarantee inner peace.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just winging it while everyone else seems to have a game plan—this episode is for you.

💸 Accidentally building a multi-million dollar brand—what worked, what didn’t

📉 The scary AF revenue dip that had her questioning everything

🛑 Why the “more, more, more” mindset can sabotage sustainable growth

😵‍💫 Imposter syndrome & why even the best entrepreneurs feel like frauds sometimes

💖 Why external success ≠ internal happiness (and what actually brings fulfillment)

🙌 The power of generosity, community, and not hoarding success

👉 Scaling is sexy, but sustainability is what actually keeps you in the game.

👉 If you’ve ever felt like a failure after a business slowdown, welcome to entrepreneurship. It’s normal.

👉 Just because someone looks like they have it all together doesn’t mean they feel like they do.

👉 Surround yourself with people who get it. The right community can change everything.

📲 Instagram: @life_with_Alison

🛍️ Jules & James Boutique: julesandjamesboutique.com

💄 Jazz Cosmetics: jazzcosmetics.com

✨ Loved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review! It helps more entrepreneurs find this podcast.

✨ Slide into my DMs on IG @theembodiedbaddie and let’s chat about this episode!

✨ Visit ChrystalRose.com for even more ways to scale without the burnout.

Until next time—stay badass, stay balanced, and for the love of retail, stop thinking you have to do it all alone. 💕

Alison Grooms is a 35 year old wife, mother, and the founder and CEO of Jules & James Boutique and JAZ Cosmetics. She began her clothing business in 2015, following her departure from teaching and the birth of her first child. Alison has grown her business from a very small business that was once ran out of her home to a flourishing online business. Jules & James has outgrown two warehouses, employs over 25 women and ships thousands of products to customers across the United States every week. She also has 2 brick & mortar stores in Carrollton & Newnan, Georgia. As Jules & James continues to grow, Alison has strived to keep kindness, generosity, and friendship the top values of her company. These values are continued by consistently giving and being involved with community organizations, local schools, charities, and world wide missions, all for the glory of God.

Well, y’all, this is it: the first episode where my husband, Jeff, and I are spilling the tea on our newest adventure—buying a retail business together. Yep, we’re now the proud owners of Barefoot Archery in Charlotte, NC! 

In this episode of the Embodied Baddie Podcast, we’re talking about the chaos, the joy, the WTF moments, and the lessons we’ve learned so far about mixing marriage and business ownership. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to go all-in with your partner, this one’s for you.

1. Love + Business = A Wild Ride
2. Let’s just say, blending our personal and professional lives has been an adventure. We’re sharing how we try to stay sane, communicate clearly (most of the time), and still like each other at the end of the day.
3. Turning Doubt Into “Let’s Freaking Do This”
4. We’ll take you behind the scenes of how we went from, “Are we really doing this?” to “Hell yes, we’re doing this!”
5. Doing Our Homework (So You Don’t Have to Learn the Hard Way)
6. From inventory drama to digging through piles of paperwork, we’re laying out the nitty-gritty of buying a business without losing your mind.
7. Playing to Our Strengths
8. Jeff’s archery expertise + my business/retail know-how = a killer combo for transforming Barefoot Archery into a modern, community-driven hub.
9. Building a Legacy, One Renovation at a Time
10. We’ve got big plans for this shop—from a fresh new layout to creating an experience that keeps people coming back.

• Mixing love and business is messy, beautiful, and absolutely worth it (as long as you communicate like grown-ups).
• Don’t sleep on the details when buying a business—get the paperwork, inventory, and finances locked down.
• When you’re revamping something old, focus on what your customers really need, and build from there.

1. Dream Big, Start Smart: Thinking about mixing passion and business? Start by mapping out what success looks like for you.
2. Know Your Stuff: If you’re buying a business (or starting one), get real about the numbers. No surprises, babe.
3. Communicate Like Pros: Whether it’s your partner, a business collaborator, or your dog, clear communication is non-negotiable.

If you’re local to Charlotte, come see us at Barefoot Archery (we’re literally in there every day right now). And for all the behind-the-scenes chaos, follow me on Instagram at @theembodiedbaddie.

In this raw and real episode of the Embodied Baddie Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain and letting you in on one of those "WTF am I even doing" moments we all try to hide. Spoiler: I’m not hiding. Instead, I’m sharing how I faced my feels head-on and turned a heavy, messy potential spiral into a breakthrough moment. Because let’s be honest, emotions don’t take a backseat just because you’re running a business or living a “successful” life.

1. Feel the Feels, Babe: Yeah, ignoring emotions might feel easier, but it’ll bite you later. I’m talking about why emotional awareness is your real flex, not a weakness.
2. Vulnerability Is the Ultimate Glow-Up: Nobody likes to feel exposed, but that’s where the magic happens. I’m sharing how being vulnerable has been my shortcut to clarity, strength, and surprising freedom.
3. Get Yourself a Hype Squad: We all need someone to remind us we’re not losing it. I’ll walk you through how my coach helped me unpack my chaos and why reaching out for support is a total game-changer.
4. Progress Isn’t Always Obvious: Let’s talk about the quiet wins. Growth doesn’t always look like fireworks; sometimes, it’s just a whisper telling you to keep going.
5. The Breakdown Before the Breakthrough: That soul-crushing moment? It’s often the setup for your next level. Let me tell you why the messy middle is the place to find your power.

• Sit With It: Stop dodging your emotions. Get quiet, grab your journal, or just ugly cry in your car if you need to. Whatever helps you feel it.
• Find Your Person: Whether it’s a friend, coach, or therapist, reach out. You deserve someone in your corner reminding you of your badassery.
• Practice Patience: Not every step will feel like a leap. Celebrate the tiny victories, even if it’s just getting out of bed today.
• Show Up as You Are: Vulnerability is your permission slip to be unapologetically real. Share your mess; it’s where connection lives.

If this episode hits home, imagine how much further you could go with a community of women who get it. That’s exactly why I created The SurTHRIVE Hive—your go-to space for tools, support, and the kind of real talk that helps you thrive without pretending you’ve got it all figured out.

Press play and join me as I unpack what it means to process emotions, lean on others, and find your power in the messy middle. Babe, your breakthrough is waiting—let’s get there together.

🎙️ Babe, You Don’t Want to Miss This One!

On this episode of the Embodied Baddie Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Ashley Alderson, founder of The Boutique Hub and an absolute powerhouse. Ashley’s been in the trenches of entrepreneurship and come out the other side stronger, wiser, and full of wisdom you NEED to hear. Trust me, you’ll leave this convo feeling inspired, connected, and ready to take on the world—baddie style. 💃

✨ What We’re Talking About:

1. The Magic of Community: Ashley breaks down how small businesses are the heartbeats of their communities and why building a supportive network is a game-changer for success.
2. Superpowers, Activated: What’s your unique magic? For Ashley, it’s communication, and she’s sharing how leaning into your natural gifts can transform your business.
3. Ditching Imposter Syndrome: We’re getting real about self-doubt and how to shut it down. Spoiler: Surrounding yourself with the right people is EVERYTHING.
4. Mental Health is a Priority, Not a Perk: Ashley and I get candid about the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, from anxiety to identity crises, and why protecting your peace is non-negotiable.
5. Redefining “Having It All”: We’re flipping the script on success. It’s not about doing everything — it’s about doing what lights you up and makes sense for your life.

🌟 Action Steps for Your Inner Baddie:

• Find Your People: Join a community that gets it—whether that’s local, online, or even The Boutique Hub (it’s fire!).
• Own Your Superpowers: Write down what you’re naturally amazing at and ask yourself how you can use it to stand out.
• Set Boundaries Like a Boss: Start saying no to energy-draining tasks and yes to what truly matters.
• Rethink Success: Stop chasing someone else’s dream. Define what success looks like for YOU, babe.
• Invest in Support: Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a therapist, surround yourself with people who lift you up.

💖 Stay Connected:

• Follow Ashley: Check out @ajalderson for all the wisdom, inspo, and a peek behind the scenes of her amazing work.
• Follow Me: Hang out with me on Instagram @theembodiedbaddie for daily baddie vibes, tips, and updates.
• Subscribe + Review: Love the episode? Leave a review and share it with your fellow baddies. Let’s spread the love and the knowledge!

✨ Babe, this episode is packed with gems, laughs, and real talk. Grab a drink (or your coffee) and hit play — it’s time to step into your next level. 💃

Ashley Alderson combines her love of small business development, fashion, connecting awesome human beings and real-life mom hustles, together every day as a leader in the boutique retail and e-commerce industry. 

Ashley is the Founder of The Boutique Hub, the central connection point of the global retail boutique industry serving 100,000 retailers worldwide.  Inside the Hub, retailers, wholesale brands, and industry service providers connect daily for advanced business education, collaborations, real-time industry data, wholesale buying, live conferences and events, and the opportunity to raise the voice of the industry.  

Recognized as one of the top 10 fastest growing companies in the midwest by INC magazine, and 5 years on the Inc 5000, Ashley and her team at The Boutique Hub are changing the landscape of boutique retail.  Mastering the skill of building community, launches and one of the top Kajabi memberships in the world, Ashley also speaks to how businesses with purpose

Ashley is a mom of three busy kids, Hadley, Easton, and Jayde, wife to her partner in crime (or love as they say), and business partner, Eric.  Besides sharing business strategy daily, she also shares the true behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to be a mom, wife, 7 figure entrepreneur, cancer survivor, agriculture advocate, barrel racer, and casserole connoisseur.

Episode 1: Welcome to the Revamped Embodied Baddie Podcast

🎙️ Let’s Get Into It, Babe!

Welcome back to the Embodied Baddie Podcast — where work/life harmony, fulfillment, and scaling without stress collide. In this kickoff episode, I’m spilling the tea on why we revamped the show and what’s in store for all you powerhouse women entrepreneurs who are ready to thrive, not just survive.

✨ Here’s What You’ll Walk Away With:

1. Why Pausing Is Powerful: Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you take a step back. I’ll share how hitting pause can bring clarity and alignment.
2. Life in the Grey Zone: Forget the all-or-nothing mindset. Let’s talk about why embracing the in-between can lead to more joy, ease, and sustainable success.
3. Ambition Without Burnout: Burnout is NOT the badge of honor we’ve been taught to wear. I’ll give you actionable strategies to balance your drive with your desire for fulfillment.
4. Redefining Success on Your Terms: More money doesn’t have to mean more hustle. Let’s rewire the way you think about success so it’s sustainable and satisfying.
5. The New Podcast Format: It’s fresh, it’s fun, and it’s so you. Expect inspiring client interviews, solo deep dives with me, and candid convos with my husband, Jeff, as we navigate our new retail business together.

🌟 What’s Coming Up?

• Client Spotlights: Meet real women entrepreneurs who’ve transformed their lives through sustainable scaling and work/life harmony. They’ll share what it means to be an Embodied Baddie.
• Solo Episodes: I’m bringing you my favorite tools, lessons, and behind-the-scenes stories from my journey as a multi-six-figure coach and burnout survivor.
• Candid Chats with Jeff: We’re documenting the highs and lows of starting a new retail business together. Spoiler: It’s equal parts chaos and magic.

💖 Let’s Stay Connected:

• Instagram: Follow me at @theembodiedbaddie for daily inspo and a front-row seat to all the baddie goodness.
• Subscribe + Review: Don’t miss an episode—hit that subscribe button and leave a review to help other baddies find the show!
• Explore More: Need more resources, free goodies, or info about my programs? Head to chrystalrose.com or check out the links in the episode notes.

✨ Babe, remember: Stress is optional. Harmony is the vibe. And fulfillment? That’s the ultimate flex. Let’s get it. 💃

📌 Listen Now: Hit play, and let’s start your transformation—one episode at a time.