Episodios

  • 220/149. Best of Retailer Success Series: How Two Friends Turned a Creative Hobby into a Successful Retail Business
    Jul 29 2024
    With host retail coach July is winding down and Member Appreciation Month is coming to a close in the Retailer’s Inner Circle but we are just warming up to prepping for the Holidays. Our amped-up Holiday Bootcamp is launching in August! In addition to the 5 part masterclass, we’ve added promotional guides with creative and fun ideas to get buying customers in your shop in Q4. We’ve got editable social media graphics so the work is done for you - all you have to do is hit the schedule button! Q4 is coming and we’ve done the planning for you. Q4 doesn’t have to be hard! So much more is happening inside the Inner Circle - trust me you don’t want to miss it. You don’t have to run your retail business alone. ! In keeping with our celebration of our members all of July in the Inner Circle, we’re highlighting some of our favorite past interviews with Inner Circle retailer members! These retailer interviews are some of our most popular episodes and what you all are telling us you want more of. This week we are going all the way back to Episode 149 with Susan Mocker and Devon Cretella of Extending Grace in Hubbard, Ohio. Let’s dive in! Show Notes As a retail coach, I often get asked my thoughts on going into business with friends and honestly, I have seen it succeed and I’ve seen it go sideways. Today, we are going to share a great success story of a retail partnership. Meet Retailer Inner Circle members Susan Mocker and Devon Cretella, owners of , a home decor shop in Hubbard, Ohio. They are sharing partnership advice and what worked for them and how two friends turned a shared creative hobby into a successful retail business partnership. Susan and Devon will tell us what has worked for them in business, including a yearly planning retreat they take together and how they’ve balanced work and life. They’ll also give us their best advice on going into business with friends. “Plan it, but write it in pencil because business is flexible.” Whether or not you are considering joining a partnership, there is something for every retail shop owner in this episode. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! About Susan and Devon: Susan Mocker and Devon Cretella are the co-owners of Extending Grace in Hubbard, Ohio. Friends since the 90’s, we opened the store in 2016. Both of us love all things vintage & creative, and our store reflects that. Customers experience a home décor shop with a focus on antiques, vintage, DIY, and the work of local artists and collectors. We love hanging out with our customers and neighbors during workshops, events, and community projects. You can find them on , , and on their . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: - CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis - Retailer Success Series: Community Attract Strategy with Inner Circle Member Michelle Emmons : Retailer Success Series: Jess Gebauer on Using Unique Marketing & Sales Strategies Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. And Q4 is coming! We’ve got your back. You don’t have to do retail alone! About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    46 m
  • 219. Best of Retailer Success Series: Meet Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill
    Jul 22 2024
    With host retail coach Hey Friends! This month, we’re celebrating our retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle. It’s Member Appreciation Month! We’re hosting weekly giveaways (including private coaching sessions with me!), launching promotional guides and editable social media graphics, and so much more. It’s not too late to join us - and NOW is the time. You don’t have to run your retail business alone! and get immediate access to countless Masterclasses on topics from merchandising to social media and our coveted monthly playbooks that break your month down for you into bite sized pieces. You’ll also have an opportunity to make peer-to-peer connections in our community with retailers who are facing the same questions and issues as you. Q4 is looming and our revamped Holiday Bootcamp also launches soon. Retail doesn’t have to be so hard! ! In keeping with our celebration of our members, over the next few weeks on the podcast we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite past interviews with Inner Circle retailer members! These retailer interviews are some of our most popular episodes and what you all are telling us you want more of. This week we are going back a few months to Episode 204 with Jeanne Terrill of Junque Rescuers in Lake Jackson, Texas. Let’s dive in! In This Episode: I’m taking you behind the counter of Junque Rescuers in Lake Jackson, Texas to chat with shop owner and Inner Circle member Jeanne Terrill in this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. Buckle up because Jeanne is taking us on a ride and sharing her journey from accidental entrepreneur to thriving shop owner! In the episode, she shares how her shop has evolved since opening as an antique/vintage shop in 2017. We talk about many of her challenges including moving locations, why incredible success caused her to change her product mix, and learning to put her CEO hat on and the changes that come along with that. Jeanne also shares examples of specific actions she has taken and changes she has made as a result of what she has learned from the Inner Circle masterclasses and our tight-knit community. I loved this conversation with Jeanne and I hope you do too! It’s always awesome to catch up with my Inner Circle retailers and share their successes with our podcast listeners. Did anything strike a chord for you? Anything you’ll be reflecting on or changes you are going to make based on the conversation you just listened to? Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including . Not ready to join but want to purchase this stand-alone masterclass? You can purchase it on demand . Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales Accelerator course. We start April 24! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Retailer Success Series: Christie Carter-Tokairin: 10 Years In : Retailer Success Series: CEO Mindset and Community with Sylvia Davis of Louisville Mercantile : Retailer Success Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee of The Vintage Nest About Jeanne Terrill and Junque Rescuers Junque Rescuers LLC is a well-established brick-and-mortar lifestyle boutique located in downtown Lake Jackson, Texas. With eight years of experience, the business has evolved from its roots as a vintage and vintage-inspired home decor store to become a versatile lifestyle brand. You can follow along here: | | About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    58 m
  • 218. Best of Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell
    Jul 15 2024
    With host retail coach Happy July! This month, we’re celebrating our retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle. It’s Member Appreciation Month! We’re hosting weekly giveaways (including private coaching sessions with me!), launching promotional guides, editable social media graphics, and so much more. It’s not too late to join us - and NOW is the time. You don’t have to run your retail business alone! and get immediate access to countless Masterclasses on topics from merchandising to social media and our coveted monthly playbooks that break your month down for you into bite sized pieces. You’ll also have an opportunity to make peer-to-peer connections in our community with retailers who are facing the same questions and issues as you. Q4 is looming and our revamped Holiday Bootcamp also launches soon. Retail doesn’t have to be so hard! ! In keeping with our celebration of our members, over the next few weeks on the podcast we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite past interviews with Inner Circle retailer members! These retailer interviews are some of our most popular episodes and what you all are telling us you want more of. This week we are going all the way back to Episode 132 with Millie Blackwell of Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop in Greytown, New Zealand. Let’s dive in! In This Episode: If you think you have to be on FB to grow your business, think again! Meet Millie Blackwell - owner of Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop in Greytown, New Zealand. Before opening her shop in December 2020, Millie and her husband owned digital businesses and did a lot of home renovations. Her shop is perfect for romantic, curious minds and romantic souls. Her bookshop is filled with books and creative items such as notebooks, jigsaw puzzles, fountain pens, stationary, etc. Because Millie opened her shop during the height of the pandemic, she really had to work hard to build their market base in unique and creative ways. Storytelling has been a successful marketing strategy for them with print ads, Instagram, and their quarterly newsletter: The Blackwell Bugle. Fun fact: Millie doesn’t use Facebook for personal use or for her business! It can be done. All of Millie’s business marketing decisions are based on building community and becoming a destination shop. Listen to her attract strategies! They go against the grain and work for her! She’s doing it her way and making connections, human to human. Millie is a member of our group and works hard at business development, and pays close attention to tracking, measuring, tweaking, training, and focusing on foot traffic. Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Retail Success Series: Growth Mindset with Jeff Lee from The Vintage Nest : How To Create Loyalty and Amazing Customer Experiences with Guest Expert & Author: Shep Hyken : Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    44 m
  • 217. Best of Retailer Success Series: Simplifying Your Retail Business with Louise McManus
    Jul 8 2024
    With host retail coach Happy July! This month, we’re celebrating our retailers in the Retailer’s Inner Circle. It’s Member Appreciation Month! We’re hosting weekly giveaways (including private coaching sessions with me!), launching promotional guides and editable social media graphics, and so much more. It’s not too late to join us - and NOW is the time. You don’t have to run your retail business alone! and get immediate access to countless Masterclasses on topics from merchandising to social media and our coveted monthly playbooks that break your month down for you into bite-sized pieces. You’ll also have an opportunity to make peer-to-peer connections in our community with retailers who are facing the same questions and issues as you. Q4 is looming and our revamped Holiday Bootcamp also launches soon. Retail doesn’t have to be so hard! ! In keeping with our celebration of our members, over the next few weeks on the podcast we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite past interviews with Inner Circle retailer members! These retailer interviews are some of our most popular episodes and what you all are telling us you want more of. So this week we are going all the way back to Episode 120 with Louise McManus of Vischer Ferry General Store. Let’s dive in! In This Episode: Inner Circle member Louise McManus has managed to find balance - a profitable and enjoyable shop, balanced with a great quality of life. She’s here to share with us how that’s possible! Several years ago Louise McManus bought a house, built in 1856, in the historic Erie Canal hamlet and had a dream of creating a beautiful shop the community would love, and the rest is history! This was a new venture for Louise, as she came from working in a bridal boutique and as a jewelry designer. The Vischer Ferry General Store is both a café and a retail gift shop. Her journey as a retail shop owner has been one to watch not only because of her multiple buckets of revenue streams, but the atmosphere she has created for her customers - it truly is a destination shop! I have watched her grow into a CEO who is flexible and knows how to think in the future. I know her journey will help yours as well. Take some notes, Louise is living her best life as a shop owner and is still in love with it all! “It’s my business, and it can be whatever I want it to be.” - Louise McManus Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Retailer Success Series: Community Attract Strategy with Michelle Emmons : Retailer Success Series: How Jill Went from Hobbyist to Creative CEO About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    38 m
  • 216. Create A Summer Of Ease for Your Retail Shop
    Jul 1 2024
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Can you have a summer of ease and keep your momentum going? Yes. No matter what summertime looks like in your retail shop, you need to balance your work schedule with rest and fun while keeping the momentum at the same time. Sounds challenging, right? Trust me, if you put in the effort, you can get things done and still have time to enjoy the sunshine. In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m sharing some things you can easily cross off of your retail shop’s to-do list this summer. Some of the things I’ll share thoughts on: Setting your schedule and your staff’s schedule as far in advance as you can Scheduling out big rocks and promotions between now and September (this is done for you if you are an Inner Circle member!) A hot tip for getting a bunch of social media posts and emails scheduled in one hour or less (Inner Circle members have access to a masterclass on content creation and monthly playbooks with email subject lines) Easy ideas on how to humanize your brand Planning out and delegating roles/responsibilities for your upcoming events How hiring/delegating out these tasks can free up your time and actually grow your business Get out your calendars, my friends! I challenge you to sit down this week and schedule what needs to get done in your retail business so you can sit on a beach in peace this summer. Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : How to Plan and Host Successful Events in Your Retail Shop : How to Market Promotional Events in Your Retail Shop : 5 Areas Retailers Should Be Focusing On in Q3 About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    29 m
  • 215. Coffee Break Chat: Customer Service vs. Customer Experience
    Jun 24 2024
    With host retail coach Wendy Batten In This Episode: As a retail shop owner, have you given much thought to the difference between customer service and customer experience as it relates to your brand? In this short coffee chat episode, I’ll share the difference between the two and what you can do to ensure your brand is having the impact you want it to on your customers. Remember: it doesn’t matter what you sell in your shop, the goal should be to build a brand your ideal customers want to be a part of. l also touch on customer journey mapping and becoming a destination shop in this episode. If you want to dig in more on these topics, additional episodes are linked in the Related Podcasts section of the show notes. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea - or whatever you like!) and let’s dive in! Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : How to Create a Customer Journey Map : Becoming a Destination Shop About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    21 m
  • 214. Coffee Break Chat: Be a Big Deal!
    Jun 17 2024
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Let’s have a coffee chat around being a big deal in your community, shall we? Recently, I had a conversation with a client where she relayed to me that being a “big deal” in her community felt awkward for her because she didn’t want to show off or flaunt herself. I want to be the first to tell you that being a big deal isn’t about you personally, but rather, it’s about making sure your brand is known in your community. It’s about knowing what makes your brand special and making sure your community knows. It’s about having confidence in what you are doing in your retail store and sharing it with your community. “Confidence comes from doing.” If you need a little pep talk around gathering the confidence to get your name out there in the community, this coffee chat is for you! Grab yourself a cup and let’s dive in. Be sure to check out the related podcast list this week for a deep dive on visibility. Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Stop Hiding and Be Known: The Retailer’s Visibility Series About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    13 m
  • 213. Five Areas Retailers Should Focus on in Q3
    Jun 10 2024
    With host retail coach In This Episode: If your retail shop is in an area where summertime means things slow down a little bit, it’s not time to settle into vacation mode just yet! As we move into summer, there are a few things that we can be doing around our retail shops to set us up for success when things get busier this Fall. In this episode, I’m going to share 5 areas retail shop owners could focus on this summer so you won’t be winging it when Q4 arrives. The 5 areas I’ll be discussing in this episode are: Any maintenance and physical changes to your shop Updating processes & systems Reorganizing and making changes/additions to your team Your marketing plan Review and know your numbers You can ease off the gas and take a little break this summer, even as you focus on these areas. There is time for both… for now! So let’s get to planning in Q3 so we can set ourselves up for a phenomenal Q4 in 2024. Let’s dive in! Ready to Level Up? Join The Retailer’s Inner Circle. Here’s everything you need to know about the . You’ll have access to countless Masterclasses including , Shop Standards, Money Matters, and so many others. Plus, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group where members can ask questions or share advice and their experiences of running a retail shop. Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : How to Do a Mid-Year Review and Check-up : What to Focus on in Q3 : Simple Sales Strategy Series : What Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dreams and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    23 m