Boutique Chat

Best Year Yet 3-Day FREE Virtual Event

FTV: Tips to Create a Profitable Ecommerce Business with Erin Hooley, Bailey's Blossoms Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

Erin Hooley, founder of Bailey's Blossoms, joined me in Season 3 for Tips to Create a Profitable Ecommerce Business. Erin is a living example of being more successful by knowing her numbers. She goes in-depth on conversion rates, branding, and how she manages business and motherhood. But there are so many more helpful business tips from this well-spoken, successful entrepreneur, so tune in now!

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 & resources visit the episode webpage below or click here.

First released April 2020.

Resources:

Bailey's Blossoms: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok

Erin Hooley: Instagram

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

Best Year Yet 3-Day FREE Virtual Event

7 Quick Tips for End of Year Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

We're all wrapping up 2023, which means it's time to reorganize, reflect and get ready for the new year. And while we are all tired and we're busy and we're ready to spend the holidays with our families, there are so many opportunities we can take advantage of during this time to close out the year strong and head into the new year fresh and in the best place ever. So today, I'm sharing my quick tips for capitalizing on the end of year!

Resources:

Rich Dad, Poor Dad What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That The Poor & The Middle Class Do Not!

Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook

Money: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

FTV: Strategies for Social Media Success with Shannon Gordon, Social Media Manager at The Boutique Hub Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

Shannon Gordon, Social Media Manager at the Boutique Hub and former boutique owner, joined me on the podcast at the beginning of Season 3 to talk Strategies for Social Media Success.

In this episode, Shannon gives us her back story on becoming a young, working mother and wanting to turn her passion for creativity into a full-time job. She gives us insight into what elements helped her create a rapidly growing boutique, some valuable business advice all boutique owners need to hear, and what strategies will help you create a successful social media presence. You won't want to miss this episode, it's packed with the most valuable advice from The Hub's social media queen!

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 & resources visit the episode webpage below or click here.

First released February 2020.

Resources:

Shannon Gordon: Instagram

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

Simplifying Banking and Small Business Loans with Tracey Smiskey, Northwestern Bank Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

It may be uncomfortable, and you may not like it, but building a good relationship and regularly checking in with your banker is just as necessary as going to the doctor.

Today I am talking to my good friend Tracey Smiskey all about banking. As the EAU Claire Area Market President at Northwestern Bank, Tracey is community minded, small business minded and growth minded, and she works to ensure that her local businesses are set up for success.

We cover how to choose the right bank or credit union for you and your business, the importance of building a strong relationship with your banker, resources banks provide to benefit small businesses, loans and lines of credit, fraud, credit scores, competitive interest rates, how to resolve high interest loans and so much more!

Resources:

Northwestern Bank: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

Tracey Smiskey: Contact | LinkedIn

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

FTV: Tips From a Successful Boutique Owner with Alison Grooms, Jules & James Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

I was so fortunate to have Alison Grooms, owner of Jules & James Boutique, join me on the show for Tips From a Successful Boutique Owner. In this episode from Season 3, Alison goes over everything and anything you can think of when it comes to owning a boutique. You'll hear her go over lives sales, vendor tips, hiring employees, and what it's like being a mom while running a business. But that' not all, tune in to get all the details on this candid conversation, filled with essential boutique owner tips!

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 & resources visit the episode webpage below or click here.

First released November 2020.

Resources:

Jules & James Boutique: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

How to Plan, Buy and Manage Your Inventory in 2024 with Mary Landgrebe, Management One Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

"You can't be successful at marketing or sales unless you have a good handle on your inventory."

Get ready to hear some straight-up real talk with my good friend Mary Landgrebe of Management One. We dive into the tough conversations that are being had right now in our industry and the challenges small business owners face in the current economy. As an expert in retail operations, inventory solutions and strategic planning, Mary shares her thoughts on what buying will look like in 2024, the dangers we should all be avoiding as small business owners and how independent retailers can plan for success in the upcoming year.

We talk about the need to understand your numbers and make data-driven decisions and all things inventory — open-to-buy planning, the significance of receiving and tracking orders, implementing a markdown strategy, maximizing product exposure through multiple channels, strategies for addressing excess and so much more.

This episode is packed full of valuable information so be sure to grab your notepad, and check out the links below for more on the apps and tools we discuss in the episode!

Resources:

Management One: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Shopify Apps: Delirious Profit | Better Reports

FAVES Pro App

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

FTV: 6 Steps to the Perfect Purchase, with Bob Negan, Founder of WhizBang! Retail Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

In case you missed it in Season 1, Bob Negan, founder of WhizBang! Retail Training, joined me on the show to share the secrets to building a successful business.

Early on in Bob's retail career, he realized that making the customer happy is the most important thing in sales. Not just accepting returns with no receipt or sending thank you cards after a big purchase. Every. Single. Second. Matters. From the moment your customers come in contact with your staff everything matters. This episode breaks down key points of how to train your staff, how to manage your time efficiently, and so much more.

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 & resources visit the episode webpage below or click here.

First released October 2018.

Resources:

WhizBang! Retail Training: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

Holiday Marketing Masterclass

Dig In and Do the Hard Thing with Anais Almazan, Pretty & Pink Boutique Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

No one knows the meaning of hard work and perseverance better than my guest today, Anais Almazan, the founder and owner of Pretty & Pink Boutique. I want to encourage you all to listen to this episode because her story is truly inspiring! I may even shed a tear or two during this one.

Anais fell in love with retail while working at the local Dollar General in Eldorado, Texas. She had little capital and no idea how to start a business, but she was determined to make her dream of owning a fashion boutique a reality and that meant she had to put in the work and figure it out. Today she has a 4,000-square-foot storefront in San Angelo, a full staff and a booming ecommerce business.

Anais talks about overcoming adversity, the mindset it takes to make a business work, building an authentic community and some of the tools and strategies she implements day-to-day. She also discusses the adversity she's faced along the way as a Mexican-American who speaks English as a second language and how she serves the Hispanic community (as well as offers advice for how other boutique owners can too!)

Resources:

Pretty & Pink: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

Holiday Marketing Masterclass

Small Business Hiring Handbook

Boutique Owner Basics

How to Start a Boutique Handbook

How to Make the Most of the Holiday Season: 5 Tips To Close the Year Out Strong Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

I know this year in retail has been like the gauntlet; it has been a challenge. That's why making most of the holiday season is more important than ever this year. So, I want to share some tips to help you not only survive and hit revenue goals in the fourth quarter but to really finish out the year strong and set yourself up for success in 2024.

Let's chat about where the opportunity really is, what we should be focused on, how to dig in and how to ultimately make the most of the holiday season. I cover setting goals, managing your team, sales and promotions, markdowns, marketing strategies, collaborations and events and planning ahead for the new year!

Resources:

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

Holiday Marketing Masterclass