Boutique Chat

Retail Bootcamp

en-usFebruary 16, 2024

FTV: How to be more Productive as a Business Owner with Ashley Alderson

“It’s so common today to hear the word busy. Everybody is busy. But the question is, are you busy doing the right things?”

In this episode from Season 3, I talk about how I’ve learned to think like a CEO, prioritize my time and set necessary boundaries, and I outline my top tips for How to be More Productive. I cover the three questions you need to ask yourself every day, how to implement time blocking, and what daily habits can transform you into a more productive business owner. But that’s not all, tune in to hear the details!

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 2020.

Resources:

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usFebruary 09, 2024

6 Lessons Business Owners Can Learn from Taylor Swift

As I wrap up Season 5 of the podcast, I want to talk about where we are in the industry, where there’s opportunity right now, how to approach marketing your business in 2024 ... but mainly I want to talk about Taylor Swift!

Whether you like her music or not, you can’t deny that Taylor Swift has had a monumental economic impact. The Eras Tour alone had an estimated $5 billion impact. It’s also estimated that Taylor's added an additional $300 million to the Kansas City Chiefs franchise in terms of merch sales and media deals. So as our industry is changing and customer spending habits are shifting, we can look at how our customers are spending money, specifically around Taylor Swift, and ask ourselves, what can we learn from it and how can we apply it to marketing our businesses in 2024?

People don’t want to just buy products, they want to buy experiences, they want to be a part of something, they want to feel good. And that’s something Taylor has done such a great job at offering her fans. Looking at her success, we can see the importance of things like leveraging nostalgia, building a community, creating memes, collaborating with brands, storytelling, and using scarcity to drive sales.

We will back for Season 6 on March 19! I’m welcoming new guests, sharing new stories, and I’ll be throwing in some new bite-sized episodes to address trending topics and help you take action. So, I hope you’ll join me again in March for an all-new season of Boutique Chat! Until then, reach out to me on Instagram at @ajalderson. I would love to know what you think of the podcast, guests you’d like to see on the show, your wins throughout the year, issues you’re struggling with … I want to hear from you!

“People will do anything for those who encourage their dreams, justify their failures, allay their fears, confirm their suspicions, and help them throw rocks at their enemies.”

― Blair Warren

Resources:

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

Your Guide to Vegas Apparel Markets February 2024

en-usFebruary 06, 2024

Discover more MAGIC in 2024 with Kelly Helfman, President of MAGIC

I’m so excited to welcome back to the show one of my favorite guests and BFFs, Kelly Helfman, President of MAGIC. And we have some BIG news to share with you!

Of course, I first get the inside scoop on emerging trends and what we can expect at the upcoming MAGIC events in Las Vegas, New York and Nashville. But Kelly and I spend most of the episode talking about our big announcement … a new partnership!

The Boutique Hub is partnering with MAGIC in a much bigger way than ever before to help you Discover More MAGIC in 2024! The Hub will have a booth on the show floor at every MAGIC event throughout the year, and our team will be there to greet you, provide resources, answer questions, and take new buyers on our BFF tour.

Join The Hub team at MAGIC to connect with the community, discover your next best-sellers, uncover exclusive trend forecasting, build business insights and so much more!

Additional Resources:

Kelly Helfman: Website | Instagram

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usFebruary 02, 2024

A Masterclass on Building and Scaling a Brand with Sam Paik, State of Fashion / YZE Agency

This week I am talking to one of my favorite people in the industry who’s advised me, encouraged me, brainstormed with me … and pushed me to eat more than just meatballs! In addition to being a good friend and foodie, Sam has worked in every single corner of the fashion industry and has such amazing insight into how things work and where there’s opportunity.

Design, production, marketing, sales, customer service – you name it, he’s done it! Sam has launched multiple apparel lines, worked in the corporate sector, and now runs his own consulting firm, State of Fashion / YZE Agency.

In this episode, Sam and I cover it all, talking about the trials and tribulations of wholesale production, establishing a brand, marketing strategies and tradeshows, as well as the entrepreneurial mindset and how to persevere through hardship.

Resources:

Wholesale Marketing Handbook

State of Fashion: Website | info@stateoffashion.com | 213.514.5888

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

How to Register for Market

en-usJanuary 30, 2024

FTV: Legal Tips for Small Businesses with Andrea Sager, founder and CEO of The Legalpreneur

On this episode of the #BoutiqueChat Podcast, Andrea Sager joined me for Legal Tips for Small Businesses. As an attorney and former boutique owner, Andrea knows all the legal information small business owners may overlook. I chatted with her in season 3 about how to choose the right entity, how to avoid infringement, and trademarks. Bring a pencil and paper for this episode because Andrea addresses all the critical legal tips small business owners need to know about!

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:

Andrea Sager: Instagram

The Legalpreneur: Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usJanuary 26, 2024

How Regional Markets Can Benefit Your Business with Tara Thorn, Cedar and Cypress Designs

Today we’re talking all things market – what sets regional markets apart from national shows, the benefits of both, the importance of attending market, and tips for success while there.

In addition to being the owner and founder of Cedar and Cypress Designs, my friend Tara Thorn is also on the board at the Minneapolis Mart, which holds six annual shows and is considered the number one regional mart in the country. Tara shares how MPLS helped grow her business and the unique opportunities it provides for both buyers and brands.

Resources:

How to Register for Market

5 Tips for Attending Wholesale Markets as a Boutique Owner

Attending Apparel Markets: Tips from Boutique Owners

Cedar and Cypress Designs: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Minneapolis Mart: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usJanuary 23, 2024

FTV: Scaling from Entrepreneur to CEO with host Ashley Alderson

I reflected on some of my personal experiences as a business owner in this solo episode on Season 3. When I started to look backward through the evolution of The Hub, I identified five steps that I think we took to grow our business and that I have seen mirrored in other businesses.

I call them the 5 Steps for Scaling from Entrepreneur to CEO, and in this episode, I talk through them in detail, focusing on growth mindset versus fixed mindset, setting hard boundaries, building systems, how to create a better culture within your team, and how to properly allocate your time as a CEO.

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 July 2020.

Resources:

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usJanuary 19, 2024

If You Don’t Adapt, It’s Not Going To Work with Taylor Jones McClellan, The Tiny Closet

Diversifying sources of revenue, building a personal brand, social media marketing and running a business through different seasons of life – Taylor and I talk about it all in this episode!

The founder of The Tiny Closet, Taylor Jones McClellan is back on the podcast to update us on her life and business. Since last being on the show in Season 2, Taylor has been busy! She’s gotten married, become a mom, moved storefronts and started several other businesses.

We talk about how The Tiny Closet has evolved throughout the last seven years, her evolution as a business owner and boss, adapting to a changing industry, how to find new channels of income, breaking into wholesale, and the ins and outs of social media , among other things!

Resources:

Taylor Jones McClellan: Instagram

The Tiny Closet: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usJanuary 16, 2024

FTV: 12 Crucial Tips for Boutique Owner Success with Sara Burks

In this episode, I was joined by our retail professor Sara Burks to talk about the 2020 Retail Bootcamp and go through our 12 Crucial Tips for Boutique Owner Success that were a key focus of the course.

Retail Bootcamp isn’t just for those who feel their business is failing; your business will always have areas to improve on and grow. Retail is shifting and expanding every day, it’s time to be prepared. After today's podcast, you will be astounded by all aspects of your business you may have overlooked. Let’s start transforming your business today!

Our biggest annual educational program at The Hub is Retail Bootcamp (think college for boutique owners!) Sara and I do live coaching sessions, plus we’re joined by more than 50 industry experts. Enrollment is now open for 2024! Click the link below to learn more about this year’s Retail Bootcamp and enroll today! Best of all, once you sign up, you have lifetime access to participate each semester.

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 January 2020.

Resources:

Retail Bootcamp

Sara Burks: Instagram

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

en-usJanuary 12, 2024

How EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Can Transform Your Business and Team with Tom Wesner, founder of EOS Worldwide

This episode is a little different. This week I am joined by my business coach Tom Wesner of EOS Worldwide — so you’re going to get all the juicy details of what it’s really like at The Hub behind the scenes! Aside from reminding me of the things I need to continue to work on, Tom breaks down what the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Model actually is and how EOS can transform your business.

To learn more about how EOS can transform your business, contact Tom at tom.wesner@eosworldwide.com.

EOS provides a structure and framework for organizing and scaling your business based on a clear vision, as well as building a team that works with focus and accountability. As Tom and I talk through the six components of EOS — people, vision, data, process, traction, and issues — he emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability within an organization, the key to strong leadership and the need to have the right people in the right seats. Tom also highlights the benefits of delegating and elevating oneself as a leader and explains the significance of data and the use of a scorecard to track key metrics.

EOS has been so essential to our success at The Hub, so I want to encourage you to listen to this one at full volume! And also to reach out to Tom - he would love to hear from you, and I promise you will thank me later!

Resources:

Tom Wesner: tom.wesner@eosworldwide.com

EOS Worldwide: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usJanuary 09, 2024

FTV: How To Maximize Your Market Experience with Amy Harper, DMC Sr. Vice President of Retail Development and Market Services

Dallas Market Center’s Amy Harper joined me in Season 2 for How to Maximize Your Market Experience. In this episode, Amy gives some amazing tips on attending to market, whether it’s your first time or you are a veteran buyer! She gives us valuable information on why going market is so important, how to plan your time at market, what to expect at Dallas Market Center this October, upcoming trends, and so much more. The lovely and bubbly Amy will keep you all ears in this episode, so bring along your notepad and pen!

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:

Dallas Market Center: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usJanuary 05, 2024

Key Components of the Six Layers of Retail in 2024 with Sara Burks, Director of Partnerships & Education at The Boutique Hub

Our very own retail professor is back on the podcast! Today Sara Burks, Director of Partnerships and Education at The Boutique Hub, is joining me to dive into the six essential pieces of growing and mastering your business, which we refer to as the Six Layers of Retail, and the most important components of each of these layers specific to 2024.

As we all know, the tides are changing, and we want to ensure that you are set up for success in the new year! None of us are in the business of competing with the likes of Shein and Temu, so it’s essential to set yourself apart and make changes as your customer changes to meet their needs.

Our biggest annual educational program at The Hub is Retail Bootcamp (think college for boutique owners!), and Retail Bootcamp is designed around these six layers. Throughout the 14 weeks of Retail Bootcamp, we break down each of these layers and their components, Sara and I do live coaching sessions, plus we’re joined by more than 50 industry experts. Enrollment is now open for 2024! Click the link below to learn more about Retail Bootcamp and enroll today! Best of all, once you sign up, you have lifetime access to participate each semester.

Resources:

Retail Bootcamp

Sara Burks: Instagram

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usJanuary 02, 2024

FTV: Creating a Strategic Marketing Plan for Your Business, with Brand Expert DruStew

What does it mean to sit down and create a strategic marketing plan for your business? In Season 1, I visited about it with my friend Dru Stewart, a marketing and branding expert who works with Cactus Ropes, Pro Equine Group, Hatco, and many more. Not only do we cover marketing strategies working for the world’s largest brands in western, but we also cover some critical questions like ‘Is print media dead?’ Make sure you stick around for the end to hear Dru’s take on fatherhood and business. As a dad of twins, you’re going to like this takeaway.

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 March 2018.

Resources:

Dru Stewart

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usDecember 29, 2023

Prepping for the New Year: Reflections on 2023 and Predictions for 2024

This is my favorite week of the year! I know things may still be chaotic for you with inventory reduction sales and taking inventory. But in the busy that it can bring, I think this week between Christmas and New Years is one of the most reflective — which is why I love it so much! I personally try not to plan a lot of meetings and keep my schedule clear this week for planning and brainstorming about what I want to change and improve on, and where I want my business to go in the next year.

So, today I want to pose a couple of questions to you to do the same, to look back on what happened in 2023 and ultimately help you get ready for 2024, as well as give you my predictions on where the industry is headed next. Thanks for joining me as I dig into my favorite week of the year!

Additionally, every year at the Hub we host a week-long challenge called the Best Year Yet, and the goal is to address the changes we're seeing in our industry and help you start the new year in a really powerful way. It’s FREE for everyone, you don’t even have to be a Hub member, and this year we are talking about the 3 major ways to go and change your business. So be sure to click the link below to sign up online and join us January 2-4 for the Best Year Yet!

Resources:

Ashley Alderson: Instagram

en-usDecember 26, 2023

FTV: Tips to Create a Profitable Ecommerce Business with Erin Hooley, Bailey’s Blossoms

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

en-usDecember 22, 2023

7 Quick Tips for End of Year

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

en-usDecember 19, 2023

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

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

en-usDecember 15, 2023

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

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

en-usDecember 12, 2023

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

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