Let’s Talk Shop

In this episode of Let's Talk Shop podcast, I speak with, buyer and owner Priya Aurora-Crowe of Lark London. Lark London is a wonderful chain of 18 independent brick-and-mortar stores in London and Surrey, that is owned by Priay and her husband Dominic Crowe. Priya shared her experiences and perspectives on the ever-evolving world of retail. Here are some of the key takeaways: We hope these insights from Priya have given you a fresh perspective on the world of product businesses. This episode wraps up another season of Let's Talk Shop, the podcast is all about empowering and supporting you on your journey to building a profitable product business through wholesale. https://www.larklondon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lark_london/ My links https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I speak with, Jake and Freya from Studio Wald. This is the second time Jake and Freya comes on the podcast and a lot have happened in their business since last time. They have now got over 1000 stockists who bought from them, with over 300 buying regularly, and they now employ a team of 4. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of running a product-based business, focusing on wholesale strategies, production quality, and market conditions. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Balancing growth with life: We chat about that it’s not always about growth in business. Sometimes, it’s more about maintaining business so you can achieve a good life-work balance. It’s a nice reminder that we’re building our businesses for us, and they need to fit into our life. 2️⃣ Attention to production quality: Maintaining high production quality is crucial for success, and this always creates new challenges. Studio Wald’s bestselling flower press used to be made with Birch Ply, but since the war in Ukraine, this is now sanctioned as it is mainly produced in Russia, which meant resourcing and switching to maple veneered MDF. This in turn, meant working with a new material, and having to balance the increased costs with maintaining affordability to the customer. 3️⃣ Adaptability and growth mindset: Jake and Freya shared how their approach to product releases has evolved over time. They moved from a perfectionist mindset of waiting until everything was ready to an organic and agile approach. By building a stock of adaptable photos and embracing flexibility, they were able to release designs more quickly. About Studio Wald Freya and Jake, are the owners and creatives behind Studio Wald. Freya and Jake met while studying a degree in 3D design. And now they have 3 children and a busy Leeds city-centre studio where they make or compile their products. All paper products are printed and finished in England, mainly in their home county of Yorkshire, using either 100% recycled or FSC certified paper. All their products are made in the UK with care & attention to ideas, pattern & process. Jake and Freya have been on the podcast before, so I’m excited to have them back to hear how they have grown their business since we last spoke. Plus, when I ask paper-based business owners who they look up to, quite often Studio Wald comes up, so I know you’re just as keen to hear from them. https://studiowald.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/studio_wald/ My links https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

In this episode of Let’s talk Shop, I had the pleasure of talking to Myfanwy Gloster from Glosters Pottery. Mev and her husband Tom founded Glosters Pottery, with Tom being the potter and Mev handling the day-to-day operations. They started with a café and gradually transitioned into a craft pottery shop, which has now become a thriving wholesale business. During the conversation, Mev shares their journey of starting small, how the business grew throughout the pandemic, and how they this year decided to start to wholesale. She discusses their decision to exhibit at their first trade show, and the incredible response they received from buyers. In fact, they went from having only ten stockists to over seventy within a short period of time. Mev also talks about the challenges and learnings from the trade show experience, as well as their plans for expanding their workshop space and adding new products. If you're a product business owner looking to grow through wholesale or are curious about the world of trade shows, this episode is a must-listen. Learn from Mev's firsthand experience and gain valuable insights into building a successful brand. [00:00:00] Podcast for product businesses, retail buyers, brand owners. Joined by Mev from GlosterPottery, discussing their wholesale and business expansion. [00:05:36] Stockists and growth; Kew Gardens reordered. [00:07:23] Trade shows are hard work, underestimated busyness. [00:11:25] Creating an easy and efficient wholesale process. [00:13:33] Planning Autumn, ordering complementary items, Christmas preparations. [00:17:41] Summary: Relocation, more space, shop visibility, mug painting. [00:19:48] Challenging journey, but great team and experience. [00:25:49] Thanks for listening to the podcast! About Glosters Glosters Pottery was founded by Myfanwy Gloster and her husband Tom Gloster. Tom is the potter, and Myfanwy runs the day to day of their busy Porthmadog based pottery workshop and shop. Glosters designer ceramics are made from stoneware clay and they use a range of glazes inspired by their local surroundings and the changing seasons in North Wales. https://www.glosters.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/glosterspottery My links https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

You’re going to want to get your notebook out for this one. In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lucy Hitchcock, the founder of Partner in Wine. We discussed her experience in building a successful brand and her insights on packaging, pricing and wholesale. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Build a strong brand: Lucy emphasized the importance of getting your brand right before anything else. Consistency is key - from your packaging to your social media presence. This means aligning everything you create with your brand's image and message. 2️⃣ Pricing with purpose: Don't let negative comments on social media platforms like TikTok make you doubt your pricing decisions. Consider the value and positioning of your product, like luxury brands do, rather than solely focusing on cost. Remember, pricing should align with your target customer's perceived value. 3️⃣ Start strong, and stay persistent: Lucy shared her experience working with retailers and stressed the importance of being persistent. Don't be discouraged if stockists don't reply. Timing is crucial, so be mindful of when you approach retailers with new products or collaborations. 00:03:00 Successful branding led to stock in Selfridges. 00:06:30 2020 lockdown, wine in sad cooler bag. 00:09:47 Entrepreneur shares business journey on Instagram. 00:11:16 Love, document, story, brand, marketing, launch 00:14:38 Self-employed at 23, helping others market businesses. Working for 7 years before launching. 00:22:35 Focusing on margins to determine product pricing. 00:24:26 TikTok opinions on costs. 00:28:52 "Build strong brand identity; prioritize branding." 00:31:51 Homemade look won't sell in stores. Stand out and stay consistent with branding. 00:35:06 Building anticipation for a launch: watch, learn. 00:38:21 Lucy's amazing podcast is a must-listen. Lucy Hitchcock, the founder of Partner in Wine and digital marketing agency Sassy Digital. Partner in Wine is a brand that aims to keep your favourite drinks perfectly chilled on the go. The story behind Partner in Wine is a tale of serendipity – it all started with the quest for a chilled rosé on a sunny day. Sassy Digital is a digital marketing agency helping brands with their ongoing website, e-commerce, social media and marketing support, plus, Lucy is the host of The Winging it podcast where I’ve also been a guest. Lucy’s links: Partner in wine: https://www.partnerinwine.co.uk/ Sassy digital: https://www.sassydigital.co.uk/ Lucy’s Instagram where she shares her business tips and behind the scenes: https://www.instagram.com/lucyhitchcock_/ Partner in wine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partnerinwineuk/ Sassy Digital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassydigital/ Listen to the episode I was a guest at on the Winging it Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SF4M3LHuCQlEXshk3mnGr?si=25bd76cf2655459e My links https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

🎙️ Welcome to Let's Talk Shop, the podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of retail and small businesses. In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Rebecca, the visionary behind a unique shop that champions handmade and local products. Rebecca shares her insights on the growing appreciation for handmade goods in the wake of the pandemic, as well as the challenges she faces in competing with well-known brands. With her extensive network of makers and years of experience, we explore how Rebecca has cultivated a collaborative journey, nurturing relationships with artisans to create high-quality products. But it's not all smooth sailing for Rebecca. We delve into the difficulties small businesses face, particularly in the Bristol area, where business rates relief removal threatens their survival. Rebecca's passion for supporting independent ventures leads her to seek solutions, already connecting with influential figures like Holly Tucker and Mary Portas to raise awareness and find a way forward. Throughout the episode, we uncover Rebecca's dedication to promoting small businesses and Bristol-made products to offer her customers something different. She shares personal anecdotes, from her unexpected path to opening a shop to the challenges she's encountered along the way. Join us as we explore the impact of business rates, the importance of clear brand identity, and the quest to keep Prior - Rebecca's beloved shop - afloat. We also dive into the exciting projects and initiatives Rebecca has undertaken, from workshops and gallery space rentals to innovative product development. Get ready for a deep dive into the trials, triumphs, and inspirations that drive Rebecca's commitment to celebrating the power of small businesses on Let's Talk Shop! 🛍️🎧 00:00:00 Podcast discusses retail business and sustainability. 00:05:42 Handmade business competes with big brands. 00:10:20 Improved inventory system, automated notifications for makers. 00:15:32 Differentiate, investigate, engage, passion, innovation, honesty, visuals. 00:19:49 Deep connection through engagement on social media. 00:21:37 Larger shops are busier, more information helps. 00:25:25 Council mismanagement, potential illegality, seeking charity status. 00:30:48 Small businesses unite to fight unfair rates. 00:33:59 Prior made expands, new store, staff creations. 00:38:30 Website team edits content, explores revenue options. 00:41:37 Thank you for listening and watching, bye! Rebecca Prior, is the owner of award-winning independent store Prior Shop in Bristol and her own independent brand, Prior Made. Rebecca’s centrally located shop is filled to the brim with 150 sustainable designer, and a whopping 70% of them are local to Bristol. As a non-profit creative arts hub, and eco-consious retail shop, workspace and gallery Rebecca operates Prior shop a little bit different to the usual designer / shop keeper sort of relationship and in this episode we find out all about it. Petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-bristol-s-non-profit-organisations-and-bring-back-discretionary-rates-relief The shop website: https://www.priorshop.uk Instagram: https/www.instagram.com/priorshopbristol Blogs about the shop - why I only stock unique products, why community retail is important, mission and values etc etc: https://www.priorshop.uk/blogs/our-mission-vision-and-values-here-at-prior My links https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

🎙️ Welcome back to Let's Talk Shop, the podcast where we delve into the world of retail businesses. Today, I am joined by a special guest who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of buying and marketing. Get ready to be inspired as we welcome Bryony Taylor Edwards, the head of marketing and home and gift and interiors buyers at Yarnton Home and Garden. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of building relationships with buyers, understanding what works and what doesn't. Bryony shares invaluable insights into contacting buyers, creating memorable interactions, and the power of consistent communication. From product seeding to the importance of personal connections, we uncover the secrets to capturing the attention of buyers and establishing a loyal customer base. But that's not all! We also discuss the crucial role of marketing and branding in the success of product businesses. With Bryony’'s expertise, we explore the power of authentic storytelling, effective product packaging, and how to stand out in competitive marketplaces. Plus, Bryony shares her own experiences consulting on brand marketing and buying strategy, offering valuable tips and strategies for entrepreneurs looking to grow their wholesale business. Get ready for an episode packed with insights, valuable advice, and inspiring success stories. 00:00:00 Podcast with Bryony Taylor Edwards from Yarnton Home and Garden. 00:04:57 Big space, eye-catching products, customer service 00:06:38 Product seeding: inspiring customer loyalty for small brands. 00:11:20 Inconsistent contact hampers brand recognition, competition tough. 00:12:41 Regular contact with buyers brings success. 00:16:47 London lobbyist turned garden center worker and consultant. 00:21:57 Imagery and brand messaging essential for sales. 00:24:02 Suppliers who ease my life, organize me. 00:28:05 Instagram primary contact for small business marketing. Bryony is Head of Marketing and Home, Gift, and Interior buyer at Yarnton Home & Garden. In her spare time, she consults on brand marketing and buying strategy. Over the course of her 5 years at Yarnton the Home, Garden, and Gift store has grown to include a huge toyshop, a new clothing area stocking women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and apparel, and a large home, gift and stationary area. Before starting at Yarnton Home & Garden Bryony had never done a day’s buying her background was in marketing and brand building. However, she learned on the job and loved every moment. She was delighted when Yarnton Home & Garden won The Greats Awards, Best Garden Centre Gift Retailer Award. Other high points have included working with local and small suppliers and using her marketing and branding knowledge to promote the many small businesses doing things well. www.yarntonhomegarden.co.uk Instagram @yarntonhomegarden And Bryony can be found on insta @bryony_tayloredwards where you can tap into a wealth of marketing and branding advice, aimed at small businesses My links https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

Welcome to another episode of "Let's Talk Shop!" In today's episode, we’re flipping the script. As I asked our guest, Nina Elegba to interview me for a change. We chat about everything from selling hot dogs outside nightclubs to becoming a successful business owner. We talk about the role of gratitude, manifestation, and finding your own unique methods to stay calm, grounded, and aligned in the business world. So grab a cup of coffee and join us as we explore the keys to success, the power of trade bodies, and the joy of connecting with your audience. Timstamps [00:01:33] Thank you to Instagram community for questions. [00:04:55] Instagram helped with daily gratitude through coffee. [00:08:09] Former sales head at publisher led multiple departments, curated books for retailers, sought work-life balance by transitioning to small business with more flexibility, ultimately made redundant due to lack of cash flow management. [00:12:49] Selling blackjack and hot dogs in Sweden. [00:14:54] Stay active, engage, and prioritize visitors. [00:18:40] Industry involvement crucial for representation and support. [00:21:46] Benefits of working for yourself: flexibility, control, self-support, rest, balance, business needs, personal needs. [00:25:50] CRM system: Absade for sales, Thinkific for courses. Whiteboard tracks clients and calls. [00:29:44] Manifestation journal helps attract ideal audience daily. [00:32:07] I love my work and stay positive. [00:35:55] Road trip analogy: map stops to save money [00:38:38] Various independent shops for homeware, gifts, and stationery. [00:42:57] Advice for younger self: embrace spontaneous living. [00:44:37] Workplace, brand, indie biz, Instagram, LinkedIn. About Nina Nina Elegba is the woman behind Recess living. Recess facilitates creative workshops, supper clubs, panel talks and workplace wellbeing events, as well as supporting companies in creating people-centred workplaces that nurture these conversations. https://www.recessliving.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/recess-living/ https://www.instagram.com/recessliving/ Award yourself with a little selfcare moment - refer your company or someone you know to Recess, if they book a workshop, not only will the team thank you for a wonderful experience, you will also get a £100 voucher to spend on selfcare. https://www.recessliving.com/referral-program My links https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

In this episode of Let's Talk Shop, we have a special guest, David Nichols-Rice, who shares his journey and experiences in the creative industry. With a background in working with artists and trade shows, David discusses his love for wholesale and the rewarding yet challenging aspects of being a sole decision-maker. He shares insights on launching his own line of greeting cards, pivoting to online sales during the pandemic, and creating authentic relationships with retailers. Join us as we dive into David's story of resilience and success in the greeting card industry. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode 01:15 - Guest speaker, David, introduces himself and his background in the creative industry 02:30 - David's passion for wholesale and trade shows 03:45 - Launching his own line of greeting cards and the challenges and rewards of working alone 05:15 - Transitioning to online sales during the pandemic and partnering with a local company 07:30 - Sourcing and curating other products for his business 08:45 - The importance of trade shows and face-to-face interactions for David's business 10:30 - Highlights of David's journey, including being a finalist in the Christmas card category 12:15 - Lessons learned and advice for success in building relationships with retailers 14:00 - The role of Instagram in engaging with stockists and researching potential partnerships 15:30 - The significance of trade shows in the marketing budget and successful collaborations 17:00 - Personalizing interactions with stockists through printed catalogs and handwritten notes 19:00 - The importance of nurturing relationships and being patient with customers 20:30 - Strategies for marketing and investing in trade shows as the business grows 22:15 - Overcoming challenges with asking for contact details and incorporating it into conversations 23:45 - David's passion for greeting cards and stationery, and the story behind the name "Ricacle" 26:00 - Learning to leverage strengths and outsource tasks in managing a startup budget 28:15 - Developing relationships with retailers and seeking their input for new collections 30:00 - Future plans and stepping out of the comfort zone with phone-related projects About David David is the designer and founder of greeting card publisher Ricicle Cards. Based in a seaside town just outside of Bristol, he creates colourful, charming and whimsical greeting cards. There's plenty of illustration, hand-lettering and luxe hot foil going on in the collection and in addition to his own designs, he loves collaborating with talented artists from across the world to bring his ideas to life. www.riciclecards.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/riciclecards Facebook: www.facebook.com/riciclecards My links https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

In this episode of Let's Talk Shop, host Therese interviews Hannah Paine, the founder of Epanoui. Hannah shares her journey of starting a jewellery brand and opening a brick and mortar store. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of integrating herself within the community, and the careful growth of her business. With her unique perspective as both a brand owner and a shop buyer, Hannah offers valuable insights into the wholesale market and the success of independent brands. Time Stamps: - [00:00:00] Introduction to Let's Talk Shop and guest Hannah - [00:01:11] Discussing the podcast hiatus and the excitement of bringing it back - [00:01:56] Hannah's journey of starting her jewellery brand from her kitchen table - [00:04:06] Taking a break from wholesale when the shop became too demanding - [00:05:17] The unique approach of being both a brand owner and a shop buyer - [00:06:45] Building buyer confidence with successful product sales in a smaller town - [00:07:01] Hannah's love for buying from small brands and the visual alignment of products - [00:08:20] The importance of customer engagement and creating a memorable shopping experience About Epanoui Hannah Paine is the founder of Epanoui, a jewellery brand inspired by nature. She started her business in 2012 and has since grown it into a successful independent lifestyle store in Bedford. Hannah's team handcrafts each jewellery piece, and she has a unique perspective as both a brand owner and a shop buyer. With a passion for supporting small brands, Hannah is always on the lookout for unique products that visually align with her shop's aesthetic. https://epanoui.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/epanouilifestyle/

Welcome back to Let's Talk Shop! In today's episode, we have a very special guest joining us. Sakina Bouy, the visionary behind The Somerset Toiletry Co, will be sharing her incredible journey in the toiletry industry. From navigating through economic crashes to understanding ever-changing legislation, Sakina has built an impressive brand known for its integrity and beauty. Tune in as she discusses the expansion of her company, the importance of understanding market demands, and the challenges faced in today's business landscape. We'll also delve into the impact of Brexit, the company's commitment to becoming more environmentally sound, and the exciting plans for future growth. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation filled with insights, trends, and the passion behind creating luxury products at reasonable pricing. Timestamps [00:00:00] Shop is back, featuring Somerset Toiletry Co. [00:03:41] Toiletry company offers luxury products at reasonable prices. [00:07:59] Economy crashed, expanded products, different market appeal. [00:11:41] Trade show relationships, new storefront excitement. [00:13:29] Store owners guide us, customers influence trends. [00:19:15] Industry stricter due to legislation, Brexit impact. [00:23:40] Post-Brexit, business faces challenges amid changing landscape. [00:29:36] COVID brought big wins: garden centers open, internet sales booming. Men's/unisex products sell well. Teams improve. Son's product development adds value. Manufacturing sorted out, soap base a win. Mixed weather in June and July. [00:31:41] Expanding offices, retail, cafe, and products. More about The Somerset Toiletry Co Founded in 1999, serial entrepreneur Roger and aromatherapy expert Sakina identified a gap in the market to produce beautiful, honestly priced luxury toiletries. Following the initial success of producing body care for other companies, the business developed their own popular collections. Design is at the core of the business, as the team of extremely gifted designers, tirelessly create exquisite packaging for each and every product. Over the years the company has been recognised for many prestigious awards for business and design, including the Queens Award for Enterprise. Trade Fairs all over the world have been used to build brand awareness and develop valued customer relationships. The Somerset Toiletry Co. gifts can be found on most UK high streets and garden centres and are now sold in over 50 countries worldwide. We’ve had busy time in recent years, opening a soap manufacturing facility in Somerset using sustainable palm oil. We also run a café and gift shop from our HQ in Somerset and give space to homeless charity Billy Chip. The future continues to look bright for the business as Zantore, Sakina’s son has recently joined the company. https://www.instagram.com/thesomersettoiletrycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/SomersetDistributionUK https://thesomersettoiletryco.co.uk/

Season 6 is coming to an end and in this episode, Sasha and I speak about how we both found the experience of working together and what she’s learned about growing her sales. We also set some goals for the next 6 months and talk about what’s been surprising and what’s worked and hasn’t worked. Growing your wholesale and your sales can feel lonely and challenging at times but remember that consistency and staying focused is the way to go. If you need help and would like to work together in 2022, please apply to work with me via my website. Please like and subscribe if you enjoy this episode and please feel free to leave us questions in the comments. --------------------------------------------------- LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: https://www.southsearock.com/ https://www.creasedcards.com/ https://www.jeffandthesquirrel.co.uk/ My wholesale courses: https://smallbusinesscollaborative.mykajabi.com/online-courses-beginners-guide --------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe for the latest! ➡️ https://bit.ly/letstalkshopYT 🚀🍾 Let’s work together ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ ---------------------------------------------------- Hello 🙋🏻‍♀️, I'm Therese Oertenblad and I help business owners start and grow their wholesale, get clear on their prices and margins and sell more. RESOURCES: FREE Canva line sheet template ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT FREE Third-party wholesale marketplace guide ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT ✏️For all my business tips and hacks ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/blog 💌Get my newsletter ➡️ https://bit.ly/3EfzIkZ 📲Behind the scenes and tips on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

Today we’re in Brighton where Sasha cold calls on shops in the hopes of getting some new stockists so that she can grow her wholesale business. Cold calling, whether by phone, email, or in-person can be very scary but it doesn’t have to me. When it comes to cold calling practice really does make a huge difference, in particular, if you visit in person. In-person cold calling will allow you to check if the store is a good fit before you approach and you will often find out the name of the buyer and get their initial reaction. In between Sasha’s store visits, we do little mini-interviews about how it felt and we hope these will help you get more comfortable with cold calling and help you grow your business. We also visit one of Cheeky Zebra’s stockists and see the cards out in real life. Next Monday we will be back with another episode where we will talk about where Sasha is now with her wholesale and how she hopes to grow it over the next half a year. Please like and subscribe if you enjoy this episode and please feel free to leave us questions in the comments. --------------------------------------------------- LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Sasha’s longest stockist: https://www.creasedcards.com/ My wholesale courses: https://smallbusinesscollaborative.mykajabi.com/online-courses-beginners-guide --------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe for the latest! ➡️ https://bit.ly/letstalkshopYT 🚀🍾 Let’s work together ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ ---------------------------------------------------- RESOURCES: FREE Canva line sheet template ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT FREE Third-party wholesale marketplace guide ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT ✏️For all my business tips and hacks ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/blog 💌Get my newsletter ➡️ https://bit.ly/3EfzIkZ 📲Behind the scenes and tips on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

Since Sasha has done some wholesale in the past and had lost a bit/a lot of faith in it we needed to put the right foundations in place this time around to avoid costly mistakes and work way to hard for no return. We started from the very basics with setting Sasha’s wholesale terms and prices and then moved on to creating her new and much improved wholesale catalogue. Since Sasha’s range is so big, she basically has a greeting card for every occasion you may ever come across, and of course, in a brick and mortar store, it’s unlikely they could fit as many and such a big range could be overwhelming. As such, Sasha did a lot of work on refining her wholesale range to include all her bestseller before creating her catalogue. Remember to have a look over on Instagram as we wanted to show you the difference between Sasha’s old catalogue and the new one. In this episode of Let’s talk shop, we talk about: Please like and subscribe if you enjoy this episode and please feel free to leave us questions in the comments. --------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe for the latest! ➡️ https://bit.ly/letstalkshopYT 🚀🍾 Let’s work together ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ ---------------------------------------------------- RESOURCES: FREE Canva line sheet template ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT FREE Third-party wholesale marketplace guide ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT ✏️For all my business tips and hacks ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/blog 💌Get my newsletter ➡️ https://bit.ly/3EfzIkZ 📲Behind the scenes and tips on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

In this continuation of us documenting Sasha’s wholesale journey, we speak about selling. Insecurities around selling are very common and sometimes they show up in very strange ways. It’s very easy to make yourself very busy to avoid having to step outside of your comfort zone and sell your products. In this episode, we talk about how this showed up for Sasha and what tweaks we’ve made to her workweek to set her up for success so she can reach more retail buyers and get stocked in more shops. In this episode of Let’s talk shop, we talk about: Please like and subscribe if you enjoy this episode and please feel free to leave us questions in the comments. --------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe for the latest! ➡️ https://bit.ly/letstalkshopYT 🚀🍾 Let’s work together ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ ---------------------------------------------------- RESOURCES: FREE Canva line sheet template ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT FREE Third-party wholesale marketplace guide ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT ✏️For all my business tips and hacks ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/blog 💌Get my newsletter ➡️ https://bit.ly/3EfzIkZ 📲Behind the scenes and tips on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

It’s not always that everything goes to plan when you try something new. When Sasha from Checky Zebra first started to wholesale her greetings cards she would have looked very successful to most of us, getting a big order from a well-known multi-chain card retailer but all was not as well as it might have looked on the surface. In reality, it was very stressful and in the end, Sasha had very little to show for all that hard work. This really put a damper on her wholesale experience and her focus turned to growing her business using Facebook ads instead and up until recently this worked really well until the ads for Father’s day flopped and Sasha’s sales fell off a cliff. Building a sustainable and successful business takes resilience and bravery and when something doesn’t go to plan it’s your ability to pick yourself up and admit that it’s not always unicorns and roses. Diversifying your sales channels can help you grow a much more resilient and sustainable business and over the last few months I have been mentoring Sasha to start to wholesale again and we documented her experience and can’t wait to share it all with you. In this first episode of Let’s talk shop, we talk about: Please like and subscribe if you enjoy this episode. --------------------------------------------------- LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Facebook ads expert: https://www.carlystringer.com/ Sasha’s longest stockist: https://www.creasedcards.com/ --------------------------------------------------- 🔔 Subscribe for the latest! ➡️ https://bit.ly/letstalkshopYT 🚀🍾 Let’s work together ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ ---------------------------------------------------- RESOURCES: FREE Canva line sheet template ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT FREE Third-party wholesale market place guide ➡️ https://bit.ly/freebieYT ✏️For all my business tips and hacks ➡️ https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/blog 💌Get my newsletter ➡️ https://bit.ly/3EfzIkZ 📲Behind the scenes and tips on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/

Today’s episode of Let’s talk shop is a solo episode where I talk about what to do and what not to do when sales are slow to help you and motivate you to continue to grow your business. In the episode I share 10 to-do’s/don’ts: Article mentioned in the episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57531716 Waitlist for my courses: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/start-to-wholesale https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/let-s-talk-sales-course If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review over on Apple podcast as it really helps others discover the podcast too. If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram. Connect with me Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/ Free FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale Sign-up to my newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5df908bbf68c9d00263c9c21

Today on Let’s talk shop, I speak with my former clients Jake and Freya from Studio Wald. Studio Wald is a wonderful home and gift business based in Leeds. We talk all about how Jake and Freya decided to start their business straight out of university and how they have grown it since. Jake and Freya share their top tips that has worked for them and we talk about trade shows, hiring their first team member, growing through wholesale marketplaces and so much more. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review over on Apple podcast as it really helps others discover the podcast too. Connect with Jake and Freya from Studio Walkd https://www.instagram.com/studio_wald/ https://studiowald.co.uk/ Sign-up to my start to wholesale course: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/start-to-wholesale If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram. Connect with me Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/ Free FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale Sign-up to my newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5df908bbf68c9d00263c9c21

Today’s episode of Let’s talk shop is a solo episode. The first of in season 5 and quite possibly the only in this season. Let me know if you want more episodes like this. In the episode I talk about how to get started with your wholesale, we talk about: If this is something you want to learn more about. Please have a look at my next course, Start to wholesale that I’m running in June. We start on the 15th June and you can find all the details and sign-up on the below link. https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/start-to-wholesale If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review over on Apple podcast as it really helps others discover the podcast too. If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram. Connect with me Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/ Free FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale Sign-up to my newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5df908bbf68c9d00263c9c21

Today on Let’s talk shop, I speak with my client, Leonara Manyangadze who’s the owner and founder of Tanaka. Leonara makes beautiful all-natural soaps that are good for you and for the environment as they are completely plastic-free. Leonara started Tanaka in the autumn of 2019 and has grown the brand to now being stocked in 40 or so stores, mainly in the UK + one stockist in the US and one in Singapore. She’s done this whilst still keeping a full-time job and buying her first home and relocating to the seaside. I love how thoughtful Leonara is with everything she creates and she’s such a joy to work with. In the episode, we chat all about how Leonara has grown the business, what has worked well for her and she shares her top tips for growing your business. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review over on Apple podcast as it really helps others discover the podcast too. Links mentioned in this episode Turning earth pottery course - https://www.turningearth.org/e2 Gently - https://www.gentlyelephant.co.uk/ Our lovely goods - https://ourlovelygoods.com/ Juno Nuno - https://junonuno.com/ The Milkman - https://themilkman.coffee/ Connect with Leonara from Tanaka Website - https://tanaka.store/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tanaka.soaps/ Sign-up to my sales course: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/courses If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram. Connect with me Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/ Free FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale Sign-up to my newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5df908bbf68c9d00263c9c21

Today on Let’s talk shop, I speak with my coach, Jennifer MacFarlane who’s The Money Medium. Over the past 5 months or so I’ve been working with Jen on my money mindset and I really enjoyed it. I think in particular women avoids speaking about money and by working with Jen I’ve been able to dare to realise that I can make money and fulfil my goals. I think our money mindset sometimes holds us back in pushing our businesses forward and growing our sales and I hope that you will find our conversation helpful in addressing some of those thoughts that might be holding you back. We talk about some of the common beliefs around money that is holding us back sometimes and how you can reframe them to move past them. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review over on Apple podcast as it really helps others discover the podcast too. Jennifer MacFarlane is the author of the book Think Create Jump. She is a transformational mindset and abundant life mentor, spiritual alchemist and subconscious reprogramming master. Jen has a magical way of aligning people with their destiny. From a very young age, Jen has had a calling to understand the connection between the mind and how it creates reality. She uses hypnosis, meditation and deep subconscious conversation to help her clients and students “reprogram” their clients from all over the globe to vibrate at a higher wealth, success and abundance frequency; in turn, allowing them to attract a more abundant lives doing what they have been put on the planet to do with ease. Jennifer helps people from all over the world create a deeper connection with themselves and the life they were born to live through her personal development business @ WWW.THEMONEYMEDIUM.COM Jen Believes we are here to learn how to overcome our own limits and live our Biggest, Wildest Dreams. Dream Big - Smile More (The words Jen lives by) Connect with Jen from The Money Medium Instagram - instagram.com/themoneymedium FB - facebook.com/themoneymedium Website - www.themoneymedium.com Youtube - youtube.com/themoneymedium SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/the-money-medium Book - Think Create Jump - https://www.amazon.ca/THINK-CREATE-JUMP-Proven-Limitations-ebook/dp/B00QMO5CHO/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=think+create+jump&qid=1605134081&sr=8-1 IGTV video with money mandalas https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCeIZxlHOOE/ Sign-up to my sales course: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/courses If you want help with your wholesale please get in touch either on my website, by email or Instagram. Connect with me Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/ Free FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale Sign-up to my newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5df908bbf68c9d00263c9c21