Hosted by Olivia, the Conversation Couture CEO and co-founder! Olivia discusses her experience with the luxury retail industry, what it takes to survive and thrive in this wild environment, and brings on fellow female founders to share their unique stories as well.
Which is the difference between chat box and virtual appointment type experience? Shall companies have both? To be fully functioning they should work together in synchronicity, to create an outstanding experience for your customers. There are customers who come to your website and want to talk to someone and set up a virtual appointment with an in-store experience through live streaming. On the other side, there are customers that have a couple of questions and prefer a chat box conversation. Facilitating a luxurious experience on your website, offering help in every area is imperative to the success. When both virtual experience and chat box are available, the customer is able to select the avenue that they feel more comfortable having a conversation in.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
In the second part of the interview at Retail Remix, Olivia adds more useful insights about how to close the gap between digital and physical luxury experiences. The core benefit of digital is that it can reaffirm and amplify heritage, helping to build a long-term positioning. There are many ways brands can share their stories about what makes them unique and why customers want to be shopping with them. A one-to-many approach is fine in a social media aspect for customers to gauge information and research on the products that the company is selling, but when you're interacting with customers, a one-to-one approach has that exclusivity and luxurious feeling that customers are looking for and that can make you outstanding. Everyone in retail knows it is immensely expensive to seek new customers and return customers account for over 70% of their revenue year over year, this is where a one-to-one customer experience can also help. Learn how to communicate your uniqueness!Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
Conversation Couture's Sales Manager, Gabriela Mota, joined Amira Hirani and Jonathan Davies, from our partner Vee24 in a Live Webinar last week about the human side of virtual sales!While consumers shift their purchasing habits to an online space, human involvement in this buying journey can be invaluable.If you are busy and you don't have the time to watch the video, we share an insightful audio-only version of the webinar to listen whenever and wherever you are.Listen to the Experts' Tips!Watch the webinar https://www.linkedin.com/events/7082722507555762177/
In this episode, Olivia Steele interviews Tomer Azenkot, the CEO of VEE24, a partner of Conversation Couture which provides a suite of tools that enable instant engagement for websites. When it comes to technologies, VEE24 gets you covered: automated FAQ, person to person communication with text, voice or video, co-browsing, in store or online appointments. In order to choose the best solution for you, you have to start with your customers and the customer experience on your website. Tomer's advice? Put yourself in your customers shoes to understand what it is that they need in order to have a good experience when going through a digital journey. Not all customers will behave in the same way, this is why it's critical to give people options to facilitate the interactions. Explore Vee24.com technologies!And, if you are looking for training to make the best out of technologies, upskilling your sales team, just email us at info@conversationcouture.com ✉️ or explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
Conversation Couture's legendary programs are now available at TalkShopLive®. What is the advantage for you? You can ask us questions, live! In this episode you will hear Professor Emily Leavitt replying to a gentle viewer and explaining a simple, yet effective technique to listen without interrupting. Secret revealed! If you missed the June 13th, 2023 “The Art of Listening” show, feel reassured, we have recorded it for you. Do you have more questions? Do like Carrie Bradshaw, she isn't afraid to ask! Email us at info@conversationcouture.com. Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com.
This guest episode of Couture Conversation podcast has been recorded during Olivia Steele's interview at Luxury Daily's sixth annual eConference.As you may remember, she was featured last year in the “Luxury Women to Watch list”: the list of Women Entrepreneurs who are set to make a mark in the world of luxury.Olivia talks about “Balancing the Physical and Digital Personas” in conversation with Jessie Dawes, chief marketing officer at Diptyque and Jennifer Woodring, vice president of customer experience and brand collaborations at Luxury Portfolio International.Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and remember to keep learning with Conversation Couture.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
Conversation Couture is the only Certification Program for the Retail industry. At the House of Retail Education we have set a new standard for anyone selling online and we are ready to set yourself up for driving and retaining the relationships with your clients. Customers really want to feel understood, but very few courses can teach you how to communicate online and create a unique and luxury customer experience. Explore All Courses
We live in a time where connecting is very simple, but building an actual connection is very challenging: only 20% of people are able to connect with their customers. One of the reasons is that only 20% of the communication is verbal, all the rest is nonverbal (eye movements, lip movements, smiling or not smiling, tone of voice). Those nuances are even more difficult to understand when you interact online. Plus, of course, you have to actively listen.Conversation Couture knows how to parallel an in-person experience and we will teach it to you. It all starts with our number one program: “The Foundation Essentials program". This course will improve the soft skills about communication that you don't learn at school or university and that are game changers, not only in virtual selling. It is a standalone program anybody can take. And, well, it is funny, too! Just as a reminder it includes: The Art of Listening, In-Store vs. Virtual Experience, Nonverbal Communication. The goal is clear: we will make sure that you are set up for success.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com.
In this special episode of Couture Conversations, we share the first part of Olivia's interview at Retail Remix. The host Alicia Esposito chats with Olivia Steele about her unique expertise: closing the gap between digital and physical luxury experiences. “When you buy luxury goods you have to be emotionally connected with the brand, the only way to do that is storytelling and in the virtual space you can do it seamlessly and beautifully.” Olivia explains how to truly capitalize on the engagement opportunities of the digital space. Retail Remix, is a super insightful podcast by Retail Touchpoints about retail, fashion, ecommerce, marketing and innovation. Follow Retail Remix on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
The new episode of the podcast has been recorded during April's show at TalkShopLive. Customer frustration is expensive and costs thousands of dollars in missed sales. Less than 5% of clients reach the checkout page while shopping online. Olivia Steele and Emily Leavitt explain the milestones of the Virtual Experience programs and how Conversation Couture helps individuals and organizations to cover the gap, providing a significative competitive advantage in many sectors: fashion, luxury, jewelry, skincare, decoration, hospitality, cars just to name a few. The beauty of a luxury online customer experience is that you can do your research ahead of the meeting, provide real time advice to meet your customers expectations, and, finally, stay in touch with your clients. Listen to know how to make the beauty happen.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
What's the real meaning of the words “customer care”? We put so much effort into defining the “customers”: are they loyal or new, high or medium spending? As entrepreneurs and managers, we focus every day on knowing our potential and actual clients better and better. It doesn't often happen, instead, to think about “care”: the first impression we give during an online chat conversation, if we are helpful and interesting. And, by the way, this is the only thing we can immediately and successfully improve. During their first streaming at Talk Shop Live, Olivia Steele and Emily Leavitt, the founders of Conversation Couture explain the most powerful way to care about customers. You will learn how the Conversation Couture project was born and the purpose of a luxury client experience.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
In this episode of Couture Conversations podcast, Olivia Steele interviews Jie Gao, the CEO and Founder of VERSINE SKINCARE. The two female founders talk about how a very simple and common situation in a woman's life can lead to a product without precedents, yet so much needed: a skincare line pregnancy safe, scientifically tested. The plus? Jie decided to add some luxurious and fun touches to the products, to make moms feel even better. As Jie explains, she was a lawyer in NYC, working in defense of women who experienced violence, when she got pregnant and discovered that she couldn't find how to treat her skin respecting the health of her baby. Two lessons in one: you are not your job, or at least, your first one! And there are always new business opportunities if you ask yourself the right questions!Shop at VERSINESKINCARE.com. Follow @versineskincare on InstagramWant to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
Choosing what to wear at the beach can be stressful for women, but it does not need to be! Olivia is joined by Alexa Dodson, the CEO and founder of Lexaswim to discuss her sustainable swimwear line that is gorgeous and female body friendly! Lexaswim features classic silhouettes with a modern twist and fresh one-of-a-kind prints, hand drawn in house— you won't find these prints anywhere else. Her gorgeous line is proudly designed and produced in Los Angeles, California. For more information about our commitment to sustainability please click here!To follow Alexa click HERE! To shop Lexaswim click HERE!Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
Why start any company in a saturated market? Well, thats simple, your mission and the reason the market needs it! In this episode Olivia is joined by Lindsey Martin the founder and CEO of Kiramoon Beauty. They discuss why in an industry full of competition, her mission was personal, why she had to bring her vision to life, and how she went about executing it! A happier skincare routine that brings joy and a little magic to our mornings. Shop Kiramoon here. Follow Kiramoon here Explore our programs at ConversationCouture.com.
Have you ever wondered how someone got to where they are today? I know I have! On todays episode I am joined by Alejandra, she co-founded Everly Candles, and has quite an incredible journey that led her to building her own company!! We dig deep into what the entrepreneurial fire within is, and the lessons that led to her to creating this incredible sustainable company! If you are a candle burner like we are, you MUST listen to this episode!! Alejandra shares valuable education around this ambiance and sensory driven experience of lighting up a sustainable and safe candle. To follow Alejandra click here! Check out here incredible sustainable candle company here!Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
On today's episode, Olivia is joined by Dr. Ani!! She is a Clinical Pharmacist, bestselling author, TV host and a keynote speaker, with specialization in Holistic Health coaching, Nutrigenomics , Functional Medicine, Diabetes management, Gut health, Pharmacogenomics and Mindset coaching. After years of successfully working with hundreds of patients to beat chronic disease, Dr. Ani founded her very own SheAni Wellness™ concierge health consulting company, focused on Pharmacogenomics and Nutrigenomics - functional and holistic ways of improving overall health and well-being of motivated individuals, just like YOU! Dr. Ani is on a mission to empower and teach women of all backgrounds, forward thinkers, high achievers, to level-up in their business and career, beat burnout holistically, incorporating core holistic modalities such as Hypnobreathwork® and Nutrition according to your genes, so they create lasting legacy and wealth. You wont want to miss this episode! Connect with Dr. Ani HERE. Schedule time with Dr. Ani HERE.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
On todays episode the Founder and CEO of Sieme joins us! Cassandra Kane spent almost a decade designing luxury ready-to-wear, leather and fur, outerwear and eveningwear for designer brands in New York. In 2017 she followed her heart to Florence, Italy to learn the art of Italian handbags. While working in Italy, she saw the incredible amount of waste generated at the luxury level. She couldn't look away any longer and knew that she needed to be part of the solution! We dig into all the details, you wont want to miss this episode!! To follow Cassandra click HEREWant to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
In this short solo episode Olivia gets into the magic trifecta of what business need in order to star their journey to maximize their sales within the new virtual and online sales channel. A lot of incredible information is packed into 8 minuets, you'll want to be sure you are ready to take some notes.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
Ever wonder how someone got to where they are today? They had extreme patience in pivoting. On todays episode Olivia is joined by Alexis Fox the founder and CEO of Shop The Muse, a women owned marketplace that exclusively sells female founded company products only. Alexis shares her own journey in this wild ride of entrepreneurship, and shares incredible insights into what it truly takes to put wealth into women's wallets. Connect with Alexis here.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
On todays episode you will hear from Brett Lauren, Founder and CEO of Brett Lauren Jewelry. Olivia and Brett discuss the shift of mindset and differences of an employee mindset to a CEO mindset. She stresses the idea of surrendering to what you need help with, and what she hold herself accountable for. Coming from an impressive background in the fashion industry, Brett Launched her company having a passion for art, creativity, and a love for making truly beautiful things while giving back in grand ways. Check her gorgeous designs out here. Follow Brett Lauren here.Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
Welcome to season 2 of Couture Conversations Podcast! Almost every single founder I've spoken to has their unique why, and story. While this is a condensed version of mine I am elated to share that this season is all about the Female Founders' stories, how in the heck they got to where they are now wrapped up in a couture Couture Conversation. These women this season are a constant stream of inspiration, guidance, support, and there for a glass of wine when it's just needed. I'd say I can't believe I am where I am, but that would be a lie because I worked hard for this. If we don't believe in ourselves, who the heck will?!Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
Are you curious about Conversation Couture? Listen to this one min quick overview of why started, what we offer, and how it benefits you! Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com.
In this episode Olivia gets into the details about an education in fashion and how its falls next to an education in finance. There are many ways those in the finance industry can upskill and educate themselves, but what is out there for those in fashion?! We get into it all in this episode. Want to get started in one of our programs? Explore our courses at ConversationCouture.com
In this episode I discuss how technology in compliment with human to human communication is changing the game on how we understand why we buy! Learning why your customers are buying has never been easier to learn, and the more you know the more you can maximize sales! To learn more about this click HERE.
The Couture Conversation Podcast is back! Happy 2022 Y'all. In this episode I go over the difference between how to easily create a more positive work environment by simply switching around solving a problem, to finding a solution. Too often leaders will say "we have a problem" which instantly will raise heart rates, instead saying "I need your help finding a solution" to create a better and engaged work environment. The most overlooked skills!! Click to listen all about it. As a point of reference this is the program mentioned in this episode: https://conversationcouture.com/product/introductory-package/
In fashion you must stay focused. Dialing back the clock to 2009 in NYC I learned just how different listening and focusing are. When used together they are quite the power house! In this episode I'll go over why its not enough to just listen to drive a sale, and what makes focusing a lot easier.
Traditional Sales training, what a drag am I right?! But, there are ways to entice and captivate sales specialists to enjoy the training, and even more so make it their own that benefits their commission and the companies bottom line. This episode I get into exactly what makes training so much better not just for the people attending but for the brands training them! When a person is encouraged to highlight what makes them, them while selling is where the true magic happens. Enjoy!
When a customer is buying an item online there needs to be enough details shared about the product in order for an informed buying decision to be made. Writing detailed information to share in the description is essential to creating a positive buying experience. But, it is necessary to include information that is similar to the in store buying experience! This episode is all about thinking through what information a customer needs in order to make an informed decision based on the details you share about each item being sold.
Ever say to yourself "I feel like I've seen something similar somewhere!"?! The reality is, you probably have in some capacity. Trends come and go, but it is the journey they take that is so intriguing, and what ends up making history in may cases. Yet, on the way to greatness there are many challenges, such as those copying our work. This episode is all about how the fear of someone copying your work is insane when a mindset shift occurs. Take it from the icon herself, Coco Chanel - Only those with no memory insist on their originality. Click to listen for several insights into why legacy's are built through the couture conversation of imitation.
Pricing plays into our emotions when buying, and dictates how we feel about our purchases. When a person sees a high price tag automatic assumptions are made about it, and when the price is low different assumptions are made. In todays episode I discuss why this matters in the luxury retail industry, and how paying a higher price is justified through communication. Also some hot tips around how educating a customer creates a luxury level experience for them. Click here to learn more about how this is possible on your website
On todays episode I talk about the elegance of simplicity and how it bleeds into so many aspects in life. Keeping things simple, with communication, and how it's so relatable to the luxury fashion industry. Have you ever emailed a CEO and you spent a long time crafting the perfect message for them to reply with a few words or 1 sentence? Me too! This episode I break down why that is, and just because something may look simple, doesn't mean it was simple to create or respond to. The construction of a sentence is just as important as the construction of a seam in a garment. Both are better off when you keep it clean, straight, and to the point.
On todays episode we dive into my personal up-bringing, and feature a man of legacy I called Papa. My Grandfather was one of the most inspiring people in my life, and this episode gets into his impact, wise words, and mentality that I am honored to speak about. This couture conversation dials back in time, and was actually some of the first couture conversations I ever had. He built his life up from nothing, and was the ultimate image of what thriving looks like when you survive well. After most conversations with my grandfather I felt inspired, and I hope you feel similarly when listening to this episode.
Here is the deal y'all we live in a culture of immediate gratification, but when starting any business or going after what I call "sharks" the big boss companies as clients I have to remind myself that it takes a while. Success that is sustainable takes a while to achieve. Sure, you can make a quick payday from a few things but there is such beauty in the long game. In this episode I discuss how imperative it is to play the long game especially when working with clients and customers! Couture takes a long time to create, hit play to get into it now!
We all meet people, but never know just how impactful one person can be. This time hop episode goes into a couture conversation in Italy, about when and where I found my purpose, passion and drive with a few fun stories along the way. When we feel our most free, is when we are able to dream big.
In this episode, Olivia talks about the time she was fired, and how it changed everything for her. There are moments in everyones life where they have a choice to go left or right. While we may not know exactly how we will respond, we have two main ways of responding to being fired, to sulk, or for it to give you a fire inside. She discusses how seeing possibilities rather than restrictions is life changing.
Have you ever been in a situation where you leave and say "wow I wish I would have said X" instead of what actually came out? If so, then this episode is for you. On todays episode I go into the key differences of what reacting vs responding are and how to transition in to a responding mindset. You will leave this episode feeling confident with so many hot tips to try out in your own work setting. And as always several industry stories that keep things interesting.
On today's episode, Olivia is joined by her business partner Emily, who is also her older sister. Emily began her career in education technology back in the 90's or as she says when the internet started, and has since become a serial entrepreneur launching and running several successful companies. Now the sisters run Conversation Couture together. You will leave is episode with SO many hot tips. Emily shares inside market research on several industries, how to diversify in this saturated market. and a plethora more.
On today's episode, Olivia is in Las Vegas at the Smart Retail Technology Exposition! This episode is a recording of her speech at the Expo on Wednesday, introducing a new way to drive sales online by re-focusing on something we already utilize every day: communication. She dives into what inspired her to start her own company, the top 3 reasons why people buy luxury goods, and how luxury retailers need to be adapting in order to survive in this ruthlessly competitive, billion-dollar industry.Connect with Olivia HERE
On today's solo episode, Olivia shares the pivotal moment which changed her perspective and career path with one simple question: Is this sustainable?She dives into the top 3 questions she asks clients when they first start working together, and several questions to ask yourself in order to develop a plan of action...with, of course, the story that came along with it. Her brother Travis makes a short spotlight on this episode that you don't want to miss!Connect with Olivia Here Check out Travis Company HERE!
On today's episode, I am joined by the two creators and owners of KT Winery! These boss women own a winery in Napa, y'all, and are changing the game of how wine is purchased, enjoyed, and celebrated. We break down what it's like embarking on the journey of business ownership at this elite level. Also, I got an exclusive preview of their new line and first product release, Mom Juice!!! These women are making serious waves in the wine industry, and have cultivated a unique and special customer experience. We discuss how they got started, developed this beautiful partnership, what challenges they've faced, and all the juice on what's next for them. You will leave this episode inspired, with entrepreneurial tips on what it takes to get started on making your dream become a reality.Find more on KT Winery HEREFind more on Conversation Couture HERE
On today's episode, I am joined by Jazmine Bolton, the CEO and owner of Body Well Balanced. If you have ever worked on the floor in a retail store, you will truly love, appreciate, and have so many take-aways from this episode. We dive into some hard truths and reality of what goes on behind the scenes at the sales associate/store manager level in order to create a luxury-level experience for customers. Jazmine shares why she started her company, and how the fashion industry played a big role in creating a space for those seeking a healthier mindset and balance in tough situations. You'll leave this episode with many tips from Jazmine on how to gain balance and start in your journey to a healthier lifestyle that works for your unique self and personal goals. To connect with Jazmine Bolton click HERETo connect with Olivia Steele click HERE
Couture in french translates to sewing or dressmaking, however this one little word has taken on a life of its own. An entire billion dollar industry has been built around it, giving a measurement to garments that are not only part of our past, but also what future generations will look to define where we are now. And one generational staple in the couture world was a movie, The Devil Wears Prada. In this episode I talk about my real life Miranda Priestly that I encountered at my first corporate job in fashion, and the hard reality of the imprint someone like her leaves on a person. The two courses mentioned in this episode.Want to learn more about the Haute Couture World? Are you Couture or are you HAUTE Couture?
Rarely do our expectations match reality. The beauty of jumping into something new is that any prior illusion you may have had is blown away by a newfound understanding of how things actually work. Entering the couture fashion world, I was full of preconceived notions of what I thought it would be like. While it did have some of those elements, it was far from the full truth. In this episode, I share my experience entering into the fashion industry and the journey that kickstarted my appreciation for this billion-dollar industry. Something new I am excited to see come to full life are virtual fitting rooms. Check out some new retail tech here.
Welcome to the Couture Conversation Podcast! When done well, the customer only experiences the luxurious side of the luxury retail industry, but the truth is that a lot of blood, sweat, and tears goes into creating that experience behind the scenes. This is all about what it actually takes to create that experience for each customer. We will discuss innovative and strategic ways to engage customers not just in store, but virtually. Industry experts will share their own raw and unfiltered experiences. You'll leave each episode with tips, tricks, and actionable items to implement that will help drive your own success in the luxury retail industry. I'm Olivia Steele, the CEO & President of Conversion Couture. I have a passion for helping people grow their businesses in innovative and customized ways, which led to the creation of my own company, Conversation Couture. Luxury retail is truly one industry where the effort behind the scenes is not often discussed in raw form unless you're actually in the industry and talking to another retail badass. What conversations do those retail warriors have among themselves to create and build an impactful experience for their customers that will keep them coming back for more? Here they are.
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