Small Business Sisters

Get ready to make this holiday season your best yet! On this epsidoe, Jenni and Christina talk about what to do to make your website easy to navigate, attract new customers, and keep customers coming back to buy!   Join us over on instagram at @_smallbusinessisters for more interaction & to find a community of small business women. 

Listen in as Christina tells Jenni about how she saw a need in her community and created sewing workshop camps for kids! We will discuss listening to what your customer is asking for, finding gaps in the market, creating workshops with the skills you have, and how to reevaluate your offerings from time to time.

Listen in as Jenni tells Christina the story of deciding to purchase a refinished camper trailer bar to add to her mobile candle making business! We discuss having big ideas for your small business, making plans to execute them, and navigating fears and doubts. Remember: everything is figureoutable. :)

We are back with some thoughts on life and small business! Listen in as we chat about: -rhythms that help us in the wintertime -tips for the introvert and extrovert running their small business -some motherhood and life after death musings -re-examining how we think about social media -our thoughts on Temu -and most importantly, our thoughts on Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift :) As always, we love to hear from you! Reach out on instagram @_smallbusinesssisters if there's something you'd like us to discuss.

In this episode, join us as we delve into the world of "The Pop Loft," a charming balloon & flower shop that recently celebrated its first year in business. You might remember the owner, Sam, when she was a guest in Episode 36 telling us about her dream to open the brick-and-mortar shop in Paxton, IL. Listen in as Sam, Jenni, and Christina discuss exploring the highs, lows, and pivotal moments defining the shop's inaugural year. As the narrative unfolds, listeners gain a front-row seat to the lessons learned, the unexpected surprises, and the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving business landscape. We all share our experiences of learning to pivot gracefully, navigating unforeseen challenges, and turning setbacks into opportunities. Tune in to hear firsthand accounts of creative marketing strategies, community engagement, and the resilience required to establish a flourishing business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a flower enthusiast, or simply love tales of growth and transformation, this episode is sure to inspire and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and determination that blooms within the heart of a small business. You can find The Pop Loft on Instagram and Facebook @thepoploft and at www.thepoploft.com

In this episode of Small Business Sisters, we're unveiling the radiant world of skincare as we follow an esthetician's extraordinary journey from spa treatments to creating her own skincare line that's taking the beauty industry by storm. Join your hosts, Christina and Jenni, as they talk with Chanla of Chanla Chau Cosmetics. Embark on an illuminating adventure through the world of serums, creams, and the art of making people look and feel their best. Chanla brings a sense of calm to every morning and night with indulgent and plant-based skincare made weekly in small batches using her esthetician background. Prepare to be inspired by the incredible story of a spa specialist who went from pampering clients to creating products that bring the spa experience to homes all over the world! You can find Chanla at www.chanlachaucosmetics.com and @chanla.chau.cosmetics

In this episode of Small Business Sisters, we take a deep dive into the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and uncover the essential strategies that can help your small business rise to the top of search engine results. Whether you're a local bakery, a boutique clothing store, or a family-owned service provider, SEO is the key to increasing your online visibility and attracting more customers. Christina and Jenni are joined by SEO expert Mariah Magazine, who shares her wealth of knowledge and practical insights into SEO tailored specifically for small businesses. Mariah helps us explore the fundamental aspects of SEO, unravel the mysteries of search engine algorithms, and offer tips and tricks to boost your online presence. During this episode, you'll learn about: Keyword Research On-Page SEO v Off-Page SEO Link Building Content Creation and more Mariah is an award-winning Organic SEO Consultant for online business owners over at MariahMagazine.com. She's a firm believer that showing up on Google and marketing your business doesn't have to be as difficult & overwhelming as everyone makes it. With 7+ years of experience as an entrepreneur in the online & digital marketing space, she's helped over 100+ clients get their websites found on Google by implementing a strategy that feels both doable AND aligned. You can find her at: https://www.mariahmagazine.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/MariahMagazine and https://www.instagram.com/mariahmagazineco/

In this episode of Small Business Sisters, we dive deep into the fascinating world of branding, design, and social media, exploring how these elements intersect to shape the way we perceive and connect with businesses, products, and individuals. But a brand is only as powerful as the story it tells and the audience it reaches. Ellyn Theis from Start Something Studio, an expert in branding and design, joins us to share insights on how to create a visual narrative that resonates with your target audience. We explore the importance of consistent design elements in establishing brand recognition and trust. Join Christina, Jenni, and Ellyn as they unravel the intricate web of branding and design, dissecting what it takes to create a memorable and impactful brand identity. From logos to color schemes, typography, and beyond, they discuss the elements that go into crafting a compelling brand presence. You can find more about Ellyn and the services she offers at https://startsomething.studio and on Instagram and Facebook @startsomething.studio

In the world of small business, change is not just a possibility; it's a constant. Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the metaphorical seasons that every small business owner experiences and how to navigate them effectively. Just like nature goes through cycles, so does your business. Christina and Jenni share their personal real-time journey over these last several weeks. Together, we delve into the various seasons that small businesses often encounter, from the sunny days of growth and success to the stormy periods of challenges and uncertainty.

The holiday season is the most important time of year for retail businesses. In quarter 4, you can make a big chunk of your annual sales. But how do you ensure you're prepared to take advantage of this opportunity? In this episode, we'll discuss the top things you must do to prep for quarter 4. We'll cover everything from inventory management to planning strategies. Listen now to learn how to make the most of the holiday season!

In this weeks episode we have our youngest sister, Ellie, on and it was the best! We talk about all of our favorite parts of the Barbie movie and then we talk to Jenni all about taking her first baby to college this week! Just a few disclaimers. 1. We have spoilers for Barbie, so if you haven't seen it yet and don't want spoilers, wait to listen! 2. We swear a few times in our talk, so if you'd rather not hear that, listen to a different one of our episodes.  Join us as we talk about the challenges and rewards of motherhood, the importance of women's empowerment, and how to stay strong and independent as a woman.

Christina formed BackPocketSocial.Co several years ago to help small businesses grow their businesses through social media. She is taking us on a deep dive today into social media planning! She will share her insights and tips on how to use social media to reach your target audience, build relationships with customers, and drive sales.

Do you have a hobby that you love so much that you could see yourself doing it for a living? Or maybe you're already running a small business, but you're starting to wonder if it's time to scale back and focus on your hobby again. In this episode, we'll talk about the signs that it's time to make the move from hobby to business (or vice versa). We'll also discuss the pros and cons of each approach, so you can make the best decision for your unique situation. Christina and Jenni both have turned their hobbies into thriving businesses. And Christina has decided to go back to her full-time job and run her business as more of a hobby again. They will share their insights on the challenges and rewards of running a business based on your passion, and offer advice on how to make the transition from hobby to business (and vice versa) successfully.  

In this episode of the podcast, we'll talk about how to sell wholesale on a marketplace site like Faire. We'll discuss the benefits of selling wholesale, setting up your wholesale account, and getting your products in front of retailers. After growing her wholesale organically the last few years, Jenni recently decided to launch on Faire and she will share her tips and advice! For more info about getting on Faire: https://www.faire.com/apply/illuminatespace

Do you have a mission statement for your small business? If not, you're missing out on a valuable tool that can help you stay focused, make better decisions, and connect with your customers on a deeper level. In this episode, we'll discuss a mission statement, why it's important, and how to write an effective one. Also: find out about our new Patreon Community and how to join!

In this episode, we'll discuss the benefits of giving back to your community through gifts and donations, and how to do it in a way that is both meaningful and sustainable for your small business. It is okay (and necessary!) to set boundaries around this. There are many different ways to give back to your community, so you can find a way that fits your business's values and budget.

We brought back one of our favorites for this episode: Miranda from Marketing for the Uninhibited! In this episode, we'll discuss how to market your business in the slower months. We'll cover topics like: How to identify your target audience during slow seasons How to create content that resonates with your audience during slow seasons How to use social media to reach new customers during slow seasons How to pivot your business when needed If you're struggling with marketing your business in the slower months, listen to this episode for some helpful tips. You can find out more about Marketing for Uninhibited on instagram @marketinguninhibited or online at https://marketinguninhibited.com/

Starting a small business is a big undertaking. There are so many things to think about, from marketing and sales to customer service and accounting. It's no wonder that so many small businesses fail. In this episode, we'll share some of the things we wish we knew before we started our own small businesses. We'll cover topics like: How to set realistic expectations How to find the right target market How to manage your time effectively How to deal with the inevitable challenges If you're thinking about starting your own small business, this episode is for you. We hope you'll find our insights helpful as you embark on this exciting journey!

Are you a small business owner struggling to find enough hours in the day? Do you often feel overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists and competing priorities? In this episode, Jenni and Christina chat all about the crucial topic of time management specifically tailored for small business owners in the summertime.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home and your mind? If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with feeling like they can never get ahead of the mess. But it doesn't have to be this way. In this episode, we'll talk to life coach, Leslie Alder, who specializes in helping women declutter their homes and minds. She'll share her tips on how to get started, how to stay motivated, and how to create a lasting change. You can find Leslie Alder on Instagram @lesliealdercoach and www.lesliealder.com

Looking to launch your product in a creative storefront, but not sure when the best time is? Tune in to this episode of our podcast where we dive into the key factors to consider when timing your product launch. We'll discuss in real-time creative ways to launch new prints & products in ways that are conducive to your customers and your platform. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing professional, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation on launching your product in a creative way that fits your brand.

Running a small business can be a lot of work, but it's also incredibly rewarding. If you want to grow your business and achieve your goals, it's important to have a plan in place. In this podcast episode, Christina and Jenni walk you through the daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly actions we each take to keep business running smoothly and successfully.  

Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. There will be times when you feel stuck like you're not making any progress or that you're not reaching your goals. If you're feeling this way, don't worry - you're not alone. In this episode, we'll discuss some common reasons why small business owners feel stuck, and we'll offer some tips on how to overcome these challenges and how to get unstuck and move your business forward.

Surprise! Christina lost her voice this week, so Jenni asked our youngest sister, Ellie, to step in as co-host! You might remember Ellie from Episode 14 where she shares her story of life in Corporate America. We share some memories growing up as sisters, and there was LOTS of laughter. After we get past those shenanigans, we discuss the importance of having a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). We also walk you through each step to get it set up. It is super easy and you can do it today! We'll cover what Google Business Profile is, how it works, and why it's important for your business. We'll also provide some tips on how to optimize your Google Business Profile for maximum visibility.

Ultimately, we want people to talk about us and our business, right? But what about when it's not talked about the way we want? Or when we hear stories about us that are untrue? Listen in as Christina and Jenni debrief a real-life situation and how we work through the emotional process and what it has to teach us.

Welcome to this episode where we explore the world of online shopping platforms. Whether you're a small business owner or a creative entrepreneur, you have likely heard of Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce. These platforms offer a variety of features that make it easier to start and grow an online business. First, we will dive into Etsy, a popular marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Next, we'll explore Shopify, a comprehensive e-commerce platform that enables businesses to create a professional-looking online store. Finally, we'll delve into WooCommerce, an open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress. Throughout the episode, we'll discuss the pros and cons of each platform, as well as the fees and costs associated with using them. Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch to a new platform, this episode will provide valuable insights into using Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce to build and grow your online business.

Your Instagram bio is one of the first things your followers will see when they visit your profile. So, it's important to make sure that your bio is catchy, interesting, and engaging.    Luckily, writing a great Instagram bio is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, it can be quite fun! Join us in this episode as we discuss a few tips to help you write an Instagram bio that captivates your followers.   Remember, your Instagram bio should reflect your brand or personality and make a lasting impression on your followers. So take some time to craft a bio that truly represents you and your brand, and watch your followers grow!

Christina is on Spring Break, so this week we're bringing you one of our most popular episodes: Creating a Business Budget! As a small business owner, creating a budget is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the financial success of your business. A budget helps you plan your expenses and manage your cash flow, allowing you to make informed decisions about your business's financial future. In this episode, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a budget for your small business. We will cover topics such as:  • Understanding your business's revenue and expenses  • Creating a budgeting timeline  • Setting financial goals and objectives • Identifying and prioritizing expenses  • Anticipating unexpected expenses and creating a contingency plan  • Tracking your budget and making adjustments as needed

Join us for real talk as we discuss what is really going on in our businesses this week. Don't do small business life alone; we are better together. What is going well in your business? What are you struggling with in your business? What is a new thing you're learning? What is giving you life right now (or helping you avoid burnout)? What is your favorite app for your business right now?

Email marketing is one of the top ways to drive sales in your small business, but we often get overwhelmed. Join our conversation with copywriter, Megan Smyth, as she explains why every small business needs an email list and how to create newsletters your audience actually wants to read. Follow Megan Smyth Creative on Instagram: @copybymeg or at www.megansmyth.com. Through her in-depth research process and pull-no-punches consulting, she helps visionary entrepreneurs tell their stories, drive revenue, and make a positive impact–without unethical business practices or sleazy sales tactics.

From time to time, you'll see us post the question box in our Instagram stories where you can ask us anything. In this episode, we give our perspectives on all the recent questions you've asked. If you have a question you'd like us to talk about, be sure to send us a message!

Do you struggle with setting goals for you business (and sticking to them)? What do you do when your goals shift or evolve? And how do you show up as authentically you when you're in a saturated market? Join us as we discuss all the tools we use to set goals and stay in our lane, no matter what every one else is doing.

We were so excited to chat with Chelsie from House of Ivy- a fellow maker that said she used our pricing episode to update her offerings! We got so much out of our conversation with her including knowing how to price your worth, how to let your business goals evolve, and how to take the next right step no matter where you are. You can find House of Ivy handpoured concrete goods online at https://houseofivy.shop and on Instagram @houseofivy.shop

One of the things we get asked MOST about from you all is all things numbers/accounting/bookkeeping/budgets. All those fun things. :) In this episode we ask Jamie, a professional Bookkeeper, all these questions. Jamie Pridmore Bookkeeping offers modern bookkeeping for the creative entrepreneur, allowing you to focus on your creativity while she focuses on your financial power and growth. You can find Jamie Pridmore Bookkeeping at www.jamiepridmore.co and on instagram @Jpridmore_bookkeepingmom

This is Part 2 of our 2-part conversation with Carolyn from @periodwellness on Instagram. Carolyn is on a mission to get menstrual health education & advocacy everywhere; in a way that's rooted in community and culture. We ask Carolyn all the questions you sent in about period health!

This is Part 1 of our 2-part conversation with Carolyn from @periodwellness on Instagram. Carolyn is on a mission to get menstrual health education & advocacy everywhere; in a way that's rooted in community and culture. Join us next week as we ask Carolyn all the questions you sent in about period health!

Join us as we talk with Christina Kaye of Book Boss Academy. Christina teaches aspiring and struggling authors how to write their best possible book, publish it themselves, and kickstart their dream writing career! In this episode, we talk about how all small business owners can bring creative writing to their target market, and why showing up as your true authentic self is so important. Find more about Christina at https://www.bookbossacademy.com and follow her on TikTok and Instagram: @bookbossofficial

We are back for Season 2 of Small Business Sisters! In this episode, we discuss things we work on in the slower seasons of our businesses. You'll hear us mention The Big Ass Goals Workshop from Marketing for the Uninhibited. You can sign up here: https://marketinguninhibited.thrivecart.com/big-ass-goal-workshop-jan23/ 

A special release! We missed you, so we just wanted to pause and say hey. We are thinking of you and sending you lots of love and peace as we wrap up our businesses in 2022. Plus, we have some special messages to share from several of our podcast guests this year. Happy Holidays, Sisters!

A local paper to Christina, the Liberty Hill Independent, is featuring small businesses all of October. They asked if they could interview us for their October issue and we said absolutely! Hear us chat about how our podcast came about, what we'd like to see in the future of our podcast, and what our most favorite parts of doing the podcast! Look for our interview to be published sometime this October! Thank you Liberty Hill Independent for being such an advocate for small business owners!

Join Jenni & Christina as they do a weekly check-in about practical ways to care about themselves this week.  It's necessary to check-in with yourself as you mom, work, run a business, be a friend, etc! We hope you enjoy our check-in and we hope you do it too! You can find the check-in posted on our instagram!

One of the things we get asked most about it doing popups and markets! In this episode we share our experiences and some things we've learned along the way to have a successful market.

As we gear up for busy holiday season in our handmade small businesses, we compiled some practical tips that we have learned along the way. Things like cutoff dates, order fulfillment systems, and boundaries. Listen to Episode 13, Holiday Prep, for more!

We are so excited about this episode! You've heard our convos with each of these guests individually, and in this episode we brought them all together to hear their wisdom about caring for ourselves during the holidays. Not only as a small business owner, but our whole personhood. We discuss how to set boundaries in our business, in our extended families, and reframing what we think the holidays should look like. We hope it is as helpful to you as it was to us! Our Panel: Letitia Holden: Austin Pop Up Retreats- Tish creates retreats targeted at women who need a day to reset and give back to themselves. @Austinpopupretreats Tammy Helfrich: Tammy Helfrich Coaching- Tammy is a Life Coach who helps women learn to be more intentional and create a life they actually want. She is passionate about helping women learn to be more fully themselves, decide on purpose what works for them, and live unapologetically. She hosts a podcast called Intentional Life and is the author of the book, Unapologetic. www.TammyHelfrich.com @tammyhelfrichcoaching Amy Jackson: The Perch- The Perch helps people rest, find peace, and experience transformation through yoga classes, hands on workshops, self care retreats, and mindfulness products. www.theperchplace.com @theperchplace

In this episode we talk with Lauren Weinberg and Julie Kuney of Finery & Cake: a mother/daughter team that have combined their two passions- baking and interior design- to open a brick and mortar shop in Lakeway, TX. Finery & Cake will offer home decor, gifts, wine, and desserts! They are right in the thick of opening a brick and mortar- and it has been a long journey. They share candidly about the process of leasing, contractors, permits, pressing through the hard, overcoming doubt and comparing their journey to others. We also hear what it has been like to build a family business! You can find Lauren and Julie at www.fineryandcake.com and on instagram: @fineryandcake.

This week we talked with Morgan Clopton of Ebon Hawk Armory and Morgan Clopton Designs. Morgan owned a bakery business in college but ultimately changed her major to education because she's so passionate about kids. Fast forward a few years and now she runs a handcrafted lightsaber business with her husband while teaching Elementary School. You can find @ebonhawkarmory on instagram at  www.ebonhawkarmory.com and on Etsy.

In this episode we chat with Squarespace Web Designer, Sarah Busse from Magdalene Design Co. Sarah helps small business owners grow their business with strategic, beautiful websites. We are grateful for all the insight she shared with us including website strategy for your homepage, about page, and landing page. You can out more at Magdalenedesignco.com and find her @magdalenedesignco on Instagram and Pinterest.

As we enter into back to school season, we brought on a seasoned teacher, Halie Bradshaw. In this episode we talk about how teaching has brought Halie joy the last several years and how this past year brought a pivot for her. We chat about the growth of her teacher instagram account, @abcswithmissb, that has become a place where teachers can resonate with each other, all while getting inspiration for their teaching careers. We talk about leaving her teaching career and we we hope for incoming teachers. It was a beautiful conversation and we hope all the teachers out there feel loved, appreciated, and inspired!

In this episode we chat with Sarah Antonio from Wild Things Adventures- a small batch leather goods business. Not only does she run her small business but Sarah is a homeschooling mama to eight amazing kids! She strives to design and create beautiful, high quality leather goods to withstand your wildest adventuring. You can find out more at www.wildthingsadventure.com

In this episode we bring back friend of the podcast, Leslie Alder. We discuss how the roles of women have evolved over the years in work life and home life. We share our experiences with the pressure we put on ourselves to "do everything right" and is there really such a thing? You can find out more about Leslie at https://lesliealder.com.

In this episode, Christina and her brick and mortar business partner, Melissa talk about the last 3 years of Wildflower Republic and what's next in their journey.