Podcasts about boutique hub

As we head into 2026, one thing is clear - the gap between average retailers and top performers is widening — and it has nothing to do with effort. In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley Alderson breaks down what the top 10% of retailers do differently right now, and why those decisions are positioning them to grow and scale while others feel stuck. Hard work isn't the issue. Strategy is. Ashley shares the four key differences separating high-performing retailers from those struggling to gain traction — and how you can start applying these shifts immediately as you plan for the year ahead. You'll learn: How building systems before you need them changes everything Why top retailers operate like CEOs — not reactive entrepreneurs What it really means to use AI as a strategic partner (not a shortcut) Why customer retention is outperforming reach and visibility The retailers winning in 2026 aren't guessing. They're operating with clarity, data, and intention — and you can too.  

As we close out the year and head into a new one, it's time to get honest. Most businesses won't fail in 2026 because of the economy — they'll fail because they're still operating like it's 2019. In today's Five Minute Friday, I'm breaking down the four biggest mistakes I saw retailers make over the last year — mistakes that are quietly costing you time, money, margin, and momentum. If your business feels busy but not profitable, chances are one (or more) of these is holding you back. You'll learn: What winning retailers will do differently in 2026 The shift from "pretty branding" to real customer relationships How ignoring cash flow and margin creates long-term stress Why underutilizing AI and automation is no longer an option  The dangerous gap between sales and actual profitability  

In this Five Minute Friday, Samantha Conner continues our market conversation by diving into the actual product trends hitting trade show floors right now — and more importantly, how they apply across every retail category. From apparel to home + gift, children's, and even western, today's trends are crossing categories faster than ever. You'll learn: The bold color trends coming for 2026 The rise of faster trend cycles (every 8–10 weeks) and how to keep up without overbuying How cost-per-wear and cost-per-use are driving smarter buying decisions How pop culture moments are shaping what customers want next Why quiet luxury is fading and maximalist, personality-driven style is back   

Retail buying doesn't have to be overwhelming—or lonely. This week, Ashley sits down with Angela Schmook (Roadrunners, Reps Are Local Too) and Kelly Bristol (Just Gotta Have It, GHTA leader) to reveal why your local sales reps might be the most powerful, underused resource in your business. Fresh from the GHTA Conference in Park City, they break down how reps support retailers far beyond taking orders: helping with events, securing promos and exclusives, spotting local trends, and giving you insider knowledge you'll never get from ordering online. They also unpack the shift toward lifestyle retail—where home, gift, and apparel collide—and how to approach markets with confidence, even if you've never stepped inside a showroom before. You'll learn: What reps really do and why working with one is free How reps help you buy smarter, plan better, and spot trends early How showrooms actually work (and why you shouldn't feel intimidated) Why home, gift, and apparel are merging into lifestyle retail How to prepare for January markets and build stronger vendor relationships   

Today, Samantha Conner kicks off a two-part Five Minute Friday series breaking down the lifeblood of every retail business: inventory. And to understand inventory, we're taking it all the way back to where it begins — trade shows and markets. In Part 1, Samantha uncovers the biggest 2026 trade show trends every retailer needs to know, whether you're selling apparel, home and gift, children's, western, or anything in between. With over 25 shows attended last year, The Boutique Hub team has a front-row seat to what's changing — and how you can plan smarter. You'll learn: Why there are more trade shows than ever and what that means for you The rise of niche markets and how they can serve your business How major shows are leveling up with education, activations, and immersive experiences What retailers should consider when deciding which shows to attend Why inspiration at market is becoming just as important as the product itself  

What if 2026 could be the year you finally stop spinning your wheels and actually run your boutique like a CEO? In this episode, Ashley sits down with "Retail Professor" and denim twin, Sara Burks, to unpack their biggest retail predictions for 2026—from AI and Meta's new Andromeda algorithm to niching down, live selling, and building a content engine that actually works. Ashley and Sara share what they're seeing across thousands of boutiques, what's changing fast, and how the most successful store owners are planning now for a more profitable, peaceful year ahead. They'll also walk you through what to expect inside the Best Year Yet Challenge, happening January 6–8. You'll learn: Why AI is no longer optional—and how smart retailers are using it in every part of their business What Meta's new Andromeda algorithm means for your content, reach, and ad strategy How live selling and video can humanize your brand and deepen customer loyalty in 2026 How the Best Year Yet Challenge helps you map real strategy (not just wishful goals) for profit and peace all year long Why niching down is the only way to stand out, charge more, and build true brand authority Join the Best Year Yet Challenge - January 6–8 — three days of live Zoom sessions with Ashley, Sara, Jeff, and the Boutique Hub team  Best Year Yet Join The Boutique Hub  ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

Great visual merchandising doesn't just look pretty — it sells. In today's episode, Director of Partnerships & Education, Sara Burks shares how great merchandising goes far beyond pretty displays. It creates emotion, inspires discovery, increases average order value, and helps customers see themselves in your products. She breaks down how to design purpose-driven zones in your store, use lighting and height to influence buying behavior, and create an environment that keeps customers coming back again and again. You'll learn: How storytelling transforms the merchandising experience Simple in-store mistakes that lower your product's perceived value How to design purpose-driven zones that guide customers naturally Why lighting, height, textures & mirrors dramatically increase engagement How to create a store layout that reduces confusion and increases confidence  

Why is live selling exploding — and why does every retailer need to be doing it? In this Five Minute Friday, Sara Burks dives into one of the biggest shifts happening in retail right now — live selling. Live selling is becoming one of the most powerful ways to build trust, increase conversions, and reach more customers without adding more hours to your day. So, whether you're nervous to be on camera, unsure where to start, or convinced no one will watch — this episode will show you why going live is no longer optional for small retailers who want to grow. You'll learn: Common fears (camera, time, confidence) and how to get past them A simple, no-fuss Live Selling Starter Plan How to create themes customers actually care about How platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and CommentSold prioritize live content The long-term benefits: authority, loyalty, engagement, and repeat buyers

Today Ashley dives into one of her favorite phrases — "Only a tracked number grows." If you've ever felt like you're posting on social media without seeing results, this episode breaks down exactly what numbers to track, how to measure them, and how to get your team on the same page heading into the new year. Ashley shares how The Boutique Hub tracks every post, follower, engagement, and conversion across all channels, and how you can do the same using your Retail Planner's tracking sheets. Whether you're managing your own social media or leading a team, you'll learn how to stop guessing and start growing. You'll learn: The key social media numbers that drive growth How to use your planner to track engagement, traffic, and sales Why "posting" isn't a goal — but conversions are How tracking leads to smarter marketing and stronger sales  

I've been part of The Boutique Hub for more than five years, and I was so excited to welcome its founder, Ashley Alderson, to the Launch Your Box Podcast. Ashley started The Boutique Hub in 2013 to give small business owners a place to connect, learn, and grow together. Today, the Hub supports more than 100,000 small businesses. What Loyalty Really Looks Like When I asked Ashley what customer loyalty actually looks like, she didn't hesitate. It's all about building community. People want to buy from people. The more your customers feel connected to you and your brand, the more loyal they become. Ashley shared her team's approach to content creation, something she calls the VAVA Method. Viral: Is it relatable enough that someone would click, like, share, or comment? Authentic: Does it sound like a real person said it? Value: Does it help your audience by saving them time, solving a problem, or making their day better? Aspirational: Does it make them feel like they're becoming a better version of themselves? When you're running a product-based business, you can't just sell all the time. Ashley says that at any given moment, about 90% of your audience isn't ready to buy, so you need to nurture them with community-building content. Ashley suggests ratio of two-thirds soft-sell, one-third direct-sell. Sales Is a Noble Process Ashley reminded us that selling is about serving. When you connect with your audience, help them solve problems, and make their lives a little better, that's a noble thing. As subscription box owners, we have to be attached to that outcome for our subscribers. We start by building community, then we serve that community, and then we sell to that community. That's servant leadership in action. How to Build Loyalty That Lasts Ashley shared that true loyalty comes from creating an emotional reaction. Everything, from your community and marketing to post-purchase experiences, should make your customers feel something. Your subscribers should always believe the value of your box is greater than its price. As Ashley likes to say, “Cheap ain't loyal.” Be the face of your brand. Let people see you. Because at the end of the day, people want to buy from people. The Six Layers of a Sustainable Business Ashley broke down the six layers every business needs to build a strong foundation: Operations and Brand Profits and Profitability Team Sales Strategy Content Strategy Social Media Each layer works together to create a business that's stable, scalable, and ready for long-term success. The Future of Small Business Ashley sees a shift happening, away from isolation and scrolling, and back toward real human connection. People are craving community, conversation, and relationships again. And that's great news for subscription box owners, because community is what we do best. Take Action Spend time this week building connection with your audience. Share something that's relatable, real, and valuable - something that reminds your followers there's a person behind your brand. Join me for this episode with Ashley Alderson of The Boutique Hub to learn how to build loyalty through community and content that connects. Where to find Ashley:  The Boutique Hub on Facebook The Boutique Hub on Instagram The Boutique Hub Website  Join me in all the places:     Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're answering another frequently asked question from retailers and small business owners: How much inventory should I really have on hand? It's one of the biggest challenges boutique owners face—and getting it wrong can tie up your cash flow, leave you with dead stock, or cost you sales when you don't have enough on the floor. In this episode, Sarah from The Boutique Hub breaks down the science of buying inventory using an Open to Buy Plan, so you can stop guessing and start investing wisely.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're answering another frequently asked question from retailers and small business owners: What's the difference between a sale and a promotion? It's one of the most common points of confusion in retail—and getting it wrong could be costing your business profit. In this episode, Sarah from The Boutique Hub explains how to tell the difference, when to use each strategy, and how to protect your margins while driving customer engagement.

We're shifting our focus to your online presence by highlighting one of the most overlooked parts of running a retail business: your website health check. Your website isn't “set it and forget it.” Just like your inventory or sales floor, it needs regular maintenance to keep customers engaged, build trust, and avoid costly mistakes like broken links or checkout issues. A simple monthly checklist can save you from losing sales and help your brand look polished and professional.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're answering one of the most asked questions inside the Boutique Hub: How do I go live and sell? If you've been nervous about starting live selling, or you're not sure where to begin, this episode gives you the confidence and tools to just start. Live selling is one of the fastest ways to grow your boutique sales, engage your customers, and create urgency online.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're continuing our Know Your Numbers series by breaking down another retail metrics—your turn—and how it directly impacts your cash flow and profit. If you've ever had great margins on paper but no cash in the bank, this episode will show you how to calculate your turn, understand how quickly your inventory “spoils,” and apply strategies to move product faster so you can keep money flowing through your business.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're continuing our Know Your Numbers series by showing you how to find the most important retail metrics inside your POS, financial reports, and analytics tools. Before you can improve your numbers, you need to know where to find them. This episode gives you the step-by-step to locate data like inventory, markdowns, traffic, and sales—so you can confidently apply the formulas that drive profit.

Get ready to meet Dane Cohen, the newest member of The Boutique Hub team, whose retail roots run deep! Growing up in his family's store, Lester's, a Brooklyn-based business that blossomed from a 500-square-foot shop into a specialty department store, Dane shares how those early experiences shaped his perspective on community, business, and what it really takes to succeed in retail. In this episode, he dives into the lessons learned behind the register and how he's bringing that same passion and insight to the Hub. Resources:  Dane Cohen:  LinkedIn Join The Boutique Hub     Ashley Alderson: Instagram     The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're continuing our Know Your Numbers series by highlighting one of the most powerful tools in your retail business: conversion rate. Your conversion rate isn't just a performance stat—it's your daily truth teller. When you track it consistently, it helps you identify whether you need more traffic or better in-store or online performance to grow your sales.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're continuing our Know Your Numbers series by unpacking one of the most overlooked but critical metrics in retail: Initial Markup (IMU). Your IMU isn't just a pricing formula—it's your profit ceiling. And if you're not tracking it monthly, you could be limiting your growth without even realizing it.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're kicking off our Know Your Numbers series by diving into two of the most important numbers every boutique owner should track daily: Average Order Value (AOV) and Units Per Transaction (UPT). These simple but powerful retail metrics offer a clear path to more revenue, better team training, and a stronger customer experience—without needing more foot traffic or major changes to your business.

This Five Minute Friday hits close to home. Ashley shares the raw, real side of what it feels like to hear those words: “Mom, you're always working.” Whether it's coming from your kids, your spouse, or even extended family, that statement can carry a heavy dose of guilt, frustration, and burnout. Ashley opens up about her own experience building The Boutique Hub while navigating the pressures of being a present wife, mom, and leader. If you're feeling stretched too thin, this episode offers both comfort and strategy. You'll walk away with a new mindset—and tools—to create better boundaries, reclaim your time, and focus on what really matters. What You'll Learn: Why “busy” isn't always effective and how to shift toward structure The power of creating a smaller “plate” for your time and energy How to use theme days, time blocking, and boundaries to avoid burnout The difference between income-generating tasks and just being busy Why real CEOs manage time differently and how you can too   Join The Boutique Hub Community Follow Ashley on Instagram 

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley is getting real about the numbers that actually drive growth in your business. It's not just about sales—because sales are a lagging indicator. If you want to grow, you need to start tracking the leading metrics that influence your results before they show up in your bank account. Ashley shares what she's learned from implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how having a weekly company scorecard has been a game changer for The Boutique Hub. If you're ready to lead your business like a true CEO, this episode is your starting point. What You'll Learn: Why tracking the right numbers matters more than chasing sales The difference between lagging and leading indicators The key metrics every retail scorecard should include: Average Order Value Conversion Rate Traffic Goals Inventory Aging + On Order How to empower your team by sharing the scoreboard What business owners can learn from coaching a sports team   Traction: Gino Wickman Free Retail Traffic Calculator Join The Boutique Hub Community Follow Ashley on Instagram

Running a product-based biz and feeling stuck on what to post? This episode is your cozy permission slip to simplify, get strategic, and actually have fun with your content again.Ashley Alderson — founder of The Boutique Hub and retail marketing genius — breaks down her 6 essential content buckets that every physical product seller should be using. Whether you're selling handmade jewelry on IG or running a full-scale boutique, this convo will help you market like a human (not just a store).Hit Play Now to Hear:✸ Why live video works (even if it feels scary and awkward)✸ The real reason to create a personal brand as a product-based biz✸ How to sell without sounding salesy — hint: storytelling is everything✸ The difference between new vs. aged product content (and why it matters)✸ What “collections” are and how they can make your offers way more relevant✸ How Target is lowkey winning at emotional marketing (and what we can steal from them)Connect with Ashley: Website: https://theboutiquehub.com Instagram: @theboutiquehub Ashley's IG: @ajalderson

In this personal and honest Five Minute Friday, Ashley opens up about the behind-the-scenes reality of growing a business while navigating the emotions, expectations, and communication struggles that can come up with your spouse or partner. If you've ever felt like your spouse just doesn't get your business or you've clashed over money, time, or what success should look like, this episode is for you. Ashley shares her own experience building The Boutique Hub while married to someone with a totally different mindset, and how they learned to meet in the middle. This episode offers encouragement and actionable tools to help you turn tension into teamwork, so you both feel confident in where your business is headed. What You'll Learn: Why creatives and analytical thinkers often clash in business conversations The one thing most partners are really looking for (hint: it's not control) How to create a clear plan to cover the gap between where you are and where you want to be Tools to build trust and clarity in your relationship: Retail Traffic Formula Weekly scorecards and metrics Personal accountability plans   Free Retail Traffic Calculator  Join The Boutique Hub Community Follow Ashley on Instagram 

Ready to make smarter inventory decisions? In this episode of Boutique Chat, we're joined by our very own Samantha Conner, Director of Wholesale at The Boutique Hub, to break down the pros, cons, and strategies behind shopping in-person at market vs. buying online through platforms like Hubventory. We're sharing how to prep like a pro, use tools like the Boutique Hub's market must-see lists, and build brand relationships that fuel long-term success.  Resources: Samantha Conner: LinkedIn |  Instagram Boutique Summit 2025  Retail Bootcamp  2025 Boutique Boss Planner  Join The Boutique Hub Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Are you feeling like you're working double-time trying to find more customers... but still not making the sales you want? You're not alone. In today's episode, Sara, Director of Education at The Boutique Hub breaks down the #1 thing you need to focus on to attract customers who actually buy (and come back for more). Spoiler alert: it's not about doing more, it's about narrowing your focus and getting crystal clear on who you're trying to serve. Sara walks you through a few quick questions you can answer today that will help you build a loyal customer base, buy smarter at market, and stop wasting money on inventory that doesn't sell. If you're ready to attract the right customers, this episode is a must-listen! What You'll Learn: Why “trying to reach everyone” is hurting your boutique The 5 key questions to define your ideal customer How to use your customer profile to shop smarter at market What happens when you stay true to your niche Simple steps to build customer loyalty (without burning out) Bonus Tip: Before your next buying trip or wholesale order, walk through this simple exercise to make sure you're buying for your real customer, not just for yourself. Your future sales (and bank account) will thank you!   Want more education like this?  JOIN THE BOUTIQUE HUB RETAIL BOOTCAMP 

In today's episode, Sara Burks, Director of Education at The Boutique Hub, breaks down one of the most important concepts every boutique owner must understand: Wholesale buying isn't shopping — it's investing. Buying inventory is about making smart, intentional decisions to meet your customers' needs and create profit, not just picking what you personally like. Sara walks through six essential tips to help you buy wholesale with confidence and strategy. Key Takeaways: Wholesale Buying = Investing: It's not about filling your cart with cute things — it's about solving your customers' problems and maximizing your return on investment. Tip 1: Know Your Customer You're not buying for yourself — you're investing for them. Conduct customer interviews to find out their true needs, fit preferences, colors they love, and the problems they need solved. Tip 2: Understand Your Buying Options Explore both online marketplaces (like Hubventory, Faire, FashionGo, LA Showroom) and in-person markets (Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, LA, Las Vegas, New York). In-person shopping sparks creativity and allows you to touch, feel, and truly experience products. Tip 3: Learn Vendor Sizing Vendor sizing can vary dramatically. Knowing how different vendors size their items ensures a better experience for your customers and fewer returns. Tip 4: Understand Prepacks Most wholesalers sell items in prepacks (e.g., 2 smalls, 2 mediums, 2 larges). Choose vendors whose prepack options align with the sizes your customers actually need. Tip 5: Be Aware of Minimums Every vendor has minimum order requirements — in dollars or quantity. Be smart: don't bust your budget for a single sweater you love if it doesn't make sense for your store overall. Tip 6: Price With Profit in Mind Always decide what your customer would pay before you look at the wholesale price. Avoid limiting your potential profit by focusing too soon on wholesale costs. Biggest Tip: Don't trap yourself in a pricing bubble. Think like an investor first: What will your customer happily pay, and does the wholesale cost give you the profit margin you need?   Shop Wholesale on Hubventory Join The Boutique Hub Community 

In this episode, Emily from Supermoon dives into the key strategies for delivering exceptional customer service. With insights gathered from interviewing hundreds of support agents, she shares three game-changing ways to streamline support, reduce friction for customers, and leverage AI to improve efficiency. Whether you're a small business owner, a customer support professional, or just looking for ways to enhance your customer experience, these tips will help you provide faster, smarter, and more effective support. Key Takeaways: Make Information Easily Accessible Don't make customers search for crucial details like contact info or FAQs. Display key information in multiple places: website footer, homepage, emails, and social media. Reduce frustration by proactively answering common questions. Use a Shared Inbox for Better Efficiency If you receive a high volume of customer inquiries, centralizing them in one place saves time. Shared inbox tools allow for better team collaboration and quicker response times. Keeping all messages organized improves workflow and ensures no customer is left waiting. Leverage AI to Enhance Customer Support AI can assist with repetitive tasks like rephrasing emails, tagging messages, and automating responses. Even if you don't use a chatbot, AI can help behind the scenes with workflow automation. Implement AI tools to improve response speed and allow your team to focus on more personalized interactions. Resources Mentioned:

Struggling with excess inventory that just won't move? You're not alone. In today's episode, we're diving into one of the most common challenges retailers face: what to do with all that unsold inventory—and, more importantly, how to stop it from happening again. Here's the truth: it's not always about running another sale or marking things down (though we'll cover that too). Often, the biggest problem with excess inventory starts long before the markdowns... and it's all about how much attention and strategy you're giving each piece. In this episode, we cover: Why excess inventory builds up in the first place (spoiler: it's not just overbuying) How to give your products the love they need to actually sell Creative ways to clear out old inventory fast, including bundle sales, ladder sales, and more Why early markdowns are better than desperate discounting How to treat your inventory like cash The importance of knowing your numbers - inventory age, demand, and seasonality How your online visibility is directly tied to moving inventory Why checking your Hub dashboard and scorecard can make all the difference Key Takeaways: Don't just clear excess inventory - learn from it. Take action on old products quickly: refresh photos, promote, and get eyes on it. Cash flow matters more than holding onto items that aren't moving. Check your Google visibility and analytics to keep traffic flowing to your site or store. Ready for more help? Log into your Boutique Hub dashboard to check your analytics, scorecard, and get actionable insights to boost your visibility and traffic. Not a Member? Join Here: https://tbhub.co/podcastjoin

We have a special host for today's Five Minute Friday episode! Melodie van der Baan, Co-founder and CEO at Max Retail (and Boutique Hub partner), joins us to share key insight into hiring and training staff. Whether you have one employee or 100, Melodie's tips will help at the beginning of your boutique journey and as you scale up. Resources:  Max Retail Join The Boutique Hub Community  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Hailing from North Dakota, where her nearest shopping opportunity was over 300 miles away, Ashley Alderson longed for a place online to find and shop the boutiques she loved all over the country, together in one place. "There must be a place for shoppers like me who love boutiques to find them all—and a place where boutique owners themselves can connect to find resources & grow," Ashley thought.Ashley's background in business, marketing, and economic development fueled the desire to simply make life easier for small businesses by providing them with training, exclusive savings, events, and wholesale shopping in one simple place. And all in the name of COMMUNITY over COMPETITION since2013. Today, The Boutique Hub & Shop The Best Boutiques are the central connection point for the retail industry, providing a daily membership packed with resources, live events, signature courses, wholesale shopping, daily networking and a consumer-facing marketplace for boutiques.Ashley is a wife, busy momma of 3, jewelry junkie, barrel racer, cancer survivor, basketball fan, speaker of sarcasm, and heart for those with a dream. Just this year, The Boutique Hub launched Hubventory, a wholesale marketplace built by the boutique industry for the boutique industry with curated & trusted brands, creative inventory planning, smart integrations and membership perks. Here, Ashley shares how she built her career out of humble beginnings in North Dakota and what inspired her to create The Boutique Hub. She dives into the reasons why she values community over competition and how it's helped her grow and expand over the years. Ashley also shares all the details of her subscription model, her signature planner, the magic of her live events, and much more!MC Design Academy is designed to be a space where I get to share my expertise with you, where you'll get to learn all about visual merchandising, design, display, retail, and everything in between. Come along as I practice my craft and be sure to like, subscribe, and follow our socials to keep updated. See you in the merchandising land of MC Design Academy! What's Inside:The story behind The Boutique Hub's creationWhy Ashley values community over competitionWhat it's like at one of Ashley's live eventsMentioned In This Episode:The Boutique Hub WebsiteThe Boutique Hub on InstagramThe Boutique Hub on FacebookThe Boutique Hub on YouTubeHubventory Website

Ashley Alderson, founder of the Boutique Hub, joins the Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street podcast to talk about the Boutique Hub and its resources, how retailers can use "Community over Competition" to grow their business, and the information that she is hearing from her network of retailers around the nation.

It's no secret that business ownership is hard right now, especially for those selling physical products. I've brought Ashley Alderson of Boutique Hub to share with us what she's seen in her community and how she views future changes in the marketplace.Join us on 8/28 for a Pinterest Marketing class. Learn how to create your own Pinterest marketing plan.See full show notes for all episodes at Simple Pin Media and click on articles.Get our weekly Pinterest Made Simple newsletter delivered to your inbox every Wednesday by subscribing here.Looking to hire the best Pinterest marketing team? Book a discovery call today and we would be happy to figure out how to serve you in the best way for growth. Curious about the best courses/pdf/workbooks for Pinterest? We have all of our training for purchase at the Simple Pin Shop.Need a visual walkthrough of what I talk about on the podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel.We're also on Instagram if you want to DM us or tag us in your Pinterest marketing journey. 

Building onto a multi-generational business and navigating the family dynamics and changes that come throughout the years is no easy thing. But Ryan and Jode Vaughan of Anderson Bean Boots have done just that! They join the show today to share their story of multi-brand ownership and how they are continuing and expanding upon a family boot legacy. Listen in as Ryan and Jode shed light on some of the most important experiences and insights that have allowed their business and family to succeed throughout the years.  Learn More About the Boutique Hub here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/   Resources Featured In This Episode  Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands: Website Rios of Mercedes Boot Company: Website | Instagram | Facebook Anderson Bean Boot Company: Website | Instagram | Facebook Olathe Boot Company: Website | Instagram | Facebook Horse Power Boots: Website | Instagram | Facebook Macie Bean Boots: Website | Instagram | Facebook ----- Pink Friday 2024  Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Are you ready to shine a spotlight on small businesses? In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back Sarah Burks, Director of Education at The Boutique Hub to discuss one of our favorite topics—Pink Friday. As we gear up for the busiest seasons in retail, Sarah shares the story behind Pink Friday and how it has become a nationwide movement to support and celebrate small businesses. Learn More About the Boutique Hub Here: https://theboutiquehub.com/join/boutique/ Resources: Pink Friday 2024 Join The Boutique Hub Community Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

When there are so many things pulling you in different directions as a business owner, how do you build community and connect authentically with your customers? So many people are searching for the solution to this because, now more than ever, community is key to growing a successful business. Nicole Palmer, Member Experience Specialist at The Boutique Hub, joins the show to share her own experience and how she successfully leveraged thoughtful brand and community building. Resources:    Nicole Palmer: LinkedIn | Facebook  Ep #306: Simple Strategies for Business Success with Nicole Palmer   Join The Boutique Hub Community   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

Today's episode is extra special because I'm sitting down with my personal mentor and one of my very best friends, Ashley Alderson, the founder and CEO of The Boutique Hub. This episode covers so much goodness from the impact of words and thoughts on reality, to scarcity mindset vs. abundance mindset, and recognizing and redirecting negative self-talk. Ashley shares her heart for building community and her focus on community over competition. Today, The Boutique Hub connects boutique owners with every possible tool, training, wholesale brand, and resource they could need. The Hub connects the global boutique industry. Serving thousands of boutique owners, eCommerce stores, wholesale brands, and service providers across 50 US States and 6 Countries, The Boutique Hub has been recognized as one of the top 10 fastest growing companies in the midwest and featured in INC, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. Ashley is a busy wife to her hubby Eric, and mom to 3 awesome kids. She's a sports mom and loves basketball, rodeo, football, and any opportunity to be outside. She's also a motivational speaker, cancer survivor, agriculture advocate, and barrel racer. Someone once told her, ‘good luck with your little project', and ever since, she's vowed to be a voice for anyone with a big dream!   Resources & Links: Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller [affiliate link] Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki [affiliate link] Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West   Connect with Ashley: Check out her website Follow on Instagram @theboutiquehub and @ajalderson Boutique Chat Podcast   Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Some of the links mentioned are affiliate links, which helps to support this podcast at no additional cost to you. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it time to reevaluate your business journey? Megan Crabtree, Membership Representative at The Boutique Hub, joins us for a candid conversation about the tough decision to close her boutique. In this episode, she shares her personal experience of navigating having her identity tied to her business—and the realization that sometimes success means recognizing when it's time to move on. Discover the lessons Megan learned along the way, including finding balance, overcoming fear of the unknown, and gracefully transitioning to new career opportunities without burning bridges.  Resources:   Boutique Summit 2024  Boutique Hub Membership  ----  Megan Crabtree: Instagram   Ashley Alderson: Instagram  The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube  Small Business Marketing Handbook  Hubventory | Wholesale 

We're ending Season 4 on a high note with the founder of The Boutique Hub, Ashley Alderson! She is giving us an inside look into her past including sometimes when things didn't go quite as planned. She's sharing her insight in how to “make it” as a business owner - and it might not be as crazy as you think!  Don't forget to come back April 5 as we celebrate season 5! We'll be doing a special LIVE event with Glamour Farms Boutique featuring our MERCH! Yay! We're so excited for you to get your hands on it! Shop our website: https://glamourfarms.com    Connect with The Podcast on IG: http://instagram.com/glamourfarms.thepodcast/    Connect with Glamour Farms on IG: http://instagram.com/glamourfarmsboutique/    Connect with Haley on IG: http://instagram.com/haleyklockenga/  Connect with Ashley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ajalderson/ Connect with The Boutique Hub on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theboutiquehub/ Shop Refresh Beauty: https://glamourfarms.com/collections/refresh-beauty

 Sara Burks, our director of partnerships and education at The Boutique Hub, and I go over Boutique Owner Myths Debunked in this Season 2 episode — which was the topic of one of our breakout sessions at the 2019 Boutique Summit. No matter where you're at in your business journey, it's always good to go back to the play book. We cover loads of useful info, such as the importance of knowing your numbers, moving inventory, and so much more! Join us at the 2024 Boutique Summit for sessions on topics such as productivity habits, leveraging organic marketing, live sales best practices, how to boost foot traffic, resiliency in any economy and so much more! Learn more and sign up HERE. RSVP for our next Retail Bootcamp session HERE. I so hope you enjoy this bonus episode From The Vault. It's one that is definitely worth hearing again — and taking notes! For show notes & resources see below or click here. First released June 2019.  Resources: Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Boutique Summit 2024 Retail Bootcamp Small Business Marketing Handbook Small Business Hiring Handbook  Brand Owner Basics Masterclass Tradeshow Marketing Handbook 2024 Trade Show Calendar Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com  

I'm so excited to welcome back to the show one of my favorite guests and BFFs, Kelly Helfman, President of MAGIC. And we have some BIG news to share with you! Of course, I first get the inside scoop on emerging trends and what we can expect at the upcoming MAGIC events in Las Vegas, New York and Nashville. But Kelly and I spend most of the episode talking about our big announcement … a new partnership! The Boutique Hub is partnering with MAGIC in a much bigger way than ever before to help you Discover More MAGIC in 2024! The Hub will have a booth on the show floor at every MAGIC event throughout the year, and our team will be there to greet you, provide resources, answer questions, and take new buyers on our BFF tour. Join The Hub team at MAGIC to connect with the community, discover your next best-sellers, uncover exclusive trend forecasting, build business insights and so much more! MAGIC | Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn  Your Guide to Vegas Apparel Markets February 2024 Register for MAGIC Las Vegas Sign Up for the BFF Tour Additional Resources:  Kelly Helfman: Website | Instagram Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Tradeshow Marketing Handbook Boutique Summit 2024 Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com

Our very own retail professor is back on the podcast! Today Sara Burks, Director of Partnerships and Education at The Boutique Hub, is joining me to dive into the six essential pieces of growing and mastering your business, which we refer to as the Six Layers of Retail, and the most important components of each of these layers specific to 2024. As we all know, the tides are changing, and we want to ensure that you are set up for success in the new year! None of us are in the business of competing with the likes of Shein and Temu, so it's essential to set yourself apart and make changes as your customer changes to meet their needs.  Our biggest annual educational program at The Hub is Retail Bootcamp (think college for boutique owners!), and Retail Bootcamp is designed around these six layers. Throughout the 14 weeks of Retail Bootcamp, we break down each of these layers and their components, Sara and I do live coaching sessions, plus we're joined by more than 50 industry experts. Enrollment is now open for 2024! Click the link below to learn more about Retail Bootcamp and enroll today! Best of all, once you sign up, you have lifetime access to participate each semester.   Resources: Retail Bootcamp Sara Burks: Instagram Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Best Year Yet 3-Day FREE Virtual Event 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Boutique Summit 2024 Small Business Marketing Handbook Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com    

Shannon Gordon, Social Media Manager at the Boutique Hub and former boutique owner, joined me on the podcast at the beginning of Season 3 to talk Strategies for Social Media Success.  In this episode, Shannon gives us her back story on becoming a young, working mother and wanting to turn her passion for creativity into a full-time job. She gives us insight into what elements helped her create a rapidly growing boutique, some valuable business advice all boutique owners need to hear, and what strategies will help you create a successful social media presence. You won't want to miss this episode, it's packed with the most valuable advice from The Hub's social media queen! I so hope you enjoy this bonus episode From The Vault. It's one that is definitely worth hearing again — and taking notes! For show notes & resources visit the episode webpage below or click here. First released February 2020.  Resources:  Shannon Gordon: Instagram Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Boutique Summit 2024 Small Business Marketing Handbook Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com  

“You can't be successful at marketing or sales unless you have a good handle on your inventory.” Get ready to hear some straight-up real talk with my good friend Mary Landgrebe of Management One. We dive into the tough conversations that are being had right now in our industry and the challenges small business owners face in the current economy. As an expert in retail operations, inventory solutions and strategic planning, Mary shares her thoughts on what buying will look like in 2024, the dangers we should all be avoiding as small business owners and how independent retailers can plan for success in the upcoming year.  We talk about the need to understand your numbers and make data-driven decisions and all things inventory — open-to-buy planning, the significance of receiving and tracking orders, implementing a markdown strategy, maximizing product exposure through multiple channels, strategies for addressing excess and so much more.  This episode is packed full of valuable information so be sure to grab your notepad, and check out the links below for more on the apps and tools we discuss in the episode! Resources:  Management One: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn Shopify Apps: Delirious Profit | Better Reports  FAVES Pro App    The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram Small Business Marketing Handbook 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Boutique Summit 2024 Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com

This is a big week! The 4th annual Pink Friday is this Friday, and I am so excited to celebrate with all of you. This year will be bigger and better than ever with more than 5,000 boutiques around the world will be taking part in Pink Friday. There's nothing I love more than seeing boutiques and small business owners come together in their communities to support each other and promote shopping small first. Because Pink Friday is such a huge day for us at The Hub, we are launching our PINK FRIDAY SUPER SALE this Friday, which will run through Cyber Monday and includes discounts on all Boutique Hub products (with the exception of the new planner). This is the one and only sale we do all year, so don't miss your chance to save on our masterclasses, handbooks and products! Resources:  Pink Friday Website and Map Pink Friday Promotional Ideas  The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Holiday Marketing Masterclass Small Business Marketing Handbook Small Business Hiring Handbook How to Start a Boutique Handbook Instagram Ignite Masterclass   Content Sanity Masterclass Boutique Summit 2024 Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com    

This week I'm at my kitchen table for another edition of Ask Ashley Anything, and I'm doing my best to answer all of your questions! You guys submitted so many great questions, not only about your business growth and strategy but also work-life balance and personal development. I do my best to address them all. This episode is overflowing with what I hope will be helpful information, tips and advice from my own personal experiences. My sister even gets involved in this one! Have more questions for me? Hopefully I have answers! Reach out to The Boutique Hub team or to me personally on social media. I would love to hear from you.    Resources:  The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram Boutique Summit 2024 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Pink Friday Holiday Marketing Masterclass Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com

This week marks another big celebration for us at The Hub — the first anniversary of Hubventory!  For those of you who aren't familiar with it already, Hubventory is our very own wholesale marketplace, built by The Boutique Hub for the boutique industry. In developing HV, our team spent months and months getting feedback from  to We wanted to create a true grass-roots platform that best serves you and your business so our team spent months and months getting feedback from both boutique owners and wholesalers. I am so proud of how far Hubventory has come in just one year and so grateful to all of you who have supported us and helped us shape and improve it along the way.  So today I want to talk all things Hubventory.com — what sets it apart from other online wholesale marketplaces, how its tailored for small businesses, the highlights and new features, and what we have in the works for year two!  Resources: The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram Hubventory.com Boutique Summit 2024 2024 Boutique Boss Planner The Boutique Hub Membership Boutique Hub Black  

This is a super personal episode for me. This week as we wrap up our 10th Anniversary Series, I wanted to chat about not only the origins and evolution of The Hub but also my journey as an entrepreneur, and I'm sharing a story that I haven't shared until recently or with many people.  I learned some huge lessons early on about imposter syndrome and finding strength in adversity. I put my trust in the wrong business partner and almost lost my company, along with my confidence in myself and my vision. As hard as it is to look back on, I want to share my experience with you guys because I think we all know what it's like to stumble, like we don't know the next step or even if there's a way forward. And that's exactly why I built The Boutique Hub, to provide a place where boutique owners can come together, support one another and learn from each other.  As I look back on the last 10 years and everything The Hub has become and accomplished, my mission remains the same: to serve others, build community and change the future of retail. The Hub has so much more in the works, and our team is ready to take on the next 10 years continuing to find ways to better serve you and your business. We're putting a huge emphasis on data and metrics with the launch of our new dashboard and Boutique Hub Black, introducing new tools to help you track performance and pan inventory, developing education specifically for wholesale businesses and home & gift retailers, growing Hubventory.com as a marketplace to shop with brands you can trust … and that's just the tip of the iceberg! Thank you to all of you who've joined our community and been a part of this journey. The Hub would not be what it is today without you. Please know how grateful I am for your support and please continue to send us your feedback. Cheers to the next 10 years!    Resources: The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram Boutique Summit 2024 2024 Boutique Boss Planner The Boutique Hub Membership Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com

Are you feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list and worried you're not making the most out of each day? I've been there. In fact, I was JUST there–like, last week–because my ADHD brain deeeefinitely doesn't love my constant tab-switching and Slack distractions from what I'm working on. (Who knew?!) But recently, I felt empowered to prioritize tasks, eliminate distractions, and create a laser-focused action plan to help me reach my goals… all because of this conversation I had with Ashley Alderson. Ashley, founder of The Boutique Hub, is a Midwestern mama who's busy as a bee and had to create systems around how she could get her work done so she could get back to life.  In our conversation, she gives us *loads* of helpful tips for small business owners to manage our time wisely, make the most out of each day, and embrace our inner CEO. Ready to start managing your time better and get MORE done in LESS time? Click PLAY on this episode where she teaches us her 4-part to-do list strategy NOW! GOAL DIGGER FB COMMUNITY GOAL DIGGER INSTAGRAM GOAL DIGGER SHOW NOTES   GET CREATOR SOURCE LEARN ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE BOUTIQUE HUB