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Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Lori Peha Kezner, Co-Founder of Millie's Sipping Broth and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Lori specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

1. What is one piece of advice you wish you would had known prior to launching on retail store shelves?
2. What would you say are the benefits of having your brand in retail stores vs selling direct to consumer?
3. What are the top expos/events that you would suggest attending to get in front of retail buyers if you have a food product?

How to follow support and purchase Millie's Sipping Broth:

Millie's Sipping Broth Website: https://milliessippingbroth.com/

Millie's Sipping Broth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sippingbroths/?hl=en

Check out their website to see what retailers you can purchase.

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Lori Peha Kezner, Co-Founder of Millie's Sipping Broth. Lori shares her journey from being a school teacher to creating a unique savory broth product that caters to health-conscious consumers. The conversation covers the initial idea, the challenges of finding manufacturers, the importance of consumer feedback, and the strategic steps taken to enter the retail market, including a significant partnership with Weight Watchers. Lori emphasizes the importance of methodical growth, adapting to retail feedback, and the ongoing learning process in entrepreneurship. She discusses successfully launching in major retailers like Walmart.

She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with retail buyers, exploring marketing strategies beyond traditional expos, and identifying future growth opportunities in food service.

Episode Beakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Millie's Sipping Broth
03:21 The Journey of Creation
05:13 Finding Manufacturers and Early Feedback
07:30 Retail Dreams and Weight Watchers Partnership
10:07 Transitioning to Retail and Packaging Changes
12:46 Consumer Reception and Broth's Unique Position
15:05 Landing Walmart and Marketing Strategies
16:38 Navigating Retail Feedback and Education
19:06 Challenges with Manufacturing and Growth
21:22 Navigating Manufacturing Challenges
22:39 Launching in Retail: The Walmart Experience
24:49 Building Relationships with Retail Buyers
27:35 Marketing Strategies Beyond Expos
29:07 Future Goals and Opportunities for Growth
31:35 Future Prospects

Links metioned in episode:

Millie's Sipping Broth Website: https://milliessippingbroth.com/

Millie's Sipping Broth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sippingbroths/?hl=en

Check out their website to see what retailers you can purchase.

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Mabel Frias, Co-Founder of Luna Magic and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Mabel specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

1. Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you knew before launching Luna Magic in retail?
2. What would you say are the benefits of being in retail stores vs selling direct?
3. What advice would you give to emerging brands looking to build a business that stands out in retail?

Luna Magic Website: https://lunamagic.com/

Love Magia Website: https://www.lovemagia.com/

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Mabel Frias, co-founder of Luna Magic, a vibrant beauty brand inspired by Latina culture. Mabel shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in retail to launching her own cosmetics line with her sister. She discusses the influence of her entrepreneurial family, the decision to enter the cosmetics industry, and the initial steps taken to build Luna Magic. The conversation highlights the importance of digital strategy, the significance of launching on Walmart.com, and the valuable lessons learned from the dot com experience. In this conversation, Mabel Frias shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of persistence, strategic marketing, and community support. She discusses her experience on Shark Tank, the challenges of launching a beauty brand, and the significance of building relationships with buyers. Mabel highlights the long-term commitment required in entrepreneurship and the lessons learned from both successes.

Mabel Frias discusses her journey as a brand founder, navigating the complexities of retail partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and Target, and the importance of maintaining brand identity while adapting to retail expectations. She reflects on the growth of her brand, Luna Magic, and introduces her new venture, Love Magia, emphasizing the significance of fragrance and emotional connection in beauty. Mabel shares insights on retail strategy, the necessity of both direct-to-consumer and retail sales, and the importance of effective marketing and packaging for emerging brands.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maybel Frias and Luna Magic
11:02 Initial Steps to Launching Luna Magic
18:30 Launching on Walmart.com
24:41 Learning from the Dot Com Experience
30:12 The Journey to Shark Tank
42:16 Finding a Warehouse and Building Operations
54:31 Navigating Retail Partnerships
58:08 The Journey of Brand Growth and Reflection
01:05:31 Introducing Love Magia: A New Venture

Mentions in Episode:

Luna Magic Website: https://lunamagic.com/

Love Magia Website: https://www.lovemagia.com/

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Katie Lefkowitz, Founder of Harken Sweets and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Katie specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

1. What is one piece of advice you wish you would had known prior to launching on retail store shelves?
2. What would you say are the benefits of having your brand in retail stores vs selling direct to consumer?
3. What advice would you give to individuals looking to start their own better for you sweets brand?

Links to follow Harken Sweets:

Harken Sweets Website: https://harkensweets.com/
Harken Sweets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harkensweets/?hl=en
Harken Sweets

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Katie Lefkowitz, founder of Harken Sweets, a brand dedicated to creating healthier candy alternatives. Katie shares her journey from a healthcare background to the food industry, driven by personal health challenges and a desire to make indulgent treats that are also good for you. The conversation explores the challenges of finding the right manufacturing partners, the strategic decision to partner with major retailers like Walmart, and the importance of effective marketing and consumer engagement in building a successful brand.

In this conversation, Katie discusses the evolving landscape of consumer preferences towards natural and functional ingredients, the importance of effective inventory management, and building strong relationships with retailers. She shares insights on team dynamics, her daily responsibilities as a founder, and the emotional connection she has with customers. Katie also reflects on lessons learned from retail experiences, future product development plans, and the strategic vision for Harkin Sweets, emphasizing the significance of pricing strategy and consumer perception.

Major Takeaways:

• Katie transitioned from healthcare to food after a personal health diagnosis
• Harken Sweets aims to create healthier candy options without sacrificing taste
• Her retail strategy focused on partnerships with retailers that align with their vision
• Pitching to retailers requires a deep understanding of the market and product
• Sampling and demos are key to consumer engagement and sales
• Hiring trustworthy team members allows for effective delegation
• Understanding customer behavior is essential for retail success
• Packaging changes are a constant in the retail industry
• Pricing strategy should align with consumer expectations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Harken Sweets and Katie Lefkowitz
04:17 The Birth of Harken Sweets: A Healthier Candy Alternative
09:50 Retail Strategy: Partnering with Walmart
21:41 Mastering Replenishment and Inventory Management
27:59 Retail Insights and Lessons Learned
30:50 Future Product Development and Growth
31:20 Strategic Retail Expansion
33:45 Navigating Retail Challenges

Links to follow Harken Sweets:

• Harken Sweets Website: https://harkensweets.com/
• Harken Sweets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harkensweets/?hl=en
• Harken Sweets

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Camille Bell, Co-Founder of Poundcake and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Camille specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

Questions asked:

1. What is the one thing you wish you knew before launching in retail stores that if known you feel would have impacted your business in a positive way the first early days of being on shelf?
2. With being in Ulta for a little over a year, What would you say are the benefits of having your brand in retail stores vs selling direct to consumer?
3. What are some important grants to apply for for listeners that have a beauty brand and looking for financial support to grow with a goal to enter retail?

Links to follow Poundcake and Camille's story:

Poundcake Website: https://poundcake.com/

Purchase Poundcake on Credo Beauty: https://credobeauty.com/

Go on Ulta website to find Poundcake in a store near you.

Poundcake Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poundcake

Poundcake Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poundcakeofficial

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

In this engaging conversation, Roberta interviews Camille Bell, co-founder of Poundcake, a beauty brand focused on inclusivity and representation in the makeup industry. Camille shares her journey from college to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced in creating a brand that caters to diverse skin tones, and the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks. The discussion highlights the significance of networking, funding, and the creative process behind naming the brand, as well as the hurdles encountered in product development and launching the business. In this conversation,

In this conversation, Camille Bell shares her journey of launching and growing her beauty brand, Poundcake, including insights on funding, retail strategies, and the importance of community. She discusses her experience with Ulta, marketing tactics, and the challenges of managing a lean team. Camille emphasizes the significance of financial management and transparency in retail, as well as her future goals for the brand.

Key Takeaways:

• Networking and resources were crucial in her entrepreneurial journey
• Accelerator programs provide valuable resources and mentorship
• Community building is key to brand growth and sustainability
• Diversifying sales channels helps mitigate risks
• Influencer marketing can significantly drive retail sales

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey Begins: From College to Entrepreneurship
15:49 Funding the Dream: Pitch Competitions and Indiegogo
28:23 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Launching a Product
34:00 Preparing for Retail Pitches
38:07 The Importance of Packaging and Branding
41:52 Securing Retail Partnerships
01:03:06 Future Goals

Sites mentioned in this episode:

Poundcake Website: https://poundcake.com/

Purchase Poundcake on Credo Beauty: https://credobeauty.com/

Go on Ulta website to find Poundcake in a store near you.

Poundcake Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poundcake

Poundcake Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poundcakeofficial

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book