Boutique Chat

Today we’re talking all things market – what sets regional markets apart from national shows, the benefits of both, the importance of attending market, and tips for success while there. In addition to being the owner and founder of Cedar and Cypress Designs, my friend Tara Thorn is also on the board at the Minneapolis Mart, which holds six annual shows and is considered the number one regional mart in the country. Tara shares how MPLS helped grow her business and the unique opportunities it provides for both buyers and brands. Resources:  2024 Trade Show Calendar How to Register for Market 5 Tips for Attending Wholesale Markets as a Boutique Owner   Attending Apparel Markets: Tips from Boutique Owners  Cedar and Cypress Designs: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest  Minneapolis Mart: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter   Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Boutique Summit 2024 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Small Bu

I reflected on some of my personal experiences as a business owner in this solo episode on Season 3. When I started to look backward through the evolution of The Hub, I identified five steps that I think we took to grow our business and that I have seen mirrored in other businesses.  I call them the 5 Steps for Scaling from Entrepreneur to CEO, and in this episode, I talk through them in detail, focusing on growth mindset versus fixed mindset, setting hard boundaries, building systems, how to create a better culture within your team, and how to properly allocate your time as a CEO.  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 July 2020.  Resources: Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Boutique Summit 2024 Small Business Marketing Ha

Diversifying sources of revenue, building a personal brand, social media marketing and running a business through different seasons of life – Taylor and I talk about it all in this episode!  The founder of The Tiny Closet, Taylor Jones McClellan is back on the podcast to update us on her life and business. Since last being on the show in Season 2, Taylor has been busy! She’s gotten married, become a mom, moved storefronts and started several other businesses.   We talk about how The Tiny Closet has evolved throughout the last seven years, her evolution as a business owner and boss, adapting to a changing industry, how to find new channels of income, breaking into wholesale, and the ins and outs of social media , among other things! Resources:  Taylor Jones McClellan: Instagram The Tiny Closet: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Boutique Summit 2024 2024 Boutique Boss Planner

In this episode, I was joined by our retail professor Sara Burks to talk about the 2020 Retail Bootcamp and go through our 12 Crucial Tips for Boutique Owner Success that were a key focus of the course. Retail Bootcamp isn’t just for those who feel their business is failing; your business will always have areas to improve on and grow. Retail is shifting and expanding every day, it’s time to be prepared. After today's podcast, you will be astounded by all aspects of your business you may have overlooked. Let’s start transforming your business today!  Our biggest annual educational program at The Hub is Retail Bootcamp (think college for boutique owners!) 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 this year’s Retail Bootcamp and enroll today! Best of all, once you sign up, you have lifetime access to participate each semester. I so hope you enjoy this bonus episode From The Vault. It's

This episode is a little different. This week I am joined by my business coach Tom Wesner of EOS Worldwide — so you’re going to get all the juicy details of what it’s really like at The Hub behind the scenes! Aside from reminding me of the things I need to continue to work on, Tom breaks down what the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Model actually is and how EOS can transform your business. EOS provides a structure and framework for organizing and scaling your business based on a clear vision, as well as building a team that works with focus and accountability. As Tom and I talk through the six components of EOS — people, vision, data, process, traction, and issues — he emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability within an organization, the key to strong leadership and the need to have the right people in the right seats. Tom also highlights the benefits of delegating and elevating oneself as a leader and explains the significance of data and the use of a scorecard to track key met

Dallas Market Center’s Amy Harper joined me in Season 2 for How to Maximize Your Market Experience. In this episode, Amy gives some amazing tips on attending to market, whether it’s your first time or you are a veteran buyer! She gives us valuable information on why going market is so important, how to plan your time at market, what to expect at Dallas Market Center this October, upcoming trends, and so much more. The lovely and bubbly Amy will keep you all ears in this episode, so bring along your notepad and pen!  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 October 2018.  Resources: Dallas Market Center: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter Ashley Alderson: Instagram The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Best Year Yet 3-Day FREE Virtual Event 2024 Boutique Boss Planner

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 20

What does it mean to sit down and create a strategic marketing plan for your business?  In Season 1, I visited about it with my friend Dru Stewart, a marketing and branding expert who works with Cactus Ropes, Pro Equine Group, Hatco, and many more.  Not only do we cover marketing strategies working for the world’s largest brands in western, but we also cover some critical questions like ‘Is print media dead?’  Make sure you stick around for the end to hear Dru’s take on fatherhood and business. As a dad of twins, you’re going to like this takeaway.  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 March 2018.  Resources:  Dru Stewart 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 Smal

This is my favorite week of the year! I know things may still be chaotic for you with inventory reduction sales and taking inventory. But in the busy that it can bring, I think this week between Christmas and New Years is one of the most reflective — which is why I love it so much! I personally try not to plan a lot of meetings and keep my schedule clear this week for planning and brainstorming about what I want to change and improve on, and where I want my business to go in the next year. So, today I want to pose a couple of questions to you to do the same, to look back on what happened in 2023 and ultimately help you get ready for 2024, as well as give you my predictions on where the industry is headed next. Thanks for joining me as I dig into my favorite week of the year! Additionally, every year at the Hub we host a week-long challenge called the Best Year Yet, and the goal is to address the changes we're seeing in our industry and help you start the new year in a really powerful way. It’s FREE for everyo

Erin Hooley, founder of Bailey’s Blossoms, joined me in Season 3 for Tips to Create a Profitable Ecommerce Business. Erin is a living example of being more successful by knowing her numbers. She goes in-depth on conversion rates, branding, and how she manages business and motherhood. But there are so many more helpful business tips from this well-spoken, successful entrepreneur, so tune in now! 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 April 2020.  Resources:  Bailey’s Blossoms: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok Erin Hooley: 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  

We’re all wrapping up 2023, which means it’s time to reorganize, reflect and get ready for the new year. And while we are all tired and we’re busy and we’re ready to spend the holidays with our families, there are so many opportunities we can take advantage of during this time to close out the year strong and head into the new year fresh and in the best place ever. So today, I’m sharing my quick tips for capitalizing on the end of year!  Resources:  Best Year Yet 3-Day FREE Virtual Event Rich Dad, Poor Dad What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That The Poor & The Middle Class Do Not!  Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook Money: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram Boutique Summit 2024 2024 Boutique Boss Planner 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 | I

It may be uncomfortable, and you may not like it, but building a good relationship and regularly checking in with your banker is just as necessary as going to the doctor.  Today I am talking to my good friend Tracey Smiskey all about banking. As the EAU Claire Area Market President at Northwestern Bank, Tracey is community minded, small business minded and growth minded, and she works to ensure that her local businesses are set up for success.  We cover how to choose the right bank or credit union for you and your business, the importance of building a strong relationship with your banker, resources banks provide to benefit small businesses, loans and lines of credit, fraud, credit scores, competitive interest rates, how to resolve high interest loans and so much more! Resources:  Northwestern Bank: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube  Tracey Smiskey: Contact | LinkedIn The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram Boutique Summit 2024

I was so fortunate to have Alison Grooms, owner of Jules & James Boutique, join me on the show for Tips From a Successful Boutique Owner. In this episode from Season 3, Alison goes over everything and anything you can think of when it comes to owning a boutique. You'll hear her go over lives sales, vendor tips, hiring employees, and what it's like being a mom while running a business. But that' not all, tune in to get all the details on this candid conversation, filled with essential boutique owner tips! 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 November 2020.  Resources:  Jules & James Boutique: Website | Facebook | Instagram  The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Boutique Summit 2024 Small Business Marketing Handbook

“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 you

In case you missed it in Season 1, Bob Negan, founder of WhizBang! Retail Training, joined me on the show to share the secrets to building a successful business. Early on in Bob’s retail career, he realized that making the customer happy is the most important thing in sales. Not just accepting returns with no receipt or sending thank you cards after a big purchase. Every. Single. Second. Matters. From the moment your customers come in contact with your staff everything matters. This episode breaks down key points of how to train your staff, how to manage your time efficiently, and so much more. 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 October 2018.  Resources: WhizBang! Retail Training: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: In

No one knows the meaning of hard work and perseverance better than my guest today, Anais Almazan, the founder and owner of Pretty & Pink Boutique. I want to encourage you all to listen to this episode because her story is truly inspiring! I may even shed a tear or two during this one.  Anais fell in love with retail while working at the local Dollar General in Eldorado, Texas. She had little capital and no idea how to start a business, but she was determined to make her dream of owning a fashion boutique a reality and that meant she had to put in the work and figure it out. Today she has a 4,000-square-foot storefront in San Angelo, a full staff and a booming ecommerce business.  Anais talks about overcoming adversity, the mindset it takes to make a business work, building an authentic community and some of the tools and strategies she implements day-to-day. She also discusses the adversity she’s faced along the way as a Mexican-American who speaks English as a second language and how she serves the Hispa

I know this year in retail has been like the gauntlet; it has been a challenge. That’s why making most of the holiday season is more important than ever this year. So, I want to share some tips to help you not only survive and hit revenue goals in the fourth quarter but to really finish out the year strong and set yourself up for success in 2024. Let's chat about where the opportunity really is, what we should be focused on, how to dig in and how to ultimately make the most of the holiday season. I cover setting goals, managing your team, sales and promotions, markdowns, marketing strategies, collaborations and events and planning ahead for the new year! Resources: The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Holiday Marketing Masterclass Boutique Summit 2024 Boutique Hub Black Hubventory.com Small Business Marketing Handbook Small Business Hiring Handbook Boutique Owner Basics  How to Start a Boutique Han

Shaley Ham joined me in Season 2 for Collaborating with an Influencer. Shaley starts by giving us background on how she grew to become an Instagram influencer. She gives us some extensive and valuable knowledge on the correct ways to work closely with an influencer and LOTS of tips and tricks to help grow your following and engagement on Instagram. You can never learn too much about the world of influencing and Instagram, so grab your notebook and let’s get started! 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 and resources, see links below or click here.  First released November 2019.  Resources:  Shaley Ham, West Desperado: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest The Boutique Hub:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube Ashley Alderson: Instagram 2024 Boutique Boss Planner Holiday Marketing Masterclass 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 Ma