Boutique Chat

Where are my customers? It’s the #1 question retailers ask when business slows down and it’s not always about the economy or the weather. In this episode of Five Minute Friday, Sara tackles what to do when sales stall. Whether it’s a seasonal dip or a concerning trend, you’ll learn how to step into your customer’s shoes, audit your business with fresh eyes, and get back to what made your boutique shine in the first place. We’re diving into: The 3 core questions to ask when sales drop How your presence (or absence) impacts your customer’s loyalty Why inventory overwhelm could be pushing people away How to reset your experience both in-store and online What to revisit if your average order value is shrinking Bottom line: Slow seasons happen but staying stuck isn’t the answer. Tune in and get the tools to investigate, adapt, and rebuild your momentum.   Join The Boutique Hub Community 

Ever wonder what it takes to turn a family passion into a thriving business? Join us as we chat with Kasey & Kaitlyn Widmyer, the dynamic duo behind Marmalade, a boutique inspired by their mother, Marie Widmeyer, and her fashion dreams. From childhood lessons to steering the business through the storms of the 2007-2008 recession, they share how these experiences crafted their resilience and work ethic. Get ready to be inspired as they recount their journey from playtime in the boutique aisles to orchestrating its expansion after college, proving that perseverance and adaptability can indeed breed success even in the most challenging economies. Resources:          Kasey & Kaitlyn Widmyer (Marmalade): Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website         Join The Boutique Hub            Ashley Alderson: Instagram            The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

This week, Samrin Martin and Sarah Zeigler from the Atlanta Market gift & home team join us to share the latest news, events, and key buyer resources for the upcoming July Market happening in Atlanta, July 15-21.   Resources: About Atlanta Market: https://www.atlantamarket.com/ Atlanta Market Events: https://www.atlantamarket.com/Attend/Events What’s New in July: https://www.atlantamarket.com/Market-Info/Whats-New Details for all upcoming Atlanta markets: https://www.americasmart.com/Markets/Market-Dates-and-Hours

What if sales didn’t have to be about being pushy or intimidating, but instead about solving problems and making life better? Join us as we explore this concept with our guest, Andee Hart, who transformed her corporate sales expertise into a flourishing candle business during the pandemic. Andee's inspiring journey is a masterclass in differentiation and tenacity, from how she successfully stood out in a crowded market to how she scaled her business to hundreds of boutiques.   Listen in as we cover effective pricing strategies, as well as the critical role of personalized retailer outreach for wholesale brands. We also examine how missteps in pricing can affect perceived quality, the importance of market research, and how assuming positive intent can turn customer service challenges into opportunities for creating brand loyalty. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal anecdotes that offer a roadmap for anyone looking to scale their product-based business. Resources:  Andee Hart: Instagr

Is your cash flow feeling tight but you’re still not paying yourself? In this episode of Five Minute Friday, Sara breaks down one of the most common retail traps: tying up cash in things that don’t bring you a return. From unnecessary trips to market to unused apps, pretty packaging, and impulse inventory buys, these hidden money leaks could be holding your business (and paycheck!) back. You’ll learn: How to spot dead cash in your business What purchases to re-think or cut How to create a more purposeful spending plan Why paying yourself first needs to be a priority What to do today to start freeing up money Sara’s challenge for you? Take a look around, your cash is there, it just might not look like dollar bills yet. Join The Boutique Hub Community 

What does it take to grow your boutique into a thriving, sustainable business? In this episode, we sit down with retail expert Sara Burks to walk through the heart of the Retail Bootcamp program, which is all about helping entrepreneurs step into the CEO role with clarity and confidence. You’ll hear practical tips on finding and serving your ideal customer, using time-blocking to stay focused, and building a clear, realistic plan to expand your business. Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and inspiration to help you lead your business with purpose and profit. Listen in as we dive into the financial side of running a business, from getting clear on your numbers to setting up budgets and bank accounts that actually work for you. Sara also shares why moving beyond just checking your bank balance is key to long-term success, especially for women who want to feel confident about money. She keeps it real with advice that feels doable, not overwhe

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 Bou

What’s it like to run a thriving boutique side by side with your partner? In this episode, Serena and Java Patterson share the inspiring story of how they transformed The Farmhouse from a local vendor space into a successful boutique rooted in community. They walk through the key moves that fueled their growth, from switching their POS system from Clover to Shopify to streamline inventory and cut fees, to using smart merchandising to create an inviting shopping experience.  Listen in to hear how they balanced tourist and local customer needs, embraced Retail Bootcamp strategies to master their financials and grow organically through social media, and more. But it’s not just about business—Serena and Java also get real about what it’s like to build and run a store as a couple. They talk about setting boundaries, adding humor to hectic days, and leaning on each other through the highs and lows. Whether you're dreaming of opening your own shop or looking for ways to grow with heart, this episode is packed with p

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 Ret

Struggling with excess inventory? In this episode, we sit down with Melodie van der Baan, founder of Max Retail, to explore how boutique owners can turn unsold merchandise into serious revenue. Listen in as Melodie shares her journey from sales rep to tech entrepreneur and reveals how Max Retail helps over 2,000 retailers move past-season inventory through top third-party marketplaces like eBay and Poshmark—all while staying anonymous and skipping returns. If cash flow, profit margins, and smart inventory management are on your radar, this episode is for you! Resources: Melodie van der Baan: Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn Max Retail: Website | LinkedIn Get Your Ticket To Boutique Summit 2025 Join The Boutique Hub   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley is bringing the heat with a powerful reality check: Are you truly being effective in your life and business or just keeping yourself busy? If your to-do list is never-ending, your calendar is overflowing, and you're constantly wondering where the day went... this episode is for you. Ashley unpacks what it really means to move the needle in your business, show up with intention for your family, and make time for your health, without burning out. This episode will challenge how you think about your time and inspire you to create more space for what actually matters. What You’ll Learn: The difference between being busy and being effective Why “busy” is often a badge of burnout What Ashley tracks on her daily “to-done” list How to spot true income-generating activities Why your calendar should reflect your actual priorities The often-overlooked cost of ignoring your health   Join The Boutique Hub Community Follow Ashley on Instagram

What does it take to future-proof the next generation in a world that’s changing faster than ever? In this episode, educational consultant and award-winning innovator Britni Walz joins the show for a powerful conversation about the intersection of education, business, and technology. Britni shares her journey from high school educator to nonprofit consultant, helping young people thrive in a workforce shaped by rapid technological change. Listen in as we explore how AI is transforming education and discuss why workforce development is more critical than ever.  Resources:  Britni Walz: LinkedIn  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 

This week, we’ve got a special guest episode for Five Minute Friday straight from the Atlanta Apparel team! Join Sarah Beth Jackson, Director of Buyer Services, and Alejandra Trombetta, Senior Events Manager, as they dish on everything you need to know about June Atlanta Apparel, happening June 3–6, 2025. From the top categories to source (hello, Fall/Winter and Game Day!) to helpful resources for first-time attendees, this episode is your mini market guide. You'll also hear about: A denim-themed kickoff party with live music, cocktails, giveaways & more A Wednesday happy hour just for new buyers A complimentary shuttle to Westside Provisions District, where you can explore Atlanta’s top restaurants and retail with exclusive perks Whether it’s your first time at market or your fiftieth, this quick episode will get you excited, prepped, and ready to make the most of your time in Atlanta. Resources: About June Atlanta Apparel, including registration and hotel booking: https://www.atlanta-apparel.com

What happens when a casual conversation turns into the biggest event in boutique retail? In this episode, we're diving into the origin story of the Boutique Summit—how a spontaneous chat at the Dallas Market Center in 2013 sparked an industry-shaping movement. Listen in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of hosting the Summit, from behind-the-scenes logistics and unexpected hiccups (yes, including a fire alarm mid-panel!) to the financial lessons learned from putting on a high-impact event year after year. Resources: Get Your Ticket To Boutique Summit 2025 Join The Boutique Hub   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

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

What’s the secret to growing a thriving brand online in today’s ever-changing digital world—and how can small businesses stand out? Peg Fitzpatrick, acclaimed author of The Art of Small Business Social Media: A Blueprint for Marketing Success, joins us today to break it all down. Drawing from her own experience moving from traditional marketing to social media mastery, Peg shares expert insights on growing a thriving brand online. Listen in as she explains how small business and boutique owners can identify their ideal customers, create content that truly resonates, and more. Resources: Peg Fitzpatrick: Website | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn The Art of Small Business Social Media: A Blueprint for Marketing Success by Peg Fitzpatrick Join The Boutique Hub   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube 

In this Five Minute Friday episode, Ashley shares powerful and practical tips to increase your Average Order Value (AOV) -- without relying on more traffic or more hours. If you're focused on growing sales, AOV is one of the most effective metrics to improve. Ashley breaks down the difference between lagging vs. leading indicators and how small shifts in your merchandising, marketing, and customer experience can lead to major gains. From product bundling to smart styling, in-store strategy to free shipping thresholds—this episode is packed with actionable ideas to help you make more with what you already have. What You’ll Learn: Why AOV matters more than you think The “you sell what you show” rule How to use bundling, layering, and cross-promotion to increase cart value Checkout and shipping strategies that encourage add-ons How education and problem-solving turn browsers into bigger buyers   Join The Boutique Hub Community Follow Ashley on Instagram

How does a personal gift idea quickly evolve into a thriving brand? Just ask Annabelle DeGrazio, a former lawyer turned entrepreneur, who joins us today to share her inspiring journey of launching a distinctive candle business from scratch. With no prior experience in candle-making, Annabelle committed to learning every aspect of in-house production to ensure top-tier quality and built a successful business. Her story highlights the power of finding a niche and embracing opportunities as they come, and it's one you won't want to miss!  Resources: Annabelle DeGrazio: Website | 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 

In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley shares the mindset shift that every business owner eventually faces: what got you here won't get you there. If you’ve felt stuck lately, it might be time to reexamine what you’re holding onto in your business. Ashley breaks down four key areas to evaluate—marketing, vendors, traffic, and team -- and offers two simple but powerful questions to move you forward. What You'll Learn: Why repeating what’s worked in the past may no longer serve you How to identify new ways to test and learn in your business A framework to think about growth in a shifting industry 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