Behind the Review

This week we’re trying something a bit different and are introducing a Deep Dive episode where we’ll go deeper on one topic with one of our previous podcast guests. This week: Hiring and Firing with The Candle Pour’s Misty & Dennis Akers. They share their expertise and help business owners with how they might want to think about staffing and why who you hire is essential to creating an unforgettable experience.

The Candle Pour: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-candle-pour-tampa Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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Many people care about small businesses and philanthropic causes, but truly making a difference takes a little something more. In our final episode during Women’s History Month, I spoke with Angela Shen, owner and founder of Savor Seattle. Angela cares deeply about her local community, advocates for a number of social causes, and actively supports women-owned businesses. Yelp reviewer, Vy M. connected immediately with Savor Seattle because of Angela’s customer service & mission.

Savor Seattle: https://www.yelp.com/biz/savor-seattle-food-tours-seattle-2 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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This week we talked with Amanda Scotese, owner + founder of Chicago Detours - a touring company that is always pushing the limits of what is expected to create an unforgettable - and more importantly, irreplicable - experience for their customers. That mindset enabled them to thrive during a pandemic when in-person tours are out of the question. Our Yelp reviewer, Michelle R., experienced the Chicago tour from her living room in Orlando - an offering Amanda hadn’t dreamed of just one year ago.

Chicago Detours: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-detours-chicago-3 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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When you create a business for the community, it’s the community that can make you successful-even when you open during a pandemic. Natasha Burton, founder & owner of Mixed Fillings Pie Shop in Jacksonville, FL, prides herself on her customer service and connection to the local community. It’s her “brand,” combined with the delicious, uniquely named pies that sold reviewer, Natalia, on the shop. Learn how creating a space for meaningful conversations & being accessible brought Natasha success.

Mixed Fillings Pie Shop: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mixed-fillings-pie-shop-jacksonville Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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Building a business where people go to feel inspired and confident is much easier said than done. Replicating and franchising that concept, all while making the important things stick, is even harder. Jami Stigliano, owner and founder of dance studio franchise, DivaDance, managed to make it happen. This week’s Yelp reviewer, Emily A., shares her story of how the Austin studio gave her a sense of empowerment and community.

DivaDance (Austin location): https://www.yelp.com/biz/divadance-austin-3 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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Creating a business isn’t always about the endgame of selling a product. For Clinton Jones, owner of Magnum Opus Hair Salon in D.C., it’s about creating a cultural exchange. In this week’s episode we take a look at the journey of Yelp reviewer, Diane M., who went seven months without a haircut in the pandemic, turned to Yelp to find a new local business and came out the other side with a growing discussion - in addition to a stylish cut.

Magnum Opus Hair Salon: https://www.yelp.com/biz/magnum-opus-hair-salon-arlington Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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Some businesses are centered around a great product - others are about dependability, reliability and honesty. A great locksmith focuses on the latter. This week we talk with Jay Stofer, founder and CEO of NYC business, Lockbusters, who knows that his reputation is everything. This week’s reviewer, Charlotte B., turned to Yelp in a moment of need. Jay finds many of his clients in moments of vulnerability - find out how he earns his exceptional reputation & what others can learn from it.

Lockbusters:https://www.yelp.com/biz/lockbusters-new-york Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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Having a product worth waiting in line for is something many business owners aim for - knowing that what you’re offering is worth both a consumer’s time and money. That’s what co-owners Sam Butarbutar + Wenter Shyu have achieved with Third Culture Bakery. We talk with Sam about how their commitment to quality has helped them find success and how they build impressive customer loyalty. To exemplify this, we spoke with cross-country Yelp reviewer, Cherie C., about her not one, but two reviews.

Third Culture Bakery: https://www.yelp.com/biz/third-culture-bakery-aurora-aurora Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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“The celebration is still on. Your birthday doesn’t care that it’s COVID.” In this week’s episode, we talk to Mignon Francois, owner of the Cupcake Collection about pandemic pivots but, more importantly, we hear from her on how she turned a business - started from nothing - into a two location success. Yelp reviewer and creative entrepreneur, Monica S. reminds us how much joy something simple - like a sweet potato cupcake - can bring. It will leave you inspired and hungry.

The Cupcake Collection: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cupcake-collection-nashville Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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When it comes to selling a luxury product, it’s important to cultivate a relationship with your consumer and understand their motivations. Viviana  Langhoff, owner of Adornment & Theory, a jewelry shop in downtown Chicago, shares how she created five pillars for her and her staff to live by. Yelp reviewer, Shelby F., saw these pillars come to life in her numerous experiences with the business and shares why it’s so important to focus on a meaningful customer relationship, rather than the sale.

Adornment & Theory: https://www.yelp.com/biz/adornment-and-theory-chicago Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/

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