By Melissa Robbins
thelotco business podcast is dedicated to helping businesses in the fashion, retail and design industries not just survive but also thrive!! It’s a show that brings you tips, tricks and strategies
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The podcast currently has 128 episodes available.
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Bold, Creative, and Dancing Through Life: Cathy Hamilton’s Artful Journey.
This episode is all about proving that it’s never too late to shake things up, chase a dream, and build something incredible. At 57, Cathy Hamilton launched her art business, Cathy Hamilton Artworks, and has been breaking barriers ever since. From her vibrant, Australian-made designs to her bold steps into trade shows, collaborations, and bespoke fabrics, Cathy is an absolute powerhouse of creativity and determination.
We dive into her journey of starting a business later in life, transitioning from her kitchen table to a warehouse, and even dancing and tambourining (sic) her way through trade shows (yes, you read that right!).
Cathy shares the highs, the hurdles, and her unfiltered advice for anyone thinking about pursuing their passion—no matter their age.
If you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, and a whole lot of “wow, I need to start doing that,” this episode is for you! Cathy’s story will have you laughing, crying, and definitely rethinking what’s possible for your business and your life.
🎧 What’s Inside:
✨ How Cathy went from $200 to $4000 wholesale orders and her immediate trade show success.
✨ Why age is a superpower in business and creativity.
✨ The joys (and challenges) of keeping everything Australian-made.
✨ Collaboration magic—like her game-changing partnership with Buy From The Bush.
✨ Bespoke fabrics, Christmas cards, and why you should never underestimate the power of networking.
✨ Cathy’s top advice for artists and entrepreneurs: "If you don’t ask, you won’t know!"
Key Takeaways:
💡 Age is irrelevant—Cathy’s proof that it’s always the right time to follow your passion.
💡 Networking and trade shows = game-changers for visibility and growth.
💡 Staying Australian-made isn’t easy, but it’s worth the fight.
💡 Collaboration opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
💡 Technology struggles? Ask for help. Don’t try to do it all solo!
Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or just need a good kick of inspiration, this episode is packed with gold. Cathy’s journey reminds us all to dream big, ask for help, and have a little fun along the way. (And yes, you’ll want to be dancing at trade shows after this one.) 🎨✨💃
Cathy Hamilton, art business, Australian made, collaborations, trade shows, networking, growth, challenges, art prints, creative journey, Cathy Hamilton, entrepreneurship, bespoke fabrics, Christmas cards, networking, aging gracefully, business challenges, creative journey, women in business, innovat
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
In this episode I dive into 5 unique strategies for product-based businesses to boost sales in the peak holiday season.
From creative email series to streamlined ordering, I share actionable tips for engaging new customers, maximizing eCommerce opportunities, and making shopping easy and enjoyable for clients.
Key takeaways
Get on the VIP BF Waitlist here
Grab the Nail Your Email Marketing Program here
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Conversion Rate Checklist
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
Let's talk about the critical role of email marketing in driving sales and building customer relationships. We discuss the common pitfalls businesses face, such as neglecting email marketing in favour of social media, and then provide actionable strategies to enhance email effectiveness.
Key topics include the importance of having a strategic plan, utilizing templates, focusing on design elements, regularly analyzing performance metrics, and segmenting the email list for targeted communication. I want to encourage businesses to invest time in email marketing to unlock its full potential for growth and customer engagement.
Email marketing can generate significant sales for businesses.
00:00
The Importance of Email Marketing
07:15
Creating a Strategic Email Plan
15:48
Design Elements for Effective Emails
22:26
Testing and Analyzing Email Performance
29:28
Building and Segmenting Your Email List
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
Revolutionize Your Business with Cycle Syncing: Special Guest Renae Fieck
In this can't-miss episode, I sit down with Renee Fieck, an occupational therapist, breathwork facilitator, and feminist feminine leadership coach, to reveal how aligning with your menstrual cycle can elevate your business game.
Together, we unpack the transformative concept of cycle syncing, offering practical advice on matching your business activities with hormonal phases for maximum productivity and well-being.
Discover the significance of estrogen and progesterone phases, the impact of life stages like perimenopause and menopause, and how to leverage tools like the lunar cycle. Renae also share insights from her book, strategies from 'Your Cycle Advantage' and 'The Flow Collective', and personal anecdotes about the evolving conversations around women's health.
This episode is brimming with invaluable tips to help you run a stress-free, efficient business that thrives alongside your natural rhythms.
Tune in and learn how to master time management, enhance productivity, and embody feminine leadership for a flourishing life and career.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:56 Renee's Personal Journey
03:21 Discovering Cycle Syncing
03:48 Understanding Cycle Syncing
05:28 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
10:25 Practical Applications of Cycle Syncing
15:11 The Importance of Tuning into Your Body
16:11 Adapting to Life's Unexpected Changes
17:19 Understanding Cycles and Rhythms
20:20 Impact of Contraception on Hormones
21:48 Changing Conversations Around Women's Health
25:34 Promoting the Book and Its Insights
28:28 Ways to Work with Renee
To grab Renae's book head here: Cycle Sync Your Business
And head to instagram @renaefieck to follow Renae and dive into more details about how you can incorporate cycle syncing into your business.
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
In this podcast episode, I welcome jewelry designer and business mentor Tracy Matthews, who shares her insights on building successful jewellery brands through effective marketing and mindset.
Tracy, with over 30 years of experience, discusses her 'Desired Brand Effect' approach, which emphasizes the importance of branding, audience understanding, and messaging to attract and retain customers.
We explore the significance of in-person interactions, understanding customer desires, and translating these into sales strategies, especially in an online setting.
Tracy also highlights the need for an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging listeners to take risks, learn from failures, and continuously improve their business practices.
We discuss maintaining focus in marketing efforts and the importance of consistent mindset work, offering practical tips for product-based businesses looking to thrive in challenging economic climates.
You can follow Tracy at @tracymatthewsny
And dive into her podcast or website to learn more about the Flourish and Thrive Academy at https://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/
To join the Mel's Roadmap to Profit program and learn the Sales and Marketing Strategies you need to start and scale your product business head here: Roadmap to Profit.
We are also running LIVE Pinterest Masterclass this week - join here.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Tracy Matthews
00:19 The Importance of In-Person Networking
02:18 The Desire Brand Effect: An Overview
02:34 Building a Jewelry Business: Lessons from the 90s
03:26 Creating and Scaling Desire in Your Brand
05:53 Understanding Your Audience and Messaging
12:35 Marketing Strategies for Different Customer Segments
22:30 Exploring Marketing Podcasts
22:46 Understanding Customer Psychology
23:02 In-Person vs. Online Sales
24:04 Feedback from Physical Retail
24:53 The Importance of Mindset
27:29 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
29:52 Setting Clear Goals and Priorities
36:16 Taking Calculated Risks
36:41 Learning from Failures
43:38 Hiring and Team Building
44:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
In this podcast episode, I welcome Anna from House of Cart and we dive deeply into the world of Shopify and e-commerce. Anna, a Shopify expert, shares her journey from starting a children's clothing label to becoming a leading name in Shopify website design and email marketing.
We focus on the importance of theme selection, optimization, and customer journey to enhance the customers user experience (UX).
Anna's shares valuable tips on decluttering your website, utilizing call-to-action (CTA) buttons effectively, leveraging user reviews and social proof, and integrating essential apps like Klaviyo for email marketing and Tolstoy for interactive videos.
Tune in for actionable insights on how to improve your website navigation, product titles, and conversion rates through data analysis.
Don't miss the chance to learn how to elevate your Shopify store to the next level.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:43 Anna's Journey to Shopify Expertise
01:31 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
03:08 Why Shopify is the Best E-commerce Platform
10:09 Optimizing Your Shopify Store
10:37 Choosing the Right Shopify Theme
14:24 Maintaining and Updating Your Shopify Theme
17:21 Effective Product Page Design
22:23 Streamlining the Online Shopping Experience
24:06 Optimizing Your Homepage for Better Conversion
28:49 Effective Product Page Strategies
31:02 Essential Apps for E-commerce Success
37:02 Understanding and Improving Conversion Rates
40:17 Balancing Business Operations and Growth
43:48 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Get in touch with Anna at @houseofcart
Aggregated Core Web Vitals performance by Shopify:
https://performance.shopify.com/pages/theme-performance-data-table
Apps we recommended:
Tolstoy - Interactive video shoppable content to engage users.
Klaviyo - Email marketing automation for targeted campaigns and customer retention.
Judge.me or Okendo - Product reviews to build social proof and trust.
ReConvert or Selleasy - Post-purchase upsell app to increase average order value.
Lucky Orange - Heatmaps and session recordings to understand user behaviour and improve UI/UX.
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
In this episode I share 10 Essential Visual Merchandising (VM) tips to boost sales in physical retail spaces.
From identifying your store's hotspot to ensuring clever lighting and strategic product placement, Melissa covers it all.
Learn why consolidating products and pricing transparency can significantly enhance your customer experience.
Discover the magic of changing your display frequently to keep things fresh while maintaining a clean and visually appealing environment.
Packed with insights and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to increase retail sales.
Tune in and transform your retail store today!
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:18 Understanding Your Store's Hotspot
01:24 Importance of Pricing Everything
03:05 Optimizing Store Lighting
04:22 Consolidating Products for Better Appeal
05:29 Utilizing Various Heights and Levels
07:41 Effective Product Grouping
08:15 The Power of Regular Changes
09:44 Maintaining Cleanliness
10:39 Adding Visuals to Enhance Appeal
12:31 Maximizing Counter Display
14:48 Conclusion and Recap
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
In this episode, I chat with Rene Skelton of Concrete Jellyfish.
We dive into the challenges of running a small business, to the unique ways Renee maintains her creativity.
We talk about the origins, growth, and innovations of her fashion accessories brand Concrete Jellyfish.
Rene shares insights about transitioning her business to Italy, the importance of community, dealing with production challenges, and her passion for creating handmade accessories.
The episode also highlights her unique approach to product design, the balance between creativity and business operations, and the importance of setting proper pricing from the start.
Overall, this episode offers an inspiring look at Rene's dedication to her craft and the personal touches that set Concrete Jellyfish apart.
We also find out how much Rene hates pop ups. And she wishes she started collecting emails a long time ago!
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:24 Challenges of Small Business and Motherhood
01:06 What is Concrete Jellyfish?
02:12 The Journey of Concrete Jellyfish
03:36 Building a Community Through Business
05:31 Moving the Business to Italy
06:43 Logistics and Operations
12:27 Creative Process and Design Inspiration
21:12 Wholesale vs. Direct-to-Consumer
25:49 Pricing for Sustainability
27:52 Investing in Quality Equipment
28:29 Innovative and Unique Creations
29:57 Building a Supportive Team
31:07 Marketing and Email Strategies
36:56 Balancing Work and Personal Life
43:56 Future Plans and New Ventures
47:54 Creating Joy and Excitement
You can check out Rene's instagram here @concretejellyfishco and her website at
https://concretejellyfish.co/ where her new collection has just been released. Check out her innovative light weight hoops skins here
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
Anna Shipley, a Facebook ads expert, shares her journey and insights into running successful Facebook ads for e-commerce businesses. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your customer and having a well-designed website before starting Facebook ads. Anna also discusses the common mistakes people make with Facebook ads, such as constantly changing the ads and not having enough content. She highlights the need for consistency in social media and email marketing to support the ads. Anna advises businesses to carefully consider their budget and financial sustainability when running Facebook ads. The principal themes of the conversation are: 1) Riding the storms in Facebook ads, 2) Knowing your numbers and margins, 3) The importance of bundles, and 4) Investing in a Shopify website.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
02:14
How Anna Got Started in Facebook Ads
03:57
Essentials Before Getting Started with Facebook Ads
05:45
The Importance of a Well-Designed Website
08:48
Monitoring Metrics and Optimizing Ads
11:35
The Role of Email Marketing and Social Media
14:11
Lessons Learned from Running Facebook Ads
18:18
Considering Budget and Financial Sustainability
20:19
Introduction and Lessons Learned
22:45
The Power of Bundling Products
26:05
Why Shopify is the Best Choice for E-commerce
31:06
The Cost of Doing Business
34:35
Building a Strong Foundation for Success
Facebook ads, e-commerce, customer understanding, website design, content creation, retargeting, metrics, budget, financial sustainability, Facebook ads, riding the storms, knowing your numbers, margins, bundles, Shopify website
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
Send us a text
Things in business don't always go to plan.
Kristy Withers founder of Incy Interiors grew her business over 13 years and has had her fair share if things going wrong!!
On the podcast this week, I talk with Kristy about her journey with Incy Interiors. How she is now moving on from being the owner and what the future looks like for her.
We talk about the highs and lows, he different things Kristy has tried and tested in her time as a product business owner. How she went from not having any experience as a business owner to a building a multi million-dollar company.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll discover in this episode:
🌟 Why Kristy got started and what led to her taking a step back.
🌟 What early stage growth looked like and how Incy Interiors grew over the years.
🌟 The difference between wholesaling, drop-shipping and marketplaces.
🌟 Making sure your customer has a positive experience buying from you.
🌟 Advice Kristy has for anyone starting out and whether or not she would change anything about her journey.
🌟 Incy Interiors is closing down as a business you can check out their website and connect with Kristy on Instagram. To find out all the updates and announcements follow on their instagram.
You can find all the show notes and juicy details on our website at
https://www.thelotco.com.au/podcast
We discuss all of the following:
01:26 How did Kristy get started with her business?
03:01 Finding manufacturing
04:30 Early stage growth and how her business grew over the years
09:05 Drop shipping vs wholesale vs marketplace
13:13 Incy Interiors’ retail store
18:47 The Incy Interiors team
20:04 Moving through tough times in business
30:24 Importance of customer experience
32:02 Advice for anyone starting a product business now
35:49 Prioritizing marketing and brand awareness
39:41 Would Kristy change anything about her journey?
Connect with Kristy on Instagram.
Follow Incy Interiors on Instagram.
Shop all kids designer furniture at Incy Interiors.
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
GRAB the BF deals here https://www.thelotco.com/bfdeals
And if you want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for specific help with Wholesale? Check out the Transform your Wholesale program
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
The podcast currently has 128 episodes available.
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