This week's episode is with Meg and Molly Svec. These sisters are the owners of Spilt Milk in Oak Park, Illinois (right outside of Chicago). I was excited to connect with them because I admittedly don't know anything about running a bakery. Meg and Molly graciously agreed to speak with me about their brand new business and to offer some pretty great words of wisdom for those among us looking to start something like Spilt Milk.

We chat about how their bakery came into existence (finding space, piecing together funds, etc), what it's like to work with a family member and how good it feels to see your space full of happy patrons. The sisters talk candidly about the division of labor as business partners and why they decided to just turn off the business talk when they're not "at work".

There are so many nuggets of truth in this episode. Meg and Molly both weigh in with their thoughts on making a career doing what you love and the big risks necessary to achieve this. I loved their transparent take on worrying about being "frauds" as well as why these feelings don't ultimately hold a lot of water for them. Thanks Meg and Molly!

Spilt Milk is located at 103 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park, IL

http://www.spiltmilkpastry.com/

Instagram: @spiltmilkpastry

Facebook: @spiltmilkpastry

In Keeping Shop news...I'm thinking I might start blogging more about some of the business component that come up in each episode. What do you all think? Is this something you'd like to read more of and if so, what are the topics you'd like to see explored more? Shoot me an email with your thoughts. Thanks as always for listening and don't forget to share the show with friends.

Today I'm speaking with Katherine Henry of Katherine Henry Boudoir. Katherine and I have worked together on a couple of collaborations between Forty Winks and her studio, because lingerie and boudoir equals a total no-brainer. I was thrilled when Katherine reached out and suggested herself for a Keeping Shop interview because collaborating with people like Katherine also equals a total no-brainer.

One of the things that impresses me most about Katherine is her dedication to her branding and the aesthetics of Katherine Henry Boudoir. If you head over to her site (all info below) you'll see exactly what I mean. Her content direction is clear and it obviously draws a certain type of client to her. Katherine knows what it takes to attract her "dream clients' and her business is stronger and more fulfilling because of this.

In addition to her branding strength, Katherine and I talk about how she got started in the boudoir business, how she found her brick and mortar space, and how she juggles being a mom with being a successful business woman. We also talk body image and how the process of a boudoir session becomes an empowering experience for most women. Check out her details below and enjoy this episode!

Katherine Henry Boudoir is located at 603 Main Street, Suite 3 Reading, MA

http://www.katherinehenryboudoir.com/

Instagram: @kahenry

Facebook: @katherinehenryboudoir

Today I'm speaking with Jacqueline Gabardy, acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in women's reproductive health. She is also the owner of Sweet Beet Acupuncture, a brick and mortar practice in the Los Angeles area. I was excited to connect with her because in the past I myself have turned to needles for lots of different things, specifically stress and anxiety management as well as relief from some pretty intense migraine headaches that cropped up in my life this past year. Acupuncture works for me so I was thrilled to learn more about this ancient practice from a passionate expert.

Jacqueline and I talk about the certification process, the logistics of starting her practice and the ways she connects with others to grow her business. She also clues me in to why we should all be drinking bone broth (it's seriously beneficial!). I found the whole interview with Jacqueline to be valuable, but the best part for me was the information on the health benefits of acupuncture and herbs on women's reproductive health. If you're suffering from PMS, painful or absent periods or if you're having trouble getting pregnant or undergoing fertility treatments, you might want to explore the ways acupuncture and/or an herbal treatment can help you. It's amazing how much it can help relieve these problems.

For more info on Jacqueline check out her site and her social. She's got a killer Instagram!

http://www.sweetbeetacupuncture.com/

Facebook: @sweetbeetacu

Instagram: @sweetbeetacu

Thanks for listening. If you're liking Keeping Shop please considering leaving me a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Happy New Year! Today is all about a brick and mortar that I hold very near and dear to my heart. My own! That's right, today I'm chatting with my business partner Meredith Amenkhienan to give you the back story on our lingerie shop, Forty Winks. Mer and I talk about our business all the time and we're excited to share one of these chats with you all. In this episode you'll learn our how and why for starting a lingerie store, you'll hear all about our buying practices, and you'll probably learn a little something about the bra fitting process (we kind of nerd out). Additionally we get real about our 2016 numbers and what we're learning from a lean year. I hope you enjoy the show.

If you like what you're hearing please considering subscribing, rating and reviewing the show. Also, if you have suggestions for interviewees, please send them my way via the contact form on my site, www.lovekeepingshop.com. Thanks everyone and HAPPY 2017!

Today's episode is with Erica Feldmann, owner of HausWitch in Salem, MA. You'll hear this in the intro, but when I reached out to Erica, I was a little nervous, mostly because her store is just so gooooood and I think I was a little starstruck. Turns out, Erica IRL is so nice, so humble and so talented. She's created a soulful, mindful, magical business and in this episode she gives us a peek into her processes. Erica gives insight into finding the right space, sourcing vendors that align with her mission and her steps to building a vibrant Instagram community. And while she says she doesn't know much about business, it's pretty clear to me that she's got this shit down. We talk about being a Witch (it's not about dancing naked in the woods) and Erica examines how the traditional dark and mysterious archetype of the Witch is now being reclaimed as a powerful feminist figure. Erica takes her position of feminist witch very seriously. She explains why there is real responsibility in that role and how her space reflects this commitment. We also address the inevitable chatter in our minds and the need to find ways to quiet ourselves to get clear on our intentions and our paths as business owners. This part of our conversation resonated with me big time and encouraged me to recommit to a more daily mediation practice not only for my health but for the health of my business. Enjoy the show!

Today I'm talking with Rebecca Hall, co-owner of Crush Boutique and Whitney and Winston, all located in Boston. We talk about writing a business plan (yeah, you should), picking a business partner that's in it for the long haul, and why going with your gut when hiring can be more important than a candidate's experience. Rebecca and her business partner Laura own three brick and mortar spaces and Rebecca shares some of the lessons they've learned around adjusting their offers and expectations based on the different needs of different clienteles. We also chat about how we brick and mortar owners can stand out in the wake of online retail by offering customers things that online just can't give them. This episode is chock full of useful advice not only for running your brick and mortar but for all those interested in the start up process. Enjoy the show! Find more about this show and past shows at www.lovekeepingshop.com

Today I'm talking to Kate Wormser co-owner of Lot F Gallery. Kate and her husband James have created a truly unique brick and mortar space in that their gallery is also their home. That's right, Kate's huge wide open living space also serves as one of Boston's most interesting art galleries. We chat about how this all came to be, how she manages running the gallery, and how she sources artists with just the right aesthetic for the space. Enjoy the show!

If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing and leaving a rating/review. If you know someone that you think would be a good fit for the show, please email me with their info via my website, www.lovekeepingshop.com

In this episode, I’m talking to Mackenzie Morris owner and founder of Etain in Portland, Me. Etain is the area’s go-to shop for bra fittings; offering a wide range of sizes and styles in an inclusive, body positive space. Mackenzie and I both own bra shops so things get a little tangential at points (we can’t help it!) but even with all the underwear talk, this interview provides a real life glimpse into starting and running a brick and mortar. We talk about the risks (and rewards) of opening in an up-and-coming neighborhood (7:54), about hiring like minded staff members (32:47) and why the right print ads can drive major traffic to your store (28:00). We chat about getting over the hurdle of trying to please everyone (47:00) and about how taking a risk with your buying can build invaluable trust among clients (18:00). Mackenzie puts her heart and soul into Etain and she has a very real belief system behind the way she runs her business (14:30). Enjoy the show.

Find Etain here:

Address: 646 Congress St. Portland, Me

Instagram: etain_underthings

Facebook: etainportland

Website: www.etainboutique.com

I hope you enjoy this episode of Keeping Shop. Please rate, review, subscribe and share with friends. If you'd like to be interviewed or if you know someone that would be a good fit, please contact me. I'd love to speak with you.

Today we’re taking to Sophie Hughes Stokes, jewelry designer and brick and mortar shopkeep. Her award-winning store Ore features her own completely ethically sourced and designed jewelry as well as pieces from female designers from around the Boston area. Sophie and I talk about her track to becoming a jewelry designer (2:38), how she knew she wanted to open a brick and mortar (4:50), and how she managed her own exceptions of starting a shop (6:35). We talk about parring down social media as a way of keeping your brand concise (17:00) and about finding the balance between your creativity and customer demand (32:26). We also talk about something I struggle with in my own business, which is staying on track and maintaining focus while being pulled in so many different directions (18:40) and she gives us mantra (that I’ve since adopted) that allows her to stop working and go home and rejuvenate (35:00). Enjoy the show.

Find Ore here:

Address: 80 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA

Instagram: @storeore

Facebook: @storeore

Website: http://www.storeore.com/

I hope you enjoy this episode of Keeping Shop. Please rate, review, subscribe and share with friends. If you'd like to be interviewed or if you know someone that would be a good fit, please contact me. I'd love to speak with you.

Welcome to Keeping Shop! A podcast all about what it's really like to own and operate a brick and mortar business. Each episode focuses on the story behind a business by way of a candid chat with the owner. We talk about the broad picture stuff; their start up process and the philosophies behind their companies, as well as the smaller, day to day realities of running a brick and mortar. New episodes every-other Tuesday.