Retail Is Far From Dead - Ashley Seamans of Local Maker

Today I'm joined by Ashley Seamans, owner and creator of Local Maker a full-service company working to connect retailers with makers and designers. Additionally, Ashley is currently running a brick and mortar pop-up shop outside of Boston which highlights wares from the businesses she is representing. Her business ventures are values-driven, authentic and aimed at creating a community around local business.

We talk about being mentally prepared for opportunities that may (or may not) present themselves, creating a business that contributes to the kinds of communities we want to create and why it's so important to create a dream customer avatar when you're starting out. Ashley shares her tips for creating intriguing shop environments that really resonate with clients and she tells us why brick and mortar owners to take a step back and look at ourselves "from the outside in."

I've got so much appreciation for people that are innovating around small business, both in brick and mortar spaces and within the maker community. As shop owners and space makers, we know that not every day is easy and there's value in aligning ourselves with values-driving companies and organizations that are providing solutions to some of the issues we face. Further, there are benefits to communicating our goals, our weaknesses, our successes to companies like Local Maker to encourage a greater understanding of small business ownership and community building. I'm excited for you to hear my chat with Ashley and I hope you'll check out her pop-up at The Hangout (hoping to get there myself this weekend). Enjoy the show.

Follow Ashley on Instagram @localmaker and via her website www.localmaker.com. And perhaps I'll see you at The Hangout this weekend (find more at www.poppingupnext.com/thehangout)