Rooted in Retail

If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely felt that guilt—the feeling that you should be doing more, juggling everything better. And for the parents out there, you know the added pressure of mom guilt or dad guilt. It’s the constant balancing act between responsibilities to your kids and your business.

Today, in our Retail Therapy segment, we’re joined by Robyn Noel, co-owner of Cloud Nine Pajamas. Robyn opens up about running a business with her sisters, managing motherhood, and trying to do it all. We dive into practical tips and tools to help balance our many priorities—whether you’re a parent or not.

This conversation gave me some much-needed clarity, and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you. This episode is full of tips about finding balance, reducing that overwhelming guilt, and showing up stronger in both our personal and professional lives.

[04:43] Robyn's challenge: the pressure of being a mom in business

[11:19] The truth about why we're bad at multitasking

[15:25] How to use transition rituals to fully engage at home

[19:35] Most business issues aren’t as urgent as they seem

[31:31] Why no one builds a business alone

Get all of the resources in the show notes on our website: https://rootedinretail.com/episodes/balancing-business-and-parenthood/

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Today, we’re diving into a hot topic chosen by our listeners: how small businesses can borrow a few powerful moves from big box stores to stay competitive and grow. 

My guest, Mehru Anand from Doodling NYC, shared some great insights—and I’ll break it down so you can apply these big-business strategies to your own operation. 

Big players use data to drive decisions, but small businesses can get in on this too, even with a smaller budget. We’ll also talk about the power of strong employee training and systems—onboarding doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective! 

Finally, we’ll look at budgeting. Knowing when to save and where to invest can make all the difference, especially during peak seasons. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a few easy-to-implement tips to grow, stay efficient, and keep your customers coming back!

[07:24] How big box retailers keep their team motivated

[12:00] Why every retail business needs SOPs

[16:48] How to manage costs with a clear budget

[18:36] What corporate stores are doing to keep customers coming back

[22:29] When to map out your seasonal promotions

Get all of the resources on our website.

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When I sat down with today’s guest, Mehru Anand, founder of Doodling NYC, at NY NOW, I was immediately inspired by her journey. Mehru’s journey from corporate executive to retail entrepreneur is truly inspiring.

In this episode, she shares the challenges she faced transitioning into her own business, working with freelancers, and navigating e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy.

Mehru’s brand, Doodling NYC, is all about embracing authenticity and the motto "being proudly imperfect." She’s building a community and plans to expand her presence in brick-and-mortar stores—a vision she shares with us at the end of the episode that will leave you feeling motivated.

Her brand encourages creativity and self-expression. I know you’re going to love this conversation!

[00:40] How Mehru realized she didn't have a brand

[03:00] Mehru’s business philosophy: proudly imperfect

[06:27] The challenges Mehru tackled when jumping from corporate to e-commerce

[11:32] How Etsy and Shopify stack up against each other

[14:44] Mehru's advice for hiring freelancers

[20:51] What the future looks like for Doodling NYC

[24:08] Mehru's resilience round

Get all of the resources in on our website.

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Welcome to this special bonus episode. I wanted to film this because we had some really big news this week. We are now operating as Rooted in Retail, not Crystal Media. We have been undergoing this transformation for some months now behind the scenes and I wanted to take you though the decision process because I think there is a lot you can learn about branding and messaging in your business. I am also sharing with you the plans have have for the future and what you can expect!

I'm really excited about what we're doing and I'm really excited for you to be a part of it. 

[00:00] Big Announcement!

[00:38] Behind the Scenes of the Rebranding Decision

[02:28] The Importance of Messaging in Business

[03:57] Evolution of the Brand: From Crystal Media to Rooted in Retail

[05:57] Expanding Beyond Social Media

[07:21] Introducing the Rooted in Retail Network and Mastermind

[12:05] Personal and Professional Growth

[15:38] Here's to the Future

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Imagine if you could have a dashboard that shows you exactly where your business is succeeding—and where it’s not. Today, I’m going to show you how!

Dan Holman joined me in the last episode to share some powerful ideas on why key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential for growing a retail business. We talked about how analyzing these results weekly can show you what’s working in your business and help you leverage that data to boost profits.

Today, I want to dive even deeper into this and explore how AI is completely transforming the process of tracking and analyzing metrics. I’m also giving you an exclusive sneak peek at something I’m really excited about—our upcoming Rooted in Retail launch in June 2025!

And, of course, I’ll share some practical steps for creating and automating your own metrics dashboard using tools like Google Sheets and AI to take your business to the next level.

Get all of the details on our website!

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If your POS system is more of a headache than a help, you need to hear this! Today, I’m joined by my friend and industry expert, Dan Holman, who’s here to show you how tracking the right data can drive your sales.

This episode is action-packed. Dan brings over 40 years of retail experience to the table, and he’s ready to break down some of the most important metrics in retail—what you should be measuring, why it matters, and how to simplify the process so it feels less overwhelming.

Dan is an award-winning business coach and founder of The Wealthy Retailer, a consulting firm that helps independent retailers and wholesalers boost profitability and cash flow. 

We’ll also dive into the hot topic of POS systems. Whether you love yours, hate it, or feel stuck somewhere in between, Dan has expert advice on how to find the right fit for your business. He’s also sharing key insights to help you prepare for a successful holiday season. 

Trust me, you’ll want to stick around until the end. Even in our Resilience Round, Dan is dropping wisdom, ideas, and resources that you can start using right away!

[04:25] Dan’s 40+ years of retail experience

[07:12] Why negativity holds back so many independent retailers

[10:49] The top things retailers overlook in inventory management

[18:48] Biggest data points retailers should monitor regularly

[25:25] How Dan recommends retailers track in-store traffic

[27:42] The easiest platform for tracking metrics

[30:36] Dan's advice on choosing a POS system

[34:51] How make teams stronger and more profitable

[37:57] What retailers can do to have a strong Q4

[40:14] Dan's Resilience Round

Get all the resources on our website! 

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

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Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!

Do you have a mile-long to-do list and feel like you’re constantly working but barely moving the needle on sales? If that sounds like you, this episode’s for you. 

We’re back with another special Retail Therapy segment, and this time, Ronda and I are joined by the amazing mother-daughter duo Angie and Alyssa from Blue Dahlia Designs. 

In this episode, we dive deep to help them achieve more sales, find more balance, and gain clarity on the tools and systems that really drive growth. Together, we talk about what it takes to actually build the business instead of just checking off tasks. 

As a small business owner, I know firsthand how easy it is to get lost in the weeds. But as we explore here, being busy doesn’t always mean we’re moving the business forward. 

I can’t wait for you to tune in and soak up all the systems, tools, and advice Ronda and I share. It’s absolutely jam-packed!

[03:50] Alyssa & Angie's challenge: bringing back repeat customers

[06:13] What the store needs to achieve to be considered successful

[08:46] Ronda's advice for a better work-life harmony

[13:35] Why rest can be a game changer in business

[14:53] Busy work vs. profit-making activities

[20:14] How batching your to-do list can free up hours

[25:14] One idea for an additional revenue stream

Get all of the resources on our website. 

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

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Stacey Pecor's story of pivoting through challenging times had me rethinking my creative process. In this episode of After the Show, I’m sharing insights from my inspiring conversation with Stacey from Olive & Bette’s.  

During our chat, Stacey opened up about her commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. Two habits she shared are fantastic ways to spark fresh ideas in your business. 

Her insights on resilience and nurturing creativity are game changers. These lessons can empower you to tackle obstacles head-on and reignite your passion for retail. 

Tune in for actionable takeaways you can apply to your life and shop! 

[00:35] The power of investing in yourself

[03:23] How travel can be a source of inspiration

[07:39] Creative practices for retailers to innovate

[10:48] The future of retail and innovation

Get all of the details on our website

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Get your ticket to EVOLVE 2025 - $200 off when you use the code rooted

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Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!

What if the key to thriving during tough times was simply reimagining your business? 

Join me as I chat with Stacey Pecor of Olive & Bette’s, a powerhouse retailer who did just that. 

One of the things I love most about Stacey is her superpower for innovation. She’s always thinking ahead, taking smart risks, and knowing exactly when to pivot. In this episode, she’s pulling back the curtain on her decision-making process, showing us the inspiration behind her bold moves to reinvent her business. 

And here’s the best part—it’s like a mini masterclass on social media! Stacey shares the tools she uses, what she’s watching in her metrics, and her approach to captions and advertising. 

It’s all here, and it’s working. With over 10,000 followers, Stacey is actively selling through her social channels and connecting with her audience every day. Let’s dive into her story!

[05:32] The major pivot Stacey made in her business

[11:58] The new concept store in Greenwich

[14:52] Stacey's advice on listening to your gut

[16:38] What the biggest hurdle in the transition was

[22:55] The strategies behind her social media impact

[26:08] What type of content is working best right now

[28:32] Why Instagram wants creators to use trending media

[33:34] Stacey's resilience round

Get all of the resources on our website!

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Get your ticket to EVOLVE 2025 - $200 off when you use the code rooted

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Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!

It’s one thing to satisfy your customers, but what if you could turn their experience into something remarkable? I’m talking about the art of surprising and delighting your customers—and why it’s your new secret weapon.

In our latest episode with Nick McHenry, one idea really stood out to me: the power of surprising and delighting. It’s something I’m obsessed with—constantly thinking of ways to exceed expectations and create those “wow” moments. 

Nick is an absolute goldmine of insights and he shared some brilliant examples. Today, I want to explore how going that extra mile can create unforgettable experiences that not only keep customers coming back but also get them excited and talking about you!

From viral moments like the Stanley Cup story to those small, unexpected touches, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to start surprising and delighting your customers.

[01:30] Surprise and delight your customers

[02:25] How Stanley went viral with surprise and delight

[05:47] The power of doing the unexpected for customers

[08:06] Building customer loyalty through reciprocity

Get all of the resources on our website. 

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Get your ticket to EVOLVE 2025 - $200 off when you use the code rooted

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

Show off your super fandom by getting your Rooted in Retail Merch!