Rooted in Retail

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

In this episode of After the Show, I’m reflecting on my latest interview with Hollei Anne Hayes. She’s a talented product designer whose work you might have seen at Target and Toys “R” Us. We had an incredible conversation about what it takes to make your products stand out and the impact of design on customer engagement.

One key theme we explored was the importance of emotional connection in product design and branding. I’ll share some of my personal takeaways, but trust me, you don’t want to miss the full episode to get the complete picture. 

I also had a serendipitous moment recently that tied into our discussion about creating content that builds an emotional connection—tune in to hear how it all connects and what it means for you as indie retailers.

[02:41] Why emotional connection matters in business

[04:25] Creating feelings through your content

[05:51] Why businesses that succeed tell stories

[07:00] Auditing your content for emotions

Get all of the details and resources on our website: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/why-your-customers-need-to-feel-something/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

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Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Today, we’re diving into all things product design. I’m joined by Hollei Anne Hayes, who owns a creative studio specializing in product design and branding for product-based businesses. Even if you’re not designing your own products, you’re going to love this episode.

Hollei has over a decade of experience working with brands like Toys R Us and Skip Hop. As the owner of Hollei Anne Design Co., she’s designed for the homegoods, stationery, gift, and textile industries, with her work featured at Target, Home Goods, and Hallmark.

Hollei’s passion is creating trendy designs for entrepreneurial women in retail, so she’s the perfect fit for us here at Rooted in Retail! We’re chatting about what makes products pop on the shelves—and how to connect even deeper with your customers to ensure your products get chosen. 

[03:17] The most effective branding strategies to help products stand out

[07:22] How to secure shelf space in major retail chains

[09:05] How long it took to land Hollei's artwork in big box stores

[12:34] The power of TikTok for trend research

[19:38] Episode Sponsor: Ads Management with Crystal Media 

[20:44] How creating affordable yet beautiful products pushes Hollei to innovate

[24:37] 3 ways to make your product shine brighter than the competition on store shelves

[29:02] Hollei's resilience round

Get all of the resources on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/how-to-make-your-products-pop-with-hollei-anne-hayes/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Ana, the owner of Pilar Boutique, joins us along with business and life coach Ronda for a special 'Retail Therapy' segment. 

Ana opens up about her fears of business failure and the challenges of leading a retail team, despite being in the industry for 17 years. The discussion highlights the importance of visualizing success in order to push past negative thoughts when they start to interfere. 

Ronda offers insights on internal sourcing, maintaining a positive mindset, and how to handle business growth while staying true to one's values. 

This episode provides valuable advice for retailers on staying resilient, finding joy in their work, and strategically managing their businesses amidst uncertainties.

[01:11] Ana's Retail Journey

[02:07] Facing the Fear of Failure

[04:29] Exploring Identity Beyond Business

[07:55] Navigating Economic Uncertainty

[10:36] Harnessing Creativity in Adversity

[13:49] Building a Vision for Growth

[26:21] The Importance of Intimacy in Business

[33:48] Final Thoughts and Ana's Advice for Retailers

Get all of the resources on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/overcoming-fears-and-visualizing-success/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

On this week’s episode of After the Show, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways from my recent conversation with Melodie van der Baan from Max Retail.

We had an eye-opening discussion about something every retailer needs to know: how to implement systems to manage inventory, improve operations, and support growth.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, having the right systems can make or break your business. Melodie also inspired me to embrace innovation and take bold action on ideas that can truly make a difference.

Plus, I’ve got some tips on how to leverage AI to build these systems. Let’s dive in!

[00:44] Why systems matter in retail

[03:50] How to use AI to create systems

[05:15] Build a business by solving a problem

[06:07] Don’t be afraid to take action on your idea 

Get all of the resources on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/using-ai-for-your-retail-systems/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

If you’ve got inventory gathering dust and want to turn it back into cash, this episode is for you. Whether you dream of building a retail store that you can one day sell, pass down, or simply take pride in, you’re in the right place.

Today, I’m joined by Melodie van der Baan, the co-founder of Max Retail, who’s here to deliver a masterclass on independent retail in less than an hour. Melodie, a seasoned retailer herself, created Max Retail to help you offload inventory you just can’t seem to sell—and yes, you get paid for it!

In this episode, she explains how Max Retail works and how it can help you streamline your inventory management. Melodie also shares her journey from being a road rep to running a successful boutique, and she’s full of insights on how to build a sustainable and profitable retail business.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to move that unsold inventory and pick up some valuable retail strategies along the way, I can’t wait for you to dive into this episode!

[02:18] How Melodie started out in retail as a road rep

[03:21] Pro tips for deciding which inventory to get rid of

[06:55] How Max Retail sells your excess inventory 

[08:40] How they determine the price for your products

[11:36] Episode Sponsor: EVOLVE 2025

[12:22] The two best-selling product categories on Max Retail

[22:14] Action steps to grow your business while handling daily operations

[25:20] Melodie's advice for retailers who are afraid to outsource

[27:59] Episode Sponsor: Retail Mavens

[29:44] One guide every retailer needs to create empowered and productive teams

[35:06] How retailers can put their long-term goals first

[39:58] Melodie's resilience round

Get links to all the resources on our website at: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/turn-unsold-inventory-into-cash/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

In this bite-sized episode of After the Show, I reflect on my inspiring conversation with Ladianne and Sheri from WoolTribe. It touched on the supply chain, sustainable products, and the value of building meaningful relationships in the supply community.

What really stuck with me was the idea of being a patient business. I realized I needed to hear that, and maybe you do too. In this episode, I’m getting honest about what this concept means to me and how I’m applying these lessons to my own business. 

Patience is a gift that can open up opportunities. But when you have big dreams and so much you want to accomplish, it’s easy to get impatient. Tune in to hear how I’m embracing patience in my journey—and how it might help you in yours.

[00:39] Why patience matters in business

[01:24] Patience can be a challenge for me too

[03:52] Trust the process and set realistic goals 

[07:56] Why the comparison trap makes us feel impatient

[12:25] My friend's advice that showed me the value of pausing

Get all of the resources on the website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/why-patience-will-pay-off/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

I’m so excited for you to hear today’s episode with Ladianne Henderson and Sheri L. Osborne of WoolTribe. Our conversation was truly inspiring as we dive into how they started their company and the mission that drives their work.

We discuss the importance of building strong relationships with the people and companies you source from and why this is so meaningful. We also explore some great marketing angles and the role of blockchain technology in retail—what it is, why it might be useful for products, and how it could impact the future.

Ladianne, the co-founder and Creative Director of WoolTribe, is a Tory Burch fellow and one of only 400 TKGA certified master knitters in the world. Sheri, also a co-founder, serves as COO and CFO, bringing a strong background in business development and nonprofit operations.

Their passion for artisanal, responsibly made American fashion really shines through, and you can feel their dedication. Get ready for a fascinating conversation!

[04:00] How Ladianna and Sheri launched a made-in-America yarn and fiber store

[08:12] What inspired Ladianne and Sheri to pursue their current path in fashion production

[11:43] How prioritizing relationships over a traditional supply chain influences the quality of their products and business practices

[18:43] The biggest challenges they’ve faced in staying true to their principles

[21:47] How family history influenced WoolTribe's values and products

[24:31] Why the WoolTribe site is on the blockchain and what that means

[29:20] What makes their work so fulfilling

[32:47] Episode Sponsor: Join us at EVOLVE

[34:22] Ladianne and Sheri's resilience round

Get all of the resources on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/how-wooltribe-built-a-mission-driven-brand/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Welcome to the first episode of Retail Therapy, a series of six episodes where we give therapy to retailers. 

In this episode, I introduce you to our therapist, Ronda Renee, who will provide guidance and support for retailers facing various challenges. 

Ronda shares insights from her extensive experience as a business and life coach, providing valuable advice on alignment, overcoming impostor syndrome, and the importance of internal motivation. 

And I get into the hot seat to get some therapy of my own! I share my personal struggles and goals, seeking advice from Ronda to break out of holding myself back. 

This episode sets the stage for future sessions with other retailers facing their own unique challenges. Get ready to dive deep and discover new ways to align your soul with your business.

[00:00] Introduction to Retail Therapy

[01:35] Understanding Divine Coordinates

[03:05] Meet the Therapist: Ronda Renee

[09:19] Ronda Renee's Success Stories and Transformations

[20:04] Alignment and Misalignment Between Business and Soul

[21:34] The Illusion of Control

[22:07] Letting Go of Attachment

[24:00] Crystal's Personal Experiences of Misalignment

[25:08] Finding Your Unique Path in Business

[26:25] The Importance of Authenticity

[29:08] Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

[37:26] The Role of Imagination and Potential

[44:19] Upcoming Guests and Future Topics

Get all of the resources in the show notes on our website: https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/align-your-soul-with-your-business/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

We’re back with a brand new episode of After The Show! Today, I’m excited to explain why we took a summer break and the strategy behind bringing it back—and these are ideas you can use for your own store.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to share some key takeaways from my recent chat with Willerett Flowers. We talked about the importance of embracing imperfections in business and how focusing on details can truly make a difference.

So let’s dive into why After The Show is back, why testing and data analysis are so important, and two strategies from Wilrett Flowers that can help you succeed in retail!

[00:03] Why After the Show is making a comeback

[01:03] The power of testing and analyzing your marketing data

[07:00] Allow yourself to do things messy in business

[11:10] How retailers can leverage attention to detail

Listen to my interview with Willrett Flower Co.  https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/the-magic-of-attention-to-detail-and-hospitality-with-willrett-flower-co/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt

Connect with host Crystal Vilkaitis and join her newsletter at https://thisiscrystal.com.

Retailer? Visit https://indera.co for retail education, training, and community. Founded by Crystal Vilkaitis.

Today, I’m thrilled to chat with Kat and Mary Grace, the incredible sisters behind Willrett Flower Company, a full-service flower and gift shop in DeKalb, IL. Their store is often described by customers as a "ray of sunshine," and they’ve worked hard to create a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming space in the heart of downtown.

In this episode, we dive into their journey of building a thriving retail shop while navigating personal challenges. We cover everything from their approach to hospitality and attention to detail to how they engage with the community and make the most of social media.

Kat and Mary Grace also share the tough lessons they’ve learned and what it truly means to offer exceptional customer service. Plus, get the scoop on their exciting store expansion and rebranding! This conversation is packed with inspiration and fun—don’t miss it!

[05:17] Unique ways to make sure every customer feels special

[09:15] The little details that define the customer experience

[13:47] Ways that Kat and Mary Grace get involved with the community

[17:06] Episode Sponsor: SCALE with Crystal Media

[23:08] How facing major life obstacles and balancing motherhood has influenced their business approach

[31:38] Social media strategies that helped Willrett Flower Co. drive more engagement and sales

[37:50] Their goals for expanding the store to a new location

[39:18] Kat and Mary Grace's resilience round

[39:22] Best business book

[39:36] Best retail technology

Get all of the details on our website at https://www.crystalmediaco.com/episodes/the-magic-of-attention-to-detail-and-hospitality-with-willrett-flower-co/

Get Facebook and Instagram Ads Management with Crystal Media. Learn more https://www.crystalmediaco.com/facebook-and-instagram-ads-management/

Join the Rooted in Retail Facebook Group to continue the conversation

Join our newsletter for all the latest marketing news for retailers

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

Go to http://indera.co/prompt to access the prompt