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.

Before opening White Arrows Home in August 2020, Kristin Lenz had no retail or business experience. Instead, she refers to herself as an innately creative dreamer.

As you listen in, you will see just how true that is! Kristin shares the behind the scenes story of how her Instagram blog and lifestyle brand became the store it is today, just three years later.

When you’re opening a retail store for the first time, it can be hard to know when to hire and who to hire. White Arrows Home was open for three weeks before Kristin brought on her first employee - friend and favored furniture designer—as shopkeeper, and then eventually a bookkeeper, later a social media manager and online merchandiser.

All of Kristin’s team members have unique talents beyond their roles that contribute to their value. Including photography to show off all of their products at their very best. But her thoughtfulness with her team doesn't end there; she also involves them in triumphs and creative adventures.

Starting out on Instagram, Kristin has a strong understanding of social media and the value it can bring to a business. BUT she also knows when to draw the line. Along with other tips, she shares how she actually turned off likes on her Insta posts - taking the vanity away and allowing her to track data without blinders.

At the core of our conversation, Kristin proves that success is more than just numbers. It’s taking a dream and running with it, being true to yourself, and valuing relationships.

If you loved this conversation, check out The Cabincast podcast, where Kristin is a co-host, and be on the lookout for her up and coming book!

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• Behind the scenes at White Arrows Home The Shop.
• When and who to hire when you're getting started in retail.
• Challenges and triumphs with your team as an independent retailer.
• Content creation and social media tips for retailers.

Mentioned In This Episode:
White Arrows Home The Shop
Kristin Lenz (@whitearrowshome) on Instagram
White Arrows Home - The Shop (@whitearrowshome_theshop) on Instagram
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
POS Systems | Point of Sale for Small Businesses | Square
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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.

What if you stopped hiding behind the YOU, you think everyone wants to see and show the world who you really are?

This is what speaker, author, and friend Jen Gottlieb says it means to be seen. BE SEEN is her new book, available now and full of resources, tools, and tips for anyone.  But today we’re taking Jen’s incredibly transformative advice and applying it to you, retailers!

I know that many retailers hold themselves back because they don’t feel perfect. Jen shares something that is so true and will put a stop to this mindset: People do not relate to perfect people because perfect people do not exist.

The Confidence Continuum is Jen’s trick to making these hard, intimidating actions happen and happen with confidence. She explains how to jump into your first action step, and before you know it, your 3 steps in with less fear, more motivation, more momentum…and yes, CONFIDENCE!

I love this chat with Jen, particularly because she shares two calls to action that have personally transformed and changed my life. Want to get the best pep talk from the greatest coach in the world? Need to power through imposter syndrome? Tune in and get to work on your letter from you 2.0 and your badass list.

You won’t leave this episode feeling like everything is easy, because, as Jen says, “If it were easy, everyone would be a ripped billionaire.” BUT you will have the tools to do the work and Be Seen, whatever that means for you and your store.

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• What does it mean to Be Seen?
• How to make your store and your products stand out.
• Two tools that will change your life.
• How to tackle hard things with the Confidence Continuum.
• Transformational tools and tips for retailers.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Beseen – Jen Gottlieb
Jen Gottlieb 🎤 Keynote Speaker (@jen_gottlieb) on Instagram
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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.

Okay, before we get going...  let out a big sigh! Notice how you feel?

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Villegas is explaining Sensory Awareness and how something as simple as a sigh can impact your vagus nerve and bring you to a calm and collected state.

As retailers, you are creative beings. Likely aware of how your products affect the senses of your customers. But what about you?

By supporting your sensory awareness and your sensory experience and using the tools Nicole shares today, you can move yourself through the stress cycle. Reducing your chances for chronic stress that leads to burnout and even physical ailments.

Compassion. Curiosity. Consent. These are the 3 C’s of self care that can help you take awareness and control of your sensory experiences. But you’ll hear in our conversation how you can use them in your business and with your customers too!

Finally, consider the environment of your store. What’s the hero? What are the supporting elements? Consider how these sensory elements affect not only your customers, but also you and your staff who will be in the store for long periods of time.

As you finish the episode, take Nicole's advice: Pause. Take a breath. Notice where you are.

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• What is Sensory Awareness?
• The 3 C’s of Self Care and how to apply them in retail.
• Can a sigh really impact your mood and energy?
• The formula for an ideal in store sensory experience.

Mentioned In This Episode:
The Institute for Sensory Conscious Living
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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 are feeling stressed, burned out, overwhelmed, or in just general disarray, this one’s for you!

As we head into the holiday season, things might be challenging. My mentor, friend, and returning guest, Patricia Norins is sharing her story of burnout, how she overcame it, and tools you can actually use to support yourself.

So how do you walk through the fire and get to the other side?

Take a step back. This is something we come back to over and over in the episode. Just really take time to pause, face what’s going on and what you’re feeling, and then reach out for support.

You are going to want to listen to the whole episode to absorb every single piece of advice Patricia has to share, but this one is GOLD:

Make a Real vs. Worry list. Write down all the thoughts that are causing you concern and divide them into columns - Things that are REAL concerns and things that are made up worries. Then make a mindshift to only focus on the real concerns.

You are going to get through this holiday season and whatever challenges you may find yourself facing. Things might get uncomfortable. That’s okay.

Pare back your to do list. Start gratitude and self celebration habits. Outsource tasks you just can't get done. And JUST BREATHE.

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• A vulnerable look at how hard life can get as an entrepreneur. 
• Tools and tips for support during a challenging time. 
• How to set yourself up for success this holiday season.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Blue Butterfly
All Things Real Estate with Patricia Norins of Blue Butterfly
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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.

How are you supporting yourself and your health as you dive into the busy holiday season? Too often retailers find themselves burned, drained, and stressed in the midst of the happiest time of the year.

My personal doctor of nearly a decade, Dr. Michelle Wolford, is with me to share 5 steps you can put into action to change your health to not only support you in Q4 but the rest of your life.

Techniques - Dr. Wolford shares a great morning routine to get your days started off right: Wake up, Organize your top 3 to do’s, and take 10 minutes to pause in meditation and manifestation.

Supplements - Adaptogens, Immune support, Down Regulating Stress and Anxiety, and Sleep support…Dr. Wolford shares natural medicine that can support you in areas you need without compromising your health.

Food - A balanced diet is KEY, set yourself up for success in the hustle bustle by having healthy grab and go snacks like Fast Bars, Lara Bars, and Cliff Bars. [Retailer bonus… keep some stocked in the store to support your team too.]

Body Movement - You may be getting your steps in just around the store, but make sure to set time for intentional movement especially outside if you can!

Gratuity - You can write it down or speak it out loud, but get in the positive habit of finding something you’re grateful for each day before you go to bed.

This is just a taste of all the amazing advice and tips Dr. Wolford shares in the episode so don’t forget to tune in, take notes, and check out the list of product recommendations linked below!

And don’t forget Dr. Wolford amazing offer: 50% off new patient visits when you mention Rooted in Retail to her front desk.

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• How your health can impact your response to high stress seasons.
• 5 steps for creating a healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. Wolford’s supplement and snack bar recommendations.
• Support yourself, your team, and your clients with intentional health changes.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Dr. Michelle Wolford
Supplements - Fullscript - Dr. Michelle Wolford
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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.

As retail heads into a busy holiday season, live from Las Vegas Market, Dawn Grooters of Broken Vessel Sales joins me to help you prepare.

There is a common theme in our discussion today: relationships and connection = MORE sales. Dawn shares tips to reach customers by standing out with events, gift wrapping, open houses, and the lost art of phone calls.

You can use phone calls to personally invite your loyal customers to events, check on abandoned carts, and get to know their needs. The more you know your customers, the more you know how to help them with gift guides and more.

Dawn also urges retailers to take this pre-holiday season to analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Really capitalize on those strengths and special talents within your team.

Speaking of the team, this is such a busy time, and an overworked staff can get close to burnout. Show your appreciation with extra treats, samples, and gifts, and maybe an after-holiday celebration!

Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Store owners need to prepare at home and in the store, whether this means setting up meal services, scheduling downtime, or pre-planning displays and events.

The fourth quarter is already the busiest season; make it a successful one too!

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• Selling techniques for retailers this holiday season.
• Holiday 2023: What do retailers need to know?
• How to sell more in Q4.
• Tips for beating holiday burnout in the busy retail world.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Broken Vessel Sales
Podcast — Broken Vessel Sales Solutions, LLC.
Profit First
HubSpot
Live From the Las Vegas Market: Inside Sales and Relationship Building with Dawn Grooters
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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.

When I first saw Piccolo Mondo on social media, you would rarely, if ever, see the face of owner Michelle Smith. Now that she has done the work, changed her mindset, and is doing it afraid,  and she has seen the results.

Michelle felt nervous, vulnerable, and afraid to show up on a livestream for her customers. But she took the leap. With advice, research, and the support of her friend, she started filming Toy Talk Tuesdays. These lives have become wildly successful, with the replays reaching more than Michelle ever thought possible.

Now, with the application CommentSold, customers can view Piccolo Mondo Live Streams from Instagram, Facebook, their website, and their app! Michelle also keeps it fun by trying new things in her social posts with Reels involving dancing and music. Her customers love it.

One thing I love about Michelle is that she does the work. As a Crystal Media Insider and even a recent graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Michelle works hard to put what she learns into action.

Creating community, reaching customers, and being human have become huge values for Michelle and her team. She shares three things to consider when it comes to attracting customers: Product, Prices, and People. How can you leverage all three of these to create an authentic community of your ideal customers?

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• How to transform your social media when you’re nervous?
• The impact of being REAL on social media.
• Michelle Smith’s journey from afraid to confident.
• Filling your cup: how to prevent and heal burnout.
• Three things that attract people to your business.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Piccolo Mondo Toys
Piccolo Mondo Toys (@piccolomondotoys) on Instagram
Piccolo Mondo Toys
CommentSold
Goldman Sachs | United States
The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success
Shopify
Building a Business From Passion - Crystal Uncorked
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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.

Vintage lovers, hobbyists, retailers... Listen in!

Kelly Gunn is the owner of Part-Time Pickers, an online vintage retailer! What started out as a fun hobby transformed into a 6 figure business.

Kelly’s success didn’t happen by accident; she has a course teaching exactly how she did it, and in today’s episode, she is dropping some of her secrets!

You know I am all about the power of social media, and that is exactly where Part-Time Pickers grew into what it is. Kelly shares how to get off the content creation struggle bus and start engaging with your community!

She is best known for her “Pick or Pass?” or “Would YOU pay that?” videos that utilize her active search for vintage finds for content and growth. But that's just ONE tip; she has so many more when it comes to consistency, commitment, and patience.

No matter where you’re at in your retail journey, Kelly’s motivation and craving for success are contagious!

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• How to turn a hobby into a business.
• How to survive content creation.
• Creating a consistent and growing online presence.
• The mindset shift for a successful business. 

Mentioned In This Episode:
Vintage Thrift Retro Home Decor (@part.time.pickers) on Instagram
Part-Time Pickers
What Happens When You Follow Your Passion: A Story of Never Giving Up with Kelly Gunn
Meta Business Suite
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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.

When you finish this episode, I think you’ll agree with Beth Rich’s new nickname “Brilliant Beth”. 

Five years ago, Beth bought Mix It Up Home & Gift; now she has TRIPLED sales in the last four years. Another shocking key to her success...  averaging 70 store events a year!

Beth is fortunate to have two stores that thrive in a resort downtown area that participate in dozens of events yearly, which add to her sales, but she has a super unique take on a private event…laundry night.

These nights are actually called ‘Holiday After Hours Parties’ and they are so successful that Beth actually has waitlists for people to participate. These bring in old and new customers, and they streamline MAJOR sales. Beth explains how these events work, and you are going to be inspired.

Process and operations are major factors for Beth and her team. She uses Asana and Shopify to digitize and simplify the information needed for her store, ordering, and creating stellar customer service experiences. 

You don’t have to know how to do this all on your own. Beth is an advocate for hiring help where you need it! She hired an operations consultant. See where YOU may need help and seek support. 

Listen, you have to tune in all the way through because there is so much gold here throughout the whole episode!

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• A unique way to build sales and exclusivity with events.
• The secret to having a waitlist of customers.
• How to use Asana for retail.
• Hiring support for operations and processes.
• Using private and public events to boost sales.
• A great idea for a special customer service experience. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

Mix It Up Home & Gift
MixItUpCDA (@mixitupcda) on Instagram
Mix It Up | Coeur d'Alene ID
Heart on Main Street
Asana
Shopify
The Landmark Bestseller Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century (Think and Grow Rich Series)
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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.

It’s your lucky day. Today, my Rooted in Retail listeners get an Evolve Exclusive. 

Mark Schaefer of Schaefer Marketing Solutions shares business stories, branding examples, and insight that will help you attain that human touch you need to succeed in today’s business landscape.

It’s time to look at your customers as more than just the people buying your product; they are the heroes and the marketers. 

Mark shares that ⅔ of marketing actually occurs without the business owner but instead through customers via social media, influencers, testimonials, reviews, and word of mouth. These are the champions of your product. 

What do people think of when they think of your brand? That face and that idea become the brand, so make it personal.

You don’t want to miss out on these insights on community, branding, technology, and the intersection of purpose.

Listen in for the full presentation, “The Most Human Brand Wins” from the incredible Mark Schaefer. 

Want to see next year's presentations live? Get your tickets for Evolve 2024 now!

I’m rooting for your success.

What’s Inside:

• An Evolve 2023 Replay from Mark Schaefer.
• Why you should make the customer the hero.
• Why is the face of the brand so important?
• Megatrends in marketing for your business.
• The power of customer marketing and influence.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Belonging to the Brand Book - Schaefer Marketing Solutions: We Help Businesses {grow}
EVOLVE 2024 in Denver, CO - Crystal Media
Human Touch in a High Tech World, Standing Out in Retail - Crystal Media
Social Media Hooks and Hacks - Crystal Media
Crystal Media Insiders
Crystal Media
Crystal on Instagram
Crystal Media on Instagram
Crystal Media Co - YouTube

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