This week was a wild mix of stress and progress! From supplier issues and unexpected costs to exciting new opportunities, I take you behind the scenes of what it really looks like to run multiple businesses at once.✔ Prepping for the Leavers Hoodies orders – Why efficiency is key.
✔ Shop renovations – Delays, last-minute deliveries, and keeping momentum.
✔ Funding challenges – The reality check of moving costs.
✔ IT Central staffing struggles – Almost having to shut down for the first time in 9 years.
✔ Big wins – A TikTok influencer order, a singer-songwriter sample, and seeing my book cover for the first time.If you’ve ever had a week where everything happens at once, this one’s for you!

📌 Key Takeaways✅ Business is a constant juggling act—staying adaptable is everything.
✅ Supplier and contractor delays are inevitable—keep the momentum going.
✅ Funding challenges can pop up out of nowhere—always have a backup plan.
✅ Teamwork matters—staffing gaps can make or break operations.
✅ Celebrate the wins—no matter how chaotic the week gets!

⏳ Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction – The chaos and wins of a business owner: supplier delays, funding roadblocks, staffing gaps, and last-minute problem-solving.
[02:10] Leavers Hoodies Production Prep – Why I’m printing ahead, the challenge of working in a half-ready space, and how efficiency leads to better customer experiences.
[05:00] Shop Renovations – The decorator is done, heating is installed, shop fittings finally arrived (at the last minute!), and flooring delays throw off the schedule.
[08:10] The Funding Challenge – The move is way more expensive than expected—where do we find the money? Navigating grants, funding, and alternative solutions.
[10:40] IT Central Staffing Chaos – When half the team is out, and we nearly had to close for the first time in nine years. Why staying connected to frontline operations is so important.
[13:30] Big Wins! – A TikTok influencer places an order, a singer-songwriter receives a sample, and my book cover draft is finally here!
📢 Let’s Chat!💬 What’s the biggest unexpected business cost you’ve had to deal with? Or your biggest win this week? Drop me a message—I’d love to hear your story!📚 Pre-Order My Book!
It’s packed with real experiences, business lessons, and the truth about running a business. Be part of the launch team! 👉 www.leemidlane.com/books🎧 Next Episode: More shop updates, production progress, and how the influencer order turns out!

This week on Storefront Strategies, we’re diving into the chaos of running a business when nothing goes to plan. From contractors ghosting us to supply chain issues with shop fittings and Leavers Hoodies, it’s been a week of quick decisions, unexpected challenges, and figuring it all out on the fly.
We’ll cover:
 ✅ The contractor crisis—when your renovation plans fall apart.
 ✅ Shop updates—the painting is done, but the fittings aren’t what we expected.
 ✅ The Leavers Hoodies saga—when stock issues force last-minute solutions.
 ✅ Why supplier relationships matter—how a visit from Kyle at AWDis saved the day.
 ✅ The bigger picture—how this all ties into the launch of my new book.Plus, I’ll share what this whirlwind of a week taught me about decision-making under pressure, adapting on the go, and why resilience is a business superpower.👉 Pre-order my book today at www.leemidlane.com/books!
Timestamps⏳ [00:00] Introduction – A week of business chaos: contractor issues, supply chain challenges, and last-minute problem-solving.
⏳ [02:00] The Contractor Crisis – When a key contractor ghosted us and how we pivoted to keep the project on track.
⏳ [05:40] Shop Progress – Painting is finished, but it’s all white! The shop fittings drama and finding a better solution.
⏳ [08:20] The Leavers Hoodies Saga – Discovering a stock shortage and solving it fast with strong supplier relationships.
⏳ [10:50] Supplier Relationships Matter – Why meeting Kyle from AWDis made a huge difference in handling the hoodie crisis.
⏳ [12:40] The Reality of Running a Business – Decision-making under pressure and why real entrepreneurship isn’t just about strategy.
⏳ [13:50] The Book Launch – Why this week's challenges tie directly into the lessons shared in my book. Pre-order now!
⏳ [15:00] Call to Action – What’s the biggest business challenge you’ve solved on the fly? Share your story!
Key Takeaways🔹 Always have a backup plan – Whether it’s suppliers, contractors, or business strategy, flexibility is everything.
🔹 Supplier relationships matter – A simple industry connection can make or break a project.
🔹 Problem-solving is a skill – Business isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about handling them effectively.
🔹 Resilience is key – Even when everything goes wrong, keeping a level head will get you through.
Resources & Links📖 Pre-order my book! – www.leemidlane.com/books
📧 Get in touch – Have a business question? Email me at [Insert Email]
🎙️ Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Storefront Strategies on [Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube]
Join the Conversation!What’s the biggest on-the-fly business decision you’ve had to make? Let me know in the comments or on social media!🚀 Next Week: More shop updates, hoodie progress, and what’s next for the book launch!
🔔 Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

This week on Storefront Strategies, we’re diving into the Leavers Hoodies Enterprise Project—an initiative that gives students across the UK hands-on business experience without the barriers of production. Schools are responding positively, and we’ve already seen incredible success stories, like Elgin Academy’s 75 hoodie orders generating £450 in commission!
We’ll discuss how this program aligns with experiential retail, why it’s a game-changer for students, and how it fosters real-world business skills like marketing, finance, and leadership. Plus, we’ll explore how the mentorship from Box Brand ensures students are fully supported throughout the project.
Whether you're an educator, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this episode will inspire you to make business more meaningful.
Timestamps⏳ [00:00] Introduction – How experiential learning is changing the way students approach business.
⏳ [01:10] Shop Update – The latest on Box Brand’s new space (hint: it’s still mostly white paint!).
⏳ [02:30] Why Experiential Learning Matters – The difference between traditional education and hands-on learning.
⏳ [04:15] The Leavers Hoodies Enterprise Project – How it works, key milestones, and what makes it unique.
⏳ [07:00] Real Impact: Elgin Academy’s Success – 75 hoodies sold, £450 earned, and how it benefits students.
⏳ [08:40] The Ripple Effect: Beyond Business – Confidence, teamwork, entrepreneurial thinking, and real-world skills.
⏳ [10:15] The Role of Mentorship – How Box Brand supports students throughout the project.
⏳ [12:00] Lessons from the Project – What students (and businesses) can learn from hands-on experience.
⏳ [13:45] Call to Action – How you can get involved and make your business more meaningful.
Key Takeaways✅ Hands-on experience beats theory – Learning by doing helps students develop confidence and adaptability.
✅ This project is unique – No production barriers, so students focus on marketing, sales, and business strategy.
✅ Schools benefit, too – Meaningful fundraising with real-world learning opportunities.
✅ Mentorship matters – Box Brand supports students every step of the way.
✅ Business is about impact – Whether in a shop or a classroom, meaningful experiences matter more than just transactions.
Resources & Links🔗 Learn more about the Leavers Hoodies Enterprise Project – [Insert Link]
📧 Get in touch – Have questions? Interested in bringing this to your school? Contact us at [Insert Email]
🎙️ Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Storefront Strategies on [Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube]
Join the Conversation!What’s one way you are making your business or life more meaningful? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!🚀 Next Week: A behind-the-scenes look at Box Brand’s new shop progress and other exciting projects in the works!🔔 Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

Not all progress is visible, and that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. While we’re in a holding pattern with the new shop renovations, there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes. From managing Leavers Hoodies orders to launching our website and pushing forward with personal development, this week is about resilience, adaptability, and making the most of the in-between moments.
Plus, I’m sharing my latest public speaking journey, including my speech “A Light for the High Street,” which focuses on the power of experiential retail. If you’re an entrepreneur working through a slow season, this episode is for you!
Timestamps:·         [00:00] Introduction: The hidden work that keeps a business moving forward.·         [02:00] The Shop Update: Waiting for the painter and navigating the temporary workspace.·         [04:00] Keeping Momentum: Leavers Hoodies, website updates, and staying visible.·         [06:40] Public Speaking Journey: Overcoming fears and joining Elgin Speakers Club.·         [08:50] My Speech: “A Light for the High Street” (full recording included).·         [15:10] Lessons from the Speech: Why experiential retail matters.·         [16:20] Scaling the Business: Planning for the transition to IT Central.·         [17:30] The Importance of Adaptability: Turning challenges into opportunities.·         [18:40] Call to Action: What skills are you working on to improve yourself and your business? ·
Key Takeaways:✔ Progress isn’t always flashy. Even when things feel slow, foundational work is happening.
✔ Invest in yourself. Personal growth, like improving public speaking, strengthens your business.
✔ Experiential retail is the future. Connecting with customers in meaningful ways is what keeps the high street alive.
✔ Adaptability is key. Challenges are just opportunities in disguise.
Links & Resources:🔗 Check out our new website! → https://www.boxbrand.co.uk
📩 Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive updates! → https://www.leemidlane.com – and scroll to the bottom of any page
📚 Free resources for entrepreneurs → https://www.leemidlane.com/freetraining 
Join the Conversation:💬 What skills are you working on to improve yourself and your business? Let’s talk about it in our Facebook group! → https://www.facebook.com/groups/growyourbrickandmortarbusinesssuccess 🔔 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform—it helps more people discover the show!🎧 Next Episode: More updates on the website, our moving plans, and preparing for the next phase of Box Brand!

In this episode, I share how we’re keeping Box Brand alive and thriving despite the temporary closure of our physical shop. From packing up and storing everything to setting up a temporary production hub at IT Central, we’ve been busy adapting to the changes. 

I’ll walk you through our website launch, the exciting progress with Leavers Hoodies, and our latest venture—working with local schools on a Student-Led Enterprise Project.
We also take a deep dive into our business goals for 2025, focusing on revenue growth, refining our production flow, and implementing fresh marketing strategies. Whether it’s leveraging social media, email marketing, or collaborating with local business agencies, we’re laying the foundation for a strong year ahead.
Key Takeaways:How we’re staying productive while waiting for shop renovations. The importance of maintaining an online presence and business outreach. New opportunities with schools and how they align with our mission. Business goals for 2025 and how we’re preparing for growth. Valuable lessons in resilience, grace, and strategic planning.
We’d love your thoughts on the new website! Check it out at https://www.boxbrand.co.uk and let us know what you’d like to see.
 Facing business challenges of your own? Reach out via social media or join our email list for exclusive insights and updates.

Welcome to Episode 34 of Storefront Strategies! This week has been a whirlwind as we navigated the closure of our first shop at St Giles Centre and began transitioning to our next chapter. From packing up and letting go to launching our new website and receiving our first online orders, this episode is all about resilience, adaptability, and looking ahead to a strong future for Box Brand.

Key Topics CoveredThe Closing Chapter: Reflecting on the emotional and practical challenges of closing the shop at St Giles Centre after a sudden 12-day notice. Progress on the New Shop: Updates on renovations, working with trades, and creating a customer-friendly layout for our next location. 
Website Launch and First Orders: Celebrating the launch of our website, our first orders (including leavers hoodies!), and how this expands Box Brand beyond our geographical area.
 Lessons in Resilience: How letting go, collaboration, and focusing on what’s next have been key takeaways from this week’s challenges. 
Looking Ahead: What’s next for Box Brand, including setting up the new shop and preparing for a strong 2025.
Timestamps·         [00:00:00] Introduction: Recap of a challenging but transformative week.·         [00:01:50] Saying Goodbye to St Giles Centre: Packing up and processing the closure.·         [00:03:50] The New Shop: Updates on renovations and layout planning.·         [00:06:00] Website Launch: Celebrating first online orders and the potential of e-commerce.·         [00:08:00] Lessons Learned: Resilience, letting go, and collaboration.·         [00:09:40] Conclusion and Call to Action: Embracing the future and engaging with the community.
Key TakeawaysThe closure of St Giles Centre is bittersweet, but it’s an opportunity to focus on what’s next. Adaptability and resilience are crucial when navigating unexpected challenges in business. Launching our website has already expanded our reach and opened new opportunities.
Resources & LinksVisit our new website: https://www.boxbrand.co.uk Join the conversation in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/growyourbrickandmortarbusinesssuccess Sign up for the Leading with Heart waitlist: https://www.leemidlane.com/books 
Let’s Connect
If you’re facing challenges in your business, remember—you’re not alone. Reach out or share your experiences with our community. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Next Week’s Episode
Tune in next week as we dive deeper into the progress at the new shop and our plans for a strong start to 2025!

In episode 33 of Storefront Strategies, Lee Midlane shares an emotional yet empowering update on Box Brand’s journey as the shop faces unexpected closure at the St Giles Centre. After receiving just 12 days’ notice to vacate the property, Lee walks listeners through the highs of December, the shock of January’s announcement, and the plan for moving forward.

Key Moments:[00:00:10] Welcome back and health update after a “super flu” pause [00:01:00] December success: thriving during the festive season
[00:03:30] The closure announcement: emotions, logistics, and impact on the community
[00:06:00] Fast-tracking the move to IT Central and makeshift production plans
[00:08:00] Turning challenges into opportunities: resilience, team collaboration, and the silver linings
[00:09:40] Broader community impact: what the loss of St Giles means for Elgin
[00:11:10] Entrepreneurial lessons: having contingency plans, clear communication, and building resilience
[00:13:00] Closing reflections: finding growth through discomfort
🎯 Key Takeaways:Have a Backup Plan: Stability isn’t guaranteed. Always be prepared for sudden changes with location, suppliers, or finances.
Communication is Crucial: Keep your team and customers informed during transitions.
Resilience as a Strength: Challenges are opportunities to build resilience and grow stronger as a business owner.
🚀Join the conversation in the Grow Your Business Facebook Group. Share your stories of resilience and any questions about navigating unexpected transitions.
🔔 Stay Connected:
Tune in to the next episode for updates on the move to IT Central and what's next for Box Brand!

Welcome to episode 32, a special holiday episode of Storefront Strategies. Lee sits down with Don Dickinson, co-director of Wild Oats Bristol, the oldest independent health food store in the city. With over 16 years at Wild Oats and decades of collective experience among the team, Don shares the challenges and triumphs of running a brick-and-mortar business in a rapidly changing retail landscape. From navigating the complexities of customer behaviour to adapting during COVID-19, Don provides valuable insights into resilience, adaptation, and staying customer-focused.
Episode Timings:[0:00] Welcome & Introduction:
Lee introduces Don Dickinson, co-director of Wild Oats Bristol.
[3:25] The History of Wild Oats:
Don shares the store’s journey from its 1980s origins to becoming a community staple.
[8:40] Building Customer Trust:
The role of expert advice and personalised service in fostering customer loyalty.
[13:15] Adapting to Modern Challenges:
How Wild Oats adjusted to COVID-19 with online presence, delivery services, and click-and-collect options.
[19:30] Operational Tweaks with Big Impact:
Practical examples of small changes, such as reducing clutter and adding seating areas, that enhanced the customer experience.
[24:45] The Power of Community Support:
Don highlights the importance of building long-lasting relationships with local customers.
[30:10] Embracing a Hybrid Business Model:
The balance between traditional values and modern retail strategies. [36:50] Key Takeaways & Advice:
Tips for small businesses on building resilience, focusing on customer needs, and staying adaptable.
[39:00] Closing Thoughts:
Lee invites listeners to reflect on their own business strategies.
Key Takeaways:Customer-Centric Approach: Building trust and providing expert advice are key to fostering loyalty.
Adapting to Change: COVID-19 highlighted the need for agility, with delivery and click-and-collect services proving vital.
Community Focus: Strong local relationships have been the cornerstone of Wild Oats’ success.
Operational Tweaks: Even small changes in-store can significantly improve the customer experience.
Resources:Visit Wild Oats Bristol in person: Lower Redland Road, Bristol, UK.https://woats.co.uk/ Follow Wild Oats Bristol on Instagram and Facebook for updates and special offers.https://www.facebook.com/wildoatsbristolhttps://www.instagram.com/wildoatsbristol/ 
What next?:Subscribe to Storefront Strategies for more inspiring business stories. Join the conversation in the Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success Facebook group.https://www.facebook.com/groups/growyourbrickandmortarbusinesssuccessSign up for the Leading with Heart waitlist to get exclusive updates on Lee’s upcoming book.https://www.leemidlane.com/books 

In this festive episode of Storefront Strategies, Lee Midlane sits down with Colin McAndrew, the dynamic force behind Medusa Hairdressing in Edinburgh. With over three decades of industry experience and a portfolio of six successful salons, Colin shares his journey from apprentice to award-winning business director. He opens up about navigating challenges, fostering innovation, and balancing creativity with business acumen.
🔑 Key Topics:Colin’s rise in the hairdressing industry and his path to ownership of Medusa Hairdressing. The importance of adaptability, especially during economic downturns and the pandemic. Building a cohesive team culture and maintaining high standards across multiple locations. Innovative marketing strategies like referral programs and authentic community engagement. Colin’s candid insights on the realities of running a business, from sleepless nights to the joy of success.
🛠 Actionable Insights:Growth Through Challenges: Discover how to thrive during tough times by investing in your business and staying positive when others are cutting back. Client-Centric Approach: Learn the value of creating a welcoming, consistent customer experience across multiple locations. The Power of Mentorship: Hear how mentorship and continuous learning have shaped Colin’s leadership style and business growth. ⏱ Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome and introduction
 3:00 – Colin’s journey to owning Medusa Hairdressing
 8:45 – Overcoming challenges: Economic downturns and the pandemic
 14:20 – The importance of team culture and internal training
 18:30 – Effective marketing strategies: Referral programs and community spotlights
 22:50 – Navigating industry changes and consumer behavior
 26:00 – Advice for aspiring business owners
 28:30 – Colin’s reflections on the realities of business ownership 📢 Enjoyed the episode?
Share your thoughts in our Facebook group or join the conversation online. Don’t forget to sign up for the Leading with Heart waitlist to stay updated on exciting new content and resources at https://www.leemidlane.com/books .

Episode Highlights:A shift in podcast structure to catch up on Box Brand’s journey, leading to more real-time updates and audience engagement. 
Navigating snowy weather in Week 5, with two customer-free days transformed into opportunities for operational improvements. 
The highs and lows of Week 6, including walk-in discussions about bulk orders, the introduction of the Font Sampler and discount sheet, and the saga of securing a DTF printer during Black Friday. 
Celebrating milestones in Week 7, from hitting a new daily sales record to covering fixed overheads for the first time in one week. 
Insights into customer behaviour, terminology shifts, and the ever-important lesson of resilience in entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways:Resilience and Adaptability: Snowy weather and supplier frustrations became opportunities for growth and improvement.
Customer-Centric Innovation: Tools like the Font Sampler and discount sheet streamlined decision-making and built stronger connections with customers.
Milestones That Matter: From achieving a £686.50 sales week to launching the DTF printer, these achievements highlight Box Brand’s momentum and growing potential.
Weekly Financial Summaries:Week 5: £152.50
First Month Total: £1,300
Week 6: £599.80
Week 7: £686.50
Actionable Insights:Evaluate and optimise your operational workflows. Use customer feedback to inform decisions and enhance their experience. Celebrate milestones—big or small—as they contribute to long-term success.
Join the Conversation:💬 Facebook Group: Connect with other entrepreneurs and share your journey in the Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success Facebook Group.
📚 Book Waitlist: Be the first to know when Leading with Heart launches by signing up for the waitlist here.
Tune In:Get inspired by the lessons learned and the milestones reached during this pivotal period at Box Brand. Whether you’re navigating a business of your own or curious about the process, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivation.