Welcome to Episode 29 of Storefront Strategies! 🎙️
In this week’s episode, we dive into Week 4 at Box Brand—a week filled with supplier frustrations, workspace overhauls, and lessons in balancing customer relationships with operational efficiency. If you’re running a business or dreaming of starting one, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable insights!
🛠️ What We Cover in This Episode:Supplier Struggles:
Discover the tale of a missing vinyl delivery and how a trusted supplier let us down. Learn why having reliable partners is crucial and the steps you can take when things go wrong.

Optimizing the Production Area:
Explore how we reorganized our workspace to create a smoother, more efficient workflow. Small changes can make a big difference, and we’ll share what worked for us.

Product Displays and Customer Feedback:
Learn how tweaking product placement led to better customer engagement. The story of our plushy toys and pre-printed t-shirts shows the power of thoughtful display strategies.

Customer Stories and Lessons Learned:
From creating heartfelt Dandy Lion Christmas presents to managing a tote bag order that grew unexpectedly, hear how we tackled challenges and exceeded customer expectations.

Weekly Income Report:
Find out how much we made this week (£250) and why fluctuations are part of the journey for any new business.
Conclusion
 Encouragement to join the Facebook group and waitlist for Leading with Heart. Closing reflections on the week’s challenges and opportunities.   💡 Key Takeaways:Supplier Accountability Matters:
Build relationships with suppliers you trust, and don’t hesitate to advocate for your business when issues arise.

Optimize Your Workspace:
Thoughtful adjustments can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and create a more professional environment for customers.

Go the Extra Mile for Customers:
Small gestures, like covering postage for a delayed order, can leave a lasting impression and build loyalty.
📢 Join the Conversation💬 Share Your Thoughts: Have you faced supplier challenges or revamped your workspace? Let us know in the Grow Your Business Facebook Group.📚 Sign Up for the Waitlist: Don’t miss out on behind-the-scenes insights and actionable advice. Join the waitlist for Leading with Heart here.

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we dive into Week 3 at Box Brand—a week filled with unexpected challenges, insightful conversations, and steady progress. From fulfilling a complex custom T-shirt order to navigating a moral dilemma with a hoodie request, this week tested our workflows, principles, and creativity. Plus, we’ll share an exciting update on our website development and the weekly income report.
What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow we managed a large custom order of volunteer T-shirts for a local event, including lessons learned about pricing for complex designs. Why having a dynamic and creative website is essential for brick-and-mortar businesses, and the key elements we’re focusing on for Box Brand’s online presence. The importance of setting boundaries as a business owner, highlighted by a customer request that raised ethical and reputational questions. Reflections on our income growth and the insights shaping our journey forward.
Key TakeawaysValue Your Work: Complex projects require thoughtful pricing that reflects the time, materials, and effort involved. Establish Clear Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to requests that don’t align with your brand’s values or image. Embrace a Multi-Channel Strategy: A strong online presence complements your physical store, expanding reach and showcasing what makes your business unique.
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear your thoughts!What pricing strategies have worked for your business? How do you balance personal principles with customer requests? Is your website helping to grow your brand effectively?
Join our Grow Your Business Facebook Group to share your insights, ask questions, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs.
Stay Connected
Don’t forget to sign up for the waitlist for my upcoming book, Leading with Heart, where I’ll share deeper insights into building a successful business with heart and purpose.

In this episode, I share the pivotal moments from Week 2 at Box Brand, where a game-changing realisation about our business’s identity reshaped how we approach everything—from stock displays to branding. Through conversations, reflections, and customer interactions, I discovered that Box Brand isn’t a clothing brand; it’s a hub for personalisation and customisation. This shift in perspective led to actionable changes that brought us closer to our purpose and improved customer understanding.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How a simple conversation with another business owner brought clarity to Box Brand’s identity. Why understanding your business’s core identity is crucial for consistent messaging and decision-making. The steps we took to align our shop layout, stock presentation, and product range with our purpose. The power of adapting to feedback and pivoting for growth. A transparent income report: what we earned in Week 2 and how it reflects our progress.
Links and Resources:Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on business identity and adaptation in our Facebook group, Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success.
Get Inspired: Sign up for the waitlist for my upcoming book, Leading with Heart, launching next May.
Join the waitlist here – https://www.leemidlane.com/books . 
Missed last week’s episode? Catch up here.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 27: Why this week was a turning point for Box Brand
02:10 – The conversation that sparked a major realisation
05:00 – It’s hard to read the label when you’re inside the bottle
08:40 – Translating the insight into actionable changes
13:30 – Customer reactions and feedback on the fresh approach
17:40 – Week 2 income report: £309 and what it tells us
19:20 – Lessons from Week 2: Why clarity in business identity matters
Key Takeaway:
Clarity in business identity starts with the business owner. If you don’t fully understand your purpose, your customers won’t either. Stay open to feedback, pivot when needed, and never stop refining.

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of Box Brand’s very first week of opening. From the decision to have a soft opening to the constant adjustments in layout and messaging, you’ll get an honest look at the challenges and lessons learned in building a brick-and-mortar business from the ground up.We’ll dive into:[00:01:00] The Decision to Start with a Soft Opening: Why we chose to ease into operations, the importance of refining processes, and how we’re addressing customer confusion. [00:06:00] Adapting the Shop Layout: The trial-and-error process of creating a better flow, moving displays around, and making the shop more inviting. [00:11:00] Listening to Customers and Clarifying Our Offer: Insights from customer feedback, including the changes that have made our messaging clearer and more engaging. [00:16:00] First-Week Income Report: Transparency on how much we earned, what it tells us about the business, and our goals for Week 2.Key TakeawayStarting a brick-and-mortar business is all about adaptability, listening to customers, and being willing to evolve. Each step we’ve taken during Week 1 has helped shape Box Brand into a business that meets our community’s needs.💬 Join the Conversation
Want to follow the journey of Box Brand and connect with other brick-and-mortar entrepreneurs? Join our Facebook group, Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success, for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and discussions.📖 Be the First to Read My Upcoming Book!
Sign up for the waitlist for my new book, Leading with Heart, launching in May. It’s packed with insights on running a brick-and-mortar business, fostering community, and building success with authenticity. Join the Waitlist now at https://www.leemidlane.com/books .

In this special episode of Storefront Strategies, I take you behind the scenes as we prepare to launch Box Brand—a unique, community-driven retail shop offering custom merchandise with a personal touch. This episode marks the start of a new chapter in the podcast, where I’ll be sharing the real, unfiltered journey of opening and running a brick-and-mortar business.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:[00:01:00] The Origin of Box Brand: Discover how the idea for Box Brand was born from a need for custom uniforms for IT Central, and how it evolved into a standalone business with a creative focus.
[00:03:00] Researching the Market: Learn how competitor analysis and customer surveys helped shape Box Brand, even though there wasn’t a directly comparable local business model.
[00:05:00] Testing the Concept: Explore the reasons behind our decision to take a 3-month lease in the St Giles Centre as a “test run” to gauge customer interest and gather feedback.
[00:09:00] Setting Up the Shop: Hear about the hands-on work involved in preparing the unit—from painting and flooring to sourcing fixtures and creating an inviting space.
[00:11:00] Wearing All the Hats: I share the realities of balancing roles as a business owner, from graphic design to social media management and everything in between.
[00:12:40] The Importance of Adaptability: Get insights into why staying flexible and treating each day as a learning experience is essential in the early stages of a retail business.
Key Takeaway:Starting a brick-and-mortar business is both challenging and rewarding. From market research and customer engagement to the hands-on work of setting up the space, each step teaches valuable lessons in adaptability and resilience.
Join the CommunityBe part of the Box Brand journey and connect with other brick-and-mortar business owners! Join our Facebook group, Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success, for behind-the-scenes updates, discussions, and support.

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, I sit down with Yannis Papameletis, the proud owner of Just Greek in Penrith. Yannis shares his inspiring journey from Greece to the UK, starting as an employee and eventually becoming the owner of this award-winning Greek takeaway. We explore the challenges he faced in adapting to a new business environment, the authenticity that drives his food, and the importance of staying true to his roots. What You’ll Learn:·         [00:02:00] From Greece to Penrith: Yannis’s journey to the UK and how he discovered an opportunity to bring authentic Greek cuisine to Cumbria.·         [00:04:10] Authentic Greek Food: How Yannis and his fiancée, Maria, prepare genuine Greek dishes with ingredients imported directly from Greece.·         [00:08:30] Challenges and Community Support: The role of the local community in Just Greek’s success, including Yannis’s reflections on handling difficult times, especially during COVID.·         [00:10:00] Staying True to Tradition: Yannis discusses his commitment to authenticity, from recipes to customer service, and why he doesn’t follow trends for the sake of change.·         [00:12:20] Marketing and Word of Mouth: The power of word-of-mouth recommendations and how Yannis uses social media to connect with his customers. Key Takeaway:Success doesn’t come from shortcuts; it’s built on hard work, community support, and staying true to your values. Yannis’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity in business. Follow Just Greek PenrithConnect with Yannis and Just Greek on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or download their app for the latest menu and updates. Search for "Just Greek Penrith" on your favourite platform to find them. Tune in to hear the inspiring story of a business owner dedicated to bringing a slice of Greece to the heart of Penrith. Let us know what you think, and don’t forget to subscribe for more stories from brick-and-mortar businesses!

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we continue building the foundation for Box Brand by exploring two critical elements: conducting a SWOT analysis and defining our mission, vision, and values. These tools help shape Box Brand’s strategy, guide key decisions, and create a brand that resonates with our community and customers. What You’ll Learn:·         [00:01:00] SWOT Analysis for Box Brand: Discover how identifying our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats has been essential in developing a strategy for Box Brand.·         [00:06:20] Importance of Mission, Vision, and Values: Learn why having a clear mission, vision, and values is essential for brand alignment and long-term growth.·         [00:08:00] Defining Box Brand’s Identity: How Box Brand’s mission, vision, and values guide its actions and build lasting connections with customers.·         [00:11:30] Crafting a Brand Story: Understand how our brand story reflects our origins, purpose, and vision, bringing the business to life and creating emotional connections. Key Takeaway:A well-defined SWOT analysis and a clear mission, vision, and values set the foundation for a purpose-driven business that can grow, adapt, and thrive. Additional Resources:For hands-on guidance in building your own business foundation, check out our free workshop, “Plan Your Business On One Page”  at https://www.leemidlane.com/free-training  This workshop provides a step-by-step approach to creating a Business Model Canvas and action plan tailored to your goals.Be sure to subscribe to Storefront Strategies for more actionable insights on building a successful brick-and-mortar business. And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review!

In this episode of Storefront Strategies, we take a behind-the-scenes look at creating a solid foundation for my new business, Box Brand. Today, we're focusing on the initial steps that have shaped our strategy, from using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to identifying core elements that drive growth. This is the first of a two-part series, where you'll get an inside look at the highs, lows, and the real process of building a brick-and-mortar brand from scratch. What You’ll Learn:·         [00:02:00] The Importance of a Business Model Canvas (BMC): How the BMC helps structure and clarify your business idea on a single page.·         [00:04:45] Overview of the BMC Components: A breakdown of the nine essential elements of the BMC, including Customer Segments, Value Propositions, and Revenue Streams.·         [00:08:30] Box Brand’s BMC in Action: Real examples of how Box Brand utilises the BMC to identify customer needs and drive strategic decisions.·         [00:12:15] Creating an Actionable Plan from Your BMC: How goal setting and prioritisation translate the BMC into practical steps. Key Takeaway:A well-defined Business Model Canvas serves as a roadmap for growth, helping you make informed decisions that keep you aligned with your business goals. Stay Tuned for Part 2!In the next episode, we’ll dive into taking action with tools like the SWOT analysis and defining the mission, vision, and values that shape our brand story. You won’t want to miss the continuation of Box Brand’s journey! Additional Resources:To help you start building your own Business Model Canvas, I’ve created a free on-demand workshop called “Plan Your Business On One Page”. It walks you through each section of the BMC with practical examples and guidance. Check it out for a more hands-on experience! Be sure to subscribe to Storefront Strategies for more insights into building a brick-and-mortar business, and if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Let’s build something amazing together!

In this episode, I’m joined by Darryl and Chyanne, a dynamic entrepreneurial duo from Canada who share their inspiring journey of building not one, but two thriving brick-and-mortar businesses. We dive into the unique challenges they’ve faced, from starting a hair salon to expanding into a boutique store. With backgrounds as diverse as hairstyling and oil and gas operations, Darryl and Chyanne bring a wealth of experience to the table, offering insights into the trials and triumphs of running multiple businesses. What You’ll Learn:·         How Darryl and Chyanne turned a passion for hair and photography into a successful boutique business.·         The importance of cash flow and financial management in growing a brick-and-mortar business.·         Their approach to finding the right staff and building a customer-focused team.·         The impact of customer service on driving foot traffic and building loyalty.·         How they use social media and data-driven marketing to attract and retain customers. Highlights:·         [00:00:00] The inspiration behind their first brick-and-mortar business and how COVID influenced their journey.·         [00:04:00] Starting a boutique with a community-driven model, selling local goods on consignment.·         [00:07:00] Expanding to a second location and the challenges of running two stores in different provinces.·         [00:11:00] Navigating cash flow and the role of debt in scaling their business.·         [00:18:00] How a lackluster wedding planning experience sparked their focus on exceptional customer service.·         [00:25:00] Leveraging social media and data to drive traffic and boost sales.·         [00:30:00] The importance of mental resilience and managing work-life balance as business owners. Join the Conversation:If you’re looking for more insights into building a successful brick-and-mortar business, join our Facebook group: Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success. Connect with other entrepreneurs, share your experiences, and learn tips for growing your store. Don’t forget to subscribe to Storefront Strategies for more inspiring stories and actionable tips from successful brick-and-mortar business owners. Please leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Ever wondered what sets thriving brick-and-mortar businesses apart from the rest? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about having the perfect product or the best location—it’s the small daily habits that make a big difference over time. In this episode, we dive deep into the essential daily habits that successful brick-and-mortar store owners practice consistently to drive long-term success. While many focus on big-picture strategies like marketing and sales, it’s the little things—done every day—that really build sustainable growth.We’ll walk through examples of real business owners, like Katie, who transformed her struggling bakery by incorporating a few key habits into her routine. These are habits that don't take more hours in your day, but they do require focus and consistency. What You’ll Learn:·         [00:01:15] Why small, daily habits are crucial to your store’s success·         [00:02:45] The psychology of habits and how they free up mental energy for more important tasks·         [00:04:10] Real-life examples of how habits like morning planning, customer engagement, and inventory management helped turn businesses around·         [00:07:30] Practical steps to start building these habits today without overwhelming yourself Key Habits Discussed:1. [00:06:00] Morning Mindset and Planning: How setting aside 10 minutes each morning can create clarity and focus for the day ahead.2. [00:07:00] Customer Engagement: Why personal interactions are vital for building relationships and community loyalty.3. [00:08:00] Inventory Management: The importance of daily stock reviews to prevent stockouts or overstocking.4. [00:09:10] Team Building and Staff Support: Why checking in with your team regularly improves morale and customer service.5. [00:10:00] Financial Overview: How reviewing your daily financials can help spot inefficiencies and improve profitability. Action Steps:Start with just one or two habits today and watch the impact it can have on your business. Whether it's a 10-minute morning routine or consistent customer engagement, these small actions compound into big results over time.If you’re ready to boost your productivity, work smarter (not harder), and start seeing real results, this episode is for you. Join the Conversation!We’d love to continue the conversation with you and other business owners! Join our Facebook group where we dive deeper into topics like this and share tips for brick-and-mortar success. Join us at Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success - https://www.facebook.com/groups/growyourbrickandmortarbusinesssuccess. Subscribe to Storefront Strategies for more actionable tips and advice for brick-and-mortar business owners. Don’t forget to leave us a review and share your success stories!