The Retail Whisperer

This episode is sponsored by Sales Producers Inc., a progressive business to business company representing gift, lifestyle, fashion, personal care, & kids lines selling to retail stores with a mission to create long lasting, profitable relationships by adding significant value to their customer, vendor, and team partners. For more information, check out their social media or website www.salesproducersinc.com.

Susan George is a passionate advocate for the limitless potential of social media and the CEO and Founder of Mediary Marketing. Her journey to this point wasn't your typical trajectory. Before diving into the dynamic world of digital branding, Susan was a full-time musician. Little did she know that her background would lead her to discover the transformative power of building a personal brand on social media.

From getting women paid to be authentically themselves online to taking a founder's vision and crafting the most authentic brand story, Susan finds that social media is a great equalizer, where anyone can build an audience and opportunities around their passions, talent, and pursuits.

Susan’s vision for Mediary is to be the go-to agency for creatives and brands that like to think outside the box. She also strives to build authentic connections and communities that can support, uplift, inspire, and make the world a better place.

Here, Susan and Michelle talk about the importance of social media and how it’s important to utilize it when building a successful business or brand. Susan shares several amazing tips and tricks to help make your own social media platforms shine. Susan also shares why TikTok is way more than just a dancing app, how to deal with internet trolls and bullies, and what it means to go viral.

What’s Inside:

• How Susan’s music career led her into a full-fledged marketing agency
• Why TikTok is way more than a dancing app
• What it means when content goes viral

Mentioned In This Episode:

Mediary Marketing Website
Mediary Under the Influence Podcast
Susan George on Instagram
Susan George on TikTok

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by MC Design Academy, designed to be a space where I get to share my expertise with you, where you'll get to learn all about visual merchandising, design, display, retail, and everything in between. Come along as I practice my craft and be sure to like, subscribe, and follow our socials to keep updated. See you in the merchandising land of MC Design Academy!

Andrew Fegler is a 25-year-old serial entrepreneur from the Seattle area. He founded That's So Andrew, an inclusive stationery line, just under 3 years ago. Andrew prides himself on the creation of a brand that is authentic to his own identity, which is why you'll find the line to be quite humorous, trendy, and gay AF.

Andrew created his first product when he was only 17: a line of candles that had snarky quotes on them. They were hugely successful, and his candleline hobby turned into a full-time business very quickly. At 19, Andrew shut the business down for an extended break and took a month-long trip to Thailand. While he was there, he made contact with a Chinese manufacturer, ordered his first sample, and never looked back. Today, Andrew has two partner factories that pride themselves on their attention to detail and craftsmanship.

After mastering the art of trade shows and networking, he's grown That's So Andrew into a wholesale-forward company sold in over 1,300 stores across the globe. Here, Andrew shares his story about how he started his entrepreneurial journey and how he’s grown his brand throughout the years. Michelle and Andrew also talk about how he got into wholesale, Andrew’s take on incorporating politics into his work, and how he handles trade shows.
 

What’s Inside:

• How Andrew created his unique brand, That’s So Andrew.
• Andrew’s experience being a self-taught entrepreneur.
• Andrew’s take on infusing politics into products.

Mentioned In This Episode:
That's So Andrew Website
That's So Andrew on Instagram

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by MC Design Academy, designed to be a space where I get to share my expertise with you, where you'll get to learn all about visual merchandising, design, display, retail, and everything in between. Come along as I practice my craft and be sure to like, subscribe, and follow our socials to keep updated. See you in the merchandising land of MC Design Academy!

Kevlyn Walsh was a high-school art teacher, teaching graphic design and digital photography to high school students. As an art teacher, she was always fostering creativity in her students and encouraging them to act on their ideas. So, to stay creatively inspired herself, she started "Festive Gal" as her passion project. Festive Gal quickly took off, and Kevlyn decided to pursue Festive Gal full-time and quit education at the end of the school year in 2019.

Kevlyn does all her own graphic design, web-design, and photography for Festive gal. Being trained across multiple creative disciplines is one of her many superpowers. If she doesn’t know how to do something, she is a firm believer that there is always a YouTube video that can teach you how!

Kevlyn launched into wholesale in 2021 and began attending trade shows to build her customer base. In just two years, she has grown her stockiest list to over 800 stores in the USA. Kevlyn was a keynote speaker at the Ultimate Product Party in 2022, sharing her knowledge about leaning into "best-sellers" and how to be KNOWN for something. She’s the unofficial "queen of crowns" and continues to be KNOWN for her fun and festive products.

During the summer of 2022, Kevlyn did 3 back-to-back trade shows 7 months pregnant all by herself, ON HER FEET. She was determined to continue growing her business and knew that sending someone else to represent Festive Gal at the shows just wouldn’t have the same magical effect. Kevlyn is a new mom navigating what it means to run a successful business and take care of a new baby. She’s extremely proud of the fact that she was able to take a 9-week maternity leave in her business in order to heal from pregnancy and spend time with her husband and newborn baby. It took months of planning, delegation, systems, and processes so that she could step away and instead keep the business running with a team.

In this conversation, Kevlyn tells the story of how she started Festive Gal and how she’s grown her empire over the last several years. She shares the inspiration behind her party headbands and how she’s been creative since she was a child. Michelle and Kevlyn also discuss how she handled explosive sales during the pandemic, working with influencers and social media, how she launched her wholesale brand, and more.

What’s Inside:

• How Kevlyn went from high-school art teacher to running Festive Gal full-time.
• How Kevlyn handled massive sales during the pandemic.
• Kevlyn’s experience with trade shows and launching her wholesale brand.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Festive Gal Website
Festive Gal on Instagram
Festive Gal on Facebook
Festive Gal on Pinterest
Festive Gal on TikTok
Shop Rare Form

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by Fine Lines, a west coast wholesale rep agency with showrooms in Las Vegas and Seattle representing over 50 fabulous gift, fashion + home lines.

Emma Lewis is the owner of Rare Form and The Twentieth, both based in Chicago. Emma works to digitally restore and reinterpret 100-year-old designs to create unique greeting cards, stationery, and more. Through her work, her goal is to empower and affirm others with a brand that combines vintage images with unapologetic contemporary feminist language and over-the-top messages of affirmation.

The Twentieth is a stationery, gift, and design brand that brings historical maximalism together with 21st century wit and an unapologetic attitude. The brand brings Art Deco imagery into the 21st century with empowering language and more than a hint of sarcasm. It’s meant to raise others up with affirming messages of support combined with updated, stunning historical graphics. The team creates cards and gifts that are purposefully over-the-top in message and design because they believe that now more than ever, it is vital that we share our true feelings with our loved ones and empower ourselves through community-building.

Rare Form offers a variety of Emma’s feminist prints, greeting cards, antiques, and other gifts. There, she uses her nerdy, sarcastic sense of humor to create digital collages that combine vintage photographs of women with empowering, contemporary feminist language.

Here, Michelle and Emma dive into Emma’s brands and how she juggles two successful businesses while also managing a busy family. Emma shares how her academic background in the arts shaped her career and how she broke into wholesaling without any prior experience. Emma also talks about her decision to open a retail store, all about how she set up her space, where Emma sources new ideas and inspiration, and more.

What’s Inside:

• How Emma transitioned from an academic career in art to owning two successful brands.
• How Emma opened up her brick-and-mortar retail store.
• Where Emma discovers new ideas.

Mentioned In This Episode:
https://shoprareform.com/

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by Patrick & Company.

In 2011, Lindsay Duncan was pregnant with twins and at home on bed rest. She was also recently laid off from her job in banking. These circumstances led Lindsay to create Winter Lennon, a women’s apparel and accessories brand. Although she had no background and learned as she went, Lindsay’s efforts paid off.

Seven years later, after riding a wave of immediate success, Lindsay found herself struggling. She loved the industry but needed a change. She then met Patrick Ongena, who was the founder of Patrick & Company showroom at Dallas Market Center. He opened the showroom in 1991 and was looking to retire in the next few years. Lindsay ended up coming on as the Dallas rep, with the understanding that they would move towards his retirement.

In January of 2022, Lindsay bought Patrick & Co. Along with the help of her husband, Dusty, Lindsay expanded Patrick & Co. by 50% in November of 2022. In June of 2023, the team completed a record-breaking show. Today, Patrick & Co. represents some of the best gift brands in the business, including Tweezerman, Vinglacé, and Luxe Dominoes.

Here, Lindsay shares her story and all of the different things she’s done that led her to landing at Patrick & Co. Michelle and Linsday discuss the rise and fall of her Winter Lennon brand and the difference between apparel and gift showrooms. Their conversation also includes how Lindsay carries on Patrick’s legacy at Patrick & Co. and how she creates and maintains a positive environment.

What’s Inside:

• Lindsay’s story from working in banking to owning Patrick & Co.
• The difference between apparel and gift showrooms
• Lindsay’s plans for Patrick & Co. for 2024

Mentioned In This Episode:

Patrick & Co. Website
Patrick & Co. on Instagram

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by Fine Lines, a west coast wholesale rep agency with showrooms in Las Vegas and Seattle representing over 50 fabulous gift, fashion + home lines.

Ronald Carter likes to think of creative styling as an art form. It's a masterpiece, carefully crafted by your imagination and passion. You could say Ronald fell into this career by accident. Having experienced being a struggling actor, he was in desperate need of a side hustle. He was living in Seattle at the time, and he recalls asking a friend if she knew of anyone who was hiring. She suggested Ronald check out Eddie Bauer, and the rest is history.

Ronald started out as a greeter and then moved to the home store as a sales associate. There, he noticed a young woman named Joyce styling a table and found himself drawn to what she was doing. Soon after a conversation, Ronald asked if he could help her, and she kindly accepted the offer. Following Joyce’s departure from the company, Ronald interviewed for her job and moved right on into the role without further ado.

In the 3 years that followed, Ronald worked his way up to designing floor plans for the corporate office and training new visual managers. His retail career, however, did not end there. Ronald went on to work for Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and Porch. The training, the people, and the influences he’s met throughout his journey have helped him become a better designer. Continued training has helped Ronald in his new adventures in interior design, and he’s looking forward to the next chapter in this crazy world of styling and design.

Michelle and Ronald kick things off with a discussion around his career journey, from pursuing acting to an extensive career within the retail space. Ronald shares his experiences working for some of the biggest names in retail. They discuss Ronald’s walkthrough process, the importance of storytelling, and how to handle micromanagement and challenging clients. They also talk about risk taking and trends, and how to stay current while staying true to yourself.


What’s Inside:

• How Ronald moved from acting to a career in styling and design.
• Insights into Ronald’s walkthrough process.
• How to stay current while staying true to yourself.

Support the show

This week’s episode is sponsored by @salesproducersinc, a progressive business to business company representing Gift, Lifestyle, Fashion, Personal Care, & Kids lines selling to retail stores with a mission to create long lasting, profitable relationships by adding significant value to our customers, vendors, and team partners. For more information, check out their social media or website, www.salesproducersinc.com.

Ashley Withey is an accomplished graphic designer with a diverse background spanning the worlds of nonprofit, corporate, and advertising. With experience working for renowned organizations such as Susan G. Komen, Marriott Vacation Club, and other major global brands, Ashley's journey in the design industry has been marked by success and growth.

In 2014, Ashley embarked on an entrepreneurial path, establishing her own freelance design company, which underwent a rebranding in late 2019, becoming Friendlily Press. Although the COVID-19 pandemic initially posed challenges, Ashley's resilience and determination allowed her business to flourish.

Between January and June of 2021, Friendlily Press had evolved from a one-person operation based at Ashley's home into a thriving enterprise with a dedicated team of nearly 20 professionals, operating out of expansive 6,000 square-foot offices and warehouses in Maitland, Florida.

Today, Friendlily Press collaborates with companies of all sizes, crafting wholesale merchandise, direct-to-consumer goods, and promotional pieces to help further the success of others. Ashley's client roster boasts an impressive array of notable names, including Francescas, Voss Water, A&E Media Group,
Amazon Video, and many others. Moreover, the company serves over 500 small business boutiques nationwide, fostering a vibrant community of partnerships.

Outside of work, Ashley finds joy in her loving relationship with her supportive husband, Rhett, and their delightful five-year-old son, Calloway. When they are not engaged in their thriving enterprise, the family enjoys quality time at Disney, exploring new travel destinations, and actively contributing to their local community by assisting with the operations of the community little league.

Here, Ashley shares her background and how she went from being a graphic designer to starting and growing Friendlily Press. Michelle and Ashley discuss where the name Friendlily came from as well as how the Friendlily product line has expanded since its inception. They also talk about Friendlily’s production evolution, how Ashley designed her merchandise offerings, and what she’s currently focused on in the business.

What’s Inside:

• How Ashley started Friendlily Press and where the name came from
• How the Friendlily Press product line has expanded over the years
• Where Ashley finds creative inspiration

Mentioned In This Episode:
Friendlily Press Website
Friendlily Press on Instagram
Friendlily Press on Facebook
Friendlily Press on LinkedIn
Friendlily Press on TikTok

Support the show

This week’s episode is sponsored by Patrick & Company, a wholesale sales agency proudly representing nationally and internationally branded companies. Located in the Dallas Market Center, for over 30 years they have been the go-to source for retailers helping to discover those unique, sought-after, and stylish brands.

Luxe Dominoes is the intersection of traditional games and high-end design. It was founded in Miami by Jonathan Cohen, who inherited his life-long passion for dominoes from his grandfather. Luxe Dominoes shines the light on beloved games, giving them a new place among great modern design.

The art and science of dominoes go back hundreds of years, yet their packaging has been stagnant for the past few decades. Each Luxe Domino box is hand made by craftsmen in Miami with recyclable material. "El Tigre" is their take on the traditional sliding top domino box, and "El Catire" comes with 4 racks integrated into the box.

These sets are meant to be displayed and played! Luxe Dominoes doesn't just want these beautiful domino sets to sit on your coffee table. All sets come with jumbo tournament size pieces that feel great when you play. They also have brass spinners that add to the fun.

Here, Jonathan shares his story, starting from his childhood growing up in Venezuela to getting into the startup world. He shares the backstory behind Luxe Dominoes and how it grew into the success it is today. Jonathan and Michelle also discuss how Jonathan got his product into stores, how he expanded his product line, his experience at shows, and a whole lot more.

What’s Inside:

• How Jonathan started Luxe Dominoes
• How Jonathan set up his very first booth at a show
• All about Jonathan’s partnerships with retailers
  
  

Mentioned In This Episode:

Luxe Dominoes Website
Luxe Dominoes on Instagram

Support the show

This week’s episode is sponsored by MC Design Academy. MC Design Academy is designed to be a space where I get to share my expertise with you, where you'll get to learn all about visual merchandising, design, display, retail, and everything in between. Come along as I practice my craft and be sure to like, subscribe, and follow our socials to keep updated. See you in the merchandising land of MC Design Academy!

Renee Dick, creator and founder of Fresh Life Marketing, is the girlfriend you never knew you needed in your business. Whether you're in the beginning stages of starting out or even if you’re an established entrepreneur, her mission is to serve YOU.

Renee created Fresh Life Marketing, an agency specializing in done for you content repurposing. This focuses on the content you’ve already created to give it FRESH LIFE in other aspects of your marketing. #worksmarternotharder

Renee is also co-host of the Dreams to Plans Podcast, where she shares her experiences and connects with like-minded entrepreneurs. With a passion for providing value and support for other business owners, it’s Renee’s mission to show you what’s possible, get you out of your own way, and be a resource for you at every stage of your business journey.

The concept of Human Design changed the game for Renee. On a personal level, she was able to see that all the things she was spending so much time and energy hiding were actually her superpowers. She went from feeling icky about sales and stressed about her marketing strategy to operating on what felt right in her body and selling out services that she hadn’t even launched yet!

Here, Renee and Michelle discuss Renee’s amazing work with Human Design and Gene Keys and how Renee weaves her expertise into client projects. Renee breaks down the concept of Human Design in layman’s terms and shows how it can be a total game changer for your personal and professional life. The conversation also includes a discussion on Gene Keys, how to find your own Human Design type, and much more.


What’s Inside:

• How Human Design changed Renee’s personal and professional life.
• How to determine your own Human Design type.
• All about Renee’s new practices.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Fresh Life Marketing Website
Fresh Life Marketing on Instagram

Support the show

This week’s episode is sponsored by MC Design Academy. MC Design Academy is designed to be a space where I get to share my expertise with you, where you'll get to learn all about visual merchandising, design, display, retail, and everything in between. Come along as I practice my craft and be sure to like, subscribe, and follow our socials to keep updated. See you in the merchandising land of MC Design Academy!

Melissa Hesse doesn't have a degree in art, but somehow, she made it her career. She started at Z Gallerie back in 1993 as a part-time sales associate while going to college. Melissa then spent the next 14 years there, holding almost every position possible, but she always found the art department her home.

After six years in the stores, she moved into the corporate office and spent the next eight years in the art department as the Merchandise Planner and Assistant Buyer. Melissa would help select the artwork for over 70 stores.  She went on buying trips and worked with publishers and wholesale framers on new merchandise for the stores. Fun was the best way she could describe her experience at Z Gallerie, where she met lifelong friends.

After 14 years, Melissa made the leap to Third and Wall Art Group, which was a vendor she had purchased posters from. She’s been with Third and Wall for almost 15 years and was recently promoted to Creative Director. Today, Melissa services a small number of accounts, which helps her keep a finger on the pulse of her clients’ needs. At Third and Wall, Melissa and her team can customize artwork to fit the scope of any project by changing color, creating pieces, or cropping existing imagery to fit a certain size. She’s always amazed at what the creative team can do.

Melissa’s a Southern California native raised in the San Gabriel Valley. She’s a mom to two amazing young men, Jake (22) and Zach (21) and she’s been happily married (ok, not all day every day, but most days) to her husband of 25 years, Bill. Her kids call her an 'Art Editor' and, in some ways, that might be the most accurate description of what she does.

Michelle and Melissa discuss her journey from Z Gallerie to Third and Wall Art Group and how she curates custom work for her clients. They talk about how Melissa works with merchandisers and retailers to help tie their vision together. Melissa also shares insights into her process, how she curates custom looks for stores to help them stand out, and much more.


What’s Inside:

• How Melissa and her team work with clients at Third and Wall.
• How Melissa works with merchandisers and retailers to tie their vision together.
• How Melissa selects submissions from artists.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Third and Wall Website
Third and Wall on Twitter
Third and Wall on Instagram
Third and Wall on Facebook
Third and Wall on YouTube
Third and Wall on LinkedIn
Third and Wall on Pinterest

Support the show