In this episode I’m bringing you behind the scenes of what life and business have looked like lately — from the whirlwind of travel and shows, to returning home, resetting, and preparing for an exciting fourth quarter. I open up about lessons learned, new projects, and the power of trusting your gut when things no longer align.

What’s inside

• Lessons from show season and why walking away from misaligned opportunities was the best decision
• A behind-the-scenes look at working with a new retail client and creating concepts that truly drive business
• My step-by-step process for tackling floor shifts, preparing for fall, and setting up for a successful holiday season

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Gauge and his wife opened their business just over two years ago with a simple idea: support local makers and small businesses while crafting a few products of their own. That 'few' quickly turned into more… a lot more. Today, they make and sell over 300 different items—everything from all-natural cleaning solutions to DIY kits. As you can probably tell, Gauge has a bit of an ADD approach to creating, constantly dreaming up new ideas! In January 2024, they took a leap of faith and expanded into wholesale, and now their products are on the shelves of nearly 170 retail stores across the country.

Here's a fun fact: last year, Gauge got one of his favorite quotes, “Do it afraid,” tattooed on his side—a reminder that sometimes the best things come from diving in, even when it’s scary. This mindset has been with them every step of the way, and Gauge can't wait to see what’s next in their journey.

 In this episode, Gauge Bailey shares the journey of growing a retail and wholesale business from the ground up. Gauge dives into the challenges and rewards of supporting local makers, expanding into wholesale, and the risks they’ve taken to build a successful brand.

We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!

What's Inside:

• Gauge’s journey from a hobbyist to creating over 300 handmade products
• How they expanded into wholesale and now serve 170 retail stores
• The key to balancing a full-time job, retail business, and creativity

Mentioned In This Episode:
Instagram
Facebook
Still Magnolia Website

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Cass is a luxury line of leather goods designed and made in California by Debra Szidon. A Jersey girl who now calls California home, Debra blends East Coast sophistication with West Coast ease in every design she creates—from leather handbags to interior spaces and botanical elements.

The idea for Cass began with a vintage handbag Debra had held onto for years. Its shape, structure, and simplicity always seemed to work, always seemed to get people talking. When she decided to restore the bag and make it accessible to others, it felt only right to name the line after her father, Cass. Growing up, she spent weekends in his autobody shop, watching him restore vintage cars. His entrepreneurial spirit and love for craftsmanship inspired Debra to build something of her own with that same attention to detail.

With a background in interior design (her work is both award-winning and published), a degree in horticulture, and a passion for thrifting, Debra’s work combines natural elements, timeless style, and unexpected details that feel both new and classic; free-spirited and refined. Each Cass piece is designed with intention—built to last and meant to be passed down.

In this episode, Debra shares how her passion for craftsmanship and design led her to create Cass, a luxury leather goods brand that celebrates legacy and quality. She talks about the inspiration behind her handbags, the lessons learned from her father, and the challenges and rewards of maintaining local production in California.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who listens to and shares this podcast! If you’ve found value in our episodes and want to help us keep creating, we’ve made it easy through Buy Me a Coffee. Any contributions from $5 up to $200 help cover the real costs of podcasting—editing, hosting fees, and everything else that goes into bringing you quality content. It's a way for you to invest in the conversations and topics that matter to you. Head to buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb, and as always, thank you for your continued support! 

What's inside:

• The inspiration behind Cass and how a vintage handbag sparked the brand's creation.
• How Debra’s father’s craftsmanship influenced her design philosophy and entrepreneurial journey.
• The process of keeping production local in California and designing products that are built to last.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Instagram
Facebook
The Cass Clutch Website
Cocoon Home Website

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Meghan Wagner is the owner of The Go Girl Shoppe, a unique retail store located in Mebane, NC. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2012 with a mobile shop on wheels, offering a curated selection of home décor and gifts. In 2014, she opened a brick-and-mortar location in Raleigh, NC, and after 8 successful years, relocated to a larger store in Mebane in 2019. As a local to Mebane, Megan wanted to bring a little happiness to the corner of downtown, with a shop that constantly evolves with new décor and seasonal items. 

The Go Girl Shoppe prides itself on offering one-of-a-kind pieces that bring a smile to customers’ faces and foster a sense of community. Megan believes in the importance of relationships and connections, ensuring that every customer feels like they are walking into a place where they belong. Whether you're entering as a stranger or a longtime customer, Megan and her team are dedicated to making everyone feel like family.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who listens to and shares this podcast! If you’ve found value in our episodes and want to help us keep creating, we’ve made it easy through Buy Me a Coffee. Any contributions from $5 up to $200 help cover the real costs of podcasting—editing, hosting fees, and everything else that goes into bringing you quality content. It's a way for you to invest in the conversations and topics that matter to you. Head to buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb, and as always, thank you for your continued support! 

What's Inside This Episode:

• The Origin Story of The Go Girl Shop: From a mobile shop on wheels to a thriving brick-and-mortar business.
• Building Relationships with Customers: Megan shares how her family-focused approach fosters long-term connections.
• Merchandising Magic: Insights into curating unique shopping experiences and evolving the store with new products.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Instagram
Facebook
Go Girl Shoppe

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Linnaea is the passionate owner of a beloved Santa Cruz institution that has evolved into a creative hub for American-made art, design, and feel-good goods. She first joined the store as a 16-year-old seasonal hire in 1993 and, 16 years later, celebrated her anniversary by buying the business. Since then, Linnaea has honored its legacy while transforming it into Artisans & Agency, a space that champions craftsmanship, community, and connection.

With a degree in art history, Linnaea brings a curator’s eye and a community builder’s heart to everything she does—from spotlighting emerging makers to introducing Denmark’s Christiania Bikes to the U.S. Together with her husband, Peter, Linnaea continues to shape the store’s future, keeping it fresh and relevant as it nears its 50th anniversary in 2026.

In this episode, Linnaea joins Michelle to share her inspiring journey of buying and evolving the store. They discuss how she transformed the business while staying true to its roots, her passion for community-building, and how she curates a unique shopping experience by introducing new brands and supporting local artists.

We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!

What’s Inside:

• Linnaea’s journey from seasonal hire to business owner and the transformation of the store
• The importance of curating American-made art and design while maintaining community connections
• How Linnaea became the U.S. distributor for Denmark’s Christiania Bikes and expanded her offerings

Mentioned In This Episode:
Instagram
Facebook
Artisans & Agency Website

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Andrea Hoffer is an experienced Talent Acquisition & Management strategist and entrepreneur, passionate about building exceptional teams. As the founder of aha! Talent Experts, she has helped businesses across the country improve recruitment processes, align hiring with company culture, and develop employer brands that attract top talent.

With over 30 years of experience in recruitment and nearly two decades as a successful business owner, Andrea understands firsthand how great hires drive long-term success. A Certified AI Consultant, she blends technology with human insight to streamline hiring, optimize talent acquisition, and create customized onboarding experiences.

Andrea is also a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of Hire Higher. With a mission to empower both companies and candidates, she specializes in crafting hiring strategies that not only fill positions—but build cohesive, high-performing teams.

In this episode, Andrea joins Michelle to talk about why your hiring strategy might be broken—and how to fix it. They dive into the hiring mistakes most retailers make, the power of an authentic employer brand, and how to leverage simple tools like AI, one-way video interviews, and social media to build an all-star team.

 Andrea also introduces her Dream Hire framework and shares tips for creating effective job postings that attract the right people from the start.

We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!

What’s Inside:

• How to write job descriptions and job postings that actually attract the right candidates
• Why “you made an impression” cards help turn great customer service into great hires
• The role of pre-hire assessments, one-way video interviews, and AI in modern retail hiring

Mentioned In This Episode:
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin
aha! Talent Experts Website

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Bob Negen is a retail powerhouse, co-founder of WhizBang! Retail Training, and creator of Retail Brilliance, a cutting-edge educational platform for independent retailers. With a storied past as a kite shop owner and over two decades helping retailers master everything from sales to strategy, Bob joins Michelle for a deep, honest, and inspiring conversation.

From weathering tariff chaos to elevating team sales performance, this episode is a must-listen for any retailer navigating today’s unpredictable landscape. With the right mindset, strategic planning, and training, you can not only survive—but thrive.

We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!

What’s Inside:

• Tariffs and Retail Survival: Bob shares actionable strategies to manage rising tariffs without losing profitability or confidence.
  
  
• Team Sales Training That Delivers: Learn how average ticket size reveals your top performers and how to train a winning sales team.
  
  
• The Power of Retail Brilliance: Explore Bob’s all-in-one training platform for retailers—and a hint at Michelle’s potential merchandising course.
  
  

Mentioned In This Episode:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn
Whizbang Website
Whizbang Facebook Group

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Susan and Michelle are back with another action-packed episode of Shelf Talk! In this conversation, they kick things off with a quick catch-up and get into what it’s like working alongside their husbands, including a juicy business conversation about a car wash.

They dive into plans to collaborate with sponsors and grow the community, what’s in store for the upcoming show season, and the impact of tariffs. Susan and Michelle also tackle submitted questions from fellow retailers on signage and sale strategies and display theme ideas between Christmas and Valentine’s Day and between August and September.

Ask Michelle and Susan for Shelf Talk! Michelle and Susan will be co-hosting an episode every month! We’re diving into all things design, display, and merchandising—and we want to hear from you! Got a question? Submit it by going to theretailwhorepodcast.com, clicking on SHELF TALK, and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Let’s talk shop and bring your ideas to life!

What’s Inside:

• The impacts of tariffs on retailers so far
• Ideas to maximize signage and sales strategies
• How to tackle display designs in between peak seasons

Mentioned In This Episode:

[email protected]
Ruepatois.com
Rue Patois on Instagram
MC Design Collaboration on Instagram

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Steven Henke is the Chief of Brand Marketing at DAP Health.
DAP Health is an advocacy-based community health center in Palm Springs, CA, serving over 88,000 patients. It provides comprehensive medical and mental healthcare, STI testing and treatment, dentistry, pharmacy, and lab services. A wide array of wraparound services enables patients to experience optimal health—these include social services, support groups, alternative therapies, and other wellness offerings. 

DAP opened one of California’s first COVID clinics and hotlines to offer screening, testing, and treatment. DAP is also working to address social determinants of health that are causing negative health outcomes during this pandemic, like food and housing insecurity, joblessness, isolation, and access to ongoing healthcare.

DAP’s sexual health clinic offers STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP has also earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating for the twelfth consecutive year—landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated.

At DAP, Steven plans and implements brand marketing and PR strategies with various stakeholder communities, including businesses, chambers of commerce, volunteers, donors, retail, and media. Steven’s primary areas of focus include visual, written, and digital storytelling on behalf of DAP Health, Revivals Stores, Resource Development events, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaign communications.

Here, Steven shares how DAP’s Revivals Stores serve as a “gateway drug” to life-changing healthcare services. He dives into his career journey from working part-time retail jobs, landing a position at Target Corporate, and eventually making his way to DAP in Palm Springs. Steven also shares details about the annual Revivals After Dark event, how he curates the furniture collection at each store, and the most unique and noteworthy donations.

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!

What’s Inside: 

• How DAP’s Revivals Stores introduce customers to life-changing healthcare services
• How Steven curates the furniture collections at each Revivals location
• Stories about some of the most unique donations at Revivals

Mentioned In This Episode:
DAP Health on Instagram
DAP Health on Facebook
Revival Stores on Instagram
Revivalsstores.com
Revivals Stores on Facebook
Revivals Stores on YouTube

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Sara Vaskov has been in the San Luis Obispo retail scene for over two decades. She began working at Hands Gallery 22 years ago and became the owner in 2016, leading the shop through years of growth and evolution. Beyond running a thriving small business, Sara is deeply involved in community advocacy. As a board member of the Downtown SLO Association, she played a key role in lowering parking costs through her work on the Parking and Access Committee.

Sara has also been an active participant in the Economic Development Committee with the Chamber of Commerce. Balancing these responsibilities with full-time business ownership has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing her to help shape the future of her local downtown while continuing to curate a unique shopping experience for her customers.

Bailey Weaver is the store manager and creative director of Hands Gallery. Now in her ninth year at the shop and second year as manager, she has helped Hands Gallery earn the title of Best Gift Shop in SLO County for two years in a running now, as voted by New Times readers. She has also expanded the store’s digital reach, growing its Instagram following to over 4,000 and strengthening its online presence. Bailey oversees merchandising, marketing campaigns, and store displays, ensuring everything reflects the brand’s aesthetic. She also attends trade shows to source new and exciting products.

This past year, she collaborated with fellow business owners to successfully advocate for lower parking costs in downtown SLO, reinforcing her commitment to both retail and community engagement. Bailey discovered The Retail Whore Podcast in her first year as manager, finding inspiration and guidance as she navigated her new role, making this opportunity to be a guest feel truly full circle.

Here, Sara and Bailey share how they went from working in the restaurant industry to becoming a superstar mother-daughter retail team. They dive into how they took over Hands Gallery and transformed it into an award-winning store. Sara and Bailey also share how they split responsibilities, how they tackled SLO’s parking challenges, how they approach merchandising, and how they maintain a work-life balance.

We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we’ll see you on the mic!

 

What’s Inside: 

• How Sara and Bailey turned Hands Gallery into an award-winning retail store
• How the mother-daughter team splits store responsibilities
• Sara and Bailey’s approach to merchandising

Mentioned In This Episode:

Hands Gallery on Instagram
Handsgallery.com

Support the show