Shows
The Retail WhoreEP 221: SHEDDING THE OLD, RESETTING THE PATH, AND TRUSTING WHAT’S NEXTIn this episode, Michelle closes out 2025 with a reflective solo episode about change, resilience, and retail. She shares her move from California to Oregon, joining her local Downtown Business Association, lessons from closing stores, strategies for surviving tariffs and fast-forward retail changes, and plans for 2026 including writing a book and possibly opening a new store. Honest, practical advice for retailers facing hard choices—and encouragement to lean into new opportunities.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...
2025-12-3155 minThe Retail WhoreEP 213: MERCHANDISING THAT SELLS BEYOND THE DISPLAYIn this episode, Michelle Sherrier opens up about her hands-on experience transforming Lucy’s store and reflects on the deeper role merchandising plays in retail success. From buying strategies to storytelling through displays, she highlights why embracing change is essential when working with a consultant. Michelle also unveils her new monthly Zoom consulting option, designed to bring expert insights to retailers at an accessible price point.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.co...
2025-10-0855 minThe Retail WhoreFALL MERCHANDISING SECRETS — SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN!Susan and Michelle reconnect for another insightful episode of Shelf Talk! They start by sharing their experiences from recent gift shows in Vegas and New York, and how they both took the time to decompress and recharge at home. Susan reveals the challenges and excitement of managing holiday decor for new stores, including dealing with inventory mishaps.The duo dives deep into merchandising strategies, emphasizing the importance of sales reports in driving successful displays and the value of consistent visual storytelling. They share their favorite fall display elements such as faux fur, wrapped boxes, books, wood boxes...
2025-09-031h 35The Retail WhoreEP 203: THRIVING IN UNCERTAINTY WITH BOB NEGENBob 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 firs...
2025-06-041h 07The Retail WhoreSIGNAGE, SALES, AND DISPLAY STRATEGIES - SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN!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 Se...
2025-05-291h 16The Retail WhoreSTUNNING, STAND-OUT DISPLAYS - SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN!Susan and Michelle join forces again for another episode of Shelf Talk! Here, they kick things off with a recap of Susan’s recent trip to New Orleans and all the fun shops she explored while there. Next, they share some of their favorite displays found on Instagram and discuss their stand-out design elements and features. Susan and Michelle also discuss how you can recreate these displays in your own store, plans for booking upcoming shows, Mother’s Day display details, and more.Ask Michelle and Susan for Shelf Talk! Michelle and Susan will be co-ho...
2025-04-301h 01The Retail WhoreINTRODUCING... SHELF TALK WITH CO-HOST SUSAN ESAYIAN!Welcome to Shelf Talk: a brand new, add-on segment inside the Retail Whore Podcast! In this new once-a-month segment, Michelle and co-host Susan Esayian dive into all things merchandising and design. Both Michelle and Susan have strong backgrounds as buyers and merchandisers in retail and wholesale gifts. On Shelf Talk, you’ll have the chance to submit your burning merchandising questions and get answers straight from the experts!A native of the Pacific Northwest, Susan Esayian has been working in the gift industry professionally for 26 years in a variety of roles. From merchandising Kitchen-Aid mixers, buy...
2025-03-2650 minThe Retail WhoreEP 191: CMA MERCHANDISER’S RECAP WITH JESSICA YOUNG, RONALD CARTER, SUSAN ESAYIAN & DAVE SHERRIERRonald Carter likes to think of creative styling as an art form: a masterpiece, carefully crafted by imagination and passion. He fell into his career by accident as a struggling actor in need of a side hustle. Ronald was living in Seattle at the time and recalls asking a friend if she knew of anyone who was hiring, and she kindly suggested checking out Eddie Bauer. From there, his retail career took off. At Eddie Bauer, Ronald started as a greeter, and in the three years that followed, he worked his way up to designing floor plans f...
2025-02-261h 31The Retail WhoreEP 178: FALL RECAP - SOLO SHOW WITH MICHELLEIn this solo show, Michelle recaps her 40th high school reunion and what it was like to geek out over retail with her former classmates… without her old insecurities. She catches everyone up on what’s been going on since the move to Oregon and living life at a much slower pace. Michelle chats about burnout and why it’s important to recharge to stay creative, store standards and your role as a merchandiser, and what things look like for the future at MC Design Collaboration.This episode is sponsored by Show Me Your Store. Show M...
2024-11-0629 minThe Retail WhoreEP 164: HOW A SIMPLE GIFT BECAME AN EMBROIDERY BUSINESS WITH MICHELLE GALLETTAMC 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!A printmaking graduate from the Ontario College of Art and Design, Michelle Galletta is the founder of Kiriki Press. The idea was inspired by Michelle wanting to make her niece Madeleine an embroidered...
2024-08-0747 min
The Retail WhoreEP 126: ROOTED IN RETAIL WITH CRYSTAL VILKAITISThis week’s episode is sponsored by Fine Lines, a west coast wholesale rep agency with showrooms in Las Vegas and Seattle representing over 50 fabulous gifts, fashion + home lines.Crystal Vilkaitis is a world-class social media expert and powerful speaker who helps retailers shine online and bring their unique brilliance to the local and global masses. Fueling retailers with confidence to grow their visibility and results, Crystal’s on a mission to help Main Street businesses thrive. She’s spoken on stages around the globe and has shared the stage with industry giants like Martha Stewart, Gary Vayner...
2023-11-221h 04The Retail WhoreEP 124: TRAVERSING THE WORLD OF RETAIL & WHOLESALE WITH MYLES MARKSMyles Marks is the Chief Creative and Merchandising Officer at DM Merchandising. He attended Georgetown University and then toiled in the LA world for a bit afterwards. Myles has been innovating products within the consumer goods space for the past 25 years.Myles spent the last 25 years traversing the world of retail and wholesale. He’s committed to exploring the best available merchandising solutions to make programs and products sell. He’s been intimately involved with branding, sourcing, buying, and selling for retailers ranging from the biggest of boxes to a seasonal pumpkin patch.Michelle and Myle...
2023-11-081h 05
The Retail WhoreEP 122: FROM MONKEYS TO COOLERSDo you ever wonder who makes those chalkboard signs at Trader Joe's? Well, that's how Benjamin Soto got started—drawing Trader Joe's signs by day and designing band merch at night for Fearless Records.In 1998, Ben was recruited by Paul Frank to help kick off the massive millennial pop-culture brand Paul Frank Industries. Ben managed the brand creative for about 10 years, which meant involvement with character designs, the tee and fleece program, pajama prints, photoshoots, trade show booths, retail spaces, collaborations/licensed products. They even let him voice Julius the Monkey on the pilot show of Yo-Gabba-Gabba.
2023-10-251h 08The Retail WhoreBONUS EP: CATCHING UP WITH MICHELLEOn today's episode, Michelle get's personal and shares with you what's been going on with her lately — from her weight loss journey, to work, to the loss of her beloved Peanut, this episode is a major catch up with Michelle.MC Design Collaboration InstagramMC Design Collaboration FacebookMC Design Collaboration TikTokMichelle's Personal InstagramTRW Website TRW InstagramTRW FacebookMC Design Academy YouTube
2023-09-2951 min
The Retail WhoreEP 113: THE POWER OF THE HANDWRITTEN NOTEMarcie Pantzer is the founder of Dear Annabelle, a luxury paper goods brand that brings a whimsical wink to the classic art of correspondence. The brand was born from Marcie’s personal love of letter writing, starting when she went away to sleep away camp as a girl.Her passion for sending and receiving mail was only rivaled by her affection for the tools of the trade — beautiful stationery and fine paper products. With Dear Annabelle — named for her daughter — she’s created her dream line of stationery, place cards, and note pads that celebrate joy, humor and connec...
2023-08-2356 minThe Retail WhoreEP 112: WELCOME TO MC DESIGN ACADEMY + SHOW RECAPOn this week’s episode, Michelle Sherrier, welcomes listeners to her latest hustle, MC Design Academy! MC Design Academy is designed to be a space where Michelle will share her expertise with you, where you'll get to learn all about visual merchandising, design, display, retail, and everything in between.Take a listen, head on over to MC Design Academy ...class is in session.Then, make sure she stays tuned for this special combo episode where she then delves into the show season and talks all about her time and experiences so far this show season.
2023-08-1645 minThe Retail WhoreEP 111: STATIONERY NERDThis week’s guest is Sarah Schwartz, magazine editor, writer, podcaster and consultant. She first started covering stationery as a market editor for the trade publication Gifts & Decorative Accessories in 1997, and in 2008, she became founding editor of Stationery Trends, an award-winning trade quarterly magazine devoted to all things paper.She also maintains this site, podcasts at The Paper Fold, a five-star stationery salon. Sarah is a frequent industry speaker who is occasionally quoted in the media. Aside from family, what makes her happiest is working with makers, boutique owners and stationery lovers — and becoming part of their storie...
2023-08-091h 03The Retail WhoreEP 106: DESIGNER. ENTREPRENEUR. PHILANTHROPIST.This week’s guest is Breegan Jane, an Los Angeles-based designer, author, philanthropist and mom to two boys. She showcases her expertise on HGTV, NBC, Hallmark Channel, Discovery, Food Network and more. You may recognize her from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Dream Home. She is a leading voice in design industry conversations. She also advocates for women and children in Kenya as a partner with international non-profit organization Mekuno Project. Breegan champions community and shares it all via her social channels and website breeganjane.com.Michelle was fortunate to be part of a roundtable of retail po...
2023-07-0552 minThe Retail WhoreEP 94: CREATING OUR FUTUREMeet Andrew & Chelsea Evans, co-founders & owners of Roaming Travelers. Launched in 2020, Roaming Travelers offers locals & tourists a curated boutique clothing shopping experience. It has grown to operate two retail locations in Joshua Tree & 29 Palms. Through hosting events & pop-ups featuring local or emerging designers and vendors, they have been able to provide a sustainable & eco-friendly shopping experience.Michelle, Andrew & Chelsea discuss the future of retail, what that looks like and how they have created their unique retail community in the hi desert of Joshua Tree & 29 palms.This week’s episode sponsored by FINE LINES, a west co...
2023-04-1259 minThe Retail WhoreEP 92: EMPOWERING CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS!Erin Sarpa is the Creative Director at StationeryHQ.com, a wholesale Print On Demand company that specializes in custom stationery and gifts, serving creative small businesses. Erin opened a design agency at 23 years old, worked for all the big dogs in Silicon Valley and won awards while creating an all-women team. She joined StationeryHQ.com a few years ago with goals to grow a community as well as the company. Erin freaking loves creative people and entrepreneurs and is passionate about supporting women in business. Take a listen as Michelle & Erin discuss everything StationeryHQ.com, how she t...
2023-03-2956 minThe Retail WhoreEP 91: THE SILENT SALESPERSONThis week is a solocast with Michelle informing listeners on what exactly a merchandiser does & how they can help your retail business. From storytelling to creating add-on sales to reinventing merchandise, these are some topics that Michelle will cover in this episode.This week’s 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.Support the show
2023-03-2258 minThe Retail WhoreEP 90: LEARN. CONNECT. SCALE.Allison Carter and Catherine Hildner were two strangers who connected at a conference, turned into business besties, and a few years later saw a gap in the product based business space and decided to take action to fill it. In addition to the two businesses they run individually, Allison and Cat are the founders and hosts of Ultimate Product Party (UPP for short!). UPP is a 2-day creative conference that serves product based businesses. Allison and Cat create a unique experience and space for the product based business owner where they can connect with other like-minded small business owners...
2023-03-1554 minThe Retail WhoreEP 88: BUILDING THE PLANE MID-FLIGHTWe have received so many inquiries online and in-person on how to start a podcast. Sharing is caring and we here at Team Retail Whore Podcast, also known a Host, Michelle Sherrier, Editor Katherine Khaloo and Digital Marketing Manager, Elisa Anthony talk about the inception of The Retail Whore Podcast and what we have learned along the way, the good AND the not so good (lost recordings!), tips (create a podcast about something you are an expert in & passionate about!) and the resources we recommend to help you create your most successful podcast ever!Podcast Resources...
2023-03-011h 15The Retail WhoreEP 87: RETAIL GROWTH THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIAThis week we welcome Crystal Vilkaitis, founder of Crystal Media, a social media advertising and digital marketing agency she started in 2012. For more than 15 years, Crystal Vilkaitis has been helping retailers boost sales and drive more traffic through social media and marketing. Most recently she launched Crystal Uncorked, a podcast that features inspiring guests and interesting business conversations, over a glass of wine. She started the show to share open and honest conversations about her journey, and to talk to other entrepreneurs about their experiences. On the podcast she pulls back the curtain and talks about the highs and...
2023-02-221h 03
The Retail WhoreEP 86: THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOMEThis month’s bonus episode is a show – Las Vegas Market & NY Now – recap. Michelle covers it all from showroom set-ups, the stress of being away from her family for an extended period, outfit changes & getting into buyer mode, being part of a podcast panel, participating in an Instagram takeover at NY Now and having an opportunity to meet some of our listeners and podcasts guests in person. Truly an inspiring trip! Support the show
2023-02-2043 min
The Retail WhoreEP 84: LOVE IS LOVEFebruary is often known for being a month dedicated to and all about love. This week we are excited to welcome award winning designer Kimberley Evans, creator of the out the box brands such as Pop Up Weddings by Lovely Weddings and the I Do Box, an inclusive wedding subscription box. Michelle had the pleasure of meeting Kimberley at last year’s Ultimate Product Party event and was so impressed with her presentation and what her products represent, she knew she had to have her as a guest.Kimberley, a passionate entrepreneur and educator has been a le...
2023-02-081h 11The Retail WhoreEP 83: IGNITE JOY THROUGH GIFTINGThis week we are thrilled to introduce to you Jane Park of Tokki, a company on a mission to ignite joy through gifting. They combine thoughtful technology with beautiful, reusable designs to make every gift unforgettable.Michelle & Jane, a consumer tech entrepreneur, delve into family, her father’s incredible story as a young immigrant from Korea, to her building the online first beauty brand Julep, and to ultimately creating Tokki with her friend & tech genius Taylor Hoit.This week’s episode sponsored by Sales Producers, a progressive business to business company representing Gift, Lifestyle, Fashion, Pers...
2023-02-0155 minThe Retail WhoreEP 82: FEMINIST AS F**CK!A woman with big entrepreneurial dreams and a passion for uplifting other women - we're talking about Amanda Dare, founder + CEO of Woman-Owned Wallet.Amanda founded WOW to give woman-owned brands a voice and a marketplace in NuLu Neighborhood of Louisville, KY. Now WOW has over 50 woman-owned brands sold in the Feminist Gift Shop! When she opened up the WOW shop in August of 2020, she realized just how many woman-owned shops existed in the neighborhood. She created the NuLu Woman-Owned Walking Tour so that customers could visit + support other amazing woman-owned businesses.Michelle & Amanda talk...
2023-01-2554 minThe Retail WhoreEP 81: THE BEST F*UCKING GIFTS!Nicole Chenault is the founder of the handmade drinkware brand, Fbombs & Booze and a 1:1 coach for Women owned handmade product businesses. Her products are sold on multiple e-commerce platforms for retail and wholesale. Their tumblers can be found in over 150 shops and boutiques internationally.Michelle & Nicole discuss the unique stress working in retail brings and how she left a job in the retail grocery industry after 17 years that she had been in since she was 16 years old and how that life change led to creating her brand, and more importantly minimizing her daily stress. Nicole is such...
2023-01-1854 min
The Retail WhoreEP 80: 2023 TRENDS & UPCOMING EVENTS!This episode is a what we like to call a ‘minisode’ with host Michelle Sherrier, giving listeners a quick overview on trends she is currently seeing as she works on setting up the new Stephen Young showroom in Las Vegas, upcoming events she will be a part of that include ‘The Power of Podcasts’ event during Las Vegas Winter Market, the New York Now event in February where Michelle will be doing an 'Instagram Live'. 2023 is starting off with a bang!Support the show
2023-01-1214 minThe Retail WhoreEP 79: CAPTURING EXPERIENCES IN EVERY SINGLE PIECECan you go from crafting at your kitchen table to a multi-million-dollar business? As CEO, Holly Daniels Christensen has proved – yes! Using grit and the actual sand beneath her toes, that’s exactly what this entrepreneur has done.The founder of Dune Jewelry left home at 15 years old, and never looked back. She held a variety of jobs with stints as a zookeeper, pharmacy technician, promotional model, bartender, cellphone, car and cruise salesperson. She also spent 14 successful years as a top agent in Boston’s highly competitive real estate market. This unique bootstrap entrepreneur who proved sh...
2023-01-111h 14
The Retail WhoreEP 78: READY TO BE A RETAIL ROCKSTAR?With the new year upon us, what better time to begin managing your inventory more effectively. Larry Hebert is the creator of the OpenToBuy.co, a proprietary inventory management template designed to ensure every retail business manages their purchases effectively through crucial metrics including sales, cost of goods sold, beginning inventory, inventory turns, creating a base inventory and product category management tied to their sales relative to overall revenue generated. This was developed over a seven-year period and has been instrumental in the turnaround and success of retail businesses implementing this into their purchasing strategies.Bryce Root’s...
2023-01-041h 15The Retail WhoreEP 77: THAT'S A WRAP!This week’s episode is a solocast with Michelle giving listeners a 2022 recap, lessons learned, the future of The Retail Whore Podcast which of course includes more Retail Whore Road Trips!Take a listen as Michelle talks cutting ties with longtime clients and the challenges of trying to reinvent the same theme year after year after year. This week’s 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.Support the show
2022-12-2823 minThe Retail WhoreEP 76: CONCEPT. MANUFACTURING. SALES.Matilda Kalaveshi's introduction to the international fashion industry started at an early age in Europe. After transitioning into the buying world when she joined Macys Corporate Inc, she completely fell in love with retail and the business side of the fashion world.For the past 18 years, she has worked for numerous retailers in the southeast region and has held different positions such as fashion buyer, planner, senior buyer, fashion director and consultant. She currently runs her own retail consulting boutique, EMP Retail Consulting, where she helps brands and retailers build and grow profitable businesses. Take a...
2022-12-1436 minThe Retail WhoreEP 73: STACK THEM HIGH & WATCH THEM FLY!Sara Villari is the owner and creative director of Occasionette, an award-winning gift and card shop with four locations in the Philadelphia area. Occasionette ranked among the 100 fastest-growing businesses in the Philadelphia region in 2019 and 2020. Prior to opening the first Occasionette location in 2013, Sara was one of the first employees at Etsy.com, working as a community manager for the e-commerce site.From pandemic store openings, private labels, creative merchandising, holiday decorating, inspiration and the Occasionette team, Michelle & Sara cover it all!This episode is sponsored by Fine Lines, a west coast wholesale rep agency...
2022-11-2352 minThe Retail WhoreEP 72: CREATING SMALL BUSINESS DREAMSThis week we are so excited to welcome guest Sara Stonecipher, Owner/CEO of howtorunaretailstore.com, helping entrepreneurs go from startup to success, no matter what part of the journey they're on.In 2011, she started her own small business journey with $17K in savings, inspired by her mom’s retail consignment store, & opened her own store–MISRED Outfitter, a vintage store. Today MISRED is an all new clothing boutique, specializing in everyday clothing and handmade accessories, for women of all ages. The change in concept worked for them and now the company has doubled in size, has a th...
2022-11-1658 minThe Retail WhoreEP 71: CULTIVATING JOYMichael Schultz is the co-owner and creative eye of Cursive New York, which operates 2 stores in New York City. Cursive is a tightly focused concept with the simple mission of cultivating joy. Michael, along with his husband, Douglas Duncan, have established Cursive as a strong and forward voice in the industry. Cursive offers gift, stationery, home and lifestyle products and is constantly evolving. Cursive operated in New York City’s iconic Grand Central Terminal for 11 years and within ABC Carpet & Home for 15 years, until the Covid-19 pandemic upended those long runs. Making lemonade out of lemons, Schultz and D...
2022-11-091h 18The Retail WhoreEP 70: SHIT IS ABOUT TO GET REAL!If you know Michelle, you know the holidays are her favorite time of the year. The music, the lights, the smells...all of it! On this mini-episode, Michelle gives listeners a quick look into what her holiday setup schedule looks like and how she manages to keep it together through it all. MC Design CollaborationSupport the show
2022-11-0319 minThe Retail WhoreEP 69: FINDING OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS!Abbey & Courtney are both co-founders and business besties of Duo Collective, a boutique organic marketing agency specializing in social media strategy, branding, SEO and coaching for small business owners and creative entrepreneurs. We are obsessed with finding ways to help you grow organically without needing to spend a dime on paid ads.With 20+ years of combined marketing experience, Abbey & Court discuss with Michelle the different ways a small retail business can grow their business, elevate their brand and drive sales.Click here for the Duo Collective workbook “7 Secrets to Increase Your Visibility on Google”. A must...
2022-11-021h 07The Retail WhoreEP 68: HER PAST. HER PRESENT. HER FUTURE.This week, we are thrilled to welcome Amy Loewenberg, Senior Relations Manager for NY NOW, SF NOW & American Handcrafted. Amy considers herself to be a champion for people, for product and for paving new lanes for mutually beneficial and treasured relationships that celebrate the love for what we do and why we do it. This is her past, her present and her future.Her passion for product grew exponentially when she returned to NYC and was purchasing for an iconic NYC paper and gift store known as Kate’s Paperie to a 130-location mini department store known as...
2022-10-261h 11The Retail WhoreEP 67: IF GEORGIA O'KEEFFE & DOLLY PARTON CREATED FASHION WEEKThis week’s guest is Melissa Kanarek, a couture upholsterer and seamstress by trade who lives in the SantaYnez Valley part of California, where she operates her Brass Tack brick & mortar.Melissa’s work, along with the pieces she buys, is imbued with a strong sense of story. She believes who makes it and how it is made are equally important to the object itself. An admitted travel junkie (56 countries and counting), the globe is an unending, evergrowing moodboard for her endeavors.Michelle & Melissa talk having fun with fashion, Melissa’s time, working in London, as a c...
2022-10-191h 05The Retail WhoreEP 66: FROM BOAT COVERS TO SURF TRUNKSThis week we are so lucky to have Dale Rhodes - Senior VP of Katin USA, as this week’s guest.Dale’s path to success began at 17 years-old, when he worked in the retail industry at MGA (Guess Jeans), CampBeverly Hills, and Val Surf. It came naturally for him to style celebrities and work directly with clients. It was then – during the hot trend of Guess in the 80s – that Dale paved the way for his future accomplishments in the apparel industry. With a breadth of knowledge in marketing and management in the ever growing industry, Dale off...
2022-10-1256 minThe Retail WhoreEP 65: HOW TO CREATE AN IN-DEMAND BRANDKerrie Fitzgerald the founder of Kerrie Fitzgerald LLC - an ecommerce and product business consulting & educational agency, and host of top 100 marketing podcast- The 6 Figure Product Business Podcast. As a digital marketing expert, Kerrie helps e-commerce businesses create “wildly in demand” brands that their customers are obsessed with. After starting her first high-end pet e-commerce business, The Dapper Dog Box in 2016, she grew the business to multi 6 figures of revenue in two years without funding, staff or support and successfully sold the business in 2019. During that time, she was featured in Buzzfeed, Forbes and Mariah Carey’s Christmas Edition.O...
2022-10-051h 20The Retail WhoreEP 64: FINDING YOUR PURPOSEFUL LIFEThis week’s episode guest is Matt Katzenson, CEO of Fines Lines Company.Fine Lines Company began in 1989. Paula Abdul had just released her smash hit “Straight Up”, and they had just launched their first 8 x 10 ft. trade show booth featuring 4 brave manufacturers that believed in a couple of cocky upstarts. Today, with permanent showrooms in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Seattle, as well as a sales territory that ranges from New Mexico to Alaska, you might say they’ve grown a bit since Paula peaked. If you’re looking for some great lines for your store, design cli...
2022-09-2854 minThe Retail WhoreEP 63: REACHING THAT CAPTIVE CUSTOMER!After over a decade working in advertising agencies on both Madison Avenue in NYC and in Los Angeles, Meredith turned her passion for marketing to retail marketing and merchandising when she and her husband Michael, a pharmacist, purchased the historic Fair Oaks Pharmacy in 1990. Together they restored it and added the iconic soda fountain which became an instant success along Route 66 and the site of a host of numerous television and movie shoots. In 2010 Meredith and Michael bought Webster’s Community Pharmacy in Altadena, CA. As with The Fair Oaks Pharmacy, the goal was to restore and revitalize this ne...
2022-09-211h 07The Retail WhoreEP 62: CLARIFY. SIMPLIFY. ACHIEVE THE VISION.This week’s guest is Laura McDowell, a leadership coach + strategist & founder of Laura McDowell Creative, who specializes in helping entrepreneurial businesses love what they do.Take a listen as Michelle & Laura breakdown, how you, as a business owner, can find new ways to increase revenue, generate leads, and finally achieve your next-level business goals utilizing the EOS system.WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokResourcesSupport the show
2022-09-1451 minThe Retail WhoreEP 61: PUSHING THE ENVELOPEMichelle is back this week with another Solocast to talk stories & lessons from a life in retail, the inspiration for this podcast. She touches on gift & apparel shows, not looking in the rear view mirror, why worrying about what others are doing is pointless, pushing the envelope creatively & a reminder to NOT expand too fast. Grab a notebook, a refreshing drink & find a quiet room. You won't want to miss these tips cultivated from 40+ years in the retail industry. Support the show
2022-09-0723 minThe Retail WhoreEP 60: BEING A 'THOUGHT PARTNER'Lindsay Foster is a personal development junkie with a passion to share her stories of retail, recovery, and resilience with everyone in her life. Lindsay is a student of the industry and began her days of retail in Coeur d' Alene Idaho at the age of 15 while working alongside her Mother at the Original Penny Candy Store. Lindsay went on to study Sociology at Brigham Young University- Idaho after which she received her license in Cosmetology. As a young adult Lindsay battled with a disease that became debilitating and nearly stripped her of her life’s potential. With the supp...
2022-08-311h 04The Retail WhoreEP 59: MERCHANDISING ROUNDTABLE WITH MICHELLE & FABIANBack by popular demand, we are so excited to welcome back Fabian Navejas, Gift Merchandiser & Buyer for A.C. Vromans Inc., one of the oldest independent bookstores in the country, 128 years old. In addition to working at A.C. Vromans, he is also the Founder of Onederkam.com, which is a small eCommerce gift and home accessories store. His side hustle! On this episode, which we are calling a ‘merchandising roundtable”, Michelle & Fabian jump right in to talk about ALL things merchandising. This is an episode you won't want to miss!Vroman’sOnderkam.comThis...
2022-08-241h 14The Retail WhoreEP 58: LEILANI ZEHNDER, CO-FOUNDER BOTANIC AND LUXE 'SOULFUL LIVING'Botanic and Luxe started in 2016 as a brick and mortar boutique in Santa Cruz, California. Created by two best friends with a passion for design, beauty, and a holistic lifestyle. At Botanic and Luxe you will find just that - thoughtfully curated home goods, unique gifts for any occasion, natural skin care, and our favorite home accent: plants! They strive to support local makers, fair-trade organizations, and products that we absolutely love and believe in. Everything they bring into the shop has been mindfully selected with this as a focus and in hopes to enrich your lives with something...
2022-08-1747 min
The Retail WhoreEP 57: THE POWER OF AFFILIATE MARKETINGWe are so excited to have Kelly Morrison, founder of Create Your Affiliate Program (CYAP), as this week’s guest. On this episode, Kelly & Michelle breakdown exactly what an affiliate program is, how to create a profitable affiliate marketing program, and how retailers can utilize affiliate marketing to push online sales and help make more income and more impact by leveraging the power of affiliates.And while Kelly founded Create Your Affiliate Program in 2018, she is not brand new to running successful affiliate programs; in addition to her work at CYAP, she also runs The Virtual Peacock, a...
2022-08-1043 minThe Retail WhoreEP 56: CELEBRATING CHILDREN OF COLOR WITH ANNA HARRIS-LYONS FOUND OF ANNA + POOKIEThis week we are very excited to interview Anna Harris-Lyons. Anna founded ANNA+POOKIE after years of being disappointed with the lack of diversity in party supplies. For many years, it had been impossible to find party characters or themes that represent black and brown children. ANNA+POOKIE Party Supplies is the only black, female-owned shop dedicated to providing party supplies created for children of color.In 2017, she began developing a product line of party supplies. In 2018, she launched ANNA+POOKIE, which features brown-skinned, curly-haired, full-lipped characters that look like an underserved demographic in the party supply...
2022-08-0343 minThe Retail WhoreEP 54: 'SACRED TREASURES FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE' WITH LEIGHANN HUBERMAN OF ARK MADEArk Made was created out of the back office of The Ark Bookstore - Santa Fe's metaphysical wonderland for 40 years. Leighann Huberman, co-owner of Ark Made, had been a buyer and marketer for The Ark for a long time. Joanie and Tsering (Ark Made's 2 other Co-Owners) were, and still are, the owners of The Ark Bookstore. People kept coming in and looking for ways to cleanse their space without having to burn herbs, so they created their Crystal Aromatherapy Mist set - and they were a hit! A rep saw their products in the store and urged them to...
2022-07-201h 00The Retail WhoreEP 53: KAILA PIEPKOW / FOUNDER CREATOR DOX DESIGN‘Breathing Life into Your Brands Mission, Vision & Values with the Power of Visual Storytelling’After taking her first few years out of college in the traditional agency route, Kaila felt restless… like her cup wasn’t being filled to the top. She had a vision, and she knew the kind of clientele she wanted to serve. She wanted to take her two favorite things—dogs and design—and create something that nobody had done before. Something big, bold, and most importantly, drool-worthy. And so, Dox Design was born!Today, she is proud to lead her fearless tea...
2022-07-1351 minThe Retail WhoreEP 52: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!What started out as Instagram live interviews to stay connected with people during the pandemic, then evolved into a podcast concept and here we are 1 year later, over 6000 downloads and over 50 episodes! This week’s episode is a #solocast with Michelle talking about lessons & stories in launching her podcast 1 year ago – the good (sponsorships!), the frustrating (lost recordings) and what the next year will look like. Hint: Exciting stuff! Thank you to all our listeners. We would not be here without your support and for that we are grateful.www.mcdesigncollaboration.comSupport the s...
2022-07-0641 minThe Retail WhoreEP 51: MEETING THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF BUYERS & SELLERSShow season is upon us and we are so excited to have Cindy Henry, Vice President of Buyer Engagement, who leads the team that is responsible for bringing retailers to all IMC markets: Atlanta Market, Atlanta Apparel, High Point Market, Las Vegas Market & Las Vegas Apparel Market, as our guest this week!A veteran of the gift and home industry for over 20 years, Cindy also served as Executive Vice President for a gift and accessories vendor for 17 years and managed sales, new products, operations and HR. She has been with IMC for six years. As Vice President...
2022-06-2953 minThe Retail WhoreEP 50: ART CAN CHANGE THE WORLDThis week’s guest is Tyler Tolson, CEO and Founder of Denik, a designer notebook and lifestyle product company that uses a portion of its funds to build schools and support artists. He started the company in 2011 as a full-time student at Utah State University. The company has blossomed into a multi-million dollar brand and serves customers like Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and Target in over 16,000 retail locations in North America. Denik also produces custom notebooks for brands like Nike, Disney, Google, TikTok, Uber, and Obey. The Denik community has funded 6 schools to date- 1 in Laos, 1 in Guatemala, 1 in Ghana, 1 in...
2022-06-2246 minThe Retail WhoreEP 49: BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER!Born and raised in 29 Palms and having always dreamt of creating a unique place for other locals to grab a last minute outfit or gift without stressing on breaking the bank or making the inconvenient drive out of town, this week’s guest is Danielle Stumbo, owner and creator of DonahlueClothing Co, a locally focused women’s clothing & gift boutique located in Downtown 29 Palms, just outside of Joshua Tree. She spent the first half of her career in corporate retail and in 2014, fell in love with small business and knew that she ultimately wanted to focus and tailor her tale...
2022-06-151h 00The Retail WhoreEP 48: RETAIL ISN'T FOR EVERYBODYThis week we welcome Sean Jimenez / Director of Sales & Marketing for Socksmith. Sean, a former retailer, now turned wholesaler, who’s been in the industry for over 25 years. He now manages 40+ sales reps for a great, multi million-dollar novelty sock and design company, Socksmith, based in Santa Cruz, California. During his 25 years in the industry, Sean has built apparel programs for Fortune 500 companies, worked and managed entire design teams for large private label programs, worked in off-price and have sold everything from Hawaiian shirts to $50,000 stereo systems. He has met a number of characters over the years, has...
2022-06-081h 17The Retail WhoreEP 47: SUPPORTING OTHERS THROUGH JOB CREATIONAfter living in Haiti for five years, Tara moved to Minnesota. When she left Haiti she wanted to make sure she stayed connected to the country and bring the beauty she saw there to the world, thus Cedar and Cypress was born. It began as a small retail website and grew into wholesale, learning and growing from so many people around me in the industry. Cedar and Cypress Designs partners with independent artisans in Haiti. Through customer purchase and support, they are in turn able to purchase and support their artisan partners in Haiti. They are proud of their...
2022-06-0152 minThe Retail WhoreEP 46: GRASPING THE BRASS RINGDallas Market Center is the most complete wholesale trade resource in the world. Products include home, gift, lighting, apparel & accessories, and more. We are so excited to have Cole Daugherty, SVP, Exhibitor Marketing for the Dallas Market Center as this week’s guest. Some of the topics Michelle & Cole discuss but not limited to are what’s new & different at this years upcoming Dallas Market June show, Gift for Life, which was founded in 1992 by a small group of gift industry professionals responding to the tragic loss of friends and colleagues as a result of AIDS, partnering with...
2022-05-2548 minThe Retail WhoreEP 45: CONNECTING PEOPLE, FAMILY & COMMUNITY THROUGH FOODThis week’s guest, Yunnie Morena Kim, Digital Food Content Creator Restaurateur for KimChiAvocado is a lover of food (making it, eating it, sharing it), daughter of Korean immigrants, a wife and mother of two sons, who grew up in Southern California and literally married the boy next door. At a young age, she realized the impact that delicious, home-cooked food has. Growing up with two immigrant parents, she watched her mom and dad work hard every day and yet always came home to make a beautiful meal for them to share as a family.Her first ca...
2022-05-1848 minThe Retail WhoreEP 44: UNITEDOTHER. A COMING TOGETHER, A CONNECTION, A UNION.This week’s guest is Ellen Nguyen, founder/creator of the UnitedOther— a spiritual goods company based in Los Angeles. Coming to America from Vietnam with very little money, Ellen was taught to be self made and to create financial security for myself. After making it to the top of the corporate ladder in the beauty industry at some of the most recognized brands in the world, she realized she wasn’t fulfilled. Through learning from wise teachers, working with loving healers, and dedicating to a daily practice of meditation this has allowed her to heal old wounds, rewrite outdat...
2022-05-111h 16The Retail WhoreEP 42: FABIAN NAVEJAS & MELISSA HESSE – LIFE AFTER Z GALLERIEThis week’s episode is part of our Life After Z Gallerie series. Michelle worked closely with both Fabian & Melissa during her time at Z Gallerie.Fabian was born and raised in LA, is a self-taught creative leader and a bona fide retail nerd. With more than 25 years of multi-unit management experience in the retail home furnishings industry, he still feels as if he is in the beginning stages of his career. Currently, he is a Gift Merchandiser & Buyer for A.C. Vroman's Inc., one of the oldest independent bookstores in the country, 128 years old. A.C. Vrom...
2022-04-271h 16The Retail WhoreEP 40: ALLISON CARTER / CEO - CELEBRATES!This week’s guest is Allison Carter. Allison is a Seattle mom of two and believes that every occasion, big or small, deserves to be celebrated. As the founder and CEO of Allison Carter Celebrates, she helps make busy moms’ lives easier and a hell of a lot more fun, especially when it comes to celebrating special occasions and holidays. Her monthly subscription box, Memories in Moments: Unwrapped, brings the celebration straight to your door with holiday-themed crafts and activities planned, prepped and done for you.Allison shares, with Michelle, her expertise with other female-owned businesses, how she...
2022-04-131h 08The Retail WhoreEP 39: HUSTLER OF THE WEEK!This week's guest is CEO & founder of Swanky D's, Nadiyah Gulley. Established in 2016, Swanky D’s is a company dedicated to mentoring and coaching businesses on how to creatively succeed in a competitive industry through visual merchandising. Her foundation is humbly built upon vintage clothing and fashion styling but has since transitioned to visual consulting for small businesses, brands, and boutiques. Michelle & Nadiyah discuss how she provides quality merchandising services to small business boutiques and fashion brands while creating an avenue where small businesses can be merchandised to compete with mainstream retail companies.After listening to t...
2022-04-0653 minThe Retail WhoreEP 37: SIMPLIFY BUSINESS. IMPROVE LIVES.This week’s guest is Kurt Beeken, Owner & President of Retail Dimensions (RDi). Kurt is a veteran of the retail and technology industry having worked in retail technology since 1985. He has written and implemented inventory management/POS systems for retailers as well as participated on retailer’s behalf to help them select the best system for their needs.Michelle & Kurt discuss how the combination of brick & mortar + e-commerce experience allows Kurt & the RDi team to bring a unique perspective to retailers on how to leverage their technology & data to meet business needs & differentiate from competitors. For those look...
2022-03-2342 minThe Retail WhoreEP 36: A LOVE LETTER TO LAThis week’s guest is Jeannine Braden / Creative Director & Co-Founder / Le Superbe California. From long time Los Angeles fashion insider Jeannine Braden, stylist, consultant and former owner of the much-loved Santa Monica boutique, Fred Segal Flair, comes LE SUPERBE (or The Beautiful) “From the Southern California Side of Else-Wear." Michelle & Jeannine jump right in to discuss everything from celebrity styling, the lost art of the customer relationship, lessons learned from many years in the retail industry and her love letter to LA skate & surf culture – her brand, Le Superbe California. Thank you Jeannine for taking time out of your...
2022-03-161h 05The Retail WhoreEP 35: FAILURE IS YOUR BEST INSTRUCTORWe have all dealt with what we perceive as a failure. Failure can be useful. We can learn from it, gain new insights, and do better next time. The right kind of failures give us new information & teach us something that gets us closer to our goals. On this week’s episode, Michelle opens up, with her trademark honesty, on what lessons she has taken away from her “failures” and how that has helped her grow both professionally and personally.Support the show
2022-03-0949 minThe Retail WhoreEP 35: FAILURE IS YOUR BEST INSTRUCTORWe have all dealt with what we perceive as a failure. Failure can be useful. We can learn from it, gain new insights, and do better next time. The right kind of failures give us new information & teach us something that gets us closer to our goals. On this week’s episode, Michelle opens up, with her trademark honesty, on what lessons she has taken away from her “failures” and how that has helped her grow both professionally and personally.
2022-03-0249 minThe Retail WhoreEP 34: CHAXELWe LOVE a #hustler and this week’s guest Brea Menees, owner of Chaxel certainly falls under that header! Brea is a 31-year-old California native, married for 4 years with 2 frenchie babies and has a Fashion Degree from Sacramento State. Michelle & Brea sit down in person and discuss how Brea went from graduating with a fashion degree, to working in tech to ultimately building her own online boutique! She truly is an inspiration on making that leap by jumping in feet first and figuring it out along the way. Support the show
2022-03-021h 25The Retail WhoreEP 32: KITTY MEOW BOUTIQUE. WITTY. SWEET. FIERCE.This week’s guest is Catherine (Cat) Hildner, creator, designer and heart & soul behind Kitty Meow® Boutique (@kittymeowboutique). Michelle & Cat will be discussing, among other things, the beauty of 'F' Bombs, Cat’s blogs, video content, her KMB educational programs, her upcoming Ultimate Product Party conference and how she finds that work/life balance we all seek to achieve. Cat is truly a powerhouse and we are so grateful she took time out of her busy schedule not only as a business owner but as a wife, momma to two gorgeous little ladies + one little dude, and self –proclaimed Custome...
2022-02-1645 minThe Retail WhoreEP 31: ETIQUETTE & GRATITUDEAfter 3 weeks of doing setups & buying at both the Las Vegas Winter Market & LA Mart Winter Market, Michelle has had time to decompress and reflect on the do’s and don'ts of how to act in someone’s showroom or someone’s retail space. From set up display tips (Architecture first!) to basic showroom cart etiquette, Michelle unpacks it all in this highly informative episode. Support the show
2022-02-0929 minThe Retail WhoreEP 30: LITT CONCEPT HOUSE — 'CREATING CONNECTION THROUGH RETAIL'A family who travels together, stays together. The Litt family has traveled the world for fifty years, antiquing in over 35 countries! As direct importers, they went on too many buying trips to count. With weekly shipments coming into their retail store, "Mitchell Litt Home" always had something new for customers and designers to discover. The couple worked together 7 days a week, passionately growing their successful namesake business. Fortunately, their eldest son had the privilege (at the time, more like "obligation") to join his parents on these trips for well over half of those years. Naturally, after watching his parents...
2022-02-0255 minThe Retail WhoreEP 29: DIPPING YOUR TOE INTO THE ECOMMERCE POOLWeb Studios West has been building websites, e-commerce solutions, social media platforms, and custom software for over two decades. This week's guest is Shiloh Pettyjohn is Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Sales for Web Studios West. Over time Shiloh has become an expert in the field of online retail, website operations, e-commerce hosting, and internet security. He has built and aided thousands of businesses of all shapes and sizes over this time to have smooth running and successful online operations. Michelle and Shiloh jump in and discuss, among other things, the benefits of eCommerce to retailers, the different...
2022-01-261h 19The Retail WhoreEP 28: GIFT SHOW BUYER TIPS & TRICKSOn this week’s episode, Michelle, on-site in Las Vegas for multiple client show set-ups, will be sharing her tips & tricks on the most effective way to attend a gift show. From day 1 strategies, to packing the right snacks, to getting off the re-ordering hamster wheel, this episode is chock full of tips that Michelle has learned from her many years as a buyer! Grab a note pad (tip #3!) and be ready to write down some helpful tips for your next gift show. LA Mart Winter Gift + Show began 1/16/22 & Las Vegas Gift + Home starts 1/23/2022.Support the show
2022-01-1936 minThe Retail WhoreEP 27: BUILDING A WARDROBE WITH JENNY LIVITSThis week’s guest is Jenny Livits, the founder of Pink Lagoon, a boutique located in Solana Beach, California, and Wardrobe Design and Styling by Jenny Livits, a holistic personal styling business that helps teach women that styling is a journey of self-exploration and learning to radiate beauty and confidence from the inside out. Michelle & Jenny discuss how the Pink Lagoon stylist program works, the principle behind the program and how by creating a solid foundation of basic pieces – from a great white tee to the perfect skinny jean to an essential black dress – Pink Lagoon helps clients create a well...
2022-01-1250 minThe Retail WhoreEP 26: MARGO KOPMAN / PRESIDENT — PROJECT RETAILStylish Visionary : Ambitious Multi-tasker : Retail JunkieMargo Kopman lives, eats, and breathes all things retail. With over 15 years of retail consulting experience as the President of Project Retail, she is extremely passionate about inspiring clients with her vision and authenticity when tackling the complex business of the independent retailer. She believes that you can achieve the highest levels of success if you work hard, believe in your dreams, and stay focused on results. She grew up in a family that instilled a strong work ethic and a character built on integrity. Soon after graduating from Southern Methodist...
2022-01-051h 32The Retail WhoreEP 25: RUNNING A MULTIGENERATIONAL FAMILY BUSINESSThis week’s episode is near and dear to Michelle’s heart. She had the pleasure of interviewing her friend and former co-worker Damon Von Schweikert of Von Schweikert Audio. As former co-workers, which they touch on in the episode, Michelle saw firsthand Damon’s incredible skill set in successfully treating employees while at the same time running a brand at the highest level. Currently, Damon is the Chief Executive Officer for Von Schweikert Audio, a multigenerational, High-End Audio loudspeaker design and U.S. manufacturing firm with over four decades in business and hundreds of industry awards from around the wo...
2021-12-221h 26The Retail WhoreEP 24: SOLOCAST - TOP 10 DISPLAY TIPS!This week's episode is a Michelle Solocast where she will take the listeners on a deep dive into her design philosophy and review her Top 10 Display Tips! Michelle was asked earlier this year to write an article for Gift Shop Magazine on design & merchandising. This episode is a broader stroke on that article and the tips Michelle learned while working for both Fred Segal and Anthropologie. We have linked the article for your reference. Sit back & enjoy! Support the show
2021-12-1552 minThe Retail WhoreEP 23: OWNER/FOUNDER OF SERGE + JANE - JAMIE CARLS+J is a Lifestyle Boutique featuring Men's, Women's, Kids, Pets, Vinyl, Home + Gifts in our 3 story shop, (4 including their open-air rooftop where they host fashion shows, trunk shows, pop-ups + always a DJ + dance party)! Jamie spent the first 15 years of her career in Retail at Target Corporation. She started there in Merchandising in Girls Toys, then was promoted to a Buyer position in School Supplies and Home Office. She then moved into the Marketing Team, first in a Licensing role and then into Advertising for Apparel & Accessories. She spent her last 9 years there working on and lea...
2021-12-081h 33The Retail WhoreEP 22: HELPING RETAILERS BECOME MORE PROFITABLE!We are thrilled to have the president of The Retail Smart Guys, Dan Jablons, as a guest this week. The Retail Smart Guys is the premiere consulting company.Dan Jablons worked in retail while attending the Ohio State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Production. He has worked with retailers such as Walmart, Target, JC Penney, American Apparel, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, Jimmy Choo, Charles David, Diesel, Oakley, Tumi, Hollywood Bowl, and many others. He has worked for a clothing manufacturer where he piloted vendor-managed inventory programs, a leading point-of-sale provider...
2021-12-011h 17The Retail WhoreEP 21: SHOULDER PADS & UNDERAGE DRINKINGThis week’s episode was a tricky one to write show notes for as I am part of the episode. Michelle and I (Elisa) have been friends for over 40 years and although our professional lives couldn’t be more different, we are truly sisters and have seen each other through many of life’s milestones that include births, deaths, divorce & marriages. Knowing each one of our strengths has definitely allowed this partnership to be successful, which led us to this episode. We thought it would be fun to interview each other and base those interview questions on each one of our...
2021-11-241h 43The Retail WhoreEP 20: NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTIONThis week we are so grateful to welcome Kelly Bloodgood, owner of Well + Good Health Studio. After dealing with mysterious symptoms most of her life, Kelly was finally diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr in 2016, after decades of misdiagnoses. It was through her frustration with the healthcare system that she set upon my wellness journey to heal myself: mind, body and spirit. Kelly opened up WELL+GOOD Health Studio in 2019 to help others regain and maintain their health and wellness. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to have to suffer as long and as much as she...
2021-11-171h 23The Retail WhoreEP 19: JACKALOPE ARTS CO-FOUNDERS - MELISSA KOHOUT AND SARA DIEDRICHThe two founders of Jackalope Arts, Melissa Kohout and Sara Diederich, met through their time spent working with an international arts organization, creating regular art centered events in Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. They shared the passion to create a "community meets artisan event" focused on the experience of meeting the maker and bringing the local community together in this. With that vision, they joined together on this new venture, launching the Jackalope: Indie Artisan Fair in their home cities of Pasadena, California and Denver, Colorado.Jackalope has been hosting semi-annual events in both Pasadena...
2021-11-101h 10The Retail WhoreEP 18: B.DAZZLED OWNER - ROBIN MOLANWe are always impressed with our guests who have built a successful side hustle and Robin Molan is no exception!A lawyer since 1995 practicing in high conflict family litigation and child welfare and overwhelmed with the heaviness of the profession. Robin decided in 2003 to start selling jewelry. She started with a total of $1500 which back then meant she could buy 3-4 lines. Robin went to showrooms in NYC and had no idea what things like net 30 or open to buy or Xfactory meant. What she did know was people liked her eye. Gradually she added some gift...
2021-11-031h 09The Retail WhoreEP 16: MAISON A OWNER & ENTREPRENEUR - ANDREA LESLIEThis week’s guest is actually Michelle’s first guest who is an actual MC Design Collaboration client. Andrea Leslie is not only a savvy human resources professional and entrepreneur with diverse experience including technology (start-ups to Fortune 500), retail, and food/hospitality but also the owner of Maison A, her side hustle located in Morgan Hill, California. Michelle and Andrea will not only discuss her HR philosophy but also finding balance with client calls in different time zones while at the same time buying for her boutique and finally working on her newest hustle - her farm! Andrea is the...
2021-10-201h 19The Retail WhoreEP 15: MY MCCARTHY FOUNDER OF GAVIN LUXE: PURVEYORS OF SENSUAL LIVINGThree passions: impeccable design, sensuous aromatics and self-care. Having enjoyed a successful career as a brand strategist, My McCarthy created Gavin Luxe as a way to reconnect with herself and unapologetically enjoy the indulgences that made her happy to be alive. Gavin Luxe is My's way of aligning three passions: impeccable design, sensuous aromatics, and self-care. The GL experience is backed by her commitment to normalize luxury and help women meet their own needs without feeling like it's too much.Get comfortable and take a listen as Michelle & My discuss the ritual of a good b...
2021-10-131h 18The Retail WhoreEP 14: CREATOR & AUTHOR OF THE 52-WEEK JOURNAL SERIES - MINDI MILLERMindi Miller is, in no particular order, a mother, a sister, a mentor to at-risk teens, a TV producer, a wife, and an ex-wife. She is grateful to have a family that loves her and mostly ignores one in-law who doesn't.Over the decades, Mindi has pivoted from a lifetime in retail sales - selling products to the mall-goers, to a wholesale representative - selling products to the retailers, to a TV producer - making shows interrupted by companies selling products to the masses. Mindi has overcome a painful divorce, bullying, and most recently survived a deadly...
2021-10-061h 10The Retail WhoreEP 13: DAISY'S MERCANTILE - BARBARA MOONEYThis week's guest is Barbara Mooney, owner of Daisy’s Mercantile, a boutique filled with necessities, frivolities, and embellishments for everyday life, located in Alameda, California. Barbara has always used her creative gifts in her business endeavors, first as a caterer and event planner, then a baker, and now a shopkeeper. When she was bit by the entrepreneur bug, it allowed her love of numbers and behind-the-scenes action to work hand in hand with her talents to create what Daisy’s has become today, and she never looked back. Michelle & Barbara delve into Barbara’s jump from retail to cateri...
2021-09-291h 11The Retail WhoreEP 12: CHRISTINE STREET GREGG OF CHOCOLATE & STEEL - LIFE AFTER ANTHROThis weeks guest, Christine Street Gregg owner of Chocolate & Steel, is our 3rd interview in our ‘Life After Anthro’ series. Christine Street is the Founder and Designer of Chocolate and Steel, a jewelry line on a mission to empower women through genuine expressions of acceptance, love and strength with sustainability and giving back woven throughout. Christine has been in the fashion design industry for 24 years – starting out in apparel design, to merchandising, to jewelry fabrication and design. Chocolate and Steel was launched in 2005 with hand drawn illustrations on jewelry. As Christine and her line evolved she knew that she wanted...
2021-09-2243 minThe Retail WhoreEP 11: THE SOLOCAST #2For those of you who have asked “Exactly what does Michelle do?” This is the episode that is a deep dive into exactly what Michelle does for each client and the role she plays in each of their businesses. She’ll go into detail about Stephen Young, retailers and gift show setups. Informative, inspiring and educational! Show linksMC Design CollaborationInstagram: @mcdesigncollaborationBristol FarmsInstagram: @bristolfarms Stephen YoungInstagram: @stephenyoungshowroomPeking HandicraftInstagram: @pekinghandicraftGrand Canyon WestInstagr...
2021-09-1526 minThe Retail WhoreEP 10: SOUL ADDICT PART 2 - LAURA WHITEFrom press in Martha Stewart Living to Marie Claire to being sold in Urban Outfitters to Neiman Marcus, Soul Addict, a farm-first & woman-owned organic Hemp CBD Company continues to inspire us in part 2 of our 2 part interview with owner, Laura Armstrong. Get comfy as she & Michelle discuss how her business spiked during the 2020 pandemic and the inspiration & journey behind converting a 1950's motorcycle garage into their first brick and mortar retail store. OUR WEBSITE - https://www.theretailwhorepodcast.com/OUR INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/theretailwhorepodcast/?hl=enSupport the show
2021-09-0857 minThe Retail WhoreEP 9: SOUL ADDICT - LAURA WHITEThis week’s guest is Laura White, founder and CEO of Soul Addict, a conscious CBD line & majority women-owned hemp farm she runs with her business partner, Maxwell Gaudin. She launched Soul Addict in her ‘soul city’ of New Orleans after using CBD & cannabis to help empower her struggle with anxiety and depression since her early teen years. Shortly after, Laura made the decision to pack up her things in her favorite place and make the move back to her hometown in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina to start one of the first licensed Hemp Farms in her st...
2021-09-0146 minThe Retail WhoreEP 6: PUTTING ON YOUR POSITIVE PANTSFrom an 18-year-old stock girl at Nordstrom’s to creating Urban Girl Accessories in1994, Annie Lents Glen chats with Michelle on how she manages to run a 10 location, 5concept retail business in the San Diego, California area, with the support of hertalented team while at the same time, being a mom to her 2 boys, Jack & Cooper. Herpositive attitude and daily gratitude sets the tone for the messaging behind her brand –Put on Your Positive Pants.Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/urbangirlaccessories/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbangirlaccessories/Website: http...
2021-08-111h 15The Retail WhoreEP 5: EFFIE TANJI - BODEWELL LIVINGEveryone loves a good comeback story, and today's guest, Effie Tanji from Bodewell Living, is making it her mission to share how she’s doing it her way: fierce, fearless, and free. After co-founding and operating a small, slow fashion jewelry business for a few years, Effie decided to launch a luxury candle brand in March of 2018. It was a fast and furious trajectory from zero to explosive. Effie & Michelle discuss how she got her start, selling candles out of the back of her SUV, her commitment to giving back, and work/home balance.Instagram: @bodewelllivingFac...
2021-08-041h 27The Retail WhoreEP 3: JESSICA YOUNG - LIFE AFTER ANTHROThis episode is part one of our 'Life After Anthropologie' multi-episode series. Today’s episode is a trip down memory lane for Michelle and Jess who worked together at Anthropologie. Jessica is the co-host of The Rants & Raves Podcast. Fasten your seatbelt for lots of laughs and great stories from their time working together.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/therantsandravespodcast/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/therantsandravespodcast/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/raves_theOUR WEBSITE - https://www.theretailwhorepodcast.com/OUR INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/theretailwhorepodcast/?hl=en...
2021-07-211h 26The Retail WhoreEP 2: KINGFISHER ROAD BOUTIQUE – KELLY AND LAURA EPSTEINToday’s guests are Kingfisher Road boutique founder, Kelly Epstein and her daughter Laura. Kingfisher Road boutique was established in 2004. Kelly began selling at fundraisers and private events. What began as a fun side business, quickly became something that needed its own dedicated space – not at her home! Michelle & the Kingfisher ladies discuss business growth, working with a family member, and how Kingfisher continued to thrive during the pandemic & political upheaval. GUEST SOCIALS:@kingfisher_road@kingfisherroad_annex@kelly_kingfisherroad@laura_kingfisherroadOUR WEBSITE - https://www.theretailwhorepodcast.com/OUR INS...
2021-07-141h 06The Retail WhoreEP 1: THE SOLOCASTThe Retail Whore Podcast creator, Michelle Sherrier is our Episode 1 guest, also known as The Solocast! Michelle gives listeners a deep dive into her retail journey, the good, the bad, and the lessons learned along the way. From as a 14-year-old girl from Manhattan Beach working in her first retail store, to modeling in Japan, back to the retail world working for giants such as Fred Segal & Anthropologie and ultimately branching off and building her own visual merchandising company, MC Design Collaboration.WEBSITE - https://www.theretailwhorepodcast.com/INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/theretailwhorepodcast/?hl...
2021-07-0741 min