Boutique Chat
Explore real-life strategies, growth hacks, and proven marketing advice through powerful interviews with top leaders and retailers in the retail industry. Join Ashley Alderson, the Founder of The Boutique Hub, as she talks with retailers, boutiques, wholesale brands, vendors, and industry insiders. Discover the invaluable secrets that have propelled companies to success while maintaining a healthy balance between life and business. Embrace the spirit of Community over Competition, and uncover the next great idea or connection for your small business.
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Five Minute Friday: The Six Layers Behind Retail Bootcamp (And Why They Work)
01/09/2026
Five Minute Friday: The Six Layers Behind Retail Bootcamp (And Why They Work)
Retail Bootcamp didn’t come from a textbook or a perfectly mapped business plan — it was built in the middle of failure, fear, and figuring things out the hard way. In this Five Minute Friday (okay… a little longer than five minutes 😉), Ashley Alderson shares the behind-the-scenes story of how The Boutique Hub was almost lost before it ever really began — from imposter syndrome and trusting the wrong people, to rebuilding from nothing and discovering the power of guidance, belief, and systems. You’ll learn: Why Retail Bootcamp was created — and the real story behind it How imposter syndrome shows up for boutique owners The danger of trying to build a business without systems The 6 Layers of Retail and why order matters Why coaching, support, and community can change everything If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, undervaluing yourself, or unsure what to focus on next in your boutique, this episode will remind you: ✅ You’re not behind. ✅ You’re not incapable. ✅ And there is a simpler, more sustainable way forward. ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#745: Why 15,000 Stores Closed in 2025 and What YOU Can Do About It
01/06/2026
#745: Why 15,000 Stores Closed in 2025 and What YOU Can Do About It
Welcome to the new year! On the first episode of 2026 Ashley Alderson is joined by Sara Burks for a big-picture retail conversation that every boutique owner needs right now! Retail is changing fast — and 2025 proved that “business as usual” isn’t enough anymore. With reports showing 15,000+ store closures, Ashley & Sara unpack what really happened, what retailers got wrong, and how small businesses can build a stronger, more profitable plan for 2026. In this episode, Ashley and Sara walk through the six layers of retail (the proven Retail Bootcamp framework) and share what to double down on in each one — from customer clarity and CEO focus, to product profitability, team leadership, sales strategy, content planning, and modern marketing that actually works today. You’ll learn: How consumer behavior is shifting: time, trust, and emotional connection How the six-layer Retail Bootcamp framework creates a strong, sustainable business from the inside out Why trying to be “something for everyone” is a losing strategy Why 2025 saw 15,000+ stores close (including major big-box brands) What successful retailers are doubling down on in 2026 ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: Why Most New Year Plans Fail And How to Do 2026 Differently
01/02/2026
Five Minute Friday: Why Most New Year Plans Fail And How to Do 2026 Differently
In today’s Five Minute Friday, I’m officially inviting you to join me for The Best Year Yet Challenge—our biggest free training of the year. Planning a new year shouldn’t feel overwhelming or leave you burned out by March. Instead of chasing perfection or setting goals that fade fast, this challenge is all about creating a clear, realistic, and actionable plan for 2026—one you can actually stick to. Over three powerful days (January 6–8), we’ll review the past year, map out what truly moves the needle, build profitable systems, and create a marketing plan that works now—not six months ago. This is about small, imperfect, consistent action—and doing it together, in community. Today's Episode: Why most New Year goals fail by March—and how to avoid that trap How to focus on the 20% of actions that drive 80% of your results What to expect from each day of the Best Year Yet Challenge How to turn big goals into clear, measurable, team-supported action plans Why planning beats perfection every single time 📅 Join the Best Year Yet Challenge Join thousands of retailers who’ve transformed their business with The Boutique Hub. 🛍️ ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#744: The End-of-Year Checklist Every Retailer Actually Needs
12/30/2025
#744: The End-of-Year Checklist Every Retailer Actually Needs
As we close out 2025 and step into a brand-new year, this episode isn’t about pretty planners or lofty resolutions — it’s about the behind-the-scenes work that actually sets your business up for success. In this solo episode, Ashley Alderson walks you through the five critical areas every retailer must review before the year ends so you’re compliant, organized, profitable, and positioned to lead — not just hustle — in 2026. From money and inventory to operations, goal-setting, and leadership, this is your practical, no-fluff checklist for finishing the year strong and starting the next one with clarity, confidence, and peace. You’ll learn: How to close out your money & accounting properly (and why your accountant should be a strategic partner, not a once-a-year contact) Why year-end inventory counts are non-negotiable — and how they impact taxes, markdowns, and open-to-buy planning Where hidden costs live inside your apps, subscriptions, and operational expenses The importance of systems, processes, and community — and who you should (and shouldn’t) be surrounding yourself with in the new year How to set better goals using leading vs. lagging indicators so your plans actually turn into results ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: The Strategic Shifts Top Retailers Are Making for 2026
12/26/2025
Five Minute Friday: The Strategic Shifts Top Retailers Are Making for 2026
As we head into 2026, one thing is clear - the gap between average retailers and top performers is widening — and it has nothing to do with effort. In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley Alderson breaks down what the top 10% of retailers do differently right now, and why those decisions are positioning them to grow and scale while others feel stuck. Hard work isn’t the issue. Strategy is. Ashley shares the four key differences separating high-performing retailers from those struggling to gain traction — and how you can start applying these shifts immediately as you plan for the year ahead. You’ll learn: How building systems before you need them changes everything Why top retailers operate like CEOs — not reactive entrepreneurs What it really means to use AI as a strategic partner (not a shortcut) Why customer retention is outperforming reach and visibility The retailers winning in 2026 aren’t guessing. They’re operating with clarity, data, and intention — and you can too. 🛍️ Join thousands of retailers who’ve transformed their business with The Boutique Hub. Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#743: Plan 2026 in 26 Minutes
12/23/2025
#743: Plan 2026 in 26 Minutes
If you’re getting ready to plan 2026 and want clarity—not chaos, this episode is for you. Today, we’re planning your entire year in 26 minutes. This is not a to-do list episode. This is a guided planning session designed for you to pause, reflect, write things down, and make intentional CEO-level decisions about what stays, what goes, and what actually moves your business forward. Grab your planner, notebook, or favorite gel pens — this episode is meant to be paused, rewound, and revisited as you work through it. You’ll learn: How to define what you want your business to feel like by the end of 2026 The exact reflection questions to review 2025 before planning forward How to identify the ONE thing that could change everything next year How to reverse-engineer your revenue goals using leading indicators How to reclaim time through systems, automation, and delegation Links & Resources: 🛍️ ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: The 4 Mistakes Costing Retailers Profit Going Into 2026
12/19/2025
Five Minute Friday: The 4 Mistakes Costing Retailers Profit Going Into 2026
As we close out the year and head into a new one, it’s time to get honest. Most businesses won’t fail in 2026 because of the economy — they’ll fail because they’re still operating like it’s 2019. In today’s Five Minute Friday, I’m breaking down the four biggest mistakes I saw retailers make over the last year — mistakes that are quietly costing you time, money, margin, and momentum. If your business feels busy but not profitable, chances are one (or more) of these is holding you back. You’ll learn: What winning retailers will do differently in 2026 The shift from “pretty branding” to real customer relationships How ignoring cash flow and margin creates long-term stress Why underutilizing AI and automation is no longer an option The dangerous gap between sales and actual profitability 🛍️ Join thousands of retailers who’ve transformed their business with The Boutique Hub. Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#742: The Rise of Western Lifestyle Brands and What Retail Can Learn
12/16/2025
#742: The Rise of Western Lifestyle Brands and What Retail Can Learn
In this episode, Ashley sits down with Allie Falcon to unpack what it really looks like to build a recognizable brand rooted in story, style, and grit. Allie shares her journey from ranch life and handmade leather goods to manufactured apparel, wholesale growth, and a showroom at Dallas Market Center. They talk wholesale growth, brand consistency, and what successful boutiques do differently when they market brands with a story. Plus: Round Top with Junk Gypsy stories, pricing strategy, learning to say “no,” and the legacy Allie hopes to leave. You’ll learn: Why cohesiveness matters more than random “good products” when building a line sheet and wholesale presence How to move from handmade/custom work into a more sustainable model without losing your creative identity What boutiques do best when they market story-driven brands (and why displaying collections together matters) How wholesale can stabilize a business when social algorithms shift Two key business lessons: price for future wholesale now + know when to say no Allie Falcon: Website: Instagram: TikTok: 🛍️ 10% off with code BHub ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: The Trends Taking Over Trade Shows Right Now (And Why It’s Working)
12/12/2025
Five Minute Friday: The Trends Taking Over Trade Shows Right Now (And Why It’s Working)
In this Five Minute Friday, Samantha Conner continues our market conversation by diving into the actual product trends hitting trade show floors right now — and more importantly, how they apply across every retail category. From apparel to home + gift, children’s, and even western, today’s trends are crossing categories faster than ever. You’ll learn: The bold color trends coming for 2026 The rise of faster trend cycles (every 8–10 weeks) and how to keep up without overbuying How cost-per-wear and cost-per-use are driving smarter buying decisions How pop culture moments are shaping what customers want next Why quiet luxury is fading and maximalist, personality-driven style is back 🗓️ Download the 2026 Tradeshow Calendar: 🛍️ Join thousands of retailers who’ve transformed their business with The Boutique Hub. Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#741: How Working With Sales Reps Elevates Your Retail Business
12/09/2025
#741: How Working With Sales Reps Elevates Your Retail Business
Retail buying doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or lonely. This week, Ashley sits down with Angela Schmook (Roadrunners, Reps Are Local Too) and Kelly Bristol (Just Gotta Have It, GHTA leader) to reveal why your local sales reps might be the most powerful, underused resource in your business. Fresh from the GHTA Conference in Park City, they break down how reps support retailers far beyond taking orders: helping with events, securing promos and exclusives, spotting local trends, and giving you insider knowledge you’ll never get from ordering online. They also unpack the shift toward lifestyle retail—where home, gift, and apparel collide—and how to approach markets with confidence, even if you’ve never stepped inside a showroom before. You’ll learn: What reps really do and why working with one is free How reps help you buy smarter, plan better, and spot trends early How showrooms actually work (and why you shouldn’t feel intimidated) Why home, gift, and apparel are merging into lifestyle retail How to prepare for January markets and build stronger vendor relationships 🛍️ Join thousands of retailers who’ve transformed their business with The Boutique Hub. Angela Schmook & Kelly Bristol Website: Instagram: Facebook: ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: The BIGGEST Trade Shows Trends Every Retailer Must Know!
12/05/2025
Five Minute Friday: The BIGGEST Trade Shows Trends Every Retailer Must Know!
Today, Samantha Conner kicks off a two-part Five Minute Friday series breaking down the lifeblood of every retail business: inventory. And to understand inventory, we’re taking it all the way back to where it begins — trade shows and markets. In Part 1, Samantha uncovers the biggest 2026 trade show trends every retailer needs to know, whether you’re selling apparel, home and gift, children’s, western, or anything in between. With over 25 shows attended last year, The Boutique Hub team has a front-row seat to what’s changing — and how you can plan smarter. You’ll learn: Why there are more trade shows than ever and what that means for you The rise of niche markets and how they can serve your business How major shows are leveling up with education, activations, and immersive experiences What retailers should consider when deciding which shows to attend Why inspiration at market is becoming just as important as the product itself 🗓️ Download the 2026 Tradeshow Calendar: 🛍️ Join thousands of retailers who’ve transformed their business with The Boutique Hub. Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#740: Retail Predictions for 2026 and How to Make It Your Best Year Yet
12/02/2025
#740: Retail Predictions for 2026 and How to Make It Your Best Year Yet
What if 2026 could be the year you finally stop spinning your wheels and actually run your boutique like a CEO? In this episode, Ashley sits down with “Retail Professor” and denim twin, Sara Burks, to unpack their biggest retail predictions for 2026—from AI and Meta’s new Andromeda algorithm to niching down, live selling, and building a content engine that actually works. Ashley and Sara share what they’re seeing across thousands of boutiques, what’s changing fast, and how the most successful store owners are planning now for a more profitable, peaceful year ahead. They’ll also walk you through what to expect inside the Best Year Yet Challenge, happening January 6–8. You’ll learn: Why AI is no longer optional—and how smart retailers are using it in every part of their business What Meta’s new Andromeda algorithm means for your content, reach, and ad strategy How live selling and video can humanize your brand and deepen customer loyalty in 2026 How the Best Year Yet Challenge helps you map real strategy (not just wishful goals) for profit and peace all year long Why niching down is the only way to stand out, charge more, and build true brand authority Join the Best Year Yet Challenge - January 6–8 — three days of live Zoom sessions with Ashley, Sara, Jeff, and the Boutique Hub team ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: Merchandising That Moves Product Faster
11/28/2025
Five Minute Friday: Merchandising That Moves Product Faster
Great visual merchandising doesn’t just look pretty — it sells. In today’s episode, Director of Partnerships & Education, Sara Burks shares how great merchandising goes far beyond pretty displays. It creates emotion, inspires discovery, increases average order value, and helps customers see themselves in your products. She breaks down how to design purpose-driven zones in your store, use lighting and height to influence buying behavior, and create an environment that keeps customers coming back again and again. You’ll learn: How storytelling transforms the merchandising experience Simple in-store mistakes that lower your product’s perceived value How to design purpose-driven zones that guide customers naturally Why lighting, height, textures & mirrors dramatically increase engagement How to create a store layout that reduces confusion and increases confidence 🛍️ Join thousands of retailers who’ve transformed their business with The Boutique Hub. Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#739: Inside the Rise of a Western Lifestyle Powerhouse: Rodeo Quincy
11/25/2025
#739: Inside the Rise of a Western Lifestyle Powerhouse: Rodeo Quincy
Today, Western fashion designer and Rodeo Quincy founder, Quincy Eldridge joins the podcast to share how she turned her unique, hand-painted rodeo style into a nationally recognized fashion brand. From designing boots with Ariat at 18 to running four sales channels, four NFR booths, and now her first Las Vegas fashion show, Quincy opens up about grit, growth, family, and building a business with heart. Now preparing for her biggest year yet with four NFR booths, three semi-loads of inventory, a full team, and her first-ever fashion show in Las Vegas, Quincy opens up about what it really takes to grow a purpose-driven brand that stands out. You’ll learn: How Quincy went from hand-painting tack in high school to collaborating with Ariat How she manages four business models: online retail, wholesale, live selling, and NFR trade shows How rodeo, grit, and “getting back on the horse” shaped her leadership and resilience Her merchandising playbook for building a booth people can’t walk past How she balances business growth, motherhood, and family Quincy Eldridge & Rodeo Quincy Website: Instagram: ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: Turn Scrolls into Sales with Live Selling
11/21/2025
Five Minute Friday: Turn Scrolls into Sales with Live Selling
Why is live selling exploding — and why does every retailer need to be doing it? In this Five Minute Friday, Sara Burks dives into one of the biggest shifts happening in retail right now — live selling. Live selling is becoming one of the most powerful ways to build trust, increase conversions, and reach more customers without adding more hours to your day. So, whether you’re nervous to be on camera, unsure where to start, or convinced no one will watch — this episode will show you why going live is no longer optional for small retailers who want to grow. You’ll learn: Common fears (camera, time, confidence) and how to get past them A simple, no-fuss Live Selling Starter Plan How to create themes customers actually care about How platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and CommentSold prioritize live content The long-term benefits: authority, loyalty, engagement, and repeat buyers 🛍️ If today’s episode sparked something in you—your next step is membership. Join thousands of retailers who’ve transformed their business with The Boutique Hub. Click the link below and join today! 🩷
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#738 Pink Friday 2025: Why This Week Matters (and How to Make the Most of It)
11/18/2025
#738 Pink Friday 2025: Why This Week Matters (and How to Make the Most of It)
Pink Friday Week is finally here — and Ashley is diving deep into how to make this the most profitable and peaceful kickoff to your holiday season. Ashley shares the heart behind Pink Friday, why it began, and how retailers all over the world can use this week to tell their story before big-box media announces theirs. You’ll learn how to prepare your store, communicate with your local community, calculate your 7X local economic impact, and create a Pink Friday experience that brings in customers and strengthens loyalty. You’ll learn: How Pink Friday started — and why it changed the industry Why community over competition matters more than ever The meaning and power of your economic impact number How to calculate your 7X local impact (simple formula inside) Strategies to keep profit and peace through holiday chaos ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: How Color Analysis Can Elevate Your Boutique Styling Game
11/14/2025
Five Minute Friday: How Color Analysis Can Elevate Your Boutique Styling Game
On this Five Minute Friday, Amanda Fairley and Nikki Bogardus of PrismXI join us to unpack one of the most transformative tools in personal style: color analysis. Nikki has spent sixteen years studying the science of color, and together, Amanda and Nikki break down how the right colors impact confidence, first impressions, shopping habits, and the way you show up in life and business. They explain why traditional four-season color analysis often falls short — and how the 12-season method creates a more accurate, inclusive, and empowering approach for every individual. You’ll learn: Why color creates the very first impression before anything else The three dimensions of color you must understand for an accurate result How knowing your colors saves money and simplifies your wardrobe The science behind why some colors flatter us and others distract How PrismXII's 12-season method is 3x more precise than traditional color analysis 💬 Connect with Prism Twelve Website: Instagram: Facebook:
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#737 Building a Boutique That Stands Out with Authenticity and Strategy
11/11/2025
#737 Building a Boutique That Stands Out with Authenticity and Strategy
Today Bekah Turner, owner of Pink Possum, joins Ashley to unpack her business journey— from growing up in a salvage-store family—and how that shaped a boutique brand that wins with relatable content, smart buying, and customer trust. We dive into her weekly content rhythm, live selling, email/SMS/app strategy, vendor red flags, how she handles photo theft/dupes, and the storefront decision she regretted (then fixed). You’ll learn: A repeatable weekly content plan (markdowns → sneak peeks → launch → follow-up) How to segment email, SMS, and app notifications without spamming Vendor due diligence (manufacturer vs. distributor, reviews, model tells) How to address photo theft, educate customers, and avoid dupe/legal pitfalls Why “bigger isn’t always better” and the storefront mistake Becca reversed fast Bekah Turner & Pink Possum Boutique Website: Instagram: ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: The CEO’s Guide to Smarter Planning - Tracking the Right Numbers (Part 3)
11/07/2025
Five Minute Friday: The CEO’s Guide to Smarter Planning - Tracking the Right Numbers (Part 3)
Today Ashley dives into one of her favorite phrases — “Only a tracked number grows.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re posting on social media without seeing results, this episode breaks down exactly what numbers to track, how to measure them, and how to get your team on the same page heading into the new year. Ashley shares how The Boutique Hub tracks every post, follower, engagement, and conversion across all channels, and how you can do the same using your Retail Planner’s tracking sheets. Whether you’re managing your own social media or leading a team, you’ll learn how to stop guessing and start growing. You’ll learn: The key social media numbers that drive growth How to use your planner to track engagement, traffic, and sales Why “posting” isn’t a goal — but conversions are How tracking leads to smarter marketing and stronger sales 🛍️ Grab your planner today! Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#736: Merch Like You Mean It - The Road Tested Playbook for Pop Ups That Sell Out
11/04/2025
#736: Merch Like You Mean It - The Road Tested Playbook for Pop Ups That Sell Out
Pop-Ups, Mobile Boutique Life & Merchandising That Sells Today Brianna Williams, of Wildly Midwest, joins the podcast to share how she built a thriving mobile boutique business traveling to more than 45 markets a year across nine states. Brianna opens up about pivoting from handmaking baby clothes on Etsy to running a successful women’s boutique on the road, what it really takes to make markets profitable, and the merchandising secrets that make customers stop, shop, and say, “I’ll take the whole outfit.” You’ll learn: How Brianna pivoted from handmade baby clothes to a full-time women’s boutique What 45+ markets a year really looks like — and how to plan them How to vet events, spot red flags, and find your perfect customer base Visual merchandising that sells: mannequins, layering, and storytelling through displays The tools, packing systems, and safety gear every mobile boutique owner needs Brianna Williams & Wildly Midwest Website: Instagram: Facebook: ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: The CEO’s Guide to Smarter Planning (Part 2: Power of Checklists)
10/31/2025
Five Minute Friday: The CEO’s Guide to Smarter Planning (Part 2: Power of Checklists)
Do you love the satisfaction of checking things off a list? (Same!) Today, Ashley dives into how checklists can completely transform the way you plan and lead your boutique. From annual business audits to monthly website cleanups, she shares the key systems that keep your business running smoothly—without letting the small stuff slip. You’ll learn: Use annual, quarterly, and monthly checklists to stay on track Avoid burnout with intentional time-off planning Protect your digital assets and stop paying for unused subscriptions Create simple systems your team can actually follow Whether you’re using the Boutique Boss Planner or your own notebook, you’ll walk away ready to build a business that runs like clockwork. 🛍️ Grab your planner today! Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#735: Going Viral by Being Real: Building a Brand Women Believe In
10/28/2025
#735: Going Viral by Being Real: Building a Brand Women Believe In
Today Bette Bentley, founder of Skimpies, joins the podcast to talk about how she built a viral, one-product brand by solving a very real problem for women. Bette shares about inventing a product that didn’t exist, showing up online when people made fun of her, and building a community of women who feel seen, not sold to. Bette shares how she turned one core product into a movement on TikTok, why live selling changed everything, and how she protects her confidence in public as a founder, mom, and creator. You’ll learn: The origin of Skimpies Why no manufacturer wanted to touch her idea — until one woman said yes The 8-second TikTok about a “front wedgie” that hit 6 million views Live selling with 3 viewers… to making real daily revenue and community loyalty How she chose Marshalls/TJ Maxx as her first retail partner on purpose Bette Bentley & Skimpies Website: Instagram: TikTok: ____________________________ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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5 Minute Friday: The CEO’s Guide to Smarter Planning (Part 1: Month in Review)
10/24/2025
5 Minute Friday: The CEO’s Guide to Smarter Planning (Part 1: Month in Review)
Today, Ashley Alderson dives into her favorite tool inside the 2026 Retail Planner — the Month-in-Review feature — and why it’s the single most powerful habit for boutique owners who want to plan smarter and grow faster. Whether you use the Retail Planner or your own notebook, this simple system helps you turn last month’s lessons into next month’s wins. You’ll learn: How to use the Month-in-Review to plan smarter, not harder What numbers and notes to track every single month How to analyze sales, inventory, and marketing performance The 3 pages that help you see what’s really working Why reflection is the key to future growth ✨Grab your planner today! Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#734 Consistency Wins: Brand, Photos, and Processes at Savannah Sevens
10/21/2025
#734 Consistency Wins: Brand, Photos, and Processes at Savannah Sevens
Today Ryley Wimer of Savannah 7s joins Ashley to share how she built a nationally recognized western-lifestyle brand—without a storefront. We cover her flatlay & hanging photo system, seasonal shoots, simple Pinterest strategy, smart collaborations, and the ops/delegation moves that gave her time back. Plus: branding that sticks, metrics that matter, and lessons learned while growing a business and a family. You’ll learn: Website-first CX and automated ordering A repeatable photo workflow that drives conversions How to repurpose shoots across every channel Collabs that deepen brand (not just hype) Ops upgrades (barcodes/bins) and time-saving delegation Ryley Wimer & Savannah 7s Website: Instagram: --- Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: From Inbox to Checkout - How to Drive Sales with Email & SMS
10/17/2025
Five Minute Friday: From Inbox to Checkout - How to Drive Sales with Email & SMS
If social media went quiet tomorrow, would your boutique keep selling? In this Five Minute Friday, we’re joined by Bri and RP from Bloomly Digital, the boutique marketing pros behind countless high-performing email and SMS campaigns. They share the exact strategy to keep your sales flowing no matter what happens on social. Social media algorithms change every day, but your email list is yours. Learn how to set up automated flows, segment smartly, and finally build a marketing system that sells — even when you’re off the clock. Key Takeaways: - The “3 Rs” of great emails: right reader, right reason, right now - The six must-have automated flows that drive passive revenue - How to segment smarter, not wider — and protect your deliverability - Design and timing tips that increase open rates and conversions Whether you’re just starting your email list or optimizing for better results, this episode is a crash course in selling beyond social. ➡️ Learn more about Bloomly Digital at 📲 Let’s stay connected: 👉 Join the Community: 👉 DM us on Instagram: @theboutiquehub
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#733 Boutique Website & Facebook Ads Strategies That Drive Sales
10/14/2025
#733 Boutique Website & Facebook Ads Strategies That Drive Sales
What does it actually take for a thriving brick-and-mortar to make eCommerce half the business in 12 months? Morgan Lancaster breaks it down—brand, photography, Shopify setup, and the paid traffic engine that flipped the switch. 🔑 What you’ll learn - How Morgan grew online sales from 5–10% to 50% of revenue in a year - Why catalog ads are a top-of-funnel workhorse—and how to feed them - The “website first, floor second” workflow that prevents stock conflicts - Photography that converts: camera picks, natural light setup, and Lightroom basics - Building trust online: clean brand, curated new arrivals, and onsite collections - Inventory planning when eComm ramps (wider vs. deeper, cash-flow realities) - Local love: simple Google traffic ads to lift foot traffic Morgan Lancaster & Ivy House Boutique Website: Facebook: Instagram: --- Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: Employee Reviews 101: The Simple System to Build Leaders
10/10/2025
Five Minute Friday: Employee Reviews 101: The Simple System to Build Leaders
In this week’s Five Minute Friday, Ashley Alderson reveals the missing link that might be holding your business back—employee reviews. If you’ve ever said “kids these days don’t work like they used to,” this episode will challenge that mindset and give you tools to lead better. Learn how to coach your team like a basketball coach, set clear goals, and raise leaders—not leavers. When your employees feel seen, heard, and supported, they become leaders in your business—not leavers. Employee reviews aren’t just a formality—they’re the key to building a confident, empowered, and high-performing team. Key Takeaways: The 3-question framework for stay interviews Why your team needs to know “the score of the game” How EOS and quarterly reviews bring focus and accountability How feedback conversations can unlock growth and buy-in Because when your team wins—you win. 📲 Let’s stay connected: 👉 DM me on Instagram: @ajalderson or @theboutiquehub 👉 Join the Community:
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#732 Why Better Planning is the Secret to Scaling Your Business
10/07/2025
#732 Why Better Planning is the Secret to Scaling Your Business
Are you planning like a CEO or just staying busy? In this solo episode, Ashley digs into how to plan like a CEO, not a busy entrepreneur. She breaks down the time vs. money mindset shift, her 4-part to-do list, and the weekly habits that make consistency inevitable. Ashley wraps things up with a guided tour through the 2026 Retail Planner (formerly the Boutique Boss Planner): sales and social tracking, checklists, monthly reviews, and how to use it with your manager or team. You’ll Learn The CEO mindset that frees up time and scales revenue The 4 lists that remove overwhelm and increase focus How to pair paper + Trello + Google Calendar Time-blocking/theme days that stick What’s inside the 2026 Retail Planner and why the monthly review pages drive smarter decisions 👉 Check out the 2026 Retail Planner for youself: Bundles & Member Pricing Members receive $10 off the planner and access to member pricing across Hub products and events. Check your member emails/Facebook groups for the code. ------ Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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Five Minute Friday: The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Boutique Business
10/03/2025
Five Minute Friday: The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Boutique Business
In this Five Minute Friday, Ashley breaks down one of the biggest questions new listeners ask: How do I start my boutique? Forget the myth of needing everything perfect from the start. Instead, learn why action, testing, and failing forward are key to launching your dream. Ashley shares the exact first steps every boutique owner should take—from protecting your brand name and trademark to defining your ideal customer avatar and building a strong foundation. If you’re ready to start your boutique the right way, this episode points you in the right direction—and the Retail Owner Basics program is here to walk you through every step. 📲 Learn more TODAY! 👉 RETAIL OWNER BASICS: 👉 Join the Community: ---------- Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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#731 Recurring Revenue for Retailers: A Proven Path to Growth
09/30/2025
#731 Recurring Revenue for Retailers: A Proven Path to Growth
Want revenue you can count on—every month? In this episode, Ashley interviews Sarah Williams, the “queen of subscription boxes,” on exactly how to launch and scale a profitable subscription box that funds your team, your rent, and your freedom. Sarah reveals the step-by-step from her first 44 subscribers to thousands—including pricing first (then product), margin targets, retention levers, tech stack choices, and the community strategy that keeps customers! What else we talk about: Pricing first: use AOV to set price; back products into margin Margins that work: start ~45%, scale to 60–67% with buying power Retention: why community + live video drove 94% lifetime retention Upsell math: “ultimate” tiers and high-margin add-ons that subscribers love Sarah Williams & Launch Your Box with Sarah Website: Facebook: Instagram: Additional resources for you! ➡️ ➡️ --- Ashley Alderson: The Boutique Hub: | | | | |
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