Episodios

  • 264. Turn Your Summer Slowdown Into a Retail Reset
    Jun 9 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Let’s talk about the “summer slowdown,” shall we? In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, we’re flipping the script on the summer slowdown and showing you how to use any quiet time as a powerful CEO reset. Whether it’s organizing your back-end systems, strengthening customer relationships, or proactively planning for Q4, this season can be one of your most productive if approached with intention - and I’m showing you how. We’re diving into practical and mindset-driven strategies for using this seasonal dip to build momentum, clarity, and energy. Learn how to schedule a “money date” with your financials, declutter your tech stack, and plant the seeds for a thriving holiday season. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why a slower season can be your biggest strategic advantage How to use your CEO date to make smarter inventory decisions Ways to deepen customer relationships and build brand loyalty Quick backend system fixes that can boost efficiency How to use the summer to prep for a stress-free Q4 and holiday season Why mindset matters more than momentum during seasonal dips Your Next Steps If you found this episode helpful in any way, I would LOVE if you would share it with a fellow shop owner who might need a mindset shift! Then tag me on Instagram (@) with your summer reset plans. I’d love to hear from you! And then …join my supportive community of retailers in the ! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : How to Tame All of Those Great Ideas : What to Do if It’s Slow: Summer Strategy Series : Create a Summer of Ease for Your Retail Shop About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    20 m
  • 263. Why CEO Time Isn’t Optional in Your Retail Business
    Jun 2 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Do you struggle to schedule and/or keep your CEO dates with yourself? Running your shop like a true CEO isn’t just for big-box retailers: it’s for independent creative retail shop owners just like you - trust me on this. If you’ve ever felt like your business is dragging you down; if you KNOW you aren’t spending your time on the things you should be…this episode is for you. Not sold on why CEO time is crucial? Unsure of where or why to start? Wondering what you should be doing during your CEO date? Listen in now! Takeaways for Indie Retailers Hard seasons are normal – Obstacles come with owning a business. What matters is how you move through them. Stop playing small – Don’t let busy work keep you from doing the real CEO work that moves the needle. You can’t scale with hustle and heart alone – Aligned action is what brings joy, profit, and freedom. Take a pause and plan – A regular CEO date with yourself brings clarity and confidence. Want help? – I’m hosting a on June 10th. Come plan alongside other retailers who get it! More info below. What to Focus on During CEO Time Strategic planning (not just goal setting) Reviewing what worked and what didn’t Understanding your income streams and profit margins Creating intentional marketing, not last-minute campaigns So what is your next step? Join me for a productive afternoon of planning out your next 90 days in my on June 10th! This is a new program I’m offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! Save $100 by registering by June 6th. Need more? Join me for my first on June 10th! This is a new program I’m offering. We will meet together in a small group and spend an afternoon doing some intensive quarterly CEO-level planning for your business. It comes with pre-meeting vision planning prompts, 4 hours of a focused planning session with me and a small group, 2 weeks of support from me, and a retail success toolkit to help you every step of the way! Save $100 by registering by June 6th. Or…join my supportive community of retailers in the ! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success : Retailer Success Series: Making Pivotal (and scary) CEO Decisions with Retailer Melanie Kolb : Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, and CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    25 m
  • 262. 11 Tiny Habits That Will Make Your Retail Business Better
    May 26 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Small habits can lead to big results! In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing 11 easy-to-start micro habits that can totally transform your retail business. These habits may be small, but they pack a powerful punch. From looking at your numbers to making faster decisions, I’ll give you real-world, simple advice that WORKS. Whether you run a boutique, a gift shop, or a creative space, these tips will help you grow with confidence — and have fun doing it! 11 Micro Habits for Independent Retailers: Don’t “Ostrich” – Stop hiding from your business numbers. Look at them daily so there are no surprises. Always Be Learning – Reading 10 minutes a day or listening to a podcast can level up your skills. Ditch the Burden Mindset – Remember, you get to run this business. Approach it with joy, not dread. Use a “Yet” Mindset – “I’m not good at planning... yet.” Add "yet" to reframe your self-talk. Ask: How Can I Make This Easier? – Don’t overcomplicate. Ask who or what can help. Crush Self-Doubt – Keep a list of wins, kind words, and proud moments to boost your confidence. Set Clear Goals – Know what you’re aiming for so your daily actions move you closer to it. Look Up – Don’t get stuck in the day-to-day. Plan 90 days out. Know what your customers are experiencing. Prioritize Your Health – A healthy YOU means a stronger business. Protect your time and energy. Decide Faster – Avoiding decisions holds you back. Be intentional and aligned with your goals. Make It Fun – This is your dream! Bring energy and joy into your day-to-day. Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Confident Decision Making Made Easy with Business & Life Coach Andrea Liebross : Having a Monthly Playbook for Your Retail Shop : How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    36 m
  • 261. How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done
    May 19 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Running a shop can feel like juggling flaming squirrels – I totally get it! In this episode of The Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m sharing a powerful training from the library to help you focus, prioritize, and actually get things done (without the late nights and endless to-do lists). If distractions and squirrel-brain are wreaking havoc on your retail business, listen up. This one's for all of the busy retailers out there trying to get things DONE! Takeaways for Independent Retailers: How to protect your personal time as a retail CEO The power of setting non-negotiables for work-life balance What a CEO Date is – and why it will change your week The difference between results and goals: what are the three “cross-offable” things you need to do today? How to use the Pomodoro Method to beat distractions: You’ll be shocked by how much you can get done in 25 minutes! 4 D’s to simplify your to-do list: Do, Delete, Delegate, Defer Why batching tasks and working away from the shop floor matters How small group support boosts momentum and accountability Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out . Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : The CEO Date: A Non-Negotiable Habit is Key to Creative CEO Success : The 3 Biggest Time Wasters for Retailers and How to Avoid Them : Annual Planning That Fills Your Life Buckets About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    21 m
  • 260. Winning with Community in Your Retail Business: Takeaways from my Mastermind Retreat
    May 12 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Helping and inspiring independent retailers is my passion (and my job!), but I would be remiss if I never shared how inspiring my retailers are to ME. Their inspiration is never more apparent than when we are all together in person: talking shop, ruminating on all the things, and brainstorming through big ideas. In this episode, I’m sharing some of my takeaways from my Level Up Mastermind Retreat in early April in Thomasville, Georgia. I’m always learning from my retailers and amazed by their ideas and this retreat was no different. There is something very inspiring about getting a group of like-minded people together who are working toward a similar goal: running a successful independent retail shop. I hope these takeaways inspire you to try something new to move the needle in your retail business. Takeaways for Independent Retailers: Bravery is contagious: It’s important to surround yourself with people who are on your side. Making a decision and being brave enough to stick to it when you see the needle starting to move and/or having the courage to course correct if it’s not working Collaborations & community are super hot right now: Everyone in your community has the same goal: growing and thriving in a community that supports them. Look to your community for inspiring people: Annie Jones of in Thomasville showed us that building multiple revenue streams and marketing differently works. (You can follow along with her Instagram at @bookshelftville) Lean into others: You cannot do this alone! I also wanted to give a quick shoutout to YOU! Thanks to your support, the podcast has reached 100,000+ downloads! Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out . Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Relationships are Rocket Fuel : Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell : Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy and Chris Hart About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    32 m
  • 259. Behind the Counter: Building a Unique Retail Shop with Heart with Amy and Chris Hart
    May 5 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: Can couples successfully run a retail shop together? Absolutely! From a flash of inspiration on a trip to London to creating a beloved community hub in Thomasville, Georgia; Amy and Chris Hart join me on the Creative Shop Talk Podcast to share how passion, teamwork, and a little bit of "what's our widget?" can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Amy and Chris own , a boutique inspired by the couple’s time in the Cotswolds. They describe the shop as “English at heart with a Southern sensibility and a French twist.” Amy is an active member of the and has been in the Level Up Mastermind for almost 5 years running. This episode is packed with tips for independent retailers, especially those working together as a couple. From finding your niche, connecting with your community, and navigating the ups and downs of retail life together, Amy and Chris are an inspiration to all aspiring retail shop owners. Takeaways for Retail Shop Owners: Finding your "widget": Identify your unique product (like Amy's Toile designs) Involving family: Amy and Chris have incredibly talented family members who showcase unique products in their shop. Defining Roles: The importance of defining roles and communicating them clearly. Build your community: Make it a point to connect with members of your community. Featuring local artisans in your shop is a good way to do that. Overcoming challenges: Amy and Chris know when their slow season is and have come up with ways to draw customers in and also keep their minds right knowing things do pick up. Chris’s Advice : "Don’t give up your dream to somebody else.” Listen in for more thoughts on what Chris and Amy could have done differently if they could rewind 7 years. “Don’t give up your dream to somebody else.” -Chris Hart Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out . Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand . About Amy and Chris: Sweethearts since college, Amy and Chris Hart chose Thomasville, Georgia, as their adopted hometown in 2018 after many adventures. The Hare & The Hart is their shop in the beautiful, historic downtown, offering gifts and goods that are English at heart with a Southern sensibility & a French twist. They adore celebrating the beauty of the places people love, embellishing the spaces surrounding them, and sharing in the extraordinary joy of the everyday. Their family takes part by designing collections, including Amy’s Toile of Thomasville. They are pleased to carry local artisans, along with those discovered on and inspired by their travels. Amy and Chris continue their adventures in a wibbly, wobbly 1850s house just blocks from the shop with their Labrador named Rugby. Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Learning to Level Up with Amy Hart : Level Up Mastermind Q+A: Invest in Yourself : Retailers in the Wild: Elevate Your Retail Shop Using These Observations From My Time in New Zealand About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    44 m
  • 258. Five Smart & Ethical Ways to Build Your Email List and Connect with Customers
    Apr 28 2025
    With host retail coach In This Episode: What’s something you are doing now in your retail business that you wish you would have started doing sooner? When I ask clients this question, the answer is often “I wish I would have started an email list sooner.” The reason is because they’ve learned over time that email is still a super powerful tool! It’s a direct line to your customers - no “beating the algorithm” required. In this episode, I’m giving you 5 simple ways to build your email list and keep your customers happy. You’ll learn how to connect better, sell more, and own your customer relationships. I hope you’ll join my email list (if you aren’t already on it)! You can do that by scrolling to the bottom of my homepage . 5 Ways to Build Your Email List: Ask your customers at checkout to join the list: You can use a QR code to do this! Do an in-store give-away. Offer a freebie/lead magnet as an incentive to join. When you host events customers need to pre-register for, ask those folks to join the list when they are registering. Use a pop-up on your website and ask people to join: Simple and effective! Remember to ensure your emails are valuable to your clients. You want them to look forward to hearing from you! Regular emails help you sell more and build loyal fans of your brand. Who doesn’t need more of that in their retail shop? “If all of your social media accounts were gone tomorrow, how would you connect with your clients?” -Wendy Batten Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of like-minded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out . Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Behind the Counters: The Magic of Joining Forces to Foster Community and Build a Retail Destination Town with Millie and Adam Blackwell : Mastering Social Selling: How Retailers Can Boost Sales and Build Loyal Customers About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    25 m
  • 257. Spring Cleaning for Your Retail Business: Refresh Your Mind, Shop, and Sales
    Apr 21 2025
    With host retail coach LAST CALL! Are you ready to simplify your marketing strategy and boost your retail sales? Join me and a small group of driven retail business owners for my 6-week, hands-on program: The ! Each week, you’ll receive a short video with an actionable tip followed by a live, interactive strategy group coaching session. We’ll work together to create a simple, repeatable marketing plan tailored to your business. No fluff, no wasted time—just practical strategies you can implement right now. Spots are limited, and we start on April 23rd. In This Episode: Ready to spruce up your shop and boost your business? Spring (or Autumn, depending on where in the world you are!) is the perfect time to clean out the old and bring in the new. In this episode, I’m giving independent retailers easy tips to refresh their mindset, clean up their shop, and make more money. Key Takeaways: Mindset Refresh: Get rid of negative thoughts and focus on new opportunities. Remember why you started your business and get that excitement back! Money Moves: Inventory Check: Look at old stock and have a spring cleaning sale to clear it out. Don’t let money sit on your storage shelves! Expense Review: Cut unnecessary spending by checking your credit card and bank statements. Pricing Check: Make sure your prices make you a profit, and don’t just copy your competitors. Shop Spruce-Up: Clean your shop, including dusting and fixing anything that looks worn out. Update uniforms, aprons, and how your staff presents themselves. Marketing Boost: Refresh your marketing plans to get customers excited. Remember: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!” Plan for Success: Having a plan is key to making good things happen! “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Need more? Join me and our supportive community of retailers in my ! There is so much to love about the Inner Circle: access to countless masterclasses on everything from inventory management to money matters, a supportive community of likeminded retailers to bounce ideas off of, a monthly playbook to track your progress and help you plan your events and promotions, and so much more. Check it out . Not ready to join but want to purchase the stand-alone Foot Traffic Made Simple masterclass? You can purchase it on demand . Most impactful: Join the small group 6-Week Sales and Marketing Accelerator course. We start in April! More information . Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Tight on Cash Flow? Let’s Turn Your Old Inventory Into Cash for You! : Money Mindset, Abundance, and Bad Ideas with Guest Expert Emily King : Feeling Stuck? 20 Prompts to Help Flip Your Mindset About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business. Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a , I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, , has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence. I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers. When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at For more support from Wendy
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    21 m
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