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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Gloria Chou, an expert in public relations for small businesses. Gloria shares her unique journey from being a US diplomat to becoming a PR coach, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and visibility for female founders. She introduces her CPR pitching method, which focuses on credibility, point of view, and relevance, and provides actionable tips for crafting effective pitches, finding the right journalists, and following up. The conversation highlights the power of PR in building retail partnerships and empowering founders to confidently share their stories.

00:00 Introduction to PR for Small Businesses
03:17 Gloria's Unique Journey to PR
05:58 Understanding PR vs. Marketing
09:09 Crafting the Perfect Pitch
12:19 Identifying Relevant Journalists
15:12 The Art of Follow-Up
18:06 Leveraging PR for Retail Success
21:14 Success Stories and Practical Tips
24:09 Connecting with Gloria and Resources

• PR is about your industry talking about you, not just marketing yourself.
• The CPR method stands for credibility, point of view, and relevance.
• Pitching is about writing a relevant pitch and sending it to the right person.
• Follow up is crucial; it keeps you top of mind for journalists.
• Use Google News Alerts to build your media list.
• HARO is a great tool for connecting with journalists.
• Be specific in your pitches; tailor them to current trends.
• Retail partners look for confidence in your product's visibility.
• PR can help with fundraising and gaining credibility.
• Empowerment in PR is about feeling safe to be seen.
  
  
  

Gloria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr/?hl=en

Haro: https://www.helpareporter.com/

Source of Sources: https://sourceofsources.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/about

Google News Alert: https://www.google.com/alerts

Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

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Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Sarah McNamara & Rochelle Jacobs, Co-Founders of Naturally Serious Skincare and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Sarah & Rochelle specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

1. What is the one thing you wish you knew before you launched in retail?
2. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to beauty entrepreneurs hoping to get into retail?
3. What have you found are the best places to connect and speak to retail buyers?

Listen to the full episode and learn more about how Sarah & Rochelle started their brand and landed on Sephora.com.

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Sarah McNamara and Rochelle Jacobs, co-founders of Naturally Serious Skin, a clean beauty brand. They discuss their backgrounds in the beauty industry, the inspiration behind their brand, and the innovative product development process that led to their patented blend of ingredients. The conversation also covers their marketing strategies, the importance of consumer feedback, and the challenges they faced in their first year of business. The founders emphasize the significance of building trust with consumers and their commitment to sustainability in the beauty industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Naturally Serious Skin Care
03:09 Founders' Backgrounds and Early Influences
05:58 The Birth of Naturally Serious Skin Care
10:03 The Importance of Clean and Clinical Beauty
12:15 Patented Ingredients and Their Significance
15:18 Navigating the Beauty Industry During COVID-19
18:12 Product Launch Strategy and Initial Offerings
21:12 Innovative Marketing Approaches
24:08 Customer Feedback and Product Reception
29:25 Innovative Cleansing Solutions
29:55 Sustainable Packaging Practices
31:32 Navigating Business Growth Challenges
34:54 The Power of Passion in Partnerships
36:48 Creative Product Naming Strategies
39:42 Driving Sales Through Authenticity
41:49 Adapting to Industry Uncertainties
45:47 Building Brand Awareness and Community

Naturally Serious Skincare Website: https://www.naturallyseriousskin.com/

Naturally Serious Skincare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallyseriousskin/

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Mika Shino, Founder of Issei Mochi Gummies and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Mika specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

1. What is a learning that you didn’t know until Mochi was actually on retail shelves?
2. What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first retail deal?
3. What trade shows have you found the most beneficial in growing your business?

Listen to the full episode and learn more about how Mika started her brand and landed in Whole Foods, Target and more!

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Mika Shino, founder of Issei Mochi Gummies. Mika shares her journey from working at the United Nations to launching her innovative gummy brand inspired by traditional Japanese mochi. The conversation covers her challenges in product development, the importance of consumer feedback, and her strategies for breaking into major retailers like Whole Foods. Mika discusses her marketing tactics, including winning awards to gain recognition, and her plans for future expansion in the retail market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Issei Mochi Gummies
03:52 The Inspiration Behind Mochi Gummies
06:55 The R&D Journey: From Kitchen to Market
10:12 The Breakthrough with Whole Foods
12:49 Navigating the Retail Landscape
17:41 The Unique Selling Proposition of Mochi Gummies
20:32 Consumer Feedback and Market Reception
23:33 Marketing Strategies and Awards
25:51 Understanding the Target Audience
27:59 Pricing Strategy and Product Launch
28:59 The Surprising Vanilla Flavor Dilemma
30:58 Expanding Retail Presence
31:56 Expo West: A Game Changer
34:03 Overcoming Production Challenges
37:32 Marketing Strategies and Social Media
40:06 Product Expansion and Seasonal Offerings
42:09 Customer Engagement and Feedback
46:45 Future Plans and Team Growth
49:50 Celebrating Wins and Acknowledging Growth

Links:

Issei Mochi Gummies Website: https://mochigummies.com/

Issei Mochi Gummies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mochigummies/?hl=en

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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In this mid week drop, I’m going back in the vault to carve out some insightful tips and learning from past guests.

In this clip, Christina Kao discusses the strategic approach to influencer marketing, particularly through platforms like TikTok, and how it has significantly impacted brand visibility and sales. She shares insights on managing inventory challenges in a trend-driven market, the importance of collaborative relationships with retail buyers, and the lessons learned from international markets. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective marketing strategies and the continuous adaptation required to succeed in the beauty industry.

Listen to the full episode released on 12/22/24

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Mehek Khera, Founder of Niramaya Foods and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Mehek specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

1. What was the most challenging part about securing placement in retail stores?
2. What advice would you give to founders who are just starting out and looking to get into retail?
3. What are the resources that have helped you the most in growing your brand and getting into retail stores?

Listen to the full episode and learn more about how Mehek started her brand and landed in retail stores like Albertson's and Sprouts.

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Mehek Khera, founder of Niramaya Foods, who shares her journey from a corporate career to launching her own brand focused on Indian-inspired, health-conscious foods. Mehek discusses the challenges and triumphs of building her brand, including product development, sourcing ingredients, navigating the retail landscape, and responding to consumer feedback. She emphasizes the importance of marrying convenience with nutrition and shares insights on expanding her product line to include pretzels. The conversation highlights the dedication and passion behind Niramaya Foods and the vision for its future in the retail market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neera Maya Foods
01:11 Mehek's Journey from Tech to Food Entrepreneurship
03:03 The Spark Behind Neera Maya Foods
04:40 Understanding Nutrition and Health
07:57 Bringing Indian Flavors to the Retail Market
10:57 Connecting with Local Farmers and Ingredients
13:30 The Importance of Consumer Feedback
16:39 Navigating the Manufacturing Process
19:59 The Role of Packaging in Branding
23:59 Transitioning to Retail and Initial Sales Performance
30:38 Funding Strategies: From Bootstrapping to Debt Financing
31:01 Marketing Plans: Strategies for Product Launch
32:13 Consumer Feedback: Adapting Products to Market Needs
35:17 Navigating Retail: From Small Stores to Major Retailers
39:28 Sales Challenges: Understanding Retail Dynamics
43:09 Expanding Product Lines: The Launch of Pretzels
49:34 Retail Realities: Lessons Learned in the Industry

Links mentioned:

Niramaya Foods Website: https://www.niramayafoods.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niramayafoods/

Tikok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niramayafoods

Mehek's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehekkhera/

Retail locator can be found on Niramaya's website!

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book