Why this Boss Woman Pulled Her Brand From Target and How Advocating For Her Daughter Inspired Her Business Success

What does it really take to get a brand into Target—and survive the shelf space? OR what happens when you decide to leave the shelves because it's hurting your business?

Episode 32: Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) are joined by entrepreneur Marty McDonald to discuss building Boss Women Media and children’s brand Elle Olivia (inspired by her daughter), the true cost of getting on Target shelves, and the lessons she’s learned about retail, financing, and licensing.

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro: Meet Marty McDonald, founder of Boss Women Media & Elle Olivia

(04:15) From Corporate to Founder: Leaving an 11-year career to build Boss Women Media

(08:40) L. Olivia’s Origin: Her daughter’s diagnosis and the push for representation

(16:25) Pitching Target: How a cold email landed 130K units

(22:10) Retail Reality: Production costs, marketing, and PO financing

(30:55) Hard Lessons: Predatory terms, asking questions, and hidden failures

(39:40) Target Boycott: Impact on Black brands and pivoting to Amazon

(47:25) Boss Women Media’s Next Chapter: From big events to founder tables

(55:50) Founder vs. CEO: The difference in roles and knowing your lane

(1:12:30) Motherhood & Entrepreneurship: Raising three kids while running two companies

(1:20:40) Marty’s Rich Lesson: The power of asking boldly

Follow Marty McDonald on Instagram and LinkedIn

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Rich Lessons is presented by GRITS // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena Allen

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