In this episode, Ashley sits down with Kristi Briceno (Mom Buns and Ruffles) for a conversation that's equal parts deeply personal and highly tactical.

Kristi shares her journey from nursing to photography to direct sales, the moment her company shut down with almost no notice. But the story doesn't stop there. Kristi breaks down how she pivoted into owning her own boutique, how she finally got clear on who her customer is, and what it looks like to keep showing up when life feels heavy.

You'll learn:

• The moment she realized: "My customer is me."

• How Kristi rebuilt income quickly after her company closed without warning

• The mindset shift that helps you move when life feels heavy

• How community + accountability accelerate growth

• Simple photo/posing rules that instantly make you look better on camera (angles, triangles, weight shift, light, and merchandising the full look)

Join The Boutique Hub

Retail Bootcamp

Kristi Briceno & Mom Buns and Ruffles

Website: mombunsandruffles.com
Instagram: @mombunsandruffles

Facebook: @MomBunsandRuffles

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Ashley Alderson: Instagram

The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

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.

Join The Boutique Hub

Retail Bootcamp

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Ashley Alderson: Instagram

The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube

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

Join The Boutique Hub

Retail Bootcamp

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Ashley Alderson: Instagram

The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube