Boutique Chat

Five Minute Friday: Stock Photos are Killing Your Brand

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"Why is my business not working?" Many times when I'm asked struggle questions like this, I investigate to try to help—and I find a website filled w...

#638: Building Community, Balancing Chaos, and Embracing the Entrepreneurial Journey

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you battle with ADD or ADHD and are looking for tips and resources to thrive through it, this episode is for you! Today we are joined by Danielle R...

Five Minute Friday: Trademarking Your Business

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you trademarked your business yet? This should be one of the very first things you do if you want to build a business to last. But before you do...

#637: Revolutionizing Sales: What Inside Sales Can Do for Your Business

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do you think of when you hear the word "sales"? If you're one of the many people who think it’s all about pushy tactics and empty pitches, thin...

Five Minute Friday: Reshoot Restyle Repost

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when you find yourself looking at a ton of unsold inventory? Be honest—do you fall into the common trap of buying more stuff and tel...

#636: From Burnout to CEO: Building a Business with Purpose and Balance

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to get the high-level support your small business needs? You’re not alone. Many small business owners struggle with this same thing, ofte...

Five Minute Friday: Holiday Retail Tip: Promotions vs Sales

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's topic is one I'm hoping will save you a lot of stress this holiday season! Too often, I see retailers hustle, hustle, hustle during this time...

#635: Mastering Storytelling to Build a Memorable Brand

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should you work with influencers? What’s it like to work with influencers? Why don’t influencers support small businesses? Or do they? Flourish in...

Five Minute Friday: Pink Friday: Support Small First

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's Pink Friday! This is the day when we see small business owners of all types coming together to collaborate and encourage the mission of shopping...

#634: The Impact of Shopping Small First

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been gearing up for Pink Friday? Or are you new to Pink Friday and want in on the fun? In this episode, I’ll be breaking down what Pink Fri...

Five Minute Friday: Holiday Retail Tip: USPS Shipping Cutoff

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm back with another quick tip for holiday promotions! Today's is all about the shipping cutoff date for the USPS this holiday season, which is one ...

#633: Designing with Purpose: Crafting Products that Spark Joy and Connection

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I am joined by Taylor Elliott, a shining light of positive energy and the woman behind the colorful, cheerful, and fabulous products on Taylor E...

Five Minute Friday: Holiday Retail Tip: Make It Easy

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What are you doing to make your customers' lives easier? This is an important question any time of year, but especially during the holiday season—a...

#632: Staying In Your Lane: Building a Business Without Debt

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes we get sucked into thinking bigger is always better and assume that it takes massive amounts of debt to start a successful business—but th...

Five Minute Friday: The Power of Your Company Scorecard

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's topic has made such an impact on how I run my own business, as well as how I coach others to run theirs. What are we talking about? Your comp...

#631: The Power of the Pivot: Navigating Big Shifts in Business

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recognizing when it’s time to make a shift in your business is key when it comes to building a long-lasting and successful career, and my guest toda...

Five Minute Friday: Negotiating Your Lease: The 3 Essentials Every Retailer Must Know

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the first of a new style of Five Minute Fridays! At The Boutique Hub, we're surrounded by incredible industry experts, and in the spir...

#630: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Getting Back to Basics in Retail

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Change is inevitable in life, which is why it’s so important that we master the art of learning, growing, and evolving appropriately with each shift...

Five Minute Friday: Celebrating 2.5 Million Downloads: A Special Giveaway & Top 10 Episodes

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this very special Five Minute Friday episode, we have some celebrating to do! We have hit the crazy milestone of 2.5 million downloads, and it's a...

#629: Beyond the Boutique: The Business of Fashion

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you curious about how to rise through the ranks in the fashion industry? In today's episode, I’m thrilled to have a conversation with Kelly Helf...

#628: A Heart for Retail: Supporting Stores in Times of Crisis

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take for local retailers to thrive after facing disasters and challenges? In this episode, Patrick Keiser, Executive Director of Heart on...

#627: The Power of Persistence: Navigating Failure and Finding Your Niche

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when your business fails, and you lose everything? Kelly Shiley, CEO of Mary Square, joins the show to share her raw and inspiring journe...

#626: The Ultimate Guide to Efficient Planning for Retailers in 2025

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you managing your business like a CEO or a hustling entrepreneur? In this episode, we dive into the difference between the two and how you can tra...

#625: Consistency and Connection: The Keys to Boutique Success

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how boutique owners create such successful brands? In this episode, Ashton Dockery, owner of Be You Boutique, shares her inspiring busin...

Five Minute Friday: Identifying Traffic Patterns

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're an online business or a brick-and-mortar store, what I'm talking about today is one of the most important things you can do as a CEO a...

#624: Maximizing Profitability and Peace During the Holiday Retail Season

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to maximize your holiday season? In today's episode, I’m excited to share with you a comprehensive guide to planning and executing a s...

Five Minute Friday: The Six Layers of Business

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like a squirrel? Like you have 10,000 things to get done all at once—and you don't know where to start? If so, today's Five Minute...

#623: Mastering Leadership: The Evolution of a Multi-Generational Boot Company

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Building onto a multi-generational business and navigating the family dynamics and changes that come throughout the years is no easy thing. But Ryan a...

Five Minute Friday: The One Thing

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to you being the CEO of your business and of your life, you want to be getting the most done every day. But how do you do that? By answ...

#622: From Influencer to CEO: Building an Authentic Community in Western Fashion

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m sitting down with Megan Ery, who has been a huge influence on the Western world and Western fashion. The owner of Turquoise in Style, Meg...

Five Minute Friday: Money is in the Merchandising

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If there is one thing you can double down on this week to see some dramatic improvement in the excitement around the products you sell, it's your mer...

#621: Discover Affordable Products at ASD Market Week

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how to source the best products for your store, whether online or brick-and-mortar? In this episode, we dive into the world of trade sh...

Five Minute Friday: Value vs Pride

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to differentiate between value and price in your marketing strategy? In this episode, we dive into the crucial distinctions betwee...

#620: Pink Friday 2024: The Shop Small First Movement

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to shine a spotlight on small businesses? In today's episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Sarah Burks, Director of Education at The B...

Five Minute Friday: How to Be a Good Retail Neighbor

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how to be a good neighbor in the business world? In this episode, we'll explore what it takes to build positive relationships w...

#619: Authenticity and Live Selling in Retail

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you curious about what it takes to pivot from one successful business to another? In today's episode, I’m excited to bring you a conversation wi...

Five Minute Friday: Are You a CEO or an Entrepreneur?

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know the difference between being a CEO and an entrepreneur? Everyone starts their business as an entrepreneur, hustling and DIYing to solve pr...

#618: The Power of Community in Retail

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you wonder how to balance personal challenges with running a successful boutique? In today's episode, I’m thrilled to have a conversation with Ma...

Five Minute Friday: Balancing Motherhood and Business

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a busy mom trying to balance everything? In this episode, we explore how to manage the overwhelm of juggling business and life. Giving 70% to ...

#617: From Chaos to Clarity: Navigating Big Changes in Small Business

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When there are so many things pulling you in different directions as a business owner, how do you build community and connect authentically with you...

Five Minute Friday: Business Is Really This Simple

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want the most simple advice ever? Today, I'm boiling down thousands of conversations I've had with business owners into the four keys to makin...

#616: Community, Curiosity, and Confidence: The Triple C's of Brand Building

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What can entrepreneurs learn from their failures? In this episode, Eric Ruyak, owner of Hespera, joins the show to share how he got started in his ind...

Five Minute Friday: How You Show Up Here is How You Show Up There

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Five Minute Friday, we'll explore a powerful quote I recently heard and the impact of this idea on both business and life. You'll learn about ...

#615: Building a Brand: Lessons in Customer Service, Sales, and Overcoming Challenges

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been discouraged by tough feedback? Are you overwhelmed by what you don’t know? If so, this episode is for you! Many of you have proba...

Five Minute Friday: Six Words & Phrases to Rethink Using

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's Five Minute Friday is a bit more personal. I'll be sharing words and phrases that I have struggled with in my journey—words and phrases that...

#614: From Soles to Sales: The Business of Shoes with Chinese Laundry

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Zurell, Chief Marketing Officer at Chinese Laundry, steps into the spotlight today to explain how footwear can transform not just your outfit, b...

Five Minute Friday: How To Get The Most Out of Attending a Conference Once You're Home

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever come home from a conference feeling inspired and ready to take on the world—only to get home and find you don't end up doing all the t...

#613 Inventory Planning, Data-Driven Decisions, and Adaptive Strategies in Retail

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There’s no way around it—you have to know your numbers! You probably hear this from us all the time, but if you’re not sure what that actually m...

Five Minute Friday: The Secret to Getting on The Instagram Discover Page

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today I want to talk about growing on the 'Gram. And, actually, the concept I'm sharing today works across social channels. Listen in to learn about t...

#612 The Art of Balance: Managing Two Careers, Embracing Vulnerability, and Market Expansion

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to transition from a stable career to pursuing your passion full-time? In this episode, we talk to Erica Eickhoff, owner of Styles ...

Five Minute Friday: Are You Ready to Lose It All?

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I hate that I even have to share this message today, but I continue to see a major problem across the industry that I can't ignore. The issue? Copyrig...

#611 Inside Dallas Market Center: Retail Revelations and Trends

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you truly know your customer, and if so, why stop at selling just clothes or gifts? Why not expand your reach and become a one-stop shop? In this ...

Five Minute Friday: To Be Interesting, You Have To Be Interested

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to get people interested in your business? You've gotta show up as the person you want to see. In this episode, Ashley challenges yo...

#610 Small Town Dreams to Big Time Success: Building a Business with Heart

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kari Patefield, Owner of IKT, joins the show to discuss her journey from a small-town fashion enthusiast to a successful boutique owner. Kari shares ...

Five Minute Friday: The Bus Rule

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you needed to take a step back from your business? Do you have SOPs or any operational documents that...

#609 Wholesale Buying Strategies and Trend Forecasting on Hubventory

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you have been to our showroom or markets, you’ve probably had the opportunity to meet today’s guest, Samantha Conner. Samantha is such a brigh...

Five Minute Friday: Three Questions to Add to Your Morning Routine

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you start your day? Are you intentional with your mornings, or do you let what's going on around you (namely on social media) dictate how you f...

#608 The Impact of Attending The Boutique Summit

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself so deeply entrenched in the daily grind of running your business that it feels impossible to see the bigger picture? In ...

Five Minute Friday: The Riches are in The Niches

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is the secret to setting your business apart? Figure out your niche and connect with those people! Listen in learn how to speak—and stand out—...

#607 Transitioning in Retail: Lessons Learned and Exit Strategies

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it time to reevaluate your business journey? Megan Crabtree, Membership Representative at The Boutique Hub, joins us for a candid conversation abo...

Five Minute Friday: Six Questions to Ask Wholesale Vendors at Market

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you're headed to market, knowing what to ask vendors is so important. Listen in to learn six key questions to make sure you get answered so that ...

#606 Mastering Leadership: Building Strong Teams, Ensuring Compliance, and Creating a Great Workplace

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you found yourself propelled into the world of managing people when all you were prepared to do was focus on scaling your business? Jackie Koch,...

Five Minute Friday: Five Steps to the Perfect Online Sales Process

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, you heard me talk about the perfect process to follow for in-person sales. Today, I'm breaking down how to make the perfect online sale. Li...

#605 The Power of Adaptability: Thriving in a Changing Retail Landscape

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re joined by April Rector, owner of The Light House Boutique. In this episode, she shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges...

Five Minute Friday: Five Steps to the Perfect In-Store Sales Process

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How often have you gone into a store and heard someone immediately ask: "Can I help you with anything?" Asking this question right off the bat is the ...

#604 Facebook Ad Strategies for Small Business Retailers

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Curious about Facebook ads and eager to harness their potential for your business? Look no further! In this episode, we're diving into the dynamic wo...

Five Minute Friday: Cultivating Success: Why Culture is King

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've all heard people say "cash is king." But more important than cash—and what leads to more cash—is culture. Listen in to learn why figuring ou...

#603 Unlocking the Secrets of Apparel Manufacturing

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the intricate process of garment production, there is a lot of complexity that often goes unnoticed. Joining us today is Philippa Comfort from Crea...

Five Minute Friday: Measure What Matters

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another Five Minute Friday episode! Today we're talking about the key things to measure in your business. Download the Retail Acronyms Shee...

#602 Mastering the Art of Boutique Ownership: A Deep Dive into Niche Markets and Online Expansion

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jincy Wallace, the dynamic Boutique Boss and Owner of Jincy’s Southern Change, joins the show to offer a fresh perspective on boutique ownership. I...

Five Minute Friday: 5 Common Retail Acronyms Every Retailer Needs

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our new Five Minute Friday series, where I'll be sharing bite-sized actionable tips to help you grow your business! In this inaugural episo...

Season 6 Kickoff: What's Working For Small Business Retailers Right Now 

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Season 6! This season, we're shaking things up. It's time to get real and authentic because life is too short for anything less. We're divi...

FTV: Boutique Owner Myths Debunked with Sara Burks

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

 Sara Burks, our director of partnerships and education at The Boutique Hub, and I go over Boutique Owner Myths Debunked in this Season 2 episode —...

FTV: How to be more Productive as a Business Owner with Ashley Alderson

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“It’s so common today to hear the word busy. Everybody is busy. But the question is, are you busy doing the right things?” In this episode fro...

6 Lessons Business Owners Can Learn from Taylor Swift

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As I wrap up Season 5 of the podcast, I want to talk about where we are in the industry, where there’s opportunity right now, how to approach market...

Discover more MAGIC in 2024 with Kelly Helfman, President of MAGIC

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m so excited to welcome back to the show one of my favorite guests and BFFs, Kelly Helfman, President of MAGIC. And we have some BIG news to shar...

A Masterclass on Building and Scaling a Brand with Sam Paik, State of Fashion / YZE Agency

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am talking to one of my favorite people in the industry who’s advised me, encouraged me, brainstormed with me … and pushed me to eat m...

FTV: Legal Tips for Small Businesses with Andrea Sager, founder and CEO of The Legalpreneur

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the #BoutiqueChat Podcast, Andrea Sager joined me for Legal Tips for Small Businesses. As an attorney and former boutique owner, ...

How Regional Markets Can Benefit Your Business with Tara Thorn, Cedar and Cypress Designs

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking all things market – what sets regional markets apart from national shows, the benefits of both, the importance of attending ma...

FTV: Scaling from Entrepreneur to CEO with host Ashley Alderson

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I reflected on some of my personal experiences as a business owner in this solo episode on Season 3. When I started to look backward through the evolu...

If You Don’t Adapt, It’s Not Going To Work with Taylor Jones McClellan, The Tiny Closet

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Diversifying sources of revenue, building a personal brand, social media marketing and running a business through different seasons of life – Taylo...

FTV: 12 Crucial Tips for Boutique Owner Success with Sara Burks

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I was joined by our retail professor Sara Burks to talk about the 2020 Retail Bootcamp and go through our 12 Crucial Tips for Bouti...

How EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Can Transform Your Business and Team with Tom Wesner, founder of EOS Worldwide

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a little different. This week I am joined by my business coach Tom Wesner of EOS Worldwide — so you’re going to get all the juicy...

FTV: How To Maximize Your Market Experience with Amy Harper, DMC Sr. Vice President of Retail Development and Market Services

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dallas Market Center’s Amy Harper joined me in Season 2 for How to Maximize Your Market Experience. In this episode, Amy gives some amazing tips ...

Key Components of the Six Layers of Retail in 2024 with Sara Burks, Director of Partnerships & Education at The Boutique Hub

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our very own retail professor is back on the podcast! Today Sara Burks, Director of Partnerships and Education at The Boutique Hub, is joining me to d...

FTV: Creating a Strategic Marketing Plan for Your Business, with Brand Expert DruStew

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to sit down and create a strategic marketing plan for your business?  In Season 1, I visited about it with my friend Dru Stewart, ...

Prepping for the New Year: Reflections on 2023 and Predictions for 2024

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is my favorite week of the year! I know things may still be chaotic for you with inventory reduction sales and taking inventory. But in the busy ...

FTV: Tips to Create a Profitable Ecommerce Business with Erin Hooley, Bailey’s Blossoms

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Erin Hooley, founder of Bailey’s Blossoms, joined me in Season 3 for Tips to Create a Profitable Ecommerce Business. Erin is a living example of ...

7 Quick Tips for End of Year

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re all wrapping up 2023, which means it’s time to reorganize, reflect and get ready for the new year. And while we are all tired and we’re bu...

FTV: Strategies for Social Media Success with Shannon Gordon, Social Media Manager at The Boutique Hub

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shannon Gordon, Social Media Manager at the Boutique Hub and former boutique owner, joined me on the podcast at the beginning of Season 3 to talk St...

Simplifying Banking and Small Business Loans with Tracey Smiskey, Northwestern Bank

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It may be uncomfortable, and you may not like it, but building a good relationship and regularly checking in with your banker is just as necessary as ...

FTV: Tips From a Successful Boutique Owner with Alison Grooms, Jules & James

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I was so fortunate to have Alison Grooms, owner of Jules & James Boutique, join me on the show for Tips From a Successful Boutique Owner. In this ...

How to Plan, Buy and Manage Your Inventory in 2024 with Mary Landgrebe, Management One

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“You can’t be successful at marketing or sales unless you have a good handle on your inventory.” Get ready to hear some straight-up real talk wi...

FTV: 6 Steps to the Perfect Purchase, with Bob Negan, Founder of WhizBang! Retail

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In case you missed it in Season 1, Bob Negan, founder of WhizBang! Retail Training, joined me on the show to share the secrets to building a successf...

Dig In and Do the Hard Thing with Anais Almazan, Pretty & Pink Boutique

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

No one knows the meaning of hard work and perseverance better than my guest today, Anais Almazan, the founder and owner of Pretty & Pink Boutique. I w...

How to Make the Most of the Holiday Season: 5 Tips To Close the Year Out Strong

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I know this year in retail has been like the gauntlet; it has been a challenge. That’s why making most of the holiday season is more important than ...

FTV: Collaborating with an Influencer with Shaley Ham, West Desperado

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shaley Ham joined me in Season 2 for Collaborating with an Influencer. Shaley starts by giving us background on how she grew to become an Instagram ...

Encouraging Consumers to Shop Small First and Celebrating the 4th Annual Pink Friday

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a big week! The 4th annual Pink Friday is this Friday, and I am so excited to celebrate with all of you. This year will be bigger and better...

FTV: 7 Ways to Get More Bang for Your Buck When it Comes to Pricing Your Products

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're an experienced boutique owner or just a beginner, this episode may have you rethink your old pricing ways. This Season 2 solo still r...

10 Takeaways from the First 10 Months of 2023

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite lessons, tips and words of wisdom offered by guests this season all in one episode!  You’ll hear from Ferne Bo...