Retailer Success Series: Cindy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store | Episode 237

 Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 237 | Retailer Success Series: Cindy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 237 | Retailer Success Series: Cindy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

 

<

Listen on:  Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Radio Republic | YouTube | PlayerFM | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

In This Episode: 

Do you need inspiration navigating your role as an accidental entrepreneur? This episode is for you! Like many of us, Cindy Boissonneault of Poco Inspired in Winnipeg didn’t intend on putting on a CEO hat and running a retail business. In this episode, Cindy shares her inspiring journey from overcoming stress-induced challenges to becoming a successful retail entrepreneur. 

With no prior retail experience, Cindy built her bead store into a thriving business by mastering inventory management, focusing on what works, and building strong systems. Tune in to hear her strategies for transitioning into a true CEO role, creating a sellable business, and achieving retail excellence—all while staying connected to her customers and community.

In this episode, Cindy and I chat about:

  • Her 20-year journey from overcoming stress-related illness to owning a thriving bead store.
  • How buying an existing retail business kickstarted her entrepreneurial career.
  • The value of niching down: Focusing on what sells best.
  • Transitioning from hands-on retail to strategic CEO leadership.
  • Key insights into creating a sellable business with strong systems and processes.
  • Practical strategies for inventory management and using metrics to make tough decisions.
  • Collaboration with competitors: Why rising tides lift all ships.
  • Planning secrets for reducing stress and driving success.

Takeaways for All Independent Retailers:

  • Understanding your unique selling point and investing in expertise.
  • Developing systems (SOPs) that make your business scalable and sellable.
  • Using metrics to guide inventory and revenue decisions—don’t let emotions dictate choices.
  • Building community, both in-store and with competitors, to boost customer loyalty.
  • Stepping into your CEO role: Plan ahead and delegate effectively.

Cindy is an active member of the Level Up Mastermind and the Retailer’s  Inner Circle program. Join smart retailers like Cindy inside either of those programs this year.

“If coming to my shop today wasn’t the best thing our customer did, then we haven’t done our job.” -Cindy Boissonneault, Poco Inspired

Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 237 | Retailer Success Series: Cindy’s Journey to Building a Thriving Bead Store | with Retail Coach Wendy Batten
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 133: Retailer Success Series: Community, Culture, & CEO Mindset with Amy Cseh

Episode 218: Retailer Success Series: Community Marketing Strategies with Millie Blackwell

Episode 223: Behind the Counter: Buying an Existing Business with Shop Owners Dan & Robin Haynes

About Cindy and Poco Inspired:

Cindy Boissonneault was a part-time employee at her bead shop prior to purchasing it over 10 years ago. She is an independent spirit who describes herself as a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Prior to owning Poco Inspired, a bead store in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cindy’s background included Business Administration, Human Resources, and Events Management.

Follow along with Poco Inspired:  Website | Instagram

About Your Host, Wendy Batten:

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of The Retailer’s Inner Circle, 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 top-ranked podcast, 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, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, 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 https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy:

Retailer’s Inner Circle – Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners 

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

All of Wendy’s programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

Subscribe and Review in iTunes:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I’d love you to consider it. Subscribing means you won’t miss an episode! Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

If you want to be more of a rock star, I’d love it if you could leave a review over on iTunes as well.  Those reviews help other retailers find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

WELCOME

Hi there! I'm Wendy Batten, and I'm obsessed with helping independent shop owners like you achieve success.

With over 20 years of experience as a small business owner, I've owned several retail businesses along the way including a cafe, two retail shops, and a studio (and even a tae kwon do studio), learning first-hand the art of juggling all the balls.

I now dedicate my time to coaching hundred of retailers all around the world, sharing my expertise to help them organize their businesses and maximize profits, paychecks, and JOY in their day-to-day lives.

I created the support, programs, and community that I wish I'd had.

Whether you've been in business for years or are just starting out with your brick-and-mortar venture, you've come to the right place.

If you're serious about your business and ready to stop winging it, I'm here to inspire and guide you toward success.

I'm so happy you're here, and I can't wait to support you on your journey to thriving in the world of retail!

SEARCH THIS SITE

FREE DOWNLOADS

Subscribe Now

Subscribe to Creative Shop Talk so you never miss an episode covering the topics most important to creative retailers.

Share Some Love

Click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”. I may highlight you on an upcoming episode. Make sure you leave your business name, Instagram handle and location so I can give your shop a shoutout. 

Keep on listening …

Join the Conversation!

Thousands of independent shop owners have signed up to receive Wendy’s latest industry news and business help delivered straight to your inbox! Join us!

Weekly emails with news your business needs.

Pin It on Pinterest