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Episode Summary:
In this series, I want to introduce you to some of my coaching clients inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle and hear how their retail journeys evolve. We learn so much from hearing how others manage and run their business.
Enjoy hearing from Lee Hawn of The Lemonade Stand:
Lee’s journey began back in 2014 when she was simply flipping through a home decor magazine and saw a stunning dresser painted in milk paint. She did a little research, found a local retailer who sold the milk paint she was looking for, and she fell in love with the shop right as she walked in!
Like many shop owners’ journeys, her journey evolved…
She started taking courses, selling her own furniture, which all evolved into making farmhouse signs. She did all of this while also still maintaining her 20 year long career in HR! After attending local markets and teaching workshops, she decided to make a business from her basement. In 2018, Lee and her family made the big step to own a brick and mortar shop in Uxbridge, Ontario.
She turned her passion and hobby into a retail business.
Since covid hit, Lee, like most of you, has had to make big changes within her stunning shop, and she is sharing with us various ways she has maintained her amazing business and kept up with her customers and revenue streams. From decor, to adding new product lines, and selling a premium, four time a year box, she has made sure to keep the revenue steady even in dark times.
She also stresses the importance of the ambience of her shop. For example, she has dried flowers hanging from the ceiling so customers can smell lavender as they enter. She also makes sure to LISTEN to her customer’s wants and needs on the regular. Her store is primarily a farmhouse decor store now because it’s what her customers wanted.
We discuss how it is important to make a profit, and it’s also important that we find joy while making that profit! Lee is always learning and educating herself on what’s new in the industry and coaching and a great example of the type of retailers inside the Retailers Inner Circle.
Lee, a long-time Retailer Inner Circle member, showcases this in the truest form with her annual Christmas event. She is planning all year long, she uses all of her social media streams to advertise, and offers her customers gorgeous free gift bags when they spend a certain amount. Crowds were lining up on the street even through covid!
Enjoy this episode with Lee and be inspired to find the silver linings, think outside the box, prepare for your next big event, and really take your retail shop to the next level!
There will be storms child,
There will be storms
And with each tempest
You will seem to stand alone
Against cruel winds
But with time, the rage and fury
Shall subside
And when the sky clears
You will find yourself
Clinging to someone
You would have never known
But for storms
Storms, Margie DeMerell
Some resources for you…
Lee has some exciting things coming up! She will be wholesaling her candles to other retailers in the fall, and she will be working on Maker’s Days!
The Lemonade Stand
Facebook | Instagram
A quote for you to take away…
“Things don’t always work. I’ve made decisions, and I’ve done things that don’t work. But we just learn and grow from it. We move on. There’s no sense wallowing in it.” – Lee Hawn
Did you find this helpful? Do you want more help so you can soar?
Here are some of the ways I support shop owners:
Foot Traffic Made Simple, One on One Coaching, and many Self-Study Courses are available!
Don’t miss the next opening!
This podcast is sponsored by my Retailer’s Inner Circle:
If you want to elevate your skills as a shop owner, and have been searching for a community custom-made for you, join us inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle.
My monthly membership group is for motivated and savvy shop owners who want to level up their retail skills, so that they see more profits in the till and joy in their life.
Imagine spending less time in your business and more profits at the end of the day because you’re laser-focused on doing the right things?
Our members include independent, heart-centered brick and mortar shop owners with all levels of experience. From start up to multiple years of experience; including solo-preneurs, makers, booth space owners, and more.
Finally! The answers you’ve been looking for and the community you’ve been craving. Stop wondering if you’re doing it right. We’ve got you.
We focus on helping you become the confident CEO of your independent brick and mortar. It’s education + encouragement + a supportive community you will love!
Don’t miss the next opening for new members – jump on the waitlist here.
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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Google Podcast to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review. For more great content and helpful tips to grow your creative retail shop, visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with other creative retailers.
The Shop Owner’s Game Plan
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If you’re a heart centered shop owner wondering what to do next in your retail biz, this is your game plan!
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