Creative Shop Talk Podcast Episode 278 | Behind the Counter with Megan Macdonald: How She Built a Profitable Two-Location Shop and Gained Her Freedom

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With Retail Coach Wendy Batten

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

In This Episode: 

Do you feel like your shop is running you instead of the other way around? You’re not alone, and today’s guest proves there’s a better way.

In this inspiring episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m welcoming Level Up Mastermind member Megan Macdonald, founder of Sandwick Bay Candles. Megan joins me all the way from a small island in Scotland. She’s sharing her journey from making candles at her kitchen table to running a thriving retail and wholesale business with multiple revenue streams, including a coffee bar and subscription boxes.

You’ll hear how Megan unshackled herself from feeling tied down to her shop, built a strong team culture, and created the freedom to travel while still growing her business. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right systems and mindset, you can build a profitable business that supports your dream life.

Key Takeaways from this Conversation:

• Building multiple revenue streams to fuel growth
• Creating freedom with strong systems and team trust
• Embracing scary but necessary growth decisions
• Balancing life, travel, and business without burnout

Your Next Steps:

1. Reflect: What part of your business feels like it’s tying you down?
2. Act: Identify one system or process you can delegate this week.
3. Dream: Ask yourself, “What needs to be true for me to step into my next level?”
4. Join us: Want to hang with like-minded shop owners from all over the world like Megan? The wait-list for the Level Up Mastermind is open! Add your name to the list today.

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Related podcasts we think you’d like:

Episode 126: 10 Simple Ways to Level Up Your Shop

Episode 219: Retailer Success Series: Behind the Counter with Inner Circle Member Jeanne Terrill

Episode 239: Behind the Counter: Building the Business You Wish Existed with Jasmine McCue

About Megan and Sandwick Candles:

Megan started Sandwick Bay Candles as a side hustle while on leave from her Occupational Therapy career when her youngest child was little. During her leave, her passion for candlemaking grew and so did the business. During the lockdown in 2020, business exploded for Megan, causing her to move her small workshop (which started at the kitchen table!) to a lifestyle shop in Stornoway, Scotland. Today, Sandwick Bay Candles is anticipating the opening of a second store and stocking candles at many other small businesses in the area. 

Megan is a member of the Level Up Mastermind and the Retailer’s Inner Circle.

You can follow along with Megan here: 

Instagram | Facebook | Website

About Your Host, Wendy Batten:

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy.

I’ve had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I’ve supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast.

For more support from Wendy:

Join Wendy’s CEO Planning Session for Retailers

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

Free resources for shop owners  

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG 

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

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