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PODCAST

Shelf Talks

Shelf Talks is the go-to podcast for female founders, product-based entrepreneurs, and emerging brands who want to learn how to get their products into retail stores and thrive once they’re there.Hosted by Roberta Townes, a seasoned retail buyer, each weekly episode features unfiltered conversations with founders who’ve landed on shelves at top retailers. You’ll learn exactly how they pitched to buyers, built retail partnerships, scaled wholesale distribution, and grew brand awareness all while

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

58:44

FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Jamika Martin, Founder of Rosen...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/07/28

Send us a text In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 4 - Jamika Martin, founder of Rosen Skincare, discusses her journey from formulating her products in her college apartment to launching a successful skincare brand now in over 700 Ulta stores. Jamika shares insights on the challenges and learnings from starting her business, including the importance of customer feedback, the transition to direct-to-consumer sales, and her experience with the Target Accelerator program. The discussion als...

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3:25

Rapid Retail Questions with Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi

Shelf Talks ·

2025/07/24

Send us a text In this rapid-fire Retail Readiness Round, Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, drops powerful insights for any founder getting ready to hit store shelves. From packaging tips that stop customers in their tracks to the underrated magic of being on-shelf at Whole Foods, Scout shares what she wishes she knew before launching into retail. We talk: 💡 How to make your packaging speak in 5 seconds (or less) 📦 Why your messaging hierarchy really matters 🛒 The true value of in-st...

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45:02

Scaling Smart: Product, Pricing & Pivoting with Scout...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/07/21

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, I’m joined by Scout Brisson — co-founder of functional cookie dough brand Deux and current CEO of De Soi, the non-alcoholic apéritif brand co-founded with Katy Perry. Scout takes us inside her journey from management consulting to leading not one, but two standout brands in the crowded world of CPG. We dive into the real behind-the-scenes of building product-market fit, pitching to skeptical retailers, and standing out in a category that di...

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4:00

3 Rapid Retail Questions with Jess Berger, Founder of...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/07/15

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Jess Berger, Founder of Bundle & Joy and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Jess specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). What’s one thing every founder should do before trying to get their product into retail stores?What marketing strategies have you found the most sales generating when growing a ...

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45:19

Why Playing Small Doesn’t Serve You: Jess Berger on...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/07/14

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Jess Berger, founder of Bundle and Joy, a pet care brand focused on clean ingredients and wellness for pets. Jess shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced in launching her brand during the pandemic, and the importance of community engagement and retail partnerships. She discusses her unique approach to building the brand before the product, her experiences at trade shows, and ...

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3:15

3 Rapid Retail Questions with Val Emanuel, Co-Founder...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/07/08

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Val Emanuel, Co-Founder of Rif Care and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Val specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). What’s one thing every founder should do before trying to get their product into retail stores?What marketing strategies have you found the most sales generating when growing a brand ...

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49:13

How Val Emanuel Co-Founded RIF Care and Disrupted...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/07/07

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Valerie Emanuel, co-founder of Rif Care, a sustainable feminine care brand. Valerie shares her journey from modeling to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and triumphs of launching a product-based business in the wellness space. The conversation covers the importance of community, feedback, and iteration in product development, as well as the complexities of navigating retail and building a brand that resonates wit...

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64:43

FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: How Brianna Arps built Moodeaux,...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/06/30

Send us a text In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from episode 6 - Brianna Arps, founder of Moodeaux, shares her journey from being a beauty editor to launching her own luxury fragrance brand. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of community engagement, and how her personal experiences shaped her brand's identity. Brianna emphasizes the significance of emotional connections in fragrance, the role of PR in building momentum, and the strategic decisions that led to successful retail...

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2:20

3 Rapid Retail Questions with Maxi Heidenblut,...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/06/25

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Maxi Heidenblut, Founder of Häppy Candy and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Maxi specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). 1. What is a learning that you didn’t know until your cookies were actually on retail shelves? 2. What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first retail...

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34:12

From Pandemic Idea to Retail Success with Häppy Candy...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/06/23

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Maxi Heidenblut, the founder of Häppy Candy, who shares her journey from a finance career to creating a healthier candy brand. Maxi discusses her passion for nutrition, the challenges of product development, and the importance of retail strategy in the candy market. She highlights the significance of taste testing, marketing strategies, and the evolution of packaging. Maxi also shares insights on pricing, sales strategies,...

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3:37

3 Rapid Retail Questions with Taylor Walker,...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/06/17

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Taylor Walker, Co-Founder of Spritzal Cookies and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Taylor specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). 1. What is a learning that you didn’t know until your cookies were actually on retail shelves? 2. What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their firs...

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38:01

How Taylor Walker, Co-Founder of Spritzal Cookies,...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/06/16

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Taylor Walker, co-founder of Spritzal Cookies, about her journey from IT sales to building a successful cookie brand with her mother. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting a family business, the importance of marketing and sampling, and the strategic decisions behind rebranding and product development. Taylor shares insights on navigating retail partnerships, managing inventory, and leveraging social media ...

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1:34

3 Rapid Retail Questions with Molly Blakeley, Founder...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/06/10

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Molly Blakeley, Founder of Molly Bz Gourmet Cookies and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Molly specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). What is a learning that you didn’t know until your cookies were actually on retail shelves?What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first ...

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36:10

Cookies, Comebacks & Retail Wins with Molly Blakeley,...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/06/09

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Molly Blakeley, the founder of Molly B's gourmet cookie brand. Molly shares her inspiring journey from struggling with just $150 to building a successful cookie business known for its innovative flavors. She discusses the challenges she faced, including numerous rejections, and how her persistence paid off. Molly emphasizes the importance of community support, mentorship, and creative marketing strategies that helped her t...

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42:31

FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Tania Sweis on Building a Clean...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/06/02

Send us a text In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 8 - Tania Sweis hares her journey from being a corporate attorney to launching a clean, gluten-free, vegan cookie brand. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, navigating the retail landscape, and the importance of maintaining quality while scaling production. Tania also discusses her experience on the show Side Hustlers on Roku, the dynamics of co-founding a business with a friend, and the futur...

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65:51

FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Rachel Klein and the Wellness...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/05/27

Send us a text In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 3 - Rachel Klein shares her unique journey from being a modern dance major to founding Revival Food Co., a premium almond butter brand. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting her business, including her experiences with scaling, entering retail, and navigating setbacks. Rachel emphasizes the importance of relationships in the food industry and the lessons learned from her partnership with Walmart. She also highlights her v...

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2:06

3 Rapid Retail Questions with Candice Wu, Co-Founder...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/05/20

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Candice Wu, Co-Founder of Wonder Monday and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Candice specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). What was the most challenging part about securing placement in retail stores?What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first retail deal?What trade s...

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27:34

Dessert Disruptor: Candice Wu’s Shelf‑Savvy Lessons...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/05/19

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Candace Wu, co-founder of Wonder Monday, a brand that is redefining cheesecake with healthier options. Candace shares her journey from technology consulting to entrepreneurship, the challenges of product development, and the strategies for entering the competitive retail market. She discusses the importance of understanding consumer needs, building relationships with retailers, and the marketing strategies that have contri...

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2:47

3 Rapid Retail Questions with Sarah Vilenskiy,...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/05/13

Send us a text Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Sarah Vilenskiy, Founder of Blossom Essentials and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores. On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Sarah specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn). What were some of the unexpected challenges you faced once your product was on the shelves? What would you say are the benefits of being in retail stores that are di...

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49:07

Shelf-Worthy Skincare: Sarah Vilenskiy’s Lessons in...

Shelf Talks ·

2025/05/12

Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Sarah Vilenskiy, the founder of Blossom Essentials, a beauty brand focused on skincare for sensitive skin. Sarah shares her journey from digital marketing to launching her own brand, the challenges of product development, and the importance of quality assurance. She discusses the transition from direct-to-consumer to retail, the role of accelerators in navigating retail partnerships, and the strategies for building brand a...

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127 results

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