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PODCAST

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda

Katie Elzer-Peters and Amanda Thomsen

Finally, a show that encourages you to be YOU while going about your business! Two friends in the green industry (Digital marketing agency owner Katie Elzer-Peters and retail shop owner Amanda Thomsen) discuss life as middle-aged women entrepreneurs in the mid 2020s. Expect a hefty dose of retail operations real-talk, small business marketing and tech tips, appearances from Amanda"s shop ghost and plenty of nonsense. The show notes are epic.

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

00:24:42

Open & Awkward - Episode 35: ROCKS, REWARDS & RETRO

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/12/10

Subtitle: The Vibe is NostalgiaSummary: Do you like to get behind trends? Katie talks about her recent trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and how the resort there has a very specific vibe. She also observes the resurging popularity of vintage cakes, charm necklaces, and decorative rocks. Amanda notes that certain trends can be thriving in some areas while flopping in others. She also shares how she gave her loyalty program, Magic Beans, a revamp, turning it into a win-win for both her customers and her

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00:31:09

Open & Awkward - Episode 34: SMALL TALK

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/12/03

Subtitle: To Buy or Not to BuySummary: Katie and Amanda reflect on their experiences as listeners of their own podcast, realizing they are learning about themselves. They discuss the ongoing thorn in Amanda’s side: what to do when customers linger without buying. Amanda’s perspective sparks a debate with Katie and they unpack what it means to value their time and their customers. Highlights: Amanda’s realization. Speaking and not remembering the brilliant things you said. Amanda has a more

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00:25:51

Open & Awkward - Episode 33: MAD AS A BAG OF CATS

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/11/26

Subtitle: Name it to Tame itSummary: Amanda shares a great tip on how to self-regulate and stop intrusive thoughts that you won’t want to miss. They discuss how Aster Gardens launched a free seed library outside the store featuring Hyacinth Bean Vine (what a cool idea!). Amanda gave Kennedy the entire project to handle, soup to nuts, and she did a great job! Katie talks about how the best teams she works with are the ones where everyone knows their lane and how to drive in it. She also mentions a

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00:25:25

Open & Awkward - Episode 32: MAYBE WE'RE CLAIRVOYANT

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/11/19

Subtitle: Hell in a Handbasket Summary: Katie shares a wild story—did she help someone in need, or was she almost carjacked? It’s hard to say! They discuss the recent hurricanes impacting North Carolina, where Katie resides, and talk about the terrible challenges the community faces. Amanda reveals her exciting plans to close Aster Gardens on Wednesdays to free her schedule for garden consultations. She’s worried about perception but Katie assures her it’s all in how she presents it. Amanda has

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00:44:15

Open & Awkward - Episode 31: DON'T SPOOK THE HORSES

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/11/12

Subtitle: Multitasking is a JokeSummary: Amanda shares that she created a hilarious secret hiding nook behind the register, perfect for popping out to give customers a little scare! Meanwhile, Katie dishes that Harry Styles recently bought flowers at a local farmers market and was unrecognized by the vendor.—who knew he could go incognito? They talk about the reality of multitasking (spoiler: it’s a joke). Amanda is gearing up for the Market on Canal festival, and they discuss the pros and cons of

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00:33:34

Open & Awkward - Episode 30: A BANGER

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/11/05

Subtitle: Get Off My Lawn Summary: Get ready for a lively episode as Amanda spills the tea on her latest email marketing adventure—spoiler alert: no one opened it! Katie, the email marketing queen, suggests that it might just be a timing issue and shares her secret hack to reblast it with a catchy new title (did you know you could do that?). Amanda's on a mission to turn readers into buyers, and Katie has a fab idea: a curated drop at the start of each month to offer a little bit of Aster Gardens

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00:34:42

Open & Awkward - Episode 29: SHENANIGAN-ABLE

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/10/29

Subtitle: Everyone Needs a CouchSummary: In this episode, Katie visits her friend and fellow horticulturist, Brie Arthur, in Raleigh, NC, where they stop by an art store—much to Brie’s confusion, as she knows plants but not art! Meanwhile, Amanda is busy rearranging Aster Gardens to move the Cash Wrap station closer to the door, allowing customers to see them crafting up front, (FUN)! She also links her online shop to her Instagram, hoping it will boost sales. Together, Katie and Amanda realize

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00:51:26

Open & Awkward - Episode 28: WET BULB TEMPERATURE

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/10/22

Subtitle: You Must be Really Fun at Parties Summary: Katie shares her Room Portrait Club painting, and Amanda declares that Katie’s art is getting even better! They discuss the Locavore Guide, which is NYC-based, and how all small businesses should promote others in their surrounding areas. Amanda shares an experience where she asks, “Am I the asshole?” (She’s not.) They also talk about the Keith Lee effect, Katie’s upcoming speaking engagement in Grand Rapids, MI, and how to try not to take things

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00:37:58

Open & Awkward - Episode 27: KITTED OUT

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/10/15

Subtitle: What you allow will continue Summary: In this episode, Katie and Amanda open up about their battle scars from some truly awful jobs—think PTSD, but with a side of trauma. Katie is bummed about not being more involved in the public garden industry and wishes public gardens, breeders, growers, and retailers would communicate more. Amanda is rolling out her grab-and-go craft kits, because who doesn’t want an awesome, surprise DIY project? She also rants about small businesses stubbornly

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00:36:11

Open & Awkward - Episode 26: BUSINESS INCUBATOR

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/10/08

Subtitle: You don’t have to be everything to everyone Summary: Katie and Amanda are both enjoying “false fall” which is happening in both their states. Amanda discusses being unexpectedly recruited as a florist (no thanks), which she quickly turns down as her true specialty is promoting sustainability and educating people on living in harmony with nature. She also gives an update on the farmer’s market and talks about her vision to introduce local produce into area restaurants. Katie delves into

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00:34:29

Open & Awkward - Episode 25: STICKY

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/10/01

Subtitle: Don’t make your muse pay your mortgage Summary: Amanda opens up about a potential diagnosis and her lack of anxiety about it. Katie gives a shout-out to Amy Stewart's latest book, The Tree Collectors (seriously, you need a copy!). Amanda also introduces a new recruit to the Cult of Katie, and Katie reminds everyone that her free 15-minute discovery calls are the perfect opportunity to get FREE answers—just come prepared with questions. Katie reads a hilarious excerpt from Amanda’s

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00:30:17

Open & Awkward - Episode 24: BEACH PLEASE

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/09/24

Subtitle: Don’t go to the second location Summary: Katie makes a splash by going swimming at the beach for the first time in two years—despite living there! She discusses the joy of seeing how different people interact, unwind, and make use of the beach. Meanwhile, Amanda is planning a Halloween pilgrimage to Disney World because she loves a good dose of immersive magic! They also talk about the importance of not expanding your business too quickly, staying hands-on in your business, and the

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00:24:42

Open & Awkward - Episode 23: AMANDA GOES SHOPPING

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/09/17

Subtitle: There’s more than one way to skin a cat Summary: Amanda goes shopping (which she RARELY does), and it literally changes her life. They discuss fun ways small businesses can set themselves apart from competitors, customers browsing without purchasing, and how being your own goofy self is finally becoming acceptable (and celebrated). Oh, and have you tried a cold plunge yet? Amanda gives her review! Highlights: The Summer Doldrums. What Amanda learns from visiting other small

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00:38:56

Open & Awkward - Episode 22: DIRTY LAUNDRY

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/09/10

Subtitle: So you wanna write a book? Summary: Amanda has an awkward encounter with the OTHER Garden Center in town, sparking a discussion about handling communication with people who have differing opinions. They dive into Amanda’s aversion to going with the flow and the challenges of tech not connecting. Oh, and if you are thinking about writing a book you are going to want to listen to this! Highlights: Amanda’s interaction with “The OTHER Garden Center.” Katie dives deep into how to have

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00:32:22

Open & Awkward - Episode 21: BUSINESS BESTIE

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/09/03

Subtitle: All Roads Lead to MarketingSummary: Katie and Amanda discuss how it's never a good idea to make people feel dumb. Amanda also shares her secrets for keeping audiences engaged during speaking engagements—spoiler alert: it involves SLUGS! They discuss how people love an incentive, reversing the trend of local business loss and how you can actually use AI as your hype man. Highlights: It’s too lonely by yourself. Fear and shame are not good motivators. Giving talks, engaging people

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00:32:00

Open & Awkward - Episode 20: MONEY FOLLOWS PAIN

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/08/27

Subtitle: Chew on the Left Side of Your MouthSummary: Katie has a surprise road trip from Columbus, OH to Wilmington, NC! They discuss how you CAN learn to chew on the left side of your mouth (otherwise known as changing a habit). They also chat about how to get your sparkle back–and how to realize that you even lost it. Plus, they explore the safe feeling in working at a job you know you are good at and how we all need community. Oh, and did you know the Great Lakes are GREAT? Shhhh. Don't

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00:39:52

Open & Awkward - Episode 19: HOUSE RULES

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/08/20

Subtitle: Plot, Plan & MarketSummary: In this episode, Katie and Amanda chat about how Aster Gardens is more than just a store—it’s an experience and an inspiring adventure! They dive into the lessons learned from mistakes, the tricky art of deciding when/how/if to put items on sale, and the importance of continuing to always put things into your funnel. And what exactly is “oldest daughter energy”? You’ll have to tune in to find out! Highlights: Applying familiar concepts to promote your

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00:44:48

Open & Awkward - Episode 18: THE SCENIC ROUTE

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/08/13

Subtitle: Kindred Spirits and Cockroaches Summary: Katie surprises Amanda with a visit to her store! They discuss Amanda’s creative idea for encouraging support of independent retailers around Aster Gardens. They also chat about the Peter Principle, mind mapping, closing the stress cycle and the positive impact of getting real with people. Oh, and did we mention that Amanda ordered 100 plastic 🪳 cockroaches? Wanna know why? We know you do! Listen now. Highlights: The ghost in the machine (or,

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00:34:54

Open & Awkward - Episode 17: CAPITALIZE?

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/08/06

Subtitle: Change is doable!Summary: Katie and Amanda discuss ways of capturing new customers and audiences by changing your package/messaging. They talk about the high open rates of "ooops" emails, developing your brand's personality, and why we ALL DESERVE to have pleasure in our lives. Highlights: Shrinkflation and how we can use the concept Another fan message Things people will say to Kennedy and not Amanda Amanda’s customer stats Oops emails and focusing on your brand

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00:34:53

Open & Awkward - Episode 16: ROBUST OUTLIERS

Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda ·

2024/07/30

Subtitle: Small, potent, amazing, dangerous changesSummary: Join Amanda Thomsen from Aster Gardens and Katie Elzer-Peters of The Garden of Words in another hilariously unpredictable episode of "Open and Awkward Shop Talk." Katie and Amanda discuss hiring consultants vs. asking your own staff for their suggestions. They talk about the challenges of running a small, women-owned business, people with a scarcity mindset, how not all traffic is good traffic and the patriarchy

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