Shelf Talks
Shelf Talks is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs in the product space, offering insider insights on how to successfully get your products into retail stores and thrive on the shelves. Hosted by Roberta Townes, Shelf Talks features interviews with trailblazing female founders who have navigated the retail world. Each episode dives into real-life success stories, from building the perfect product to landing deals with major retailers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your business, Shelf Talks is packed with actionable advice, expert tips, and inspiring journeys to help you secure your spot in retail and grow your brand.
Tune in to hear the stories behind the products and learn what it really takes to succeed in the competitive retail space.
Also if you are looking for more knowledge, host Roberta Townes book 'Shelf Talk: A Step by Step guide to getting your Product in Retail Stores' is available on Amazon.
Episodes
65 episodes
Press Worthy: Gloria Chou’s No-Fluff PR Tips for Founders
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Gloria Chou, an expert in public relations for small businesses. Gloria shares her unique journey from being a US diplomat to becoming a PR coach, emphasizing the importance of storytellin...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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25:01
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3 Rapid Retail Questions with Sarah McNamara & Rochelle Jacobs, Co-Founders of Naturally Serious Skincare
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Sarah McNamara & Rochelle Jacobs, Co-Founders of Naturally Serious Skincare and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are ...
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Season 1
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4:54
Clean Beauty with a Conscience: Sarah McNamara & Rochelle Jacobs Retail Journey with Naturally Serious Skincare
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Sarah McNamara and Rochelle Jacobs, co-founders of Naturally Serious Skin, a clean beauty brand. They discuss their backgrounds in the beauty industry, the inspiration behind their brand, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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32:20
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3 Rapid Retail Questions with Mika Shino, Founder of Issei Mochi Gummies
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Mika Shino, Founder of Issei Mochi Gummies 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 Mika spe...
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Season 1
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3:18
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How Issei Mochi Gummies Found Its Sweet Spot in Retail with Founder Mika Shino
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Mika Shino, founder of Issei Mochi Gummies. Mika shares her journey from working at the United Nations to launching her innovative gummy brand inspired by traditional Japanese mochi. The c...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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43:08
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SHELF BITES: Navigating Trends and Inventory in a Social-First Market with Christina Kao, Co-Founder of Le Mini Macaron
In this mid week drop, I’m going back in the vault to carve out some insightful tips and learning from past guests.In this clip, Christina Kao discusses the strategic approach to influencer marketing, particularly through platforms l...
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Season 1
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19:52
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Mehek Khera, Founder of Niramaya Foods
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Mehek Khera, Founder of Niramaya Foods 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 Mehek specif...
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Season 1
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2:42
Feeding Wellness: How Mehek Khera Built a Brand Rooted in Tradition, Successfully Landing on the Shelves of Sprouts & Albertsons
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Mehek Khera, founder of Niramaya Foods, who shares her journey from a corporate career to launching her own brand focused on Indian-inspired, health-conscious foods. Mehek discusses the ch...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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55:36
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SHELF BITES: Producing Inventory at Scale While Balancing New SKUs in Retail with Brianna Arps, Founder of Moodeaux
In this mid week drop, I’m going back in the vault to carve out some insightful tips and learning from past guests.In this clip Brianna Arps shares her insights on launching a retail product, highlighting the importance of inventory mana...
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Season 1
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8:57
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Brittany Lo, Founder of Beia
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Brittany Lo, Founder of Beia 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 Brittany specifically ...
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Season 1
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1:20
The Business of Beauty: Brittany Lo on Retail, Branding & Growth With her Premium Vegan Skincare Brand Beia
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Brittany Lo, founder and CEO of Beia, a beauty brand focused on lifestyle skincare. Brittany shares her journey from starting a beauty service concierge to launching her own product line. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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55:32
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SHELF BITES: Stand Out & Sell - Differentiation & Consumer Education in Retail with Morgan Potts, Founder of Granarly
In this mid week drop, I’m going back in the vault to carve out some insightful tips and learning from past guests.In this clip talk with Morgan Potts as she shares her entrepreneurial journey with Granarly, a unique granola brand that i...
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Season 1
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13:16
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Keta Burke-Williams, Founder of Ourside Perfume
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Keta Burke-Williams, Founder of Ourside Perfume 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 Ket...
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Season 1
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2:11
Inside Ourside: The Fragrance Brand Redefining Luxury & Clean Beauty with Founder Keta Burke-Williams
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Keta Burke-Williams, founder of Ourside Perfume, who shares her journey from a traditional career path to launching a unique fragrance brand. Keta discusses her early influences, the chall...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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33:05
SHELF BITES: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Launching in Major Retail with Rachel Klein, Founder of Revival Food Co
In this SHELF BITES Rachel Klein, founder of Revival Food Co. shares her journey of launching a food product into Walmart, detailing the challenges she faced during production, logistics, and communication with buyers. She recounts a significan...
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Season 1
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8:55
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Elina Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of ESW Beauty
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Elina Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of ESW Beauty 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 Elina ...
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Season 1
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3:25
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How Elina Wang’s Life Pivot Led Her to Launch & Scale Her Beauty Brand ESW Beauty into Retail Stores
In this conversation, Elina Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of ESW Beauty, shares her journey of launching a clean skincare brand inspired by her personal wellness journey. She discusses the challenges and successes of building her brand, the importan...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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43:47
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SHELF BITES: Finding People to Help Guide Your Retail Journey with Heather Sloan & Enwei Li, Founders of Heali
Success in retail isn’t just about having a great product—it’s about building the right connections. In this Shelf Bites episode, we dive into how networking, strategic advisors, and even unexpected encounters helped shape the journey to landin...
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Season 1
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4:27
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Ardean Miller, Founder of Mah Melanin
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Ardean Miller, Founder of Mah Melanin 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 Ardean specif...
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Season 1
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5:40
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The Power of Representation: Ardean Miller, Founder of Mah Melanin’s Impact on Gift Wrap in Retail Stores
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Ardean Miller, founder of Mah Melanin, a groundbreaking brand in the gift wrap industry that focuses on diversity and inclusion. Ardean shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings ...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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57:46
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SHELF BITES: Cracking the Ulta Playbook -Shelf Space, Brokers & Marketing Strategies with Jamika Martin, Founder of Rosen Skincare
In this mini drop, I pulled out the archive some important and noteworthy tips and facts about retail from Jamika Martin, Founder of Rosen Skincare.In this conversation, Jamika Martin discusses her experiences and strategies in retail, ...
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Season 1
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16:12
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Jia Liao, Founder of Hotpot Queen
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Jia Liao, Founder of Hotpot Queen 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 Jia specifically ...
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Season 1
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2:42
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The Secret Spicy Sauce to Getting on Shelves with Hotpot Queen’s founder, Jia Liao
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Jia Liao, the founder of HotPot Queen, a brand that brings the rich tradition of hot pot to American homes. Gia shares her journey from growing up in a family restaurant to launching her o...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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1:07:45
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SHELF BITES: Winning Over Consumers, Getting Buyers to Say Yes, & Perfecting Your Product with Tania Sweis of Brune Kitchen
In this mid week drop, I’m going back in the vault to carve out some insightful tips and learning from past guests.In this clip, I talk with Tania Sweis, Co-Founder of Brune Kitchen and how she drives consumers trial in store, gives insi...
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Season 1
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6:28
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Sonia Smith Kang, Founder of Mixed Up Clothing
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Sonia Smith Kang, Founder of Mixed Up Clothing 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 Soni...
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Season 1
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2:39
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