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 navigating the real challenges of building a product-based business.
If you’re ready to turn your product into a retail success story, discover what retail buyers look for, and gain insider tips on wholesale strategy, retail readiness, and in-store growth, this is your podcast.
New episodes drop every week, subscribe to Shelf Talks and learn how to get your brand retail-ready and thriving on the shelf.
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.
Shelf Talks
FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: How Brianna Arps built Moodeaux, a Perfume Brand Taking Up Space and Worth on Shelf
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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 partnerships. In this conversation, Brianna Arps shares her journey of launching and growing her fragrance brand in retail. She discusses the challenges and lessons learned, particularly around inventory management, building community, and the importance of strategic partnerships. Brianna emphasizes the need for intentionality in branding and packaging, as well as the significance of consumer engagement during the holiday season. She also reflects on her personal growth as a founder and the importance of shedding ego to foster team expansion and future success.
Key Takeaways:
- Community engagement is crucial for brand loyalty
- Perfection can hinder progress
- PR and media play a vital role in brand visibility
- Transparency in the brand journey fosters consumer trust
- Exclusivity with retailers can drive initial sales
- Choosing retail partners that align with brand values is important
Breakdowns:
00:00 The Accidental Entrepreneur
02:46 Finding Solace in Fragrance
05:47 Building a Brand from Scratch
08:07 The Journey to Launch
10:48 Creating a Unique Fragrance
13:30 The Importance of Community Engagement
16:15 Navigating Challenges as a Black Woman Entrepreneur
18:58 The Role of PR and Media in Growth
21:49 Retail Partnerships and Strategic Growth
39:01 Lessons Learned from Launching in Retail
41:07 The Importance of Inventory Management
42:36 Building Community and Exclusivity in Retail
45:03 Strategic Product Launches and Brand Credibility
47:37 Choosing the Right Retail Partners
50:08 Evolving Brand Identity and Packaging
58:59 Future Growth and Team Expansion
Links mentioned in this episode:
Moodeaux Website: https://moodeaux.com/
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