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
How Val Emanuel Co-Founded RIF Care and Disrupted Period Care with Hemp
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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 with consumers. Valerie emphasizes the significance of face-to-face connections and the impact of media on brand visibility, while also providing valuable insights for aspiring founders looking to secure retail deals.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rif Care and Valerie's Journey
02:56 Valerie's Early Career and Transition to Entrepreneurship
05:47 The Birth of Rif Care and Overcoming Challenges
08:41 Manufacturing and Product Development Insights
11:42 Feedback and Iteration on Products
14:41 Retail Launch and Customer Engagement
17:38 Navigating Retail Challenges and Slotting Fees
20:21 The Importance of Face-to-Face Connections
23:29 Future Plans and Expansion for Rif Care
26:26 The Impact of Media and Community Engagement
29:25 Final Thoughts and Retail Readiness Tips
Link to Rif Care:
Rif Care Website: https://rifcare.com/
Rif Care Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rifcare/?hl=en
Rif Care Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rifcare?lang=en
Find retailers on Rif Care Website.
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Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book