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
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Shizu Okusa, Founder & CEO of Apothekary
In this Shelf Talks Retail Readiness Round, Shizu Okusa, founder and CEO of Apothekary, shares quick but powerful insights every founder should know before stepping into retail.
From managing working capital and understanding payment terms, to deeply researching buyers and their priorities, Shizu breaks down what it really takes to make a lasting impression and succeed once your products hit the shelf.
Plus, she leaves us with the best piece of founder advice she lives by:
“Don’t borrow trouble. The true balance is living in the present — because presence is the ultimate present.”
A must-listen for any entrepreneur preparing to pitch, scale, and grow in retail.
Listen to the full episode that dropped 10/27/25
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Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com
Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! Hello@shelftalks.com
Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book