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
Olivia Abrams Co-Founder of TiCK MiTT Talks Shark Tank
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What does it really take to walk into the Shark Tank — and walk out stronger as a founder?
In this episode clip from this week's full episode, Roberta sits down with Olivia Abrams, co-founder of TiCK MiTT, to unpack her unforgettable journey from building a mission-driven product to pitching on Shark Tank’s season finale and Mark Cuban’s final episode ever.
Olivia shares the behind-the-scenes reality of getting on Shark Tank (including the surprising referral that landed her in front of producers), how she prepared for one of the most high-pressure pitches of her life, and what founders don’t see about the waiting, uncertainty, and emotional rollercoaster after filming.
You’ll hear:
- How Olivia prepared for Shark Tank by deeply mastering her category (to the point of “embarrassing a buyer”)
- The exact questions the Sharks always ask and how to be ready for them
- How she divided pitch roles with her co-founder (and why that matters)
- What the real “Shark Tank effect” looks like on sales and inventory
- Why transparency with customers during post-air inventory challenges builds long-term trust
- The mindset shift required when your brand suddenly gets national exposure
This conversation is a must-listen for product-based founders, CPG entrepreneurs, and anyone dreaming of retail expansion or a Shark Tank moment of their own. Olivia’s story is a reminder that there is no playbook — only preparation, belief, and the courage to jump.
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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