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 Sarela Harrada, Co-Founder of SIMPLi
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Sarela Herrada, co-founder and CEO of SIMPLi, joins Shelf Talks for a candid conversation packed with actionable retail insights every product-based founder needs to hear before pitching buyers and launching into stores.
If you're trying to get your brand into retail shelves in the next 6–12 months, this episode breaks down what actually makes a product retail-ready beyond simply having a great product. Sarela shares why category differentiation matters, how to create packaging that stops consumers in their tracks, and one surprising belief she had about retail that turned out to be completely wrong.
You’ll also hear powerful lessons on founder networking, reaching out to industry leaders, and why events like Expo West can completely change the trajectory of your business.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to stand out in a crowded retail category
• Why packaging can make or break your retail success
• The mistake founders make assuming the best product always wins
• How founder relationships can accelerate growth
• Why networking opportunities create game-changing retail connections
Whether you're preparing for buyer meetings, refining your product positioning, or building a shelf-ready brand, this episode delivers practical advice to help you get into retail stores — and win once you're there.
Listen now and take one step closer to becoming truly retail ready.
Listen to the full episode released May 18th.
Event Partner: Nourish Summit & Expo (Oct. 5-7, 2027 | Baltimore) - Use code SHELFTALKS10 for 10% off full registration https://bit.ly/4sx0Zba
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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