Shelf Talks
Shelf Talks is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs in the product space, offering insider insights on how to successfully get your products into retail stores and thrive on the shelves. Hosted by Roberta Townes, Shelf Talks features interviews with trailblazing female founders who have navigated the retail world. Each episode dives into real-life success stories, from building the perfect product to landing deals with major retailers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your business, Shelf Talks is packed with actionable advice, expert tips, and inspiring journeys to help you secure your spot in retail and grow your brand.
Tune in to hear the stories behind the products and learn what it really takes to succeed in the competitive retail space.
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.
Episodes
92 episodes
Nina Lombardo & Anna Kotler: Building O’ts Cookies Into a Shelf-Ready Brand
In this episode of Shelf Talks, I sit down with Anna Kotler and Nina Lombardo, the powerhouse duo behind O’ts Cookies—a brand bringing globally inspired flavors to the classic oatmeal cookie.We dive into how Nina’s b...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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35:32
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The Local Advantage: 10 Reasons Why Starting in Local Stores Builds Stronger Brands
Should you launch straight into mass retail—or start smaller in your local market? If you’ve been frustrated and second-guessing where to begin, this episode of Shelf Talks is for you.Roberta breaks down 10 powerful reasons ...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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18:50
10 Proven Ways to Get in Front of Retail Buyers (and Stay Top of Mind)
In this special solo episode of Shelf Talks, I’m breaking down 10 proven ways to connect with retail buyers and stay top of mind—without feeling stuck, invisible, or ignored.As a retail buyer myself, I’ve seen what works ...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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21:10
Pitch Perfect: 4 Keys to Winning Over Retail Buyers
In this solo episode of Shelf Talks, I breaks down the exact formula you need to craft a winning retail pitch. Whether you’re preparing for a virtual meeting or flying out to meet a buyer face-to-face, I reveal the four must-have elem...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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19:21
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Caroline McGinley, Founder of La Gringuita Cookies
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Caroline McGinley, Founder of La Gringuita Cookiesand took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked C...
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Season 1
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3:18
Frozen Dough & Sharpie Labels: How Caroline McGinley Took her Brand La Gringuita to Whole Foods
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Caroline McGinley, founder of La Gringuita, a cookie brand that started in her kitchen and has grown into a successful retail product. Caroline shares her journey from baking cookies in Ur...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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41:45
FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Heather Sloan & Enwei Li, Founders of Heali Medical
In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 13 - Roberta interviews Heather Sloan and Enwei Li, co-founders of Heali, a wellness company that innovates in the sports, beauty, skincare, and aging sectors. They discuss their backgrounds, the incepti...
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Season 1
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39:35
FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Jamika Martin, Founder of Rosen Skincare
In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 4 - Jamika Martin, founder of Rosen Skincare, discusses her journey from formulating her products in her college apartment to launching a successful skincare brand now in over 700 Ulta stores. Jamika sha...
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59:10
Rapid Retail Questions with Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi
In this rapid-fire Retail Readiness Round, Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, drops powerful insights for any founder getting ready to hit store shelves. From packaging tips that stop customers in their tracks to the underrated magic of being on-she...
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Season 1
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3:51
Scaling Smart: Product, Pricing & Pivoting with Scout Brisson CEO of De Soi
In this episode of Shelf Talks, I’m joined by Scout Brisson — co-founder of functional cookie dough brand Deux and current CEO of De Soi, the non-alcoholic apéritif brand co-founded with Katy Perry. Scout ...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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45:28
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3 Rapid Retail Questions with Jess Berger, Founder of Bundle & Joy
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Jess Berger, Founder of Bundle & Joy and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Jess speci...
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Season 1
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4:27
Why Playing Small Doesn’t Serve You: Jess Berger on Betting Big in the Pet Industry with Bundle & Joy
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Jess Berger, founder of Bundle and Joy, a pet care brand focused on clean ingredients and wellness for pets. Jess shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the challen...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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45:46
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Val Emanuel, Co-Founder of Rif Care
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Val Emanuel, Co-Founder of Rif Care and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Val specificall...
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Season 1
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3:41
How Val Emanuel Co-Founded RIF Care and Disrupted Period Care with Hemp
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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49:39
FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: How Brianna Arps built Moodeaux, a Perfume Brand Taking Up Space and Worth on Shelf
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 engag...
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Season 1
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1:05:09
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Maxi Heidenblut, Founder of Häppy Candy
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Maxi Heidenblut, Founder of Häppy Candy and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Maxi specif...
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Season 1
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2:46
From Pandemic Idea to Retail Success with Häppy Candy founder Maxi Heidenblut
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Maxi Heidenblut, the founder of Häppy Candy, who shares her journey from a finance career to creating a healthier candy brand. Maxi discusses her passion for nutrition, the challenges of p...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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34:38
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Taylor Walker, Co-Founder of Spritzal Cookies
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Taylor Walker, Co-Founder of Spritzal Cookies and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Taylo...
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Season 1
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4:03
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How Taylor Walker, Co-Founder of Spritzal Cookies, Baked a Brand from Family Recipe to Retail Shelves
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Taylor Walker, co-founder of Spritzal Cookies, about her journey from IT sales to building a successful cookie brand with her mother. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting ...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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38:28
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Molly Blakeley, Founder of Molly Bz Gourmet Cookies
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Molly Blakeley, Founder of Molly Bz Gourmet Cookies and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked...
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Season 1
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2:00
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Cookies, Comebacks & Retail Wins with Molly Blakeley, Founder of Molly Bz Gourmet Cookies
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Molly Blakeley, the founder of Molly B's gourmet cookie brand. Molly shares her inspiring journey from struggling with just $150 to building a successful cookie business known for its inno...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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36:36
FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Tania Sweis on Building a Clean Cookie Brand
In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 8 - Tania Sweis hares her journey from being a corporate attorney to launching a clean, gluten-free, vegan cookie brand. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, n...
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Season 1
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42:58
FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK: Rachel Klein and the Wellness Journey Behind Revival Food Co
In this FOUNDER'S FLASHBACK from Episode 3 - Rachel Klein shares her unique journey from being a modern dance major to founding Revival Food Co., a premium almond butter brand. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting her business,...
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Season 1
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1:06:17
3 Rapid Retail Questions with Candice Wu, Co-Founder of Wonder Monday
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Candice Wu, Co-Founder of Wonder Monday and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Candice spe...
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Season 1
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2:33
Dessert Disruptor: Candice Wu’s Shelf‑Savvy Lessons with her Brand Wonder Monday
In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Candace Wu, co-founder of Wonder Monday, a brand that is redefining cheesecake with healthier options. Candace shares her journey from technology consulting to entrepreneurship, the challe...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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28:00
