Let’s Talk Shop

Let's Talk Shop with Tom Joule from Joules

This episode of Let’s talk shop is a little different as I speak to a sizable retailer,  Tom Joule, is the founder and Chief Brand Officer at Joules and I invited Tom as guest before I even launched this podcast because I wanted to share his story of how he and his team built a business from a stall at a country fair to being a listed company and about Joules new marketplace “Friends of Joules”.
On Monday the 18th November I packed up the car with the dog and husband and drove up to Market Harborough for our podcast recording, I would love to be able to take the time to do this all the time and we had such a lovely day out.
For this podcast I have invited buyers and industry professionals from all sort of sized businesses and I continue to invite them and stay persistent but it’s not always easy as there’s often lots of red tape to get past but at Joules there was none of that and Tom said yes right away which I really appreciate and I really hope you enjoy this episode and that you go and have a look at Friends of Joules and discover some new small brands to support.
In our chat Tom and I talk about:
How it all started with a stand at a county fair in 1989. Tom used his close relationship with his customer to constantly innovate and develop new types revenue streams.
How Tom built a truly multi-channel business that has stayed true to its values and the importance of building a team and keeping them.
Friends of Joules, why and how this came about and how Tom see it develop.
The challenges of building a marketplace that doesn’t get overcrowded and that stays true to Joules values.
Importance of building a mailing list from the start.
 
Connect with Joules
https://www.joules.com/
https://www.joules.com/friends-of-joules
https://www.instagram.com/joules/
https://www.instagram.com/friendsofjoules/
 
Links mentioned in this episode
 
Tillyanna
On Joules: https://www.joules.com/friends/Tillyanna
Website: https://tillyanna.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tillyanna/
 
HiHo Silver
On Joules: https://www.joules.com/friends/HiHo%20Silver
Website: https://www.hihosilver.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hihosilveruk/
 
The DenKit Co
On Joules: https://www.joules.com/friends/The%20Den%20Kit%20Company
Website: https://www.thedenkitco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denkitco/
 
The Marmite Fudge I mentioned is from: https://www.instagram.com/getfudgedonline/
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
 
Work with me
1:1: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/one-to-one-mentoring
 
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop
 https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's Talk Shop with Jo Johnson from Form SE15

In this episode of Let’s talk shop, I chat to Jo Johnson, owner of fashion and lifestyle boutique Form SE15. Jo opened her shop after she was made redundant with the help of a small business grant and we talk all about:
- Jo’s story and background.
- How social media helped Jo grow her audience and customer base even before she opened her doors.
- How Jo finds new suppliers, what’s important and how to build a good relationship with a retail buyer. 
- How it differs to buy fashion vs. lifestyle products.
- The challenges of running an independent business.
- The ever-changing retail climate and how independent businesses can stand out.
 
Connect with Jo and Form SE15
https://www.formse15.com/
https://www.instagram.com/formse15/
 
Links mentioned in this episode
https://www.manrepeller.com/
https://www.joinstorelondon.co.uk/
http://www.waranddrobe.co.uk/ 
https://www.instagram.com/waranddrobe/
https://www.folkclothing.com/
https://lfmarkey.com/
 
BUY JO’s CHARITY CANDLE
https://www.formse15.com/lifestyle/form-se15s-nurture-candle
 
BOOK A POWER-HOUR
https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/power-hour
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Work with me 1:1: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/one-to-one-mentoring
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's Talk Shop with Niko and Paul from Earl of East

In this episode of Let’s talk shop, I chat to Niko Dafkos and Paul Firmin from Earl of East. Earl of East started as a market stall and has grown to be a lifestyle brand that includes 2 permanent shops that host regular workshops plus a pop-up shop. As well as being stocked by over 200 retailers worldwide.
Niko and Paul also just released their first book, The Scented Candle Workshop which is published by Kyle Books and you can win a signed copy by sharing where you are tuning in on Instagram and tagging me @small_business_collaborative. For an extra entry, write a review on iTunes and send me a screenshot. The giveaway closes Monday 11th November 2019 at 9 am.
In this episode Nike, Paul and I talk about:
- How they built their creative business whilst both being in full-time employment until very recently.
- How they create a new scent.
- How they create a unique community-focused store experience for their customers.
- What they learned from writing their beautiful book, The Scented Candle Workshop.
- How they select new products and brands to stock in their shops.
- The challenges of scaling a business.
- What’s next for Earl of East.
 
Connect with Earl of East
https://www.earlofeast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/earlofeast/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/earlofeast
https://www.instagram.com/earlofeastlondon
 
BUY Niko and Paul’s Book
https://www.earlofeast.com/collections/books-magazines/products/earl-of-east-the-scented-candle-workshop
Links mentioned in this episode
http://www.annabatchelor.com/
http://www.taminehdhondy.com/
https://kinto-europe.com/
https://fermliving.com/
https://www.escuyer.com/
https://www.kanalondon.com/
https://couriermedia.co/
https://www.meanmail.co/
https://teressafoglia.com/
https://www.thames-sidestudios.co.uk/
https://www.webuilt-thiscity.com/
http://parker.tokyo/
https://mapstores.co.uk/
https://uk.allpressespresso.com/
ONLINE WHOLESALE COURSE BUNDLE
http://bit.ly/wholesale-bundle
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Work with me 1:1: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/one-to-one-mentoring
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's Talk Shop with Leona Thrift-Ola

To kick off season two of Let’s Talk Shop I’m talking to the inspirational Leona Thrift-Ola from Indie Roller. Leona has built several businesses and in today's episode we are talking about Lady Luck Rules, the jewellery brand that she set up in the early 2000s and at it’s peak was stocked in 240 stores all over the world. Leona has so much experience running an indie business, she also ran a shop and a subscription box and travelled up and down the country sharing her knowledge and it was so great to find out more about her business journey.
Leona is a supporter of indie businesses and runs a brilliant membership group for makers, creatives and small business owners and is just coming to the end of a successful Kickstarter campaign.
In this episode we talk about:
-Selling to shops and what it’s like to see your products in a retailer for the first time.
-Why wholesale was such an important part of growing her business at that time.
-The key to a successful tradeshow.
-Why flexibility is key.
-How creating a starter pack of her jewellery changed how her buyers bought from her.
-What’s important when building a relationship with a retailer.
-Stepping out of your comfort zone.
-The importance of self-care and mindset when running your own business.
-What’s the first thing to do if you want to start to wholesale.
-Making connections and marketing.
 
Leona’s Kickstarter campaign is closing at 5am on the 31st October. For a chance to WIN YOUR COPY, share where you are tuning in and tag me at @small_business_collaborative on Instagram by mid-day on the 30th October. For an extra chance, write a review over on iTunes/apple podcast and send me a screenshot.
 
Connect with Leona
https://indieroller.com
https://www.instagram.com/indie_roller/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheIndieRollercoaster/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/indieroller/the-indie-roller-annual-membership-in-2020
 
Links mentioned in this episode
Zabby Allen https://www.instagram.com/zabbyallen/
https://zabbyallen.com/
The procrastination Paper https://www.instagram.com/theprocrastinationpaper/
 
ONLINE WHOLESALE COURSE BUNDLE
http://bit.ly/wholesale-bundle
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Work with me 1:1: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/one-to-one-mentoring
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's talk Shop with Jo McCarthy from Firain.com

This is the season finale of Let’s Talk Shop and I talk to the lovely Jo from Firain, a beautifully curated online shop that I really enjoy. Firain is more than just an online shop, Jo writes beautifully, and she also have one of her friends contribute with a recipe each month. Jo and I speak about:
- The challenges of running a small business.
- Her recent pop-up shop.
- How she works with makers and small suppliers, what works for her and how to build a good relationship between a maker and buyer.
- Her new business mentoring service.
- How she encourages all her customers to really consider a purchase before buying something.
 
Connect with Firain
https://www.firain.com
https://www.instagram.com/firain_shop/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/firain_shop/
https://twitter.com/FIRAIN_SHOP
 
Links mentioned in this episode
Join https://www.joinstorelondon.co.uk/
Also on episode 7,  https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/podcast/episode/59a03c4e/lets-talk-shop-with-jen-beby-from-join
Antonia from Tinker Tailor https://shop.tinkertailor.online/
Also on episode 1, https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/podcast/episode/1ae60f11/lets-talk-shop-with-antonia-sanchez-toomey-from-tinker-tailor
Catherine Future Retail https://www.futureretail.world/
Different types of sales on my blog https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/post/what-is-wholesale
Lily from The Super Sparrow https://www.thesupersparrow.com/
https://www.firain.com/meetthemakers#/the-super-sparrow
Becca at Ivy Pip and Rose https://www.ivypipandrose.co.uk/
Josephine Brooks https://www.josephinebrooks.co.uk/
Kayte Farris Simple and Season http://www.simpleandseason.com
Haeckles https://haeckels.co.uk/
The Kind store https://www.thekindstoreonline.co.uk/
Clae by Josie Smith https://claejosieswift.com/ Buy Clae it on Firain https://www.firain.com/the-shop?category=NEW%20ARRIVALS 
 
ONLINE WHOLESALE COURSE BUNDLE
http://bit.ly/wscourse-bundle
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale/
Work with me: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/services
Book a discovery call: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/book-a-discovery-call          
Book a Power-hour: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/power-hour
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's Talk Shop with Alice Mayor from We Built This City

In this episode, I Talk Shop Alice Mayor from We Built This City, an independent shop in Carnaby street in London. We Built This City was started as a pop-up out of a desire to help artists sell their work and 5 years in, they stock 250 artists and has recently moved into a large corner unit in the opposite end to Liberty In the iconic West End. Alice and I spoke about:
-How it all started and the idea behind WBTC
-The challenges with working with so many artists
-How WBTC curate their ranges
-How an artist/small business can be a good supplier and what’s important to consider
-What sort of margins are needed?
-What’s next for WBTC and much more
 
Connect with We Built This City
https://www.webuilt-thiscity.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wbtclondon/
https://www.instagram.com/wbtclondon/
 
Links mentioned in this episode
Ark http://www.arkcambridge.co.uk/
Lush https://uk.lush.com/
Populuxe boutique https://www.populuxehomeboutique.co.uk/
Creature clothes https://www.creatureclothes.com/  Come and see me at Top Drawer, stand K19
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
SALES CHALLENGE IN SEPTEMBER, Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale/
Work with me: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/services
Book a discovery call: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/book-a-discovery-call          
Book a Power-hour: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/power-hour
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's Talk Shop with Vicky Simmons from Mean Mail

In this episode, I Talk Shop with Vicky Simmons from Mean Mail. Vicky designs really fun and witty cards and retails them both on her website and through stockists up and down the country. She’s stocked by Papersmith, Liberty, and Conran and I just love how honest and real her cards are. Vicky and I spoke about:
- Vicky’s background and how Mean Mail started
- Challenges of running your own business 
- How Vicky got into Liberty and got started with her wholesale 
- Onboarding new stockists and why you should be the one asking questions
- Copying and how hurtful that is and how to deal with it
- Difference between copying and being inspired by something 
- Importance of networking and being vulnerable and honest
- Weighing up the pros and cons of selling to some stockists and meeting their demands. 
- Why it's ok to say no sometimes
- Sustainability in the card industry 
- Social media 
 
Connect with Mean Mail
https://www.meanmail.co/
https://www.instagram.com/meanmail/
 
Links mentioned in this episode
PR Dispatch https://prdispatch.com/
Future Retail https://www.futureretail.world/
Autumn Fair https://www.autumnfair.com/
Top Drawer https://www.topdrawer.co.uk/
Liberty https://www.libertylondon.com
Conran https://www.conranshop.co.uk/
Papersmiths https://www.papersmiths.co.uk/
Paperchase https://www.paperchase.com
Sainsbury’s https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/
John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/
Windles printers https://www.windles.co.uk/
UAL https://www.arts.ac.uk/
Story in New York https://www.macys.com/social/story/
Opening ceremony https://www.openingceremony.com/
Imogen Owen https://imogenowen.com/
Earl of East https://www.earlofeast.com
Coal drops yard https://www.coaldropsyard.com
Pocket Cast https://www.pocketcasts.com/
Creature clothes https://www.creatureclothes.com/  Come and see me at Top Drawer, stand K19
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
 
SALES CHALLENGE IN SEPTEMBER, Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale/
Work with me: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/services
Book a discovery call: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/book-a-discovery-call          
Book a Power-hour: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/power-hour
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's Talk shop with Sidonie Warren from Papersmiths

In this episode, I talk shop with Sidonie Warren, one of the founders of Papersmiths. Papersmiths is a small chain of stationery stores with a highly curated and beautiful range. Sidonie and Kyle started Papersmiths with just £500 and now has 5 stores in Brighton, Bristol and London. During our chat we spoke about:
- The Papersmith Story and how it all began 
- The challenges of growing an independent retail business 
- What’s next for Papersmiths 
- How Sidonie finds new products 
- The best way to get in touch and submit your products to Papersmiths 
- Trade shows 
- What will be hot for this autumn and much more 
 
Connect with Papersmiths
https://www.papersmiths.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/shoppapersmiths
https://www.instagram.com/paper_smiths/
https://twitter.com/paper_smiths
 
Links mentioned in this episode
Cass Art https://www.cassart.co.uk/
Hello Day https://www.hellodayplanner.com/
Small business Sunday https://www.theopaphitissbs.com/
Department of international trade https://www.great.gov.uk/
National Stationery Show in New York https://www.nationalstationeryshow.com/
NY Now https://www.nynow.com
Maison Object https://www.maison-objet.com/en
Podcast episode 2 with Henri Davis
Life Rocks https://healinginyourhands.co.uk
The Completist https://the-completist.com
Cubitts https://www.cubitts.com/
Glossier https://www.glossier.com
Ponder Lilly https://ponderlily.com/
Mind Journal https://www.mindjournals.com/
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale/
Work with me: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/services
Book a discovery call: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/book-a-discovery-call          
Book a Power-hour: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/power-hour
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's Talk Shop with Megan Jones from Curated Makers

In this episode, I talk shop with Megan Jones, founder of Curated Makers. Curated Makers organise pop-ups in national retailers to champion Northern makers on the high street. Bringing small businesses and maker that are local to the city into high street stores and disrupting how we normally shop.
Megan is so passionate about helping all the talented small business owners out there and we spoke all about:
- How Curated Makers started
- The challenges of starting Curated Makers and dealing with large retailers in a new way
- How Megan curates each pop-up and how to apply to take part
- The importance of being ready for retail
- Your Instagram feed is your shop window
- Creatival and what that is and how Megan got involved
 
Connect with Curated Makers
https://curatedmakers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/curatedmakers/
https://www.facebook.com/CuratedMakers/
https://twitter.com/CuratedMakers
https://www.instagram.com/creativaluk/
Get your tickets to Creatival https://www.thecreativebusinessnetwork.com/creatival2019.html
 
Links mentioned in this episode
Myro doodles https://www.instagram.com/myrodoodles/
She Can She Did https://shecanshedid.com/
YouTube video with Megan at the Paperchase Pop-up https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=acuqSdJkUZs&app=desktop
YouTube video by https://www.instagram.com/sillyloaf/
Lush https://uk.lush.com/
Small and Mighty https://smallandmighty.co/
Small and Mighty Conversations https://smallandmighty.co/s4-e9/
Girls with Pens https://www.instagram.com/girls.with.pens/
Tinker Tailor episode one https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/podcast/episode/1ae60f11/lets-talk-shop-with-antonia-sanchez-toomey-from-tinker-tailor
Tinker Tailor http://tinkertailor.online
Bestsellers from Bents Candles https://www.instagram.com/majapiechockacandles/
Selfridges https://www.selfridges.com
Liberty’s https://www.libertylondon.com
Bents Garden Centre https://www.bents.co.uk/
Paperchase  https://www.paperchase.com
Catherine Erdly from Future Retail https://www.futureretail.world/
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale/
Work with me: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/services
Book a discovery call: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/book-a-discovery-call          
Book a Power-hour: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/power-hour
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX

Let's Talk Shop with Jen Beby from Join

In this episode I Talk Shop with Jen Beby, founder of Join, a sustainable home fragrance company that I came across whilst working in South East London at Thames Side Studios. I really admire how Jen is building a conscious, ethical and sustainable brand first. In this episode we chat about:
- How and why Join came to be
- What it means to be a sustainable brand and what challenges come with it
- How Jen got started selling to shops and her top tips for selling wholesale
- How Jen builds long lasting relationships with her stockists
- What the future holds for Join
- And of course, our dogs and much more…
 
Connect with Join
https://www.joinstorelondon.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/joinhandcrafted/
https://www.facebook.com/joinhandcrafted
 
Links mentioned in this episode
Thames side studios https://www.thames-sidestudios.co.uk/
Borough 22 https://www.borough22.com/
Firain https://www.firain.com/
Tinker Tailor https://shop.tinkertailor.online/
Kettles Yard https://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/
Designers Guild https://www.designersguild.com/
Planet Organic https://www.planetorganic.com/
Form SE15 https://www.formse15.com/
As nature intended https://www.asnatureintended.uk.com/
Chalk and Moss https://www.chalkandmoss.com/
The Organic Company https://theorganiccompany.dk
 
Connect with me
Website: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small_business_collaborative/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkwholesale/
Work with me: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/services
Book a discovery call: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/book-a-discovery-call          
Book a Power-hour: https://www.smallbusinesscollaborative.co.uk/power-hour
Apply to be a guest on Let’s Talk Shop https://thereseoertenblad.typeform.com/to/ZPiHVX