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
Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Nina Lombardo and Anna Kotler, co-founders of O'ts 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 Nina and Anna specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).
- What is a learning that you didn’t know until your products were actually o...
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 background in packaging design and Anna’s experience in brand management came together to transform a farmers’ market favorite into a retail-ready product. From testing recipes in the kitchen for weeks, to ...
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 why starting local can set your brand up for long-term retail success. From lowering your risk and getting real-time customer feedback, to building community loyalty, testing promotions, and creati...
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 (and what gets passed over). From leveraging LinkedIn the right way, to using trade shows, accelerator programs, awards, local stores, press, social media, and even TV, I’m sharing the insider strateg...
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 elements every pitch needs—your brand story, curated product assortment, data that excites buyers, and a marketing plan that drives traffic to their stores.
You’ll learn how to position your h...
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 Caroline specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).
- What is a learning that you didn’t know until your products were actually on retail shelves?
- Wh...
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 Uruguay to navigating the complexities of the U.S. market, including her experiences with Whole Foods and the challenges of scaling production. The conversation highlights the imp...
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 inception of Heali, the challenges faced during product development, and their unexpected success in retail. The conversation also covers their experience on Dragons' Den and...
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 shares insights on the challenges and learnings from starting her business, including the importance of customer feedback, the transition to direct-to-consumer sales, and her ...
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-shelf at Whole Foods, Scout shares what she wishes she knew before launching into retail.
We talk:
💡 How to make your packaging speak in 5 seconds (or less)
📦 Why your m...
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 takes us inside her journey from management consulting to leading not one, but two standout brands in the crowded world of CPG. We dive into the real behind-the-scenes of building product-market fit, pitching to skep...
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 specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).
- What’s one thing every founder should do before trying to get their product into retail stores?
- Wh...
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 challenges she faced in launching her brand during the pandemic, and the importance of community engagement and retail partnerships. She discusses her unique approach to building the b...
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 specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).
- What’s one thing every founder should do before trying to get their product into retail stores?
- What mar...
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 a product-based business in the wellness space. The conversation covers the importance of community, feedback, and iteration in product development, as well as the complexities...
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 engagement, and how her personal experiences shaped her brand's identity. Brianna emphasizes the significance of emotional connections in fragrance, the role of PR in build...
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 specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).
1. What is a learning that you didn’t know until your cookies were actually on retail shelves?
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 product development, and the importance of retail strategy in the candy market. She highlights the significance of taste testing, marketing strategies, and the evolution of packa...
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 Taylor specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).
1. What is a learning that you didn’t know until your cookies were actually on retail she...
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 a family business, the importance of marketing and sampling, and the strategic decisions behind rebranding and product development. Taylor shares insights on navigating retail p...
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