Shelf Talks

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

July 15, 2025 4 mins

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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).

  1. What’s one thing every founder should do before trying to get their product into retail stores?
  2. Wh...
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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...

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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).

  1. What’s one thing every founder should do before trying to get their product into retail stores?
  2. What mar...
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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...

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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...

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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?

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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...

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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...

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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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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 Molly 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...
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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 innovative flavors. She discusses the challenges she faced, including numerous rejections, and how her persistence paid off. Molly emphasizes the importance of community suppor...

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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, navigating the retail landscape, and the importance of maintaining quality while scaling production. Tania also discusses her experience on the show Side Hustlers on Roku, t...

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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, including her experiences with scaling, entering retail, and navigating setbacks. Rachel emphasizes the importance of relationships in the food industry and the lessons le...

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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 specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).


  1. What was the most challenging part about securing placement in retail stores?
  2. What advice would you g...
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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 challenges of product development, and the strategies for entering the competitive retail market. She discusses the importance of understanding consumer needs, building relationships ...

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Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Sarah Vilenskiy, Founder of Blossom Essentials 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 Sarah specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).


  1. What were some of the unexpected challenges you faced once your product was on the shelves? 
  2. Wha...
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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Sarah Vilenskiy, the founder of Blossom Essentials, a beauty brand focused on skincare for sensitive skin. Sarah shares her journey from digital marketing to launching her own brand, the challenges of product development, and the importance of quality assurance. She discusses the transition from direct-to-consumer to retail, the role of accelerators in navigating...

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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Gloria Chou, an expert in public relations for small businesses. Gloria shares her unique journey from being a US diplomat to becoming a PR coach, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and visibility for female founders. She introduces her CPR pitching method, which focuses on credibility, point of view, and relevance, and provides actionable tips for crafti...

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Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Sarah McNamara & Rochelle Jacobs, Co-Founders of Naturally Serious Skincare 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 Sarah & Rochelle specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

  1. What is the one thing you wish you knew before you l...
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In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta interviews Sarah McNamara and Rochelle Jacobs, co-founders of Naturally Serious Skin, a clean beauty brand. They discuss their backgrounds in the beauty industry, the inspiration behind their brand, and the innovative product development process that led to their patented blend of ingredients. The conversation also covers their marketing strategies, the importance of consum...

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