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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 shelves?
2. What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first retail deal?
3. What trade shows have you found the most beneficial in growing your business?

Listen to the full episode released 6/16/25

Links Mentioned:

Spritzal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spritzalcookie/?hl=en

Spritzal Website: https://spritzal.com/

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

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!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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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 partnerships, managing inventory, and leveraging social media for brand awareness. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of the cookie market and the future growth plans for Spritzal Cookies.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Family Recipe to Business
02:58 Building the Brand: Early Days and Challenges
05:07 Scaling Up: From Farmers Markets to Retail Shelves
07:56 Rebranding and Product Evolution
10:35 Navigating Retail: Strategies for Success
13:13 Adapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-19
15:38 Networking and Growth: Leveraging Connections
18:25 Future Aspirations: Expanding the Brand
21:04 Final Thoughts: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
21:37 Networking and In-Person Engagement
24:05 Strategic Retail Partnerships
25:42 Effective Pitching to Retailers
27:43 Driving Consumer Awareness and Engagement
31:45 Product Development and Flavor Innovation
34:56 Navigating Retail Challenges

Links Mentioned:

Spritzal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spritzalcookie/?hl=en

Spritzal Website: https://spritzal.com/

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

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!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

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?
2. What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first retail deal?
3. What trade shows have you found the most beneficial in growing your business?

Listen to the full episode released 6/9/25

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

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!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

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 support, mentorship, and creative marketing strategies that helped her transition from local sales to national retail. Her story is a testament to the power of believing in oneself and the impact of unique branding in a competitive market.

Chapters

00:00 From Business Developer to Cookie Entrepreneur
04:01 The Journey of Scaling a Cookie Brand
06:39 Breaking into Retail and National Recognition
09:17 Innovative Marketing and Expanding Reach
12:06 Navigating Challenges and Giving Back
14:41 The Impact of QVC and Future Directions
20:00 Building Brand Awareness
25:52 Transitioning to National Retailers
33:38 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Winning Awards
34:29 Advice for Aspiring Founders

Links mentioned:

Molly Bz Gourmet Cookies Website: https://mollybz.com/

Range Me: https://www.rangeme.com/

ECRM: https://ecrm.marketgate.com/

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

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!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

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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, the dynamics of co-founding a business with a friend, and the future goals for Brune Kitchen.

Key Takeaways:

• Tanya's journey from law to entrepreneurship was fueled by personal health challenges.
• Brune Kitchen was born out of a need for clean, tasty snacks.
• The importance of networking and seeking advice from industry experts.
• Maintaining product quality is crucial when scaling production.
• Understanding margins is essential for retail viability.
• Future growth includes expanding product lines and reaching new markets.

Chapters

00:00 From Law to Cookies: The Journey Begins
08:12 Launching Brune Kitchen: The Early Days
15:07 Appearing on the show Side Hustlers on Roku
23:04 Lessons from Side Hustlers: Validation and Growth
24:16 Transitioning to Automated Manufacturing
26:49 Finding the Right Co-Packer
29:37 Navigating Production Challenges
32:29 Expanding Retail Opportunities
35:21 Marketing Strategies for Success
37:48 Adapting to Consumer Feedback
40:28 Future Plans for Brune Kitchen

Link:

Brune Kitchen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunekitchen/?hl=en

Brune Kitchen Website: https://brunekitchen.com/

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

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!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

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 learned from her partnership with Walmart. She also highlights her vision for the future of Revival, focusing on innovation and strategic partnerships.

Impactful highlights within this episode:

• Scaling a business comes with unexpected challenges
• Entering retail requires a different strategy than direct-to-consumer
• Building relationships with buyers is crucial for success
• Investing in support and mentorship can accelerate success
• Being open to change can lead to new opportunities

Breakdowns:

00:00 From Dance to Almond Butter: Rachel's Journey

02:52 The Birth of Revival Food Co.

06:09 Crafting Unique Flavors: The Science of Almond Butter

15:03 Starting with Local

19:44 Pitching to Giant Eagle Market District

35:17 Breaking into Retail: The Walmart Experience

44:39 Trouble on Shelf

51:12 Rebranding and New Opportunities

56:14 Exit off Walmart shelves

1:07:57 Revival Future Growth

Links mentioned in this episode:

Social Media:

Revival Food Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revivalfoodco/

Revival Food Co. TIktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@revivalfoodco

Shop Revival: https://revivalfoodco.com/

Check out Revival’s website to find retailers products are sold.

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

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!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

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 give to other founders trying to secure their first retail deal?
3. What trade shows have you found the most beneficial in growing your business?

Listen to the full episode :

Dessert Disruptor - Candice Wu’s Shelf‑Savvy Lessons with her brand Wonder Monday released 5/19/25

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

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!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

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 with retailers, and the marketing strategies that have contributed to their success. The conversation also touches on future plans for expansion and the significance of innovation in the food industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wonder Monday
02:16 The Journey to Entrepreneurship
05:04 Innovating Cheesecake: The Product Development Process
08:20 Entering the Retail Space
12:45 Marketing Strategies and Consumer Feedback
16:50 Building Relationships with Retailers
21:06 Future Plans and Expansion
24:47 Retail Readiness Round: Key Insights


Wonder Monday Website: link

Wonder Monday Instagram: @wondermonday

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to know when new episode drop! https://mailchi.mp/ed3697f76617/shelf-talks-podcast

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!

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book