Hey Julie by Moss Bags

Julie Simon
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Hey Julie by Moss Bags is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a small business that lasts. Hosted by Julie, founder of Moss Bags since 2013, this podcast blends honest storytelling, practical systems, and sustainable growth strategies for makers, handmade sellers, and product-based entrepreneurs who don’t want to feel alone in the journey. From Shopify and Etsy to wholesale on Faire, in-person markets, email marketing, and Pinterest, Julie shares real-life experience across multiple sales channels - without the hype or hustle culture. As the founder of Moss Bags - known for its bestselling Hero Dogs that give back to rescue and service dog organizations - Julie brings over a decade of real-world experience to every conversation. Each week, you’ll hear: honest conversations with fellow foundersrelatable stories from the messy middle of entrepreneurshippractical insights to help you grow with intention - not burnoutIf you’re building something meaningful and want community, clarity, and sustainable momentum, you’re in the right place.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Fringe Boutique Owner Rhiannon Troutman on Wholesale, Consignment, and Building Strong Maker/Retailer Relationships

    In this episode of Hey Julie by Moss Bags, Julie sits down with Rhiannon Troutman, owner of Fringe Boutique in Bellingham, Washington, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the maker and retailer relationship. Rhiannon shares how Fringe began from her lifelong love of styling, curating, and small business retail, and how she has intentionally created space for local makers from the very beginning. Julie and Rhiannon talk about what boutique owners are really looking for when deciding whether to carry handmade products, and why a “no” from a shop does not mean your product is not good. They also break down the difference between wholesale and consignment, why pricing matters so much, how branded packaging can help products sell, and what makers should understand before approaching boutiques. If you are a maker dreaming of getting your products into shops, or a small business owner trying to build thoughtful relationships, this episode is full of practical, honest, and encouraging takeaways. In This Episode, We Cover: How Fringe Boutique got startedWhy Rhiannon has always made space for local makersWhat makes a handmade product a good fit for a boutiqueThe difference between wholesale and consignmentWhy pricing is one of the biggest things makers need to understandHow branded packaging helps products feel more specialWhy a full display can help products sellHow makers can handle rejection without taking it personallyWhy not every creative hobby needs to become a businessWhat healthy maker and retailer relationships can look likeFavorite Quote: “Don’t be afraid of nos. Show up authentically as you, and the right audience will find you.” Connect with Rhiannon and Fringe Boutique: Website: https://wearfringe.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearfringe/ Visit Fringe in downtown Bellingham on the corner of Holly and Commercial Street. Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    43 min

  2. APR 30

    Building Texture Clothing with Teresa Remple: Markets, Wholesale, and Creating from the Heart

    In this episode of Hey Julie by Moss Bags, Julie sits down with Teresa Remple, textile artist and founder of Texture Clothing - a brand she officially launched in 2001 after years of selling at festivals and markets. Teresa shares what it looked like to build a clothing business through farmers markets, wholesale, festivals, and even a brick-and-mortar shop, and how that journey has evolved into the small-batch and custom work she focuses on today. This conversation is full of wisdom about longevity, following your own rhythm, and creating products that carry care, intention, and real heart. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a business over decades instead of just seasons, this episode is such a beautiful reminder that meaningful growth doesn’t have to be fast or flashy. In this episode, we cover: How Texture Clothing began and the early festival yearsWhat Teresa learned from 16 years at the farmers marketThe role of wholesale in growing a product-based businessWhy slow transitions are still valid transitionsHow she shifted from large-scale production to small-batch and custom workThe emotional value of handmade products and personal connectionWhy follow through matters so much in businessGetting clear on what’s really written on your heartFavorite quote: “May you feel wrapped in love every time you wear this thing.” Connect with Teresa: Texture Clothing: www.textureclothing.com Instagram: Texture Clothing Craft A Life You Love: https://craftalifeyoulove.com Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    39 min

  3. APR 23

    Building Headwaters Farm with Nicole Huson: Flowers, Family Legacy, and Growing Slowly

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by Nicole of Headwaters Farm for a conversation about family legacy, flower farming, motherhood, and building a business season by season. Nicole shares how growing up around her dad’s flower shop shaped her love of flowers, what the early years of building her farm business looked like, and how she found her way through pop-ups, wholesale, and community collaboration. We also talk about consistency, raising kids while growing a business, and the beauty of creating something that truly aligns with your life. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build something meaningful slowly and with intention, this conversation is for you. Connect with Nicole Headwaters Farm: https://www.headwatersfarmwa.com/ Instagram: @headwatersfarm_wa North Sound Flower Cooperative: 112 Ohio St. Suite 117, Bellingham, WA Open Wednesdays 9am-12pm Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    31 min

  4. APR 16

    How to Prepare for Your First Market or Pop-Up: Tips That Make Selling Easier

    If you’re getting ready for your first market, event or pop-up, there are so many little things no one really tells you until you learn them the hard way. Not just what to pack, but how to set up a booth that actually works. How to make it easy for people to shop. How to think beyond the sales you make that day. And how to prepare for all the little things that can go wrong - from weather to payment issues to forgetting the basics like food, water, or signage. In this episode, I’m sharing what years of markets and events have taught me about preparing well, creating a booth that feels clear and inviting, and making the most of in-person opportunities - especially if you’re new to pop-ups. Because a successful market booth is not just one that looks good. It’s one that helps people buy, remember your business, and come back later. If you’ve ever wondered what actually matters when preparing for an event, this episode is for you. In this episode, I talk about: what to bring to a market or pop-upwhy booth setup matters more than you thinksignage, business cards, and marketing materialshow to collect emails and grow your list at eventspreparing for selling out or having slower salespractical tips that make event days easierGrab my free Market Prep PDF here → Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    17 min

  5. APR 9

    When You Know It’s Not Your Path Anymore: Marijo Martini’s Journey to Building Martini Metal Craft

    Marijo Martini didn’t build her business overnight - in fact, it took decades. In this episode, I’m sitting down with the founder of Martini Metal Craft and Martini Mercantile to talk about what it really looks like to build something meaningful over time. From making jewelry while working multiple jobs, and navigating burnout, to finally taking the leap into her own brick-and-mortar shop - Marijo’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s no one “right” timeline. We talk about the reality of balancing a day job while growing a business, the importance of understanding both your craft and the business behind it, and why building something sustainable often requires patience, pivots, and a whole lot of persistence. If you’ve ever felt behind, stuck, or unsure of your path, this conversation will remind you: you’re not late - you’re building. Connect with Marijo: Website: https://martinimetalcraft.com Instagram: @martinimetalcraft + @martinimercantile Visit her shop: Martini Mercantile at 2100 Iron Street, Bellingham, WA Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    33 min

  6. APR 2

    Why Your Bestselling Product Matters More Than You Think - And How It Can Grow Your Business

    If you’ve ever felt like you constantly need to create new products to grow your business, this episode is for you. In this episode of Hey Julie by Moss Bags, Julie shares one of the biggest shifts that changed her business after more than a decade - focusing on bestsellers instead of constantly launching something new. From real-life market experiences to building product ecosystems, this episode walks through how your bestselling product can guide your marketing, simplify your systems, and help you build a more sustainable business. In this episode, I share: How to identify your true bestseller using your dataWhy being known for one product matters more than offering everythingHow to market your bestseller (online and in-person)Simple ways to go deeper instead of wider with your product lineHow bestsellers build trust and repeat customersWhat we Talk About: Take time to review your top products by units sold and start building your strategy around what’s already working. If you're a maker, handmade seller, or product-based business owner looking to grow with more clarity and less overwhelm, this episode will help you rethink how you build. Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    16 min

  7. APR 2

    How Kira Rainey Built Cascadia Jewelry (and Why There’s No One Right Way to Grow a Business)

    In this very first interview on Hey Julie by Moss Bags, Julie sits down with Kira Rainy, founder of Cascadia Jewelry - a brand known for its handcrafted, everyday pieces, including her signature hammered earrings. Kira shares how her business began with a simple metals class and evolved into a full-time career rooted in markets, community, and doing things her own way. From the early days of selling at art walks to navigating major life changes and going all in on her business, this conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to build something meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered if your idea could turn into something - or felt like there’s no clear roadmap - this episode will remind you to trust your instincts and create your own path. In This Episode, We Cover: How Cascadia Jewelry started from a single classWhat the early days of selling at markets really looked likeThe role of community in growing a product-based businessNavigating loss, change, and going all inWhy there is no one-size-fits-all business blueprintThe importance of consistency (and local markets!)Learning what actually sells—and leaning into itBalancing creativity with the realities of running a businessFavorite Quote: “There is no blueprint—and that’s actually the best part. No one does what you do.” Connect with Kira: Website: https://cascadiajewelry.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascadia.jewelry/  Find her at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market + local events Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    42 min

  8. APR 2

    The Story Behind Moss Bags: 13 Years of Building a Handmade Product-Based Business

    In this very first episode of Hey Julie by Moss Bags, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how my business began - and what 13 years of building a handmade product-based business has really looked like. From buying my first sewing machine at 10:30 PM and teaching myself how to sew… to navigating the highs, the hard seasons, and everything in between - this is the story of Moss Bags. In this episode, I share: • how I got started (with no real plan) • the early days of figuring it all out • the role community played from the very beginning • the seasons of growth, burnout, and reinvention • why your “why” matters more than anything If you’ve ever felt the pull to start something, questioned if you’re qualified, or found yourself in a hard season of business - this episode is for you. Because building a business isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about starting, staying, and being willing to evolve. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love if you shared it with another small business owner. What We Talked About: • Starting a handmade business from scratch • Building a product-based business over 13 years • Navigating different seasons of business • The importance of community in entrepreneurship Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    14 min
  9. Welcome to Hey Julie by Moss Bags

    TRAILER

    Welcome to Hey Julie by Moss Bags

    Welcome to Hey Julie by Moss Bags - a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a small business that lasts. Hosted by Julie, founder of Moss Bags since 2013, this podcast shares honest stories, practical systems, and sustainable growth strategies for makers, handmade sellers, and product-based small business owners. From Shopify and Etsy to wholesale, markets, and marketing systems, Julie brings over a decade of real-world experience building a handmade brand. If you're building something meaningful and want community, clarity, and sustainable momentum, you're in the right place. New episodes feature honest conversations with founders and practical lessons from the messy middle of running a business. Follow the show so you don’t miss an episode. I’m so glad you’re here. Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hey Julie by Moss Bags is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a small business that lasts. Hosted by Julie, founder of Moss Bags since 2013, this podcast blends honest storytelling, practical systems, and sustainable growth strategies for makers, handmade sellers, and product-based entrepreneurs who don’t want to feel alone in the journey. From Shopify and Etsy to wholesale on Faire, in-person markets, email marketing, and Pinterest, Julie shares real-life experience across multiple sales channels - without the hype or hustle culture. As the founder of Moss Bags - known for its bestselling Hero Dogs that give back to rescue and service dog organizations - Julie brings over a decade of real-world experience to every conversation. Each week, you’ll hear: honest conversations with fellow foundersrelatable stories from the messy middle of entrepreneurshippractical insights to help you grow with intention - not burnoutIf you’re building something meaningful and want community, clarity, and sustainable momentum, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Simon
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hey Julie by Moss Bags
  • Show Website
    Hey Julie by Moss Bags

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