Hey Julie by Moss Bags

Julie Simon
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 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.

  1. 3d ago

    RANGE | Art by Darcie Gray: Motivation, Murals, and Building a Creative Business

    Today I’m chatting with artist and muralist Darcie Gray, the creative behind RANGE | Art by Darcie Gray. Darcie’s work is immediately recognizable: natural landscapes, a limited palette of blue, green, black, and white, and this beautiful balance of calm and energy that feels so connected to nature. In this conversation, we talk about what keeps her creating - how she stays motivated, builds momentum as an artist and business owner, and keeps the work feeling playful and alive even when it became her livelihood. Darcie shares how her background in apparel design shaped the way she sees art in people’s everyday lives, why recognizability builds connection, and how saying yes to new creative ideas - like murals, hand-painted clothing, and public art - has helped her business grow in unexpected ways. Favorite Quote “You’ve gotta infuse fun in your work and do things just because you want to.” - Darcie Gray In this episode, we talk about: How Darcie’s limited color palette became part of her signature styleWhy her apparel design background influences the way she creates art todayHow artists can forget their work is still new and exciting to everyone elseWhat helps Darcie stay motivated as a self-employed artistWhy deadlines, calendars, and saying yes can create momentumHow she protects joy, curiosity, and experimentation in her businessThe story behind her murals, hand-painted clothing, and public artConnect with Darcie: My website is: www.rangedesignstudio.com Print Shop on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RangeDesignStudio IG: @darciegray_art Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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

  2. May 28

    Shopify Isn’t Just a Website - It’s the Ecosystem My Business Needed

    If you’ve ever pieced together your business across Etsy, Squarespace, in-person sales, email, and wholesale inquiries, this episode is for you. This week, I’m sharing why I outgrew the platforms that helped me get started, how Shopify became the home base for my business, and what I think every product-based business owner should consider when building an online store that actually supports growth. In this episode, I cover: Why outgrowing a platform doesn’t mean you made the wrong choiceThe difference between having places to sell and having a connected businessWhy Shopify works so well for product-based businessesHow apps, analytics, and integrations can help your business growThe role of product photos, video, and descriptions in building trustHow to make your website work harder by answering customer questionsWhy your website should support your brand, not just your checkoutIf you’re building a handmade or product-based business and craving a stronger system, this one is for you. "A beautiful store gets attention, a strategic store gets conversions, and a strong store gives you room to grow." Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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

  3. May 21

    Mary Morris Solomon of MaryGold Tales on Building a Creative Business One Yes at a Time

    In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mary Morris Solomon, the artist and storyteller behind MaryGold Tales, to talk about her path from secret childhood art to building a creative business filled with small-batch stationery, illustrations, paintings, and live event portraits. Mary shares what it looked like to leave behind a career that no longer felt aligned, start creating during a season of massive change, show up to her first market with a four-foot table and seven card designs, and learn to trust the gut feelings that kept opening the next door. We also talk about: Building a creative business without a rigid planWhy in-person markets can create instant connectionSeeing social media as community, not just contentSaying yes to opportunities, then knowing when to realignWhy artists and makers need to understand their numbersBuilding something that feels like you, not someone elseFavorite quote from the episode: “Don’t chase my dream. Chase yours, and let me clap for you.” If you’ve ever wondered whether the creative thing you keep quietly making could become something more, this conversation will remind you: start where you are, follow what feels aligned, and let your story unfold. Connect with Mary: Website: https://www.marygoldtales.com Instagram: @marygold.tales Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    51 min

  4. May 14

    Helen Worthington of Three in Kind on the Trademark Issue That Forced Her to Rebuild Her Business

    Helen didn’t plan to rebuild her business because of a trademark issue - but that’s exactly what happened. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Helen Worthington, the designer and maker behind Three in Kind, to talk about her journey from U.S. Navy jet pilot to creative small business owner. Helen first built CAVU Creations, a brand deeply connected to her aviation background and love of making, but after years in business, she received a letter about a trademark issue that forced her to make a difficult decision: fight it, rename it, or close that chapter and start again. We talk about what small business owners should understand about naming, trademarks, research, business insurance, and protecting your work - not as legal advice, but as a real, honest story from someone who lived it. Helen also shares what the early days of selling on Etsy looked like, how she brought her kids into her business and markets, why she eventually wanted to move away from handmade production, and how she created Three in Kind as a brand with more room to grow. If you’re naming a business, launching a product, building a brand, or wondering what to do when your business needs to pivot, this conversation is such an important reminder: do your research, ask questions, and know that starting over does not mean starting from scratch. Favorite Quote: “Sometimes you do not choose the timing of the change, but you still get to choose what comes next.” In this episode, we talk about: How Helen went from U.S. Navy jet pilot to creative small business ownerThe early days of CAVU Creations and selling on EtsyWhat CAVU meant and why the name was so personal to herThe trademark issue that forced Helen to decide whether to fight, rename, or rebuildWhat small business owners should consider when naming a business or productWhy business insurance does not always cover the issues you might expectHow she chose the name Three in Kind and built a brand with more room to growThe role her kids played in markets, making, and the heart behind her businessWhy research, community, and asking questions matter so much for makersConnect with Helen: Website: https://threeinkind.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threeinkind/ Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags: Website: https://mossbags.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

    44 min

  5. May 7

    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. Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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

  6. 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 Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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

  7. 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 Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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

  8. 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
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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
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hey Julie by Moss Bags
  • Show Website
    Hey Julie by Moss Bags

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