Shelf Talks

Roberta Townes
  • 5.0 (13)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Shelf Talks is the go-to podcast for female founders, product-based entrepreneurs, and emerging brands who want to learn how to get their products into retail stores and thrive once they’re there. Hosted by Roberta Townes, a seasoned retail buyer, each weekly episode features unfiltered conversations with founders who’ve landed on shelves at top retailers. You’ll learn exactly how they pitched to buyers, built retail partnerships, scaled wholesale distribution, and grew brand awareness all while navigating the real challenges of building a product-based business. If you’re ready to turn your product into a retail success story, discover what retail buyers look for, and gain insider tips on wholesale strategy, retail readiness, and in-store growth, this is your podcast. New episodes drop every week, subscribe to Shelf Talks and learn how to get your brand retail-ready and thriving on the shelf. 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.

  1. 4D AGO · BONUS

    3 Rapid Retail Questions with Kim Brown, Founder & CEO of CocoXo

    Send us a text Getting into retail isn’t just about having a great product it’s about being retail ready before you ever sit across from a buyer. In this Retail Readiness Round bonus episode of the Shelf Talks podcast, Roberta sits down with Kim Brown, founder of CocoExo, to break down the non-negotiables every product-based founder must have in place to win shelf space and stay there. Kim shares real, practical insights on: Why inventory clarity and pricing can make or break your first retail buyer conversationThe most underrated skill founders need to win and stay on shelf (hint: it’s not marketing ads)How networking directly impacts retail growth and buyer relationshipsTrade shows, events, and retail communities emerging brands should prioritize to get in front of the right buyersIf you’re a product-based entrepreneur preparing to pitch retailers, wondering what buyers actually expect, or trying to grow from local shelves to larger retail opportunities, this bonus episode is packed with actionable retail strategy you can apply immediately. 🎧 Listen to the full Retail Readiness Round episode of Shelf Talks now and get one step closer to being shelf-ready, buyer-confident, and retail-approved. Full episode released 3/2 CocoXo Website: https://cocoxos.com/ New York Now: https://nynow.com/ Shoppe Object: https://shoppeobject.com/ Support the show How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support 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! Hello@shelftalks.com Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

    3 min
  2. Pricing, Scaling & Trade Shows: Lessons from Kim Brown, Founder of CocoXo

    5D AGO

    Pricing, Scaling & Trade Shows: Lessons from Kim Brown, Founder of CocoXo

    Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta sits down with Kim Brown, founder of CocoXo Body Care Love, to break down what it really takes to build a product-based brand that’s ready for retail and stay on shelf. Kim shares her journey from making body butters in her kitchen to landing in independent retailers, TJ Maxx, Macy’s, and retail channels, all without shortcuts. This conversation is packed with real-world insight on pricing for retail, scaling production, navigating trade shows, working with manufacturers, and being honest with buyers so you don’t oversell and burn bridges. If you’re an emerging or established founder trying to understand how buyers think, how to prepare for national retail, and how to build a brand that can grow sustainably, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, we cover: How Kim got her first retail placement by simply askingPricing your product for where you want to be, not where you are todayUsing trade shows and incubators to get in front of retail buyersWhen to move from handmade to manufacturing (and how to do it right)What it really takes to stay on shelf at retailers like Macy’s and TJ MaxxWhy visibility, honesty, and relationships matter in retail growthWhether you’re pitching buyers, preparing for your first trade show, or trying to scale without losing margin, this episode delivers actionable insight you can apply immediately. CocoXo Website: https://cocoxos.com/ CocoXo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocoxos1/ Support the show How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support 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! Hello@shelftalks.com Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

    43 min

  3. JAN 22 · BONUS

    Olivia Abrams Co-Founder of TiCK MiTT Talks Shark Tank

    Send us a text What does it really take to walk into the Shark Tank — and walk out stronger as a founder? In this episode clip from this week's full episode, Roberta sits down with Olivia Abrams, co-founder of TiCK MiTT, to unpack her unforgettable journey from building a mission-driven product to pitching on Shark Tank’s season finale  and Mark Cuban’s final episode ever. Olivia shares the behind-the-scenes reality of getting on Shark Tank (including the surprising referral that landed her in front of producers), how she prepared for one of the most high-pressure pitches of her life, and what founders don’t see about the waiting, uncertainty, and emotional rollercoaster after filming. You’ll hear: How Olivia prepared for Shark Tank by deeply mastering her category (to the point of “embarrassing a buyer”)The exact questions the Sharks always ask  and how to be ready for themHow she divided pitch roles with her co-founder (and why that matters)What the real “Shark Tank effect” looks like on sales and inventoryWhy transparency with customers during post-air inventory challenges builds long-term trustThe mindset shift required when your brand suddenly gets national exposureThis conversation is a must-listen for product-based founders, CPG entrepreneurs, and anyone dreaming of retail expansion or a Shark Tank moment of their own. Olivia’s story is a reminder that there is no playbook — only preparation, belief, and the courage to jump. Support the show How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support 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! Hello@shelftalks.com Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

    8 min

  4. JAN 21 · BONUS

    3 Rapid Retail Questions with Tina Chamoun, Founder of Terranean Herbs

    Send us a text In this Retail Readiness Round, Roberta sits down with Tina Chamoun, Founder of Terranean Herbs, to break down what it really takes to prepare for retail success. Tina shares practical, buyer-focused advice for founders getting ready to pitch their first retail buyer—why having accurate data, a clear story, and a category-first mindset matters more than hype. She explains how founders should position themselves as true partners to buyers by focusing on how their product will grow the category and bring in new customers. She also opens up about the trade shows and events that actually moved the needle for Terranean, including why more targeted, category-specific shows helped her connect with major buyers like Walmart and Costco—and how slower-paced, buyer-heavy shows can create better opportunities for meaningful conversations. To close, Tina reflects on how getting on shelf transformed her business, from expanded customer access to the credibility that comes with seeing your product succeed in retail. If you’re an emerging founder preparing for retail, deciding which trade shows are worth it, or looking to understand what buyers truly value, this Retail Readiness Round is packed with insights you can apply immediately. 🎧 Tune in for real-world retail advice from a founder who’s done it—and done it right. Support the show How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support 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! Hello@shelftalks.com Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

    4 min
  5. From Law to Lebanese Flavors: How Founder Tina Chamoun Scaled Terranean Herbs in Retail

    JAN 19

    From Law to Lebanese Flavors: How Founder Tina Chamoun Scaled Terranean Herbs in Retail

    Send us a text In this episode of Shelf Talks, Roberta sits down with Tina Chamoun, founder of Terranean Herbs, to unpack her journey from practicing law to building an authentic Lebanese food brand now stocked in grocery stores across the country. Tina shares how she turned a culturally rooted product into a retail-ready brand scaling with intention, navigating early retail without a pitch deck, and learning what truly drives velocity once you’re on shelf. From pricing strategically and leveraging demos, to following up with buyers and preparing for opportunities like Walmart Open Call, this episode is full of real-world retail insights for product-based founders. You’ll also hear how Tina built a mission-led, all-women production team, implemented zero-waste practices, and used data, storytelling, and persistence to grow Terranean without outside investors. If you’re an emerging brand looking to get into retail or scale once you’re already there—this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply right away. In this episode, we cover: Transitioning from law to launching a CPG brandTurning cultural food into a scalable retail productGetting into local stores and expanding to grocery chainsWhat retail buyers actually care about (pricing, velocity, data)Using demos, promotions, and follow-up to drive salesBuilding a mission-led brand without investor pressureListen in to learn what it really takes to build and sustain success on the shelf. Website: https://terraneanherbs.com/ Support the show How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support 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! Hello@shelftalks.com Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

    45 min

  6. JAN 14 · BONUS

    3 Rapid Retail Questions with Psyche Terry, Founder of Urban Hydration

    Send us a text In this Retail Readiness Round, Psyche Terry—co-founder of Urban Hydration—drops unfiltered, real-world advice every product-based founder needs before pitching a retail buyer and after landing on shelf. Psyche shares: The non-negotiables founders must know before their very first buyer conversation (hint: margins matter more than you think)The most underrated skill required to win and stay on shelf—especially when things don’t go as plannedThe key metric founders must track closely once in stores to avoid “buying customers” and hurting long-term profitabilityThis conversation goes beyond buzzwords and dives into the mindset, preparation, and financial discipline required to build a brand that lasts in retail—not just one that gets a yes. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear Psyche’s honest perspective on retail readiness, resilience, and protecting your profit while you scale. Full episode released 1/12/26 Support the show How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support 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! Hello@shelftalks.com Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

    2 min
  7. Plant-Based Innovation, Retail Strategy & Impact: The Urban Hydration Story with Founder Psyche Terry

    JAN 12

    Plant-Based Innovation, Retail Strategy & Impact: The Urban Hydration Story with Founder Psyche Terry

    Send us a text What does it really take to build a shelf-ready brand that lasts in retail? In this episode of Shelf Talks, I’m joined by Psyche Terry, founder and CEO of Urban Hydration, one of the fastest-growing Black-owned, plant-based beauty brands in mass retail. From TJ Maxx to Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Ulta, Psyche shares the real journey behind scaling a purpose-driven brand into national retail—without hype, shortcuts, or overnight success. We dive deep into what founders don’t see until their product is actually on shelf:  ✔️ Why packaging that looks beautiful in your office can fail under retail lighting  ✔️ How buyer relationships, not virality, drive long-term retail success  ✔️ The mistakes Psyche made early in retail (and what she’d do differently today)  ✔️ How to think about innovation so you don’t overwhelm buyers or your own team  ✔️ What it really takes to support inventory, replenishment, and growth at scale Psyche also shares how faith, wellness, and impact are woven into Urban Hydration’s business model including how the brand has helped fund clean water wells in Kenya, proving that doing good and doing business can grow together If you’re a founder preparing to pitch retail buyers, struggling with life after you get on shelf, or wondering how to build a brand that buyers believe in long-term, this episode is required listening. Urban Hydration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanhydration/ Urban Hydration Website: https://www.urbanhydration.com/ Support the show How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support 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! Hello@shelftalks.com Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

    51 min

  8. JAN 7 · BONUS

    3 Rapid Retail Questions with Billie Asmus, Creator & Founder of The Repaint Tray

    Send us a text In this Retail Readiness Round, Roberta sits down with Billie Asmus, creator and Founder of Repaint Studios, to break down what founders actually need to know before bringing an innovative product to retail shelves. Billie shares real-world insights on why market research must come before manufacturing, how skipping this step can lead to costly inventory mistakes, and what founders should validate before investing time and money into a new product. If you’ve ever thought “this is such a great idea, it has to sell,” this conversation is your reality check. She also dives into a truth many founders don’t realize until it’s too late: getting on the shelf is just the beginning. Billie explains why continued buyer communication, customer education, and post-launch support are critical to earning reorders and sustaining retail success. Finally, Billie breaks down which trade shows and entrepreneurial communities have been most valuable in her journey from industry-specific shows like the National Hardware Show to founder-focused networks like Entrepreneurs’ Organization and why not every trade show is worth the investment. If you’re a product-based founder preparing for retail, already on shelf, or deciding where to invest your time and dollars, this episode delivers practical, experience-backed guidance you can apply immediately. Listen to the full episode released Jan 5th, 2026. Support the show How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support 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! Hello@shelftalks.com Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

    4 min
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About

Shelf Talks is the go-to podcast for female founders, product-based entrepreneurs, and emerging brands who want to learn how to get their products into retail stores and thrive once they’re there. Hosted by Roberta Townes, a seasoned retail buyer, each weekly episode features unfiltered conversations with founders who’ve landed on shelves at top retailers. You’ll learn exactly how they pitched to buyers, built retail partnerships, scaled wholesale distribution, and grew brand awareness all while navigating the real challenges of building a product-based business. If you’re ready to turn your product into a retail success story, discover what retail buyers look for, and gain insider tips on wholesale strategy, retail readiness, and in-store growth, this is your podcast. New episodes drop every week, subscribe to Shelf Talks and learn how to get your brand retail-ready and thriving on the shelf. 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Roberta Townes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shelf Talks
  • Show Website
    Shelf Talks