• Episode 17:The Business of Bulk: Wholesale for Makers
    Apr 24 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts dive into the world of wholesaling for small businesses, discussing their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies. They explore the importance of collaboration with local businesses, the intricacies of pricing strategies, and the pros and cons of wholesaling. The conversation is lively and filled with insights, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the wholesale market. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of wholesaling, discussing strategies for selling, networking, and establishing successful retail partnerships. They share insights on setting minimum orders, identifying red flags in potential partnerships, and the importance of effective communication with store owners. The discussion also touches on the psychology of pricing, the significance of brand kits, and the lessons learned from their experiences in wholesaling. Additionally, they explore the challenges of managing reorders and the necessity of building a wholesale email list to maintain relationships with retailers.

    Takeaways

    Wholesaling can be both a dream and a challenge for small business owners.

    The word of the week, 'arduous', reflects the challenges of wholesaling.

    Starting with wholesaling can be intentional or accidental, as shared by the hosts.

    Collaborating with local businesses can lead to successful wholesale opportunities.

    Experiences with wholesale accounts can vary greatly, with some being short-lived.

    Pricing strategies for wholesale can significantly impact profit margins.

    Understanding the pros and cons of wholesaling is crucial for small business success.

    Consignment can be risky and may not be suitable for all businesses.

    Communication with wholesale clients is key to maintaining good relationships.

    Utilizing wholesale platforms like FAIR can provide additional exposure for products. Networking is crucial for successful wholesaling.

    Setting a minimum order can filter out uncommitted buyers.

    Identifying red flags in retail partnerships is essential.

    Creating a wholesale line sheet helps streamline the process.

    Understanding tax exemptions can save money in wholesale purchases.

    Learning from past mistakes is vital for growth.

    Pricing strategy affects perceived product quality.

    Building a wholesale email list can enhance communication.

    Starting small in wholesaling can lead to better understanding.

    Effective communication with store owners is key.

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    Check out our personal businesses:

    🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

    🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

    🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 16- Imposter Syndrome: The Heifers Get Real
    Apr 17 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna delve into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome that many small business owners face. They share personal experiences, discuss the importance of community support, and explore strategies for overcoming self-doubt. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating small wins and surrounding oneself with uplifting individuals to combat feelings of inadequacy. The hosts emphasize that imposter syndrome is a common struggle, particularly among women, and encourage listeners to recognize their achievements and value in their respective fields. In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome, sharing personal experiences and insights on how it affects their lives and businesses. They discuss the importance of representation, the struggles behind success, and the need for community support. The conversation also touches on the connection between imposter syndrome and gatekeeping, emphasizing that many people feel unworthy of their achievements. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to acknowledge their feelings and seek support from their peers.

    Takeaways

    Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for small business owners.

    Community support can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation.

    Celebrating small wins is crucial for building self-esteem.

    Surrounding yourself with positive influences helps combat self-doubt.

    Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of success level.

    Women may experience imposter syndrome more prominently due to societal expectations.

    It's important to have friends who will call you out on your shortcomings.

    Self-doubt can manifest even in successful individuals.

    Recognizing the journey and progress is vital for overcoming imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a common experience among many individuals, especially in creative fields.

    It's important to have a support system that can help you navigate feelings of self-doubt.

    Many successful people have faced failures before achieving their goals.

    Acknowledging your struggles can help normalize the conversation around mental health.

    The connection between imposter syndrome and gatekeeping can hinder community growth.

    Finding your tribe can provide the encouragement needed to overcome self-doubt.

    It's okay to ask for help; no one has all the answers.

    Success does not come without its challenges and struggles.

    New Episodes Drop Thursdays

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    Check out our personal businesses:

    🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

    🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

    🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 15:The Power of Teaching: Growing Your Brand Through Workshops With Chen Narens
    Apr 10 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna welcome Chen Narrens, a successful entrepreneur who transformed her lavender farm into a thriving business through innovative marketing strategies. Chen shares her journey from having no knowledge of lavender to creating a six-figure business by focusing on community engagement and collaboration. The conversation covers the importance of workshops, local marketing, and building a loyal customer base, as well as practical tips for other small business owners looking to expand their reach and revenue.

    Takeaways

    Chen's background in marketing helped her create a unique strategy for her lavender farm.

    Community engagement is key to attracting customers.

    Workshops and classes can create a loyal customer base.

    Collaboration with local businesses can enhance visibility and revenue.

    Marketing should focus on organic growth rather than paid ads.

    Creating a community hub around your product can lead to success.

    Offering DIY kits can help maintain customer interest and sales.

    Understanding your audience's needs is crucial for product development.

    Social media can be a powerful tool for local marketing.

    Building a brand involves sharing knowledge and expertise with customers.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setup

    05:59 Journey to Lavender Farming

    08:16 Local Magnet Marketing Strategy

    13:56 Collaborations and Community Engagement

    21:05 Building Community Through Local Collaborations

    23:34 Creating Engaging Workshops for New Audiences

    26:25 Transforming Your Brand Through Education

    31:35 Logistics and Experience in Craft Workshops

    36:36 Marketing Strategies for Craft Businesses

    43:27 Sustainable Business Models in Crafting

    47:32 Expanding Your Offerings with DIY Kits

    48:56 short moo intro:outro.mp4

    To reach out to our guest Chen Narens:

    The marketing coaching Web:

    https://craft-mastery.com/

    The IG marketing coaching:

    https://www.instagram.com/narens_tcm/

    The IG lavender farm:

    https://www.instagram.com/lavineyardfarms/

    New Episodes Drop Thursdays

    Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

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    📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

    📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

    Check out our personal businesses:

    🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

    🧼 Jessie – Country Lathers

    🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

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    49 mins
  • Episode 14-Tools, Tricks, and Tutelage: Navigating Equipment & Supplier Successes (and Fails)
    Apr 3 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges and experiences of small business owners, particularly focusing on equipment and suppliers. They share personal anecdotes about their journey, including the importance of making informed decisions about tools and materials, the significance of supplier relationships, and the red flags to watch out for. The conversation also touches on the necessity of budgeting and planning ahead for supplies, as well as the impact of technology on their operations. In this episode, the hosts discuss various challenges faced by small business owners, particularly in the soap-making industry. They share experiences with suppliers, the importance of communication, and the need for thorough research when investing in equipment. The conversation also covers negotiating with suppliers, managing shipping supplies, and utilizing software for business management. The episode concludes with key takeaways emphasizing the importance of preparation and awareness in running a small business.

    Takeaways

    Making the right decisions about tools and materials can make or break your business.

    Engaging with Facebook groups can provide valuable insights into suppliers and equipment.

    It's essential to research suppliers and read reviews before making purchases.

    Red flags for suppliers include poor customer service and unusual communication.

    Budgeting is crucial when investing in business equipment.

    Shipping costs can significantly impact the overall price of supplies.

    Planning ahead for supplies is necessary, especially during busy seasons.

    Thermal printers can streamline the shipping label process and save time.

    Understanding the difference between hobby and business-grade equipment is important.

    Networking with other business owners can lead to better supplier choices. Communication with suppliers is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.

    Research is essential before investing in trendy equipment.

    Negotiating minimum order quantities can save costs.

    Shipping supplies should be durable to protect products.

    Using software can streamline inventory and recipe management.

    Fragile stickers may lead to mishandling by postal workers.

    Packing orders securely can prevent damage during shipping.

    Investing in quality equipment pays off in the long run.

    Always keep an eye out for supplier red flags.

    Doing homework before big investments is key to success.

    New Episodes Drop Thursdays

    Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

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    📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

    📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

    Check out our personal businesses:

    🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

    🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

    🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

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    59 mins
  • Episode 13-Scaling Up Without Burning Out: Growing Your Business the Smart Way
    Mar 27 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna discuss the complexities of scaling up a soap-making business. They share personal experiences, challenges faced during growth, and strategies for efficiency, including master batching and bulk buying. The conversation also touches on the pressures of social media and the risk of burnout that comes with rapid growth. Listeners gain insights into balancing creativity with production demands and the importance of managing expectations in entrepreneurship. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the multifaceted challenges of running a small business, particularly in the handmade soap industry. They explore the overwhelming nature of marketing and production, the importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout, and strategies for planning content creation. The discussion also covers the value of repurposing content, the balance between personal life and business, and the critical decisions surrounding business expansion and hiring help. They emphasize the need for effective delegation, handling spikes in demand, and the mindset shift from hustling to building a sustainable business.

    Chapters

    00:00 Scaling Up Your Soap Business

    09:56 Master Batching and Efficiency in Soap Making

    10:26 Scaling Up Soap Production

    13:40 Design Challenges in Mass Production

    16:44 Word of the Day: Quixotic

    19:28 Southern and New York Expressions

    23:54 Navigating the World of Indian Cuisine

    24:48 Bulk Buying Strategies for Small Businesses

    25:55 The Dangers of Rapid Business Growth

    31:11 The Pressure of Social Media and Marketing

    36:55 Space Considerations for Scaling a Business

    41:15 When to Hire: Understanding Business Growth

    42:45 Tax Benefits of Hiring Family

    43:40 Streamlining Business Operations

    44:43 The Importance of Bookkeeping

    45:55 Handling Demand Spikes

    47:43 Letting Go of Control

    49:43 Finding Strengths in Team Members

    50:52 Standard Operating Procedures

    52:50 The Art of Packaging

    53:50 Mindset Shift: From Hustling to Sustainability

    56:57 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

    01:02:22 short moo intro:outro.mp4

    Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

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    📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

    📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

    Check out our personal businesses:

    🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

    🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

    🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 12: Slimy Sales Tactics: Don’t Be That Person
    Mar 20 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts discuss various slimy sales techniques that small business owners encounter and sometimes employ. They explore the implications of emotional manipulation, false claims, and the ethics of imitation in business. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity and confidence in sales, warning against the long-term damage of pushy and manipulative tactics. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, making the discussion relatable and engaging for listeners.

    Takeaways

    Slimy sales techniques can damage your reputation long-term.

    Emotional manipulation in sales is often disingenuous.

    Clap back selling implies that the customer is stupid.

    Authenticity in sales is more effective than manipulation.

    False claims about products can lead to legal trouble.

    Creating false urgency can be seen as a scam.

    Imitating successful businesses can confuse customers.

    Price defensiveness may indicate a lack of confidence in your product.

    Emotional blackmail is a form of manipulation in sales.

    Confidence and authenticity are key to successful sales.

    Chapters

    00:00 Content Creation and Collaboration

    00:12 Introduction to Slimy Sales Techniques

    01:54 Identifying Slimy Practices in Business

    09:35 The Impact of Negative Comments

    13:19 The Dangers of False Claims

    17:30 Emotional Manipulation in Sales

    20:56 Navigating Scams and Authenticity

    23:24 Sales Tactics and Manipulation

    27:03 Trends and Emotional Marketing

    37:09 Embryonic Ideas and Podcast Development

    43:00 short moo intro:outro.mp4

    Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

    Stay connected with us on social media:

    📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

    📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

    Check out our personal businesses:

    🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

    🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

    🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

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    43 mins
  • Episode 11: Craft Fairs: More Than Just a Booth – Selling, Branding & Surviving the Chaos
    Mar 13 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret and Jessie discuss the ins and outs of participating in craft fairs. They share personal experiences, tips for preparation, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation covers essential topics such as navigating challenges, understanding fees, and the differences between craft fairs and trade shows. They also emphasize the significance of branding, display strategies, and customer interactions, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to sell their products at craft events. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss their experiences and insights related to participating in craft fairs, particularly focusing on soap making. They share humorous anecdotes about customer interactions, the challenges of setting up booths, and the importance of effective marketing strategies. The discussion also covers practical aspects such as payment methods, inventory management, and the differences between regular and juried markets. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the value of community, networking, and preparation in making the most of craft fair opportunities.

    Chapters

    00:00 Daily Life and Challenges of Parenting

    00:12 Introduction to Craft Fairs

    00:40 First Experiences at Craft Fairs

    06:08 Navigating Market Dynamics

    08:22 Red Flags and Recommendations for New Vendors

    12:17 Understanding Fees and Profitability

    17:42 Community Engagement and Networking

    20:52 Branding and Presentation at Craft Fairs

    25:36 Craft Fair Setup Strategies

    29:27 Creating Eye-Catching Displays

    31:16 Engaging with Customers at Markets

    35:16 Handling Difficult Customers

    39:19 Unique Selling Techniques

    45:43 Craft Fair Essentials: Preparation and Setup

    52:45 Payment Methods and Sales Strategies

    58:18 Product Display and Protection

    01:04:46 Understanding Market Types: Juried vs. Regular

    01:08:13 Evaluating Market Participation: Worth the Effort?

    01:08:17 Starting Small: The Benefits of Small Markets

    01:09:28 Email Collection Strategies for Market Success

    01:11:12 Incentivizing Sign-Ups: The Power of Discounts

    01:11:55 Craft Quality: The Importance of Knowing Your Craft

    01:13:11 Networking at Craft Fairs: Building Community Connections

    01:14:23 The Reality of Running a Business: Behind the Scenes

    01:14:54 Craft Fairs: Game Changer or Exhausting Experience?

    01:15:01 short moo intro:outro.mp4

    Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

    Stay connected with us on social media:

    📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

    📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

    Check out our personal businesses:

    🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

    🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

    🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Episode 10: Dealing with Copycats - How to Handle Intellectual Theft Professionally
    Mar 6 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna discuss the challenges of intellectual property in small businesses, particularly in the creative industry. They explore the implications of copyright and trademark infringement, share personal experiences with being copied, and emphasize the importance of originality and respect for creators' rights. The conversation highlights the legal and ethical considerations that small business owners must navigate to protect their work and maintain their unique brand identity.

    Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

    Stay connected with us on social media:

    📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

    📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

    📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

    Check out our personal businesses:

    🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

    🧼 Jessie –Country Lathersw

    🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

    Takeaways

    Intellectual property is crucial for small business owners.

    Copyright protects original works, while trademarks protect brand identifiers.

    Many small business owners mistakenly believe they are too small to be noticed by larger brands.

    Legal implications of infringement can lead to lawsuits and business closures.

    Respecting the hard work of original creators is an ethical obligation.

    Being original is essential for long-term success in business.

    Researching copyrights and trademarks is necessary before creating products.

    Copying can lead to negative consequences for both the copier and the original creator.

    It's important to credit those who inspire your work when possible.

    Navigating the fine line between inspiration and copying is challenging.

    Chapters

    00:00 Opening Banter and Humor

    00:12 Navigating Intellectual Property Theft

    00:58 Understanding Copyrights, Trademarks, and Patents

    02:03 The Misconceptions of Small Business Owners

    04:26 Real-Life Consequences of Copyright Infringement

    06:37 The Importance of Defending Your Trademark

    09:05 Experiencing Copycats in the Business

    11:39 The Challenge of Originality in Creativity

    16:11 The Fine Line Between Inspiration and Copying

    18:17 The Role of Originality in Long-Term Success

    20:51 The Impact of Social Media on Soap Making

    26:28 Navigating Live Streaming and Content Creation

    28:43 Protecting Your Work and Intellectual Property

    29:32 short moo intro:outro.mp4

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    30 mins