In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Helen, the founder of The Lovely Gift Company, as she shares her unique journey from market stall to retail shelf.

Helen recounts the inspiring story behind her brand, which was born out of her personal experiences with her premature twins and her desire to create keepsakes that cherish special memories. She discusses how her background in marketing and PR has played a vital role in presenting her products to the market and how she has successfully navigated the transition from selling online to securing retail placements.

Listeners will gain insights into the diverse range of products offered by The Lovely Gift Company, including innovative keepsake boxes, pet memorials, and personalised gifts that resonate emotionally with consumers. Helen emphasises the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting to market trends, sharing anecdotes about her experiences at artisan fairs and the lessons learned from face-to-face interactions with customers.

The conversation delves into the complexities of entering retail, including the challenges of building relationships with retailers and the significance of effective marketing strategies. Helen highlights the ongoing need for persistence and creativity in reaching key decision-makers and the importance of aligning products with the values and needs of retailers.

Join us for an engaging discussion filled with practical advice and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of the industry, as Helen encourages everyone to pursue their dreams and never give up.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) The Origin of The Lovely Gift Company
(10:00) Product Overview and Emotional Connections
(20:00) Transitioning from Online to Retail
(30:00) Meeting Customers Face-to-Face
(40:00) The Challenges of Retail Relationships
(50:00) Future Aspirations for The Lovely Gift Company

Connect with Leisa here:
https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/

Helen can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-davies-%F0%9F%8E%81-25999030/

Follow The Lovely Gift Company here:
https://www.thelovelygiftgroup.co.uk/

Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

In this episode we are excited to feature Laura Peill, the founder of Tired Mum's Coffee.

Laura shares her unique journey from being a new mum in need of caffeine to creating a coffee brand that truly understands the needs of parents. She discusses how her love for coffee evolved from a simple pick-me-up to a cherished daily ritual, leading to the conception of her brand.

Listeners will learn about the playful names of Tired Mum's Coffee blends, including the 'Party All Night Blend' and 'Nobody's Listening to Me Blend', which resonate with the everyday experiences of tired parents. Laura explains the importance of packaging and branding in retail, sharing how feedback from stockists guided her to improve her product presentation for better shelf appeal.

Throughout the episode, Laura discusses the challenges and successes of transitioning from direct-to-consumer sales at local markets to securing retail listings. She provides valuable insights on the importance of building relationships with retailers, the significance of follow-ups, and how to adapt to feedback from both consumers and stockists.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to navigate the complexities of the retail landscape.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) The Birth of Tired Mum's Coffee
(10:00) Product Range Overview and Fun Blend Names
(20:00) Transitioning from Direct Sales to Retail
(30:00) The Importance of Packaging and Branding
(40:00) Building Relationships with Retailers
(50:00) Future Plans and Aspirations for Tired Mum's Coffee

Connect with Leisa here:
https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/

Laura can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-peill-84338658/

Follow Tired Mum's Coffee here:
https://www.tiredmumcoffee.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tiredmumscoffee/

**********************************
Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Abi Adefisan co-founder of Yumchop Foods. Abi shares her inspiring journey of making African flavours accessible to the mainstream, starting from a grassroots initiative to now being stocked in Tesco.

Listeners will discover how Yumchop Food was born from a passion to bring traditional African meals to everyday consumers, particularly in universities and hospitals. Abi discusses the evolution of their product line, which includes a variety of ready-to-eat frozen meals that cater to vegan, gluten-free, and meat-loving customers alike.

Abi also shares the challenges of navigating the retail landscape, including the rigorous processes of securing listings with major retailers like Sainsbury's and Tesco. She highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience, especially when faced with the unexpected challenges of the pandemic.

Throughout the episode, Abi emphasises the significance of effective marketing, building relationships with retailers, and the ongoing need to pivot in response to market demands. Tune in for a wealth of insights from a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to expanding the reach of African cuisine.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) The Birth of Yum Chop Food
(10:00) Product Range Overview
(20:00) Transitioning from Local Sales to Universities
(30:00) The NHS Experience
(40:00) Securing Listings with Supermarkets
(50:00) The Importance of Marketing and Brand Story
(60:00) Future Plans for Yum Chop Food

Connect with Leisa here:

https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/

Abi can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-adefisan-45991248/

Follow Yum Chop Foods here:
https://www.yumchop.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/yumchopfoods/

**********************************

Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.