Creative Retailer

03/09/2026

Running a retail business can feel like juggling a hundred decisions every day. Inventory, marketing, staff, customers, planning ahead… and somehow trying to keep momentum moving forward.

That’s exactly why I’m excited to share something I’ve been working on with Gwen Bortner.

Gwen and I have teamed up to create Velocity Generator, a program designed specifically for independent retailers who want thoughtful guidance, consistent accountability, and practical support as they run and grow their businesses.

I’ve been working with Gwen for some time now, and I can honestly say her insight has helped me move forward with greater clarity and confidence. She supports your instincts while also challenging your thinking in the best possible way. That combination has helped me become a stronger business owner and a better leader for my team.

What makes this partnership especially meaningful is that Gwen brings deep expertise in business strategy and operations, while I’m living the day-to-day reality of retail—right in the middle of it. Together we’re able to bring both perspective and practical experience to the table.

If you’re a retailer looking for thoughtful support, honest feedback, and a clear path forward, I’d love for you to learn more about what we’re building.

You can read all the details here:
https://everydayeffectiveness.com/velocity-generator/

And if you know another retailer who might benefit from this kind of support, feel free to share this post with them.

08/18/2025

What It Really Takes: Real Stories of Sustainable Business Success

My business advisor and longtime friend Gwen Bortner is launching a new LinkedIn Live interview series this week that I think you'll find valuable — especially if you're tired of the typical "hustle harder" business advice.

What It Takes features real conversations with business owners who've built sustainable, profitable companies without sacrificing their sanity. These aren't polished success stories; they're honest discussions about what actually works.

This week's lineup:

Today, 1 p.m. PT → Gwen and her co-host Tonya Kubo kick things off by sharing what it's taken to build and maintain their podcast for a full year without burning out. Watch here.
https://www.linkedin.com/events/7363177092026400769/

Aug. 20, 10–11 a.m. PT → Business Reality Check, a free group coaching call where you can bring real business challenges and get practical solutions. Register here. https://calendly.com/gwen-ee/business-reality-check?month=2025-08
Trust me...if nothing else, this Zoom call is worth the investment of your time!

Aug. 20, Noon PT → Catch Gwen with Nicole Serena, who transformed from an overextended solo consultant to a strategic agency leader. She'll share exactly how she scaled without the typical growing pains. https://www.linkedin.com/events/7362188985718247424/

If you're looking for business advice that actually considers your real life and goals (not just revenue targets), these conversations are worth your time.

All events are free. The LinkedIn live sessions will be recorded, but the coaching call will not. So if there is only one thing you have time for this week, that would be the one to check out. Gwen has extensive experience in the craft and retail industry, and her perspective always helps me see things in a new light.Trust

08/18/2025

✨ I’m so excited to be one of the speakers at the 2025 Garden of Quilts Shop Owner Track!
This event is incredibly special—it brings together shop owners, creative entrepreneurs, and dreamers who are ready to grow and thrive. 🌸

Whether you’re just starting your quilt business journey or are ready to fine-tune your systems and strategy, this track is packed with practical tools and real talk. I’ll be sharing insights that I use in my own shop every day—and I can’t wait to connect with you there!

🌼 Come be inspired in the Gardens
🧵 View the Shop Owner Track Schedulehttps://thanksgivingpoint.org/app/uploads/2024/08/Garden-of-Quilts-Flyer-shop-owner.pdf
🌐 Explore the full event https://thanksgivingpoint.org/events/garden-of-quilts/

Let’s grow together!

08/11/2025

Quilt shop owners, mark your calendars! 🗓️
The exclusive Shop Owner Track at Garden of Quilts 2025 is your chance to invest in YOUR business—right in the heart of one of the most inspiring quilting events of the year.

✅ Boost your business efficiency
✅ Learn how to increase revenue
✅ Strengthen your social media presence
✅ Network with like-minded shop owners

🎟️ Register now and grow alongside a supportive community:
📄 View the Shop Owner Track Schedulehttps://thanksgivingpoint.org/app/uploads/2024/08/Garden-of-Quilts-Flyer-shop-owner.pdf
🌼 Explore the full event https://thanksgivingpoint.org/events/garden-of-quilts/

08/04/2025

Have you ever dreamed of turning your love for quilting into a thriving business?
The Shop Owner Track at Garden of Quilts 2025 is calling your name! 🎉

Whether you’re a seasoned retailer or just starting to explore the idea of launching your own shop or online store, this exclusive educational track will fuel your passion and your strategy.

🌸 Learn from experts
🌿 Network with fellow shop owners
🌼 Get inspired in the beautiful gardens of Thanksgiving Point

📅 Get the full details: Schedule PDFhttps://thanksgivingpoint.org/app/uploads/2024/08/Garden-of-Quilts-Flyer-shop-owner.pdf
🌐 Event info: Event Homepage https://thanksgivingpoint.org/events/garden-of-quilts/

07/28/2025

Want to improve your shop’s profitability and streamline your processes? 🌱
The Shop Owner Track at Garden of Quilts 2025 is designed just for YOU—quilt shop owners and online retailers ready to grow smarter, not just busier.

From marketing and inventory tips to social media strategy and customer engagement—you’ll walk away inspired and equipped to make real change in your business.

🗓️ September 2025
📍 Thanksgiving Point, Utah
👉 See Schedule & Register at https://thanksgivingpoint.org/events/garden-of-quilts/

We can’t wait to see you in the Gardens!

04/10/2025

💥 Retailers, are you ready to strengthen your business? 💥

I’m personally inviting you to SIX powerful events designed to spark ideas, provide clarity, and help you grow your retail business with confidence. Whether you're craving fresh strategies, meaningful connections, or just a burst of motivation—these events are for YOU. 🙌

🎥 Watch my short video and check out all the opportunities here: https://conta.cc/4j4SlwK

Let’s make this your season of growth. I can’t wait to connect with you!

03/26/2025

Excited to be a part of the Like Sew Retail Quilt Summit. Join us for a great discussion about our retail businesses and how to improve our businesses. Register today at

Join us at the Retail Quilt Summit, the ultimate event for business owners ready to level up! Industry experts from Like Sew and quilting retailers will share key strategies to drive your business success, from using AI to optimize operations to leveraging loyalty and event marketing to boost custom...

03/05/2025

Join me on Thursday for a lively discussion about how AI can be a great tool in running your business. Sign up today at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7bt1WjbzT9Cl-dfvnjargg #/registration

03/03/2025

Join Heidi Kaisand from Hen & Chicks Studio in this informative discussion about using AI in your business! Details in the newsletter

Email from Creative Retailer® Sign Up Today to Move Your Business Forward   View as Webpage   AI Isn't Something to Fear! It’s a powerful tool that can help you work smarter, not harder. That’s why I’

02/18/2025

Join me at h+h americas for this class!

02/10/2025

Join Heidi Kaisand, owner of Hen & Chicks Studio and Creative Retailer at two upcoming events. Read more about it in today's newsletter at https://conta.cc/40PChXF