Alisha Built Two Viral Brands From Scratch—Here’s How
What do you get when you mix creativity, hustle, and a bit of chaos? A viral product brand that lands on Nordstrom’s shelves—twice. In this episode, I sit down with Alisha Athreya, the powerhouse founder behind KURVWEAR. and Don’t Eat My Candle, two product-based businesses that have achieved what most brand owners dream of: retail placement in stores like Nordstrom, Woolworths, Priceline, and The Iconic. But here’s the kicker—Alisha did it all without outside funding, without a PR agency, and while still in university. From learning to sew on her mom’s broken machine, to sending a single shoe in a box to a Nordstrom buyer, this episode is a masterclass in resourcefulness, resilience, and relationship-building. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to get into big box stores—or if you just need a reminder that bold moves build big brands—this episode is for you. Sal
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When Should You Spend MORE Money To Get a Customer?
When my house insurance doubled, I realized most retailers are stuck in transaction tunnel vision—treating customers like one-night stands instead of building lifetime relationships. This episode breaks down the Customer Lifetime Value formula that separates genius marketers from those throwing money at the wall. Discover why a $30 customer can be worth $1,380 over time, and learn three strategies to increase CLV immediately. You'll Learn: The simple CLV formula (no PhD required) Why understanding CLV transforms your marketing spend How to identify your most valuable customer segments Three concrete strategies to boost lifetime value Stop chasing quick wins and start building profitable long-term relationships. When you know each customer's true worth, you can invest like a genius while competitors can't compete.
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These 3 Strategies Will Add Thousands in Revenue
div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&>div>div>:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&>div>div>:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0"> What does scaling past 8 figures really allow you to achieve? I thought my answer was too silly to share at first - maybe I could finally shop without obsessively checking price tags. But our purchasing psychology runs deeper than we think, and that's exactly what makes these sales strategies so powerful. In this episode, I'm breaking down three game-changing techniques that most independent retailers aren't using, but should be. What You'll Learn: The exact psychology behind why these strategies work Real-world implementation examples for both online and offline stores Technical setup tips and recommended tools How to test and track results effectively Action Step: Pick one strategy and test it in the next two weeks. DM me your results - I read every message! Sal
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Your 4-Step CEO Reset to End the Year Strong
Halfway through 2025, I woke up facing a massive decision that would change everything. An opportunity I'd been thinking about for five years suddenly became viable - but it meant scrapping our entire plan for the rest of the year. In this episode, I'm sharing the exact 4-step half-yearly reset framework I used to navigate this crossroads. You'll learn how to identify what's truly working in your business (versus what you think is working), conduct a brutal audit of what's draining your resources, and make strategic pivot decisions with CEO-level confidence. This isn't about chasing the next shiny object - it's about making calculated moves that amplify your existing success. Perfect for established business owners who need clarity on whether to stay the course or make a bold change. What you'll discover: • The "great ideas board" system that prevents costly distractions • How to audit what's working vs. what's draining you • The refocusing technique that cuts through decision paralysis • When to pivot your business plan mid-year (and when not to) Ready to stop second-guessing and start making moves that matter? -Sal
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How Lisa Turned Eco Values into a Global Brand
Ever had that fantasy where your business suddenly blows up online and everything changes overnight? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Sjöblom—a digital growth strategist and operations expert—to unpack the real story of what happens when your business goes viral. Together, we talk about the traffic surge, the customer service avalanche, the unexpected pressure on operations… and the surprising truth that more eyeballs don’t always mean more sales. Lisa brings her no-fluff take on digital scaling, and I share what I learned from my own viral moment—the good, the chaotic, and what I’d do differently next time. If you’re building an ecommerce or retail brand, and dreaming of your “big break,” this is your reality check. Because visibility without preparation can cost you more than you think. 💬 We talk about: What actually breaks when your content takes off How to prepare your backend before growth hits The hidden costs of virality Building a business that’s built to last—not just built to go viral Let’s get into it. —Sal
Want a business that fills your soul AND your bank account? Retail Strategist Salena Knight, shares information, inspiration and interviews with business leaders, to help you create a more profitable, sustainable and dynamic retail or eCommerce business.
New Zealand