In this episode of the Brick and Mortar Visibility Podcast, we’re stepping beyond the studio and into the world of boutique retail. Whether you're running a Pilates, yoga, or music studio—or any class-based business—there’s a good chance you’re also selling something on the side. From merch to gear, retail is a powerful revenue stream, and it’s time we treat it like one.
Our guest,
Sarah Kowal, knows this firsthand. She went from broke to building two thriving businesses and now mentors and markets for retail brands nationwide. Sarah shares her real-talk wisdom on marketing for small businesses, particularly those running
brick-and-mortar or boutique retail operations.
Plus, we kick off the episode with a quick check-in about Profit First—because it’s Q3, and if you’re following the method, it’s time to take that 50% profit and celebrate your progress!
Tune in to hear:
- Why boutique retail deserves a real marketing strategy
- Simple shifts to increase your retail sales
- How to think like a retailer inside your service-based biz
- A dose of inspiration from Sarah’s journey and hard-won lessons
🎧 Press play to learn how to make your boutique retail space more profitable—without the overwhelm.
More about our guest:
An entrepreneur,
Sarah Kowal went from broke-a$$ to owning two successful businesses. She has spoken at numerous business forums (various chambers of commerce, the MN Retailers Association, other business groups, and as a mentor with Twin Cities SCORE) and serves as a judge, mentor, and marketer for business pitch competitions. She has made a difference for thousands of entrepreneurs. Her startup, WeatherVane Creamery, was recognized by the American Cheese Society for its innovation in dairy retail. She hustled to generate funding from over 70 private individuals, pitched to Howard Shultz of Starbucks (and over 10,000 Starbucks shareholders!), and generated a ton of media coverage, including FOX Morning News. Currently, she is the Founder and Master Biz Hacker of Project Biz Lab, an online business academy, and Owner/Operator of InSIGHTful Low Vision, LLC, a boutique marketing agency.
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In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business,
The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing. With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an
online dance membership.
Melissa's also a
visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.
What is The Visibility Podcast?
The Visibility Podcast is for studio owners who are ready to build a business that works: without working themselves into the ground.
Hosted by dance studio owner, business strategist, and life coach Melissa Rose, this podcast goes beyond simply getting more students through the door. We talk marketing and visibility, of course. But we also talk pricing, profitability, leadership, team building, decision-making, boundaries, and what it really takes to grow a studio that supports the life you want to live.
Because the problem you "think" you have isn’t always the real problem.
With nearly two decades of studio ownership and strategies rooted in a proven framework, Melissa brings real-world experience, practical business strategy, and honest conversations about the very human side of entrepreneurship.
You built your studio because you love what you do. Now let’s make sure the business you built works for you, too.
More clarity. Better decisions. A stronger studio.