Send us a text

Your packaging isn’t just a pretty box—it’s the first impression that determines whether buyers and consumers pick your product off the shelf. In this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta Townes sits down with Laura Maccarone, founder of Rizbee Studio, to unpack how packaging and visual branding directly connect to retail success.

If you’re a founder of a product-based business who feels frustrated with figuring out why your product isn’t catching attention in stores, this conversation is for you. Laura shares her 20+ years of design expertise helping food and beauty brands create packaging that tells a story, builds consumer trust, and drives retail sales.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why packaging is a key factor in becoming shelf-ready for retail buyers
✅ How to know if your brand needs a refresh or full rebrand
✅ The most common packaging mistakes entrepreneurs make (and how to fix them)
✅ Why storytelling and continuity in branding can make or break your retail success

Whether you’re pitching to national chains, preparing for a retail launch, or simply trying to stand out in a crowded aisle, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take your packaging to the next level.

Rizbee Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rizbeestudio/?hl=en

Rizbee Studio Website: https://www.rizbeestudio.com/

Support the show

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! Hello@shelftalks.com

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

Hope you have enjoyed the full episode with Jessica Taylor, Founder of Ezra Coffee and took away some learning about the readiness it takes to launch in retail stores.

On this mini drop, here are 3 powerful questions I asked Jessica specifically about launching into retail stores - Enjoy! (and learn).

1. What is a learning that you didn’t know until your products were actually on retail shelves?
2. What advice would you give to other founders trying to secure their first retail deal?
3. What trade shows, support groups or accelerators have you found the most beneficial in growing your business?

Support the show

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! Hello@shelftalks.com

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book

Send us a text

On this episode of Shelf Talks, host Roberta Townes sits down with Jessica Taylor, founder of Ezra Coffee, to share how she turned a pandemic idea into a fast-growing retail brand. Jessica reveals what it really takes to go from small-batch coffee experiments at home to winning shelf space at major retailers like H-E-B and Central Market.

If you’re a female founder with a product-based business or dreaming about getting your brand into retail stores, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Jessica opens up about:

• How she developed flavors and packaging that stand out on shelf.
• The importance of connecting with your community before pitching buyers.
• Lessons from joining Target’s accelerator program and pitching to retailers.
• Why consistent demos, smart marketing, and relationship-building keep sales strong after launch.
• How she built Ezra Coffee with both culture and purpose, including a scholarship program for students.

Whether you’re just starting your brand or you’re ready to scale into retail, this episode will help you understand how to pitch with confidence, compete with bigger brands, and stay successful on shelf.

✨ Tune in to hear Jessica’s journey and get the strategies you need to grow your product-based business into a retail-ready brand.

Link to Ezra Coffee:

Ezra Coffee Website: https://ezracoffeeco.com/

Ezra Coffee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ezracoffeeco/

Support the show

How to Follow Shelf Talks Podcast on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelftalkspodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-talks-podcast

Love what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/support

Contact us via email: Hello@shelftalks.com

Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! Hello@shelftalks.com

Purchase the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book