"Smoke Break" is a weekly micro-podcast delivering essential training tips for convenience store sales associates in just 5-10 minutes. Host Mike Hernandez shares practical advice, real-world scenarios, and actionable strategies to help you excel in your role and advance your career. Perfect for listening during your break, each episode tackles key topics like customer service, store operations, and professional development. Turn your smoke break into a power-packed learning session!
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Looking to start or grow your boutique business? Tune in to Emily Benson's podcast! With 18 years of retail experience and a no-nonsense teaching style, Emily shares strategies and interviews experts to help you succeed. Whether you have a brick-and-mortar, online, pop-up, or mobile boutique, this podcast provides valuable insights to boost your business. From owning a mobile boutique called The Fashion Truck to being Associate Merchant for Girls' Accessories at Abercrombie & Fitch, Emily ha ...
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How Tariffs Could Impact Your Boutique Business 2025 (+ Smart Inventory Tips for Small Business)
13:56
13:56
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13:56If you're wondering how boutique tariffs in 2025 will affect your boutique or small business, then you'll want to watch this video to learn my strategies for preparing your boutique for the upcoming changes. If you want to keep your boutique profitable in 2025, then you need to learn how tariffs will impact inventory costs and retail pricing. There…
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Smoke Break - Episode 17: Mastering Your POS System Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for becoming more efficient and confident with your store's Point of Sale system. Learn how to transform this everyday tool into a skill that enhances your customer service and workplace value. Episode Overview …
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Episode 16: Creating a Store Atmosphere That Customers Love
5:13
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5:13Smoke Break - Episode 16: Creating a Store Atmosphere That Customers Love Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our series as he shares strategies for creating an inviting store environment that brings customers back again and again. Learn how your attitude, actions, and attention to detail can transform the …
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How Much Inventory Do You Need To Start A Boutique? What To Buy For Your First Boutique Order
15:36
15:36
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15:36If you are starting a boutique and wondering how much inventory to start a boutique, you'll want to tune into this episode to learn how to place your first boutique order, without overbuying! In this episode, you'll learn what to buy for your boutique's first order, how to price boutique items, how to calculate boutique markup, and more. If you're …
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Episode 15: Mastering the Art of Communication
4:46
4:46
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4:46Smoke Break - Episode 15: Mastering the Art of Communication Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares advanced communication techniques that can transform your customer interactions and team collaboration. Learn how to elevate your verbal and non-verbal skills to create more meaningful connections and standout service. Epis…
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My Print on Demand Strategy That Makes $5K Every Month
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11:53In this podcast, boutique business expert Emily Benson shares the real story behind generating $25,000 in revenue from a single print-on-demand product: a custom-designed calendar made specifically for boutique owners. You’ll get an insider look at: 🛠️ The product development process from idea to execution 💸 A full financial breakdown of sales, pro…
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These boutique story myths might be holding your brick and mortar boutique back from growth! In this video, I'm breaking down the biggest myths that many boutique owners still believe—and what to do instead if you want to grow a successful retail business in 2025. If you're a brick and mortar boutique owner wanting to get more foot traffic to your …
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Episode 14: Growing Your Career Without Breaking the Bank
4:54
4:54
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4:54Smoke Break - Episode 14: Growing Your Career Without Breaking the Bank Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for professional development that don't require expensive training or formal education. Learn how to leverage your current position to build valuable skills that can advance your career in re…
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Episode 13: Finding Your Balance - Work, Life, and Convenience Store Success
4:38
4:38
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4:38Smoke Break - Episode 13: Finding Your Balance - Work, Life, and Convenience Store Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance while succeeding in your convenience store career. Learn how to manage your time effectively, set boundaries, and prioritize you…
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Episode 12: Handling Emergency Situations Like a Pro
4:58
4:58
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4:58Smoke Break - Episode 12: Handling Emergency Situations Like a Pro Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for responding to emergency situations with confidence and professionalism. Learn how to protect yourself, your team, and your customers during unexpected events. Episode Overview Master responses…
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If you want to make the most 2025 your most profitable year in your boutique, you'll want to watch this video in it's entirety for the boutique advice you need to thrive in 2025. Whether you’re just starting your boutique business or you’re looking for expert boutique advice to level up, this video is packed with proven strategies to help you run a…
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Episode 11: Staying Safe and Sharp During Late-Night Shifts
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4:58Smoke Break - Episode 11: Staying Safe and Sharp During Late-Night Shifts Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for maintaining both personal safety and quality customer service during overnight shifts. Learn practical techniques for staying alert, managing unique night-time situations, and creating …
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Smoke Break - Episode 10: Mastering the Rush Hour Rush Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for handling peak business periods with efficiency and professionalism. Learn how to transform chaotic rush hours into smooth operations while maintaining quality customer service. Episode Overview Master ess…
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Spring Boutique Must-Haves and Must-Do’s | Spring Ahead Series for Boutique Owners Part 4
19:59
19:59
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19:59Spring is here, and that means it’s time to stock up on the spring boutique must-haves that will set your store up for success! In this video, I’ll walk you through the must-have spring items for boutiques, the best spring inventory essentials, and how to strategically stock your boutique to maximize sales this season. Whether you’re a brick-and-mo…
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Episode 9: Building Lasting Customer Relationships
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5:39
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5:39Smoke Break - Episode 9: Building Lasting Customer Relationships Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for creating genuine connections with regular customers. Learn how to transform routine transactions into meaningful relationships that benefit both customers and your store. Episode Overview Master…
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Spring Boutique Mindset Shifts For Boutique Success | Spring Ahead Series for Boutique Owners Part 3
19:14
19:14
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19:14Spring is here and your mindset as a boutique owner is more important than ever! If you want to stay motivated as a boutique owner and build a strong retail confidence mindset, you'll want to watch this video to learn the retail success mindset shifts that will help you attract more customers and build a successful, long-term boutique business. Whe…
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Episode 8: Mastering the Art of Difficult Customer Situations
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4:45
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4:45Smoke Break - Episode 8: Mastering the Art of Difficult Customer Situations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for handling challenging customer interactions with professionalism and skill. Learn how to turn difficult situations into opportunities for building customer loyalty. Episode Overview Ma…
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Episode 7: Taking Your Customer Service to the Next Level
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5:59
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5:59Smoke Break - Episode 7: Taking Your Customer Service to the Next Level Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares advanced customer service techniques that transform good service into exceptional experiences. Learn practical strategies to enhance your customer interactions and build lasting connections. Episode Overview Mast…
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Spring Visuals to Boost Boutique Sales | Spring Ahead Series for Boutique Owners Part 2
24:44
24:44
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24:44Are you ready to make your boutique stand out this spring? In this episode, Emily discusses how to use spring visuals to drive more traffic, increase customer engagement, and boost your boutique sales in spring - and beyond! Whether you run a brick-and-mortar store or an online boutique, these spring boutique visual merchandising strategies will he…
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Episode 6: Turning Product Knowledge into Sales Magic
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4:29
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4:29Smoke Break - Episode 6: Turning Product Knowledge into Sales Magic Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform your product knowledge into successful sales interactions. Learn practical techniques for creating memorable customer experiences that drive sales and build loyalty. Episode Overview Master essentia…
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Spring Boutique Strategies for Business Success Q1 | Spring Ahead Series for Boutique Owners Part 1
25:14
25:14
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25:14If you want to build a successful boutique business, your business strategy needs to start in spring! These spring boutique business strategies will make a big difference in your boutique success all year round. From Spring boutique marketing strategies, to more general spring boutique tips, to how to plan your boutique inventory for spring months,…
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Episode 5: Smart Selling Techniques for Success
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4:40
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4:40Smoke Break - Episode 5: Smart Selling Techniques for Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical selling techniques that help you better serve customers while increasing sales. Learn how to transform basic transactions into valuable customer interactions that benefit everyone. Episode Overview Master essenti…
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How to Start A Boutique in 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide for New Boutique Owners
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22:41If you want to start a successful boutique business in 2025, you need to have a plan. This episode is Emily's step by step guide for new boutique owners on how to start a boutique in 2025. Whether it's a women's clothing boutique, children's boutique, gift boutique, Etsy store, or otherwise, you'll want to watch this video to learn the boutique tip…
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$10 Million Online Boutique Client Scaling Story
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13:03
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13:03If you want to scale your online boutique business to $10M, or if you simply want to grow your online boutique business and increase sales, then you'll want to listen to the entire podcast to learn my secret strategies to make more money in your online boutique business. If you want to start and build a successful online boutique then you need to l…
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Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for building your product expertise and using it to create better customer experiences. Learn how to transform basic transactions into valuable customer interactions through deep product knowledge. Episode Overview Learn essential skills for: Building comprehensi…
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If you feel like you can't get ahead in your boutique, or like everything you're doing doesn't get you the outcome you want, Emily's here to give you the most common mistakes boutique owners make and ways to fix them. In this conversation, Emily Benson discusses common mistakes made by boutique owners and provides actionable strategies to avoid the…
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Episode 3: Mastering Advanced Customer Service Techniques
5:04
5:04
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5:04Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for creating and maintaining exceptional customer service standards in your convenience store. Learn how to train your team in advanced service techniques that will set your store apart from the competition. Episode Overview Master essential aspects of customer service leadership: Training sta…
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The #1 Mistake New Boutique Owners Make (And How To Avoid It!)
14:52
14:52
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14:52If you're a new boutique owner there's one major mistake you need to avoid if you want to build a successful boutique business! Many boutique owners start their boutique business full of passion but overlook this critical strategy that can make or break their boutique success. If you want to make money from your boutique business, then you'll want …
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Episode 2: Making the Most of Your Convenience Store Career
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5:13
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5:13Smoke Break - Episode 2: Making the Most of Your Convenience Store Career Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for another insightful episode of "Smoke Break," your go-to podcast for convenience store career development. In this episode, we explore the hidden opportunities and advantages of working in the convenience store industry,…
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Episode 1: Welcome to Convenience Store Operations
6:01
6:01
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6:01Join host Mike Hernandez for the premiere episode of "Smoke Break" where he introduces the fundamentals of convenience store operations and essential customer service skills. Learn what makes convenience stores unique, how to handle common workplace scenarios, and tips for creating positive customer experiences. Show Notes: Introduction to convenie…
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Future-Proof Your Boutique: Tariffs, Trends, and Planning for 2025
25:56
25:56
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25:56Is your boutique prepared to thrive in 2025 and beyond? If you want to make profit in your boutique business in 2025, this episode is for you! Emily shares tips for preparing for upcoming tariffs, planning your buying and markdown strategies, adapting to trends, and much more. This rant-style episode is packed with insights to help boutique owners …
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From Zero to $300K: How Juana Built a Six-Figure Boutique Business in Under 2 Years
1:03:27
1:03:27
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1:03:27Have you ever dreamed of starting your own clothing boutique business or being your own boss? Juana first discovered Emily on YouTube while dreaming of starting her own clothing boutique business. Fast forward to today - she’s launched both a brick-and-mortar boutique and an online store, scaling her boutique business from $0 to $30K+ months in und…
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[EXCLUSIVE] Underpaid Training for Boutique Owners
1:50:10
1:50:10
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1:50:10You don't work this hard in your boutique business to never pay yourself! That's why, as promised in my last episode, here is the exclusive recording of my recent training sessions: Underpaid. >>> Sign up for Profit Power Tools with the exclusive limited-time discount here. In this training, you'll learn: Why Increasing Engagement and Posting Isn't…
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Boutiques are closing | AHHH! Are you freaking out? BONUS
43:06
43:06
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43:06Monday November 4, 2024 LIVE type recording- not edited! Getting my thoughts to you quickly Article Referenced: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/10/26/upshot/census-relative-income.html Create a Profitable 2025: https://youtu.be/WiD-wEGr-18 How Do You Get Rid of Dead Inventory? https://youtu.be/ViLH_RlC2cw How to Plan to Grow Your Boutique …
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