Retail Isn't Dead - It Just Needs Better Windows (and Stephanie Wedlund)
In this episode, listeners are taken on an inspiring journey with Stephanie Wedland as she transitions from a corporate career in visual merchandising to becoming a creative entrepreneur. Stephanie recounts her experiences at Maurice's corporate office, where she managed visual merchandising across 900 stores, and how she used this background to launch her own venture, Stephanie Wedland Creative.
Balancing her entrepreneurial ambitions with family life, Stephanie provides an honest look at the unique challenges of maintaining work-life harmony. She highlights the flexibility and freedom entrepreneurship offers, allowing her to set her own schedule while raising a family. Through the Heart and Soul Mastermind group, she found support and overcame the isolation often felt in entrepreneurship.
"Retail is evolving, but brick-and-mortar isn't going away; it's about creating those connections and experiences that distinguish in-person shopping from online clicks." - Stephanie Wedlund
In this episode, we discuss:
(00:00) Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship
(13:56) Retail Experience and Visual Merchandising
(29:44) Balancing Work-Life as a Female Entrepreneur
Hey Heart & Soul Collective!
What if your window display could double your sales?
In this episode of Heart & Soul, we’re joined by Stephanie Wedlund, founder of Stephanie Wedlund Creative, a visual merchandising expert who left a 9–5 at Maurice’s corporate office (overseeing 900+ stores!) to build a business aligned with her family, creativity, and purpose.
Stephanie shares her story of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and finding clarity in a creative career full of possibilities—from graphic design and shop layouts to wallpaper design and brand consulting. This is a must-listen for retailers, creatives, and women in transition, looking for fresh inspiration and practical guidance.
🔑 What You’ll Learn:
What visual merchandising is and how it helps drive sales
How to build a retail experience that customers remember
Why scent, signage, and sound matter just as much as products
Balancing business and babies as a creative entrepreneur
How to niche down when you’re multi-talented and multi-passionate
Tips for brick-and-mortar stores that want to stand out
📦 Free Resource for Retailers:
Download Stephanie’s guide:
🪟 5 Don’ts to Do’s: The Window Display Edition
Get simple, actionable tips for turning your storefront into a sales-driving experience.
👉http://www.stephaniewedlundcreative.com/freeguide
-----
👋 Connect with Stephanie
Website: http://www.stephaniewedlundcreative.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniewedlundcreative
-----
All Heart & Soul's Details:
Website: https://www.heartandsoulmastermind.com/
Join the mastermind program: https://www.heartandsoulmastermind.com/heartsoul
Say hi to Mariah on Instagram: @mariahmckechnie
Say hi to Monique on Instagram: @moniqueforcier
Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app and the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️