How do you turn that great idea into a full business? Welcome to Merch Talk, the podcast that explores how your entrepreneurial dreams can become a reality.
I'm Kimberly Pak, your host and the proud owner of two beautifully curated local boutique marketplaces in Arizona, where local businesses come together to showcase their products under one convenient roof. On our show, I conduct interviews with fellow local business owners, offering valuable advice, encouragement, and unwavering support. Whether you're in the early stages of planning your business, dreaming about starting one, or already on your business journey, join us for a deep dive into real lessons you can apply to your business. And remember, dreams gather here at the Merchantile.
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
#6 From Artist to Clothing Brand: How Ginger Turned Her Art Into a Scalable Business
In this episode of Merch Talk, host Kimberly sits down with creative entrepreneur Ginger Hamilton, founder of Ginger CC Design, to share her inspiring journey from freelance artist to successful clothing brand owner.
Ginger opens up about starting her business as an artist over 10 years ago, officially launching her LLC in 2023, and how she never originally planned to own a clothing brand — but followed the growth and opportunity when her art-based apparel began to take off. Together, Kimberly and Ginger talk about the real challenges of entrepreneurship, from self-doubt and learning how to consistently make money, to scaling a business and keeping up with growing demand.
This episode dives deep into:
✔️ Turning creative passion into a profitable business
✔️ Transitioning from artist to business owner
✔️ The mindset shifts required to scale a small business
✔️ Why delegation is essential for growth
✔️ Standing out instead of copying competitors
✔️ How faith plays a role in entrepreneurship and decision-making
If you're a small business owner, artist, clothing brand founder, or creative entrepreneur looking to grow your business with intention, faith, and smart strategy- this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect with Ginger Hamilton & Ginger CC Design
Website: https://gingercc.com (https://gingercc.com/)
Instagram: @ginger_cc
🔗 Follow Merch Talk & The Merchantile
Merch Talk Instagram: @merch.talk
The Merchantile Instagram: @themerchantile
Website: https://themerchantile.co
14 Sept 2025
#5 Silk, Strength & Single Mom Success with Juliane Popelka
When Covid cost her a job, single mom Juliane Popelka turned $600 and a dream into Silk for Everyone. From selling pillowcases at First Friday to surpassing $100K in sales, Juliane shares how grit, resilience, and reinvestment built her business from the ground up.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silkforeveryone
Website: https://www.silkforeveryone.com
Merch Talk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merch.talk/
3 Jun 2025
#4: From Hobby to Handmade Business: How Pottery, Motherhood & Faith Shaped Maria's Entrepreneurial Journey
Potter Maria from Mud Water Studio discusses her journey of transforming a creative hobby into a thriving handmade business while balancing motherhood and faith in an interview.
20 May 2025
#3 From Hawaii to Arizona: How Saige Harris Built Her Artisan Floral Business from the Ground Up
Saige Harris of FERN Floral Studio discusses moving her artisan floral business from Hawaii to Arizona and staying true to her values, in an interview on growing a local business.
19 Feb 2024
#2: Cultivating a Dynamic Retail Culture
In this second episode of Merch Talk, join me as I sit down with my husband, Eugene, a seasoned veteran in the retail industry. Together, we delve into the intricate aspects of hiring, firing, and most importantly, crafting a vibrant company culture that employees embrace. From recruiting top talent to navigating difficult personnel decisions, we share insights, anecdotes, and strategies aimed at fostering a workplace environment where every team member feels valued and motivated.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/merch.talk/?hl=en
13 Nov 2023
#1: Market Magic: Tips and Tricks for Outdoor Vendor Success
In this episode, we're thrilled to have Melissa Balkon, the visionary founder of Phoenix Supply Co and Strong Design Studio, as our special guest. Melissa shares invaluable insights into optimizing your product displays in both physical stores and outdoor markets, along with some unconventional tips you may not have considered yet. If you're a retailer or a maker, you won't want to miss this!
Melissa even has a fantastic offer exclusively for our listeners. When you shop online at Phoenix Supply Co, use the code "THEMERCH" to enjoy a generous $5 discount on purchases of $40 or more. Please note that this offer is valid for one use per customer, and the subtotal must reach $40 before tax. Check out our online store at www.phoenixsupply.co to explore the wide range of maker tools and supplies, including the highly recommended Market Profitability Calculator Tracker.
To access the Profitability Calculator product directly, simply click on this link: [Market Profitability Calculator Tracker](https://www.phoenixsupply.co/collections/maker-tools/products/market-profitability-calculator-tracker)
For more information and to stay connected with Phoenix Supply Co, visit our website at www.phoenixsupply.co and follow us on Instagram at [Phoenix Supply Co on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/phoenixsupplyco).
And don't forget to explore Melissa's design studio, Strong Design Studio, at www.strongdesign.co for additional creative inspiration and services.
Tune in to discover Melissa's trade secrets, market strategies, and the special something that'll elevate your next pop-up event. Listen now for insider tips that can transform your business and boost your profits. Enjoy the episode! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/merch.talk/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/merch.talk/?hl=en)
7 Nov 2023
Welcome to Merch Talk!
How do you turn that great idea into a full business? Welcome to Merch Talk, the podcast that explores how your entrepreneurial dreams can become a reality.
I'm Kimberly Pak, your host and the proud owner of two beautifully curated local boutique marketplaces in Arizona, where local businesses come together to showcase their products under one convenient roof. On our show, I conduct interviews with fellow local business owners, offering valuable advice, encouragement, and unwavering support. Whether you're in the early stages of planning your business, dreaming about starting one, or already on your business journey, join us for a deep dive into real lessons you can apply to your business. And remember, dreams gather here at the Merchantile.
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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5.0 / 5
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Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100
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Quality
28
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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