Retail Rookie Podcast

About Retail Rookie Podcast

Notes on independent retail & the entrepreneurial journey from a former Shopkeeper turned author, consultant, mentor. Always bringing it back to the 💙behind the biz because when we OPEN for business, we also open up to immense personal growth. Read aloud from the OPEN for Growht Substack. openforgrowth.substack.com (https://openforgrowth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Ana Maria Muñoz

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Feb 2024

Latest episode

30 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2025

   When the dream becomes ordinary

   This episode is for entrepreneurs who've felt the shift—from the pinch-me moments of "I can't believe I'm doing this" to the ordinary Tuesday mornings when unlocking the door feels automatic. It's for business owners who remember when gratitude came easily but now find themselves running on empty, wondering where their spark went. Ana Maria Muñoz, author of "OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream," knows this journey intimately. From her early days of mindful backroom sessions—palms pressed together, setting intentions for each day—to the brilliant burnout that followed when routine replaced reflection, she's lived the full spectrum of entrepreneurial seasons. --- This is an audio version of the Substack, OPEN for Growth (https://openforgrowth.substack.com), by Ana Maria Muñoz Explore more … My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co) Let's work together (https://www.anamariamunoz.com/work-with-me/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openforgrowth.substack.com (https://openforgrowth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   30 Aug 2025

   Endings Are Beginnings.

   I know I speak to small retail shops, but so much of what I share can, and does, apply to any customer-facing business with a door and welcome mat ... ... Empty retail space creates an opportunity for another entrepreneur to share their passions, interests, and expertise with the community. It’s an opportunity for the entire ecosystem. How can we create and offer value to our customers and streetscape so that we stick around as long as we choose to? So that it’s our decision to make … to stay or close, and be loved or missed either way? Endings are beginnings, and beginnings are endings. Sometimes both feel obvious but when it comes to entrepreneurship, we actually get to choose how we begin and end each day, week, month, and year in more ways than we’re aware of. We get to choose how we nurture our passions, interests, and expertise and how we share them with our community. Let my ramble be a reminder of the time you have right now with your dream, whatever stage it’s in. Do your best. Don’t take it for granted. Make your own opportunities every day. --- This is an audio version of the Substack, OPEN for Growth (https://openforgrowth.substack.com), by Ana Maria Muñoz Explore more … My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co) Let's work together (https://www.anamariamunoz.com/work-with-me/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openforgrowth.substack.com (https://openforgrowth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   16 Aug 2025

   This keyring says what every small retail business owner is really thinking

   If you've ever put up a "back in 5 minutes" sign and felt like you were letting everyone down ... or walked up to a shop only to find the door closed with said sign, this episode is for you. ----- This is an audio version of the Substack, OPEN for Growth (https://openforgrowth.substack.com), by Ana Maria Muñoz Explore more … My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co) Let's work together (https://www.anamariamunoz.com/work-with-me/) If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy my book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream “As a fellow boutique shop owner, I believe this book is a gift to those who plan to start a retail shop. Ana Maria honestly reveals her experience as a shopkeeper. It’s a case study full of lessons learned and great tips for running a shop. She also describes the evolution of the business as it grows from sole owner to a business with staff and a community that embraces them.” — Kelly Wohlgenant Owner Retro Modern Furnishings This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openforgrowth.substack.com (https://openforgrowth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   11 Jul 2025

   Shopkeeping: a practice in empathy and non-judgement

   Shoppers come into our stores for different reasons and with many different perspectives and lived experiences. From the joys and celebrations that prompt purchases, to the heavy stresses of life that call for a form retail therapy … we have no idea what’s going on in their world as they browse what’s on the shelves. It is the Shopkeeper’s job to welcome them in and practice Non-JAR. What in the world is “Non-JAR”?? Listen to find out. --- --- This is an audio version of the Substack, OPEN for Growth (https://openforgrowth.substack.com), by Ana Maria Muñoz Explore more … My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co) Let's work together (https://www.anamariamunoz.com/work-with-me/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openforgrowth.substack.com (https://openforgrowth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   25 Apr 2025

   Breathe through the tariff storm with an intentional pause

   I’m no longer a Shopkeeper and I don’t have to make incredibly hard choices about products, prices, overhead during these time. I’m not in those shoes anymore but I still care — deeply. I want to offer something. And since I don’t know who’s listening to this, and your particular business and situation, I offer these words that really landed for me during a recent yoga class ... --- This is an audio version of the Substack, OPEN for Growth (https://openforgrowth.substack.com), by Ana Maria Muñoz Explore more … My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co/) OPEN For Growth on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/openforgrowth) Let's work together (https://www.anamariamunoz.com/work-with-me/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openforgrowth.substack.com (https://openforgrowth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   29 Mar 2025

   From Threat to Option

   I'm all about “a rising tide lifts all boats”. So, whenever the Marketing 101 SWOT Analysis comes up, I’m ready to share my reframe of the competition part of the “T” with anyone nearby. In today’s post, I’m talking about the "T" as it refers to Competition. Specifically, how we can view their “threat” through a different lens. When we see our collective businesses as options instead of competition that aims to “inflict pain, damage,” or seek “retribution” for opening for business, we can see that we all want the same things. ~~~ This is an audio version of the Substack, OPEN for Growth (https://openforgrowth.substack.com), by Ana Maria Muñoz Explore more … My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co/) OPEN For Growth on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/openforgrowth) Let's work together (https://www.anamariamunoz.com/work-with-me/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openforgrowth.substack.com (https://openforgrowth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   24 Feb 2025

   Retail Rookie is now OPEN for Growth ✨

   When we open for business, we open up to immense personal growth. We’re constantly growing and evolving as we open ourselves up to new ways of thinking, doing, and being within our businesses and lives. Because of that, it was time to shift gears and bring OPEN for Growth to Substack. Press play to hear more about the change and what to expect. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit openforgrowth.substack.com (https://openforgrowth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   8 Dec 2024

   The Shopkeeper Dream

   Retail industry expert, AMM, shares personal insights on the Shopkeeper Dream, emphasizing the importance of Taking Personal Inventory to overcome self-sabotage and achieve retail success.

9. 

   8 Nov 2024

   Don't be boring. Be bright.

   "There are many components to an attractive storefront but today, with the most festive time of the year picking up steam, let’s focus on store windows, aka your silent salesperson.What is your silent salesperson telling people walking and driving by?" --- Signage S.O.S. (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/signage-sos) My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    25 Oct 2024

    You have the vision, but is it viable?

    Would you take a job for someone else and accept not getting paid for your work? Your answer will likely be no unless it's an unpaid internship or apprenticeship. So why would we take a zero-sum salary for working hard in and on our OWN business? Don't be an entrepreneurial martyr like me — Plan to pay yourself from the get-go. ~~~ This is an audio version of the Substack, Retail Rookie (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/no-profit-like-beckham), by Ana Maria Muñoz Show Notes: My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co/) Retail Rookie post: No Profit Like Beckham (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/no-profit-like-beckham) OPEN For Growth on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/openforgrowth) Let's work together (https://www.anamariamunoz.com/work-with-me/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

11. 

    24 Sept 2024

    Taking Personal Inventory

    This is an audio version of the Substack, Retail Rookie (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/no-profit-like-beckham), by Ana Maria Muñoz From this "Episode": "I've mentioned the practice of Taking Personal Inventory in a few posts but have yet to elaborate on what it is and where the concept came from. Well, as one of my favorite Lizzo songs says, "It's about damn time!"" --- YES = Your Energetic Spark (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/yes-your-energetic-spark) Business is personal (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/business-is-personal-period) My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

12. 

    17 Sept 2024

    What your customers really want from you this Christmas

    This is an audio version of the Substack, Retail Rookie (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/no-profit-like-beckham), by Ana Maria Muñoz From this "Episode": "The festive season starts months before customers see anything related to it on the sales floor and in your marketing. So, what do we consider when planning that marketing? How do we consider sales goals and the value we offer to those who shop with us?" --- Shop! Association (https://shopassociation.org/holiday-shoppers-may-suffer-from-marketing-fatigue/) article Setting The Table (https://bookshop.org/p/books/setting-the-table-danny-meyer/7383729) book by Danny Meyer My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

13. 

    17 Sept 2024

    Say what you mean

    This is an audio version of the Substack, Retail Rookie (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/no-profit-like-beckham), by Ana Maria Muñoz From this "Episode": "I imagined the founders saying “clean your damn shoes!” to their friends and family and building a business around it. Sometimes phrases like this can launch a business. Pain points become ideas and ideas offer solutions. Other times useful phrases to describe your business can develop after you’ve been in business for a while and get clearer on what you do and who you do it for. Your next tagline could come from your very own pain point or point of inspiration." --- Sneaker Laundry (https://thesneakerlaundry.com.au) My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

14. 

    17 Sept 2024

    Business is personal. Period.

    This is an audio version of the Retail Rookie (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/no-profit-like-beckham) Substack by Ana Maria Muñoz From this "Episode": "Degrees may vary but you’re personally intertwined with your business whether you like it or not. Your business will go through evolutions, just like you. Your business will go through challenging times, just like you. Your business will thrive in different seasons, just like you. Even if you’re not the face of the business or operate it on the daily, your influences, beliefs and values are all over it." --- The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck (https://markmanson.net/books/subtle-art). book by Mark Manson My book: (https://www.openforgrowth.co/) OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

15. 

    17 Jun 2024

    No profit like Beckham

    Hi, I'm Ana Maria. This podcast is an audio version of my Substack, Retail Rookie (https://retailrookie.substack.com/p/no-profit-like-beckham). From this "Episode": "Personal self-worth can create ease or friction in business, whether or not you have financial buffers or safety nets … So, when someone like Victoria Beckham makes the news for not making a profit, and there's seemingly no shame around it—just more passion and work—I say hallelujah. We’re all better for it." --- Beckham Netfilx Documentary (https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81223488) Victoria Beckham + Mango The Guardian article (https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2024/apr/26/its-what-i-always-dreamed-of-mango-deal-takes-victoria-beckhams-designs-to-high-street) My book: OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

16. 

    15 May 2024

    Flourish Together

    There are many creative ways to collaborate, and often, the best solutions start with a problem, like how to get your product to your customers conveniently and timely. Episode Notes: Retail Brew article (https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2024/04/29/urbanstems-walmart-golocal-grow-partnership-ahead-of-mother-s-day) — Read my new book OPEN — Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

17. 

    1 May 2024

    Please Touch

    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

18. 

    12 Apr 2024

    Generosity is more fun

    Hi, I'm Ana Maria -- this podcast is an audio version of my Substack, Retail Rookie. From this "episode": "When we give joy, we get joy. In these times of increased living costs and the ever-evolving customer and retail landscape, giving your time, resources, and expertise can be a win-win for you, your customers, and your community...Money is an energetic exchange, and if, like money, everything is energy, and you exchange that energy for good, what might be possible?" --- Setting the Table (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213280.Setting_the_Table) by Danny Meyer (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213280.Setting_the_Table) My book: (https://www.openforgrowth.co)OPEN: Big Lessons in Small Retail and Living the Shopkeeper Dream (https://www.openforgrowth.co) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

19. 

    2 Feb 2024

    Welcome to Retail Rookie

    Retail Rookie was an early title for my upcoming book, but it wasn’t the right fit. Rather than throw out a good name, I decided to repurpose Retail Rookie into a newsletter to celebrate and commiserate the experiences in independent retail entrepreneurship—experiences that can make Shopkeepers feel like rookies in their businesses from time to time. Though we learn best by doing, I hope that my notes and stories can help Shopkeepers feel like seasoned veterans more often than not. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retailrookie.substack.com (https://retailrookie.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

33

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.