Behind the Review

When you create a business for the community, it’s the community that can make you successful-even when you open during a pandemic. Natasha Burton, founder & owner of Mixed Fillings Pie Shop in Jacksonville, FL, prides herself on her customer service and connection to the local community. It’s her “brand,” combined with the delicious, uniquely named pies that sold reviewer, Natalia, on the shop. Learn how creating a space for meaningful conversations & being accessible brought Natasha success. Mixed Fillings Pie Shop: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mixed-fillings-pie-shop-jacksonville Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a business where people go to feel inspired and confident is much easier said than done. Replicating and franchising that concept, all while making the important things stick, is even harder. Jami Stigliano, owner and founder of dance studio franchise, DivaDance, managed to make it happen. This week’s Yelp reviewer, Emily A., shares her story of how the Austin studio gave her a sense of empowerment and community. DivaDance (Austin location): https://www.yelp.com/biz/divadance-austin-3 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creating a business isn’t always about the endgame of selling a product. For Clinton Jones, owner of Magnum Opus Hair Salon in D.C., it’s about creating a cultural exchange. In this week’s episode we take a look at the journey of Yelp reviewer, Diane M., who went seven months without a haircut in the pandemic, turned to Yelp to find a new local business and came out the other side with a growing discussion - in addition to a stylish cut. Magnum Opus Hair Salon: https://www.yelp.com/biz/magnum-opus-hair-salon-arlington Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some businesses are centered around a great product - others are about dependability, reliability and honesty. A great locksmith focuses on the latter. This week we talk with Jay Stofer, founder and CEO of NYC business, Lockbusters, who knows that his reputation is everything. This week’s reviewer, Charlotte B., turned to Yelp in a moment of need. Jay finds many of his clients in moments of vulnerability - find out how he earns his exceptional reputation & what others can learn from it. Lockbusters:https://www.yelp.com/biz/lockbusters-new-york Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a product worth waiting in line for is something many business owners aim for - knowing that what you’re offering is worth both a consumer’s time and money. That’s what co-owners Sam Butarbutar + Wenter Shyu have achieved with Third Culture Bakery. We talk with Sam about how their commitment to quality has helped them find success and how they build impressive customer loyalty. To exemplify this, we spoke with cross-country Yelp reviewer, Cherie C., about her not one, but two reviews. Third Culture Bakery: https://www.yelp.com/biz/third-culture-bakery-aurora-aurora Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The celebration is still on. Your birthday doesn’t care that it’s COVID.” In this week’s episode, we talk to Mignon Francois, owner of the Cupcake Collection about pandemic pivots but, more importantly, we hear from her on how she turned a business - started from nothing - into a two location success. Yelp reviewer and creative entrepreneur, Monica S. reminds us how much joy something simple - like a sweet potato cupcake - can bring. It will leave you inspired and hungry. The Cupcake Collection: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cupcake-collection-nashville Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to selling a luxury product, it’s important to cultivate a relationship with your consumer and understand their motivations. Viviana Langhoff, owner of Adornment & Theory, a jewelry shop in downtown Chicago, shares how she created five pillars for her and her staff to live by. Yelp reviewer, Shelby F., saw these pillars come to life in her numerous experiences with the business and shares why it’s so important to focus on a meaningful customer relationship, rather than the sale. Adornment & Theory: https://www.yelp.com/biz/adornment-and-theory-chicago Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a great leader doesn’t come naturally to many - however, as a business owner you are thrown into a leadership role. Josh Campbell, owner of Rescue Air Heating & Cooling in Richardson, TX, gives his all to becoming a great leader - and it pays off. His staff follows his example & his customers notice. Yelp reviewer, Jennifer W., shared her experience with the company, which started out with a late-night Yelp conversation over a broken AC unit. Hear from Josh about what it takes to succeed. Rescue Air Heating and Cooling: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rescue-air-heating-and-cooling-richardson-4 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curating an inventory of hidden gems and quality antique pieces takes time, thought and a keen eye. On this week’s episode, we talk with Krisi Hora, owner of Baltimore boutique, Peg Leg Vintage & Yelp reviewer Hannah H., about Hidden Gems - both from a consumer and business owner perspective. Krisi, works to uncover unique, high-quality items for her store and arrange them in an intentional way. Hannah, scours Yelp for “undiscovered” places, hoping to find something special. Peg Leg Vintage: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peg-leg-vintage-beltsville Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic has had an impact on all businesses - small, large, restaurants, fitness studios, nail salons, etc. We talked with the minds behind Cali Comfort BBQ in San Diego. Shawn Walchef, Owner, + Stover Harger, Digital Specialist have rethought everything they knew about running a sports BBQ spot + pushed their digital strategy to the limits. Reviewer, Madriel A., talks about the elevated customer experience she’s seen with Cali Comfort BBQ - and many other businesses - during COVID. Cali Comfort BBQ: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cali-comfort-bbq-spring-valley-4 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delivering a truly unique and memorable experience is rare. It takes an exceptional amount of thought, time, business acumen, and maybe a little bit of luck. This week, hear from Misty & Dennis Akers—co-owners of The Candle Pour in Tampa, Florida—about how they brought their vision to life and made a hands-on business successful in the time of COVID. Our reviewer, Michelle M., walks us through her experience, and in doing so, showcases how Misty & Dennis have thrived in an unexpected year. The Candle Pour: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-candle-pour-tampa Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Honesty may seem like an obvious pillar for business owners to follow, but it’s not always a given. This week we have our first home services business: an HVAC company in North Carolina. Temp Rite built its reputation on honesty, hard work and “word of mouth” marketing. This week’s reviewer, Sam A., a self-described “meat & potatoes” guy, gave the business’ very first Yelp review. Find out how honesty, communication & owning mistakes make Temp Rite a review-worthy business. Temp Rite Services: https://www.yelp.com/biz/temp-rite-services-yadkinville Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making people feel special can be challenging. It’s a tough personal goal and an even tougher business goal. The Sparkle Bar, a makeup studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, nails it. Hear from founder & owner Alex Bradberry about how her focus on diversity & uniqueness makes her shop so memorable. Our reviewer, Kimberly Vickers-Martin, shares her journey—from booking to post-wedding reception—giving a look at what sets Bradberry’s studio apart and what other businesses should try to replicate. The Sparkle Bar: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sparkle-bar-scottsdale?osq=sparkle+bar Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Businesses with rooted values show intention and authenticity, and consumers appreciate that. This week, Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jean’s—a Kansas City juicery—shares the meaning behind his business and how all of his decisions are anchored by his purpose. Our reviewer, Jes Steinberg, a KC educator, shows us how acting with intention makes all the difference in an experience. Ruby Jean's Kitchen & Juicery: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ruby-jeans-kitchen-and-juicery-kansas-city Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nic Faitos spent 15 years in finance before he decided to open a flower shop. Marla Frezza, full-time foodie, part-time cook, was the lucky recipient of one of Nic’s bouquets. The experience left her compelled to leave a review. We catch up with Nic and Marla to learn about why it’s all “in the details.” Nic shares how making small adjustments and investing in the extras can make a big difference - especially when it comes to revenue. Hear how Nic was able to make a lifelong customer out of a recipient. Starbright Floral Design: https://www.yelp.com/biz/starbright-floral-design-new-york-6 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices