Abandoned Cart

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Adam hosts Chloe Mead, Founder of Fling Fashion Rental, to explore what it takes to build a physical, in-person retail model in a digital-first e-commerce world.Chloe shares how a frustrating wedding guest dress experience sparked the idea for Fling, why fashion rental needs a rethink, and how community, experience, and sustainability sit at the heart of her brand. From bootstrapping marketing with low-budget influencer events to learning hard lessons early on, this conversation is packed with insights for founders, retailers, and anyone building a brand today.Key Topics Covered“Sometimes you’ve got to leap without looking.”The wedding guest dress that inspired Fling - the why behind the businessWhy online fashion rental doesn’t work for everyoneExperience vs convenience in modern retailBuilding community through local creatorsHow a £250 influencer event paid offA tough early lesson every founder can relate toConnect with Chloé Mead: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chlo%C3%A9-mead-9441001baWebsite: https://www.flingfashionrental.comConnect with &Allies:To discuss how we can help your brand grow, visit www.andallies.co.uk

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Adam sits down with Neil Sumner, retail consultant and founder of Sumner For Hire, to explore why content is still king and why many brands are getting it wrong.With a career spanning publishing, luxury media, global retail, and high-growth brands like BrewDog, Neil shares powerful lessons on storytelling, humility, and the importance of theater in commerce. From driving 10x DTC growth during lockdown to challenging the “sea of sameness” in modern e-commerce, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build connection, loyalty, and differentiation in today’s crowded market.If you’re a founder, marketer, or e-commerce leader tired of playing it safe, this one’s for you.Key Topics CoveredNeil’s professional journey and the brands that shaped it, including BrewDog and Hunter & Gather.The BrewDog story - how bold thinking fueled growth and loyal communities.Why storytelling sits at the heart of customer connection in retail.The real challenges of digital transformation and lessons from projects that didn’t go to plan.Connect with Neil Sumner:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilsumner/Website: neil@sumnerforhire.com.Connect with &Allies:To discuss how we can help your brand grow, visit www.andallies.co.uk

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Laura sits down with Jago, co-founder of Angry Pablo, the sustainable cycling and running apparel brand challenging how performance sports look, feel, and sound.Jago shares how Angry Pablo was born not from a market gap analysis but from lived experience as athletes who felt modern performance culture had become intimidating and joyless. Together, they unpack how brand, honesty, and creativity can cut through even the most crowded categories.This episode is a must-listen for founders building brands in “samey” spaces and anyone curious about how community, tone, and restraint can outperform hype.Key Topics CoveredWhy less money can actually drive better decisionsBuilding a brand without formal brand guidelines (yet staying consistent)Standing out in a crowded performance apparel marketWhy humour and humanity don’t dilute performance, they strengthen itThe importance of organic growth before paid acquisitionCreating emotional connection beyond transactional salesBalancing friendship and business as co-foundersThe challenges of funding a product-led brandTransitioning from limited drops to a core, year-round collectionConnect with Jago Leckie: Angry PabloWebsite: https://angrypablo.ccInstagram / TikTok: @angrypabloSign up to their newsletter for early access to dropsConnect with &Allies:To discuss how we can help your brand grow, visit www.andallies.co.uk

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Adam sits down with Joe Munns, an experienced FMCG leader, entrepreneur and brand builder, and the founder of home baking business, Baked In.Joe shares the full story, from starting Baked In as a side hustle while working at IBM, to building an accredited food manufacturing operation and landing major retail listings. He opens up about the whirlwind pandemic boom that took the business from around £1m to nearly £5m in just nine months, and the lessons that followed as the business navigated funding pressure, operational complexity, and the realities of sustaining growth.A standout section of this episode is Joe’s early adoption of TikTok Shop, including what it actually took to make live selling work, how they used community to build momentum, and why TikTok Shop quickly became Baked In’s biggest D2C channel during peak periods.Expect a refreshingly honest conversation about:The best advice Joe ever received, and why “don’t stretch yourself too far” became a defining lessonBuilding Baked In from baking kits to a subscription vision, alongside retail and manufacturingThe hidden complexity of too many SKUs, too many channels, and not enough resourceWhat rapid pandemic growth really looked like behind the scenesHow Meta and Google supported subscription acquisition, and what changed post-pandemicThe power of community and how a Facebook group helped spark early momentumTikTok Shop in its early days: going live to tiny audiences, pushing through the awkward start, and finding a repeatable rhythmWhy QVC-style demos worked so well for Baked In, and what most brands get wrong when they quit too earlyHow super fans became moderators, created social proof in the comments, and helped convert new viewersBrand partnerships that improved margins (and the risks when values and perception clash)The TV ad experiment: what it taught Joe about top of funnel marketing and measurementInvestors, debt funding, and the tougher reality of raising capital during a slowdownThe personal impact of running a high pressure business, and what Joe would do differentlyWhat Joe is building now with Cutting Edge Golf, and his approach to sustainable growth this timeConnect with Joe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmunns/Email: joe@cuttingedgegolf.comConnect with &Allies:To discuss how we can help your brand grow, visit www.andallies.co.uk

In this episode of Abandoned Cart, Adam sits down with Alex, co-founder and CEO of Nini Organics, the artisan skincare brand built on passion, authenticity and a mission to reformulate the beauty industry for the better.Alex shares the story behind Nini Organics, from struggling with severe acne and working in luxury beauty retail, to formulating products by hand and building one of the highest returning customer rates in the skincare space. He explains why the natural beauty movement fell out of favour after COVID and how Nini continued to thrive by staying true to its ethos, avoiding greenwashing, and keeping human connection at the centre of the brand.Expect a refreshingly honest conversation about:• The best advice Alex ever received and how it shaped his approach to business and boundaries• The early beginnings of Nini Organics and why artisan, small batch creation is true luxury• How the natural and organic beauty movement changed and why consumer sentiment dipped• Why authenticity, founder presence and human connection have become Nini’s greatest growth levers• The brand’s scrappy, founder-led marketing, experiments that worked, and content that absolutely did not• How to build a loyal customer base without compromising on values or chasing trends• The role of paid media, why Instagram remains their strongest platform, and the pros and cons of navigating Meta and TikTok• What is next for Nini Organics, from pop-ups to new formulations and wider collaborations in the green beauty spaceWhether you are an e-commerce founder, a marketer or simply someone building a brand with heart, you will take away valuable lessons on staying focused, standing firm in your mission and using authenticity to cut through a crowded market.Connect with Nini Organics:Instagram: @niniorganicsWebsite: niniorganics.comReach out directly on the Nini hotline or via DM for personalised skincare advice.Connect with And Allies:If you’re a scaling ecommerce brand looking for a growth partner across strategy, paid media & creative, head to https://andallies.co.uk/Enjoy the episode, and subscribe for more honest conversations with the founders and marketers shaping the future of ecommerce.

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Leary, founder of Squibble, about essential strategies for improving user experience (UX) and conversion rate optimization (CRO) in e-commerce. We discuss the importance of pricing for quality and how testing and understanding customer behavior is crucial for marketing analytics. We also explore challenges faced by small businesses with low website traffic and future trends in CRO, including the role of AI and the convergence of UX and CRO.Kim Leary's Journey and Squibble's StoryChallenges in Marketing AnalyticsImportance of User Behavior DataUnderstanding UX vs CROThe Future of CROLinksKim (Turrell) LearyLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberleyjane/Website : https://squibble.design/& Allies (Formerly Pink Leopard)www.andallies.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Stokely Howard, a performance creative expert. Stokely shares insights from his journey, influenced by his granddad's advice about the brevity of life, which fuels his drive across multiple ventures. We explore the importance of storytelling in e-commerce, detailed strategies for creating effective videos, the role of continuous testing, and cost-effective ways to produce engaging content. We also discuss the impact of TikTok on modern branding and how creative elements can significantly boost conversion rates on websites. Stokely emphasises the necessity of adaptability, understanding customer pain points, and consistently feeding the content creation loop with fresh and strategic ideas. The episode wraps up with actionable tips for leveraging video content to enhance customer trust and drive sales.Stokely's Background and BusinessCreating Highly Converting VideosThe Importance of Brand StrategyCost-Effective Content CreationTikTok and Creative StrategiesLinksStokely HowardLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stokely-howard-0281a378/Website: https://www.trendygrandad.com/&Allies (Formerly Pink Leopard)www.andallies.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Matt Caron, a Shopify SEO specialist and yoga teacher, where we discuss the significance of mindset in personal and professional life, the evolution of e-commerce search, and the impact of AI on search algorithms. Matt explains the transition from keyword matching to more advanced algorithmic approaches and the importance of high-quality content, structured data, and product optimisation for e-commerce businesses. We also delve into the future of AI in search, its potential privacy issues, and strategies that e-commerce leaders can implement to stay competitive in the evolving digital landscape.Key takeaways:The Evolution of E-commerce SearchThe Future of AI in E-commercePractical Tips for E-commerce LeadersKey Strategies for Shopify SEOThe Impact of SEO on E-commerce SuccessUnderstanding and implementing effective SEO strategiesLinksMatt CaronLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-caron/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Worsley, founder of Rainy City, an award-winning Shopify Plus agency. Rebecca shares her journey from dropshipping to creating a successful e-commerce agency, emphasising the importance of personalised user experience (UX) in web design. Throughout the episode, we discuss actionable insights such as leveraging tools like Rebuy and DataShips, integrating AI for tailor-made customer interactions, and the critical role of understanding and targeting the right customer demographic to boost online sales.Key Takeaways:Rebecca's Journey: From Dropshipping to Rainy CityThe Importance of User Experience (UX) in e-commerceChallenges and Misconceptions in UXPersonalization in Web DesignTools and Technologies for Personalization5 Future Trends and Final ThoughtsAdvice for Improving Website UXLinksRebecca WorsleyLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaworsley/Website : https://www.rainycityagency.com/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Celia Tugores, Head of Digital Marketing and e-Commerce at UpCircle Beauty. Celia shares the best advice she received, emphasising the importance of following your own path. We dive into five key elements of profitable growth in e-commerce: creative strategy, offer, conversion rates, brand awareness, and retention strategies. Celia elaborates on how each element contributes to a successful and efficient business, stressing the importance of testing, optimisation, and making data-driven decisions.Key Takeaways:The Five Keys to Profitable GrowthUnderstanding Profit and Customer AcquisitionCreative Strategy: The Volume GameCrafting the Perfect OfferOptimizing Conversion RatesBuilding Brand AwarenessRetention Strategies for Long-Term SuccessDaily Tracking and Prioritizing Based on DataLinksCelia TugoresLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-tugores-322626156/Website : https://upcirclebeauty.com/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by John Redman, founder of Ask Bosco and Modo 25. The discussion spans a wide range of digital marketing and e-commerce topics, beginning with the crucial role of early mornings in productivity. John elaborates on how his companies tackle inefficiencies in digital marketing, especially in light of challenges posed by iOS 14 and the transition to GA4. We explore the nuances of multi-channel attribution, the impact of accurate data, and strategies to optimise ad spend using AI. The conversation also offers valuable insights into dealing with click fraud and the importance of building a compelling brand story.Listeners are given a special opportunity to try Ask Bosco and receive further support from Pink Leopard for their digital marketing needs.Key Takeaways:The Story Behind Ask Bosco and Modo 25Challenges in E-commerce Performance MeasurementImpact of iOS Changes on Digital MarketingStruggles of Small Brands in the Current MarketThe Importance of Brand in BusinessUnderstanding Attribution ModelsMulti-Touch Attribution and Its ChallengesThe Role of Retargeting in AttributionEducating Stakeholders on AttributionClick Fraud and Bot TrafficOptimizing Budget Allocation with AILinksJohn ReadmanLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnreadman/Website : https://askbosco.io/  & https://modo25.com/

In this episode, we are joined by Lucianne Soley, founder of Soley Creative. We delve into the critical role of commercial design in marketing and sales strategies, discussing its impact on business success.Luciane shares her expert insights on creating brand equity, the importance of first impressions, and the strategic elements that make design commercially viable. She also cover tips for briefing designers, the significance of having a brand guardian, and a real-world example of a successful rebranding project. This episode offers practical advice on maintaining a consistent brand identity and effectively critiquing design work to ensure commercial success.Key Takeaways:Understanding Solely Creative and Commercial DesignThe Importance of First Impressions in DesignBuilding Brand Equity and ResonanceThe Impact of Commercial Design on Business SuccessHow to Brief a Designer EffectivelyTop Tips for Implementing Commercial DesignLinks:Lucianne SoleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucianne-soley/Website: https://www.soleycreative.com/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Riannon Palmer, managing director of Lem-Uhn PR agency, about leveraging PR to boost e-commerce sales. Riannon shares insights on maintaining a positive business mindset, the evolution and importance of PR in branding, PR's role in building community, and strategically aligning PR with a company's mission. Key points include Lem-Uhn's unique approach to PR, the historical context of PR, and how embracing AI and future trends is crucial for agency success. This conversation also addresses using PR for long-term brand growth and direct revenue generation, alongside methods for effectively measuring PR's impact.Key Takeaways:The Birth of Lemon PRThe Importance of Positive Work CultureUnderstanding PR: A Deep DiveWhy Brands Need PRInnovative Approaches to PR in 2024Leveraging PR for Community BuildingDriving Revenue Through PRMeasuring PR ImpactLinks:Riannon PalmerLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/riannon-palmer/Website : https://www.lem-uhn.com/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode,  we are joined by Nikita Vakhrushev, Founder/CEO of ASPEKT about the intricacies of email deliverability for e-commerce. The discussion explores Nikita’s background, best pieces of advice, agency evolution, and effective email strategies focusing on segmentation and customer nurture. Nikita shares actionable insights on monitoring and improving email deliverability, the importance of proper technical setup, and common pitfalls in email marketing. The importance of nurturing customers over just selling is underscored, providing listeners with a comprehensive strategy for leveraging email marketing in their businesses.Key Takeaways:Nikita's Journey and Aspect's EvolutionDiving into Email DeliverabilityCommon Email Marketing MistakesFixing and Monitoring Email DeliverabilityThe Importance of Email MarketingNurturing vs. Hard Selling in EmailLinks:Nikita VakhrushevLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-v/Website: https://aspektagency.com/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Lucianne Soley, founder of Soley Creative. We delve into the critical role of commercial design in marketing and sales strategies, discussing its impact on business success.Luciane shares her expert insights on creating brand equity, the importance of first impressions, and the strategic elements that make design commercially viable. We also cover tips for briefing designers, the significance of having a brand guardian, and a real-world example of a successful rebranding project. This episode offers practical advice on maintaining a consistent brand identity and effectively critiquing design work to ensure commercial success.Key Takeaways:The Importance of First Impressions in DesignBuilding Brand Equity and ResonanceThe Impact of Commercial Design on Business SuccessHow to Brief a Designer EffectivelyTop Tips for Implementing Commercial DesignLinks:Lucianne SoleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucianne-soley/Website: https://www.soleycreative.com/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Ruth Bradford, the owner of The Little Black and White Book Project and The Paper Mentor. We discuss how to take the fear out of setting up a product business without outsourcing. Ruth shares her journey from launching her baby sensory business to creating a resource library for aspiring product business owners. We cover crucial steps for new entrepreneurs, like understanding company structure, trademarks, web domains, and pricing strategies. This conversation emphasises the importance of taking time to plan and research in order to build a sustainable business.Key Takeaways:Ruth's Business JourneyStarting a Product Business: Key ConsiderationsDIY Business Setup: Feasibility and TipsThe Reality of Business SuccessCreative Minds in BusinessThe Myth of Overnight SuccessLinks:Ruth BradfordLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordruthWebsite: https://blackandwhitebookproject.com/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

 In this episode, we are joined by Iain Coplans, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Stok.ly Ltd.We talk about the importance of simplifying your tech stack, automating tasks, and scaling efficiently. It highlights how businesses often face issues with multiple software pieces that do not integrate well, leading to inefficiency and additional manual work. Simplifying your tech stack can enhance efficiency, allowing more tasks to be accomplished with the same or fewer resources, ultimately reducing costs.Tune in to learn how you can simplify, automate, and scale your eCommerce business for long-term growth and success.Key Takeaways:How to Scale Your eCommerce Operations: Simplify, Automate, and ScaleThe Importance of SimplificationThe Power of AutomationStrategic ScalingBenefits of Simplifying Your Tech StackEfficiency and Cost ReductionLinks:Iain CoplansLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-coplans-a8639a17/Company Website: https://www.stok.ly/--Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Fallon and Ava King, co-founders of the luxury turtleneck brand Fallon and Ava, who have mastered the art of blending online business with in-person customer engagement. We delve into the secrets behind successful e-commerce stores. We discuss the importance of hosting in-person events to connect with customers, offering insights into the types of events they've hosted, challenges faced, and tips for success. They emphasise the significance of staying true to brand values and share practical advice for making events impactful, even on a budget. This episode provides invaluable insights into how hosting events can significantly impact brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales.Key Takeaways:The Perfect Turtleneck JourneyHosting in-person eventsThe Power of Personal ConnectionsEvent types and their purposesTips for Planning Successful Events - Even on a budgetLinks:Connect with: Fallon & Ava Website: https://fallonandava.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fallonandavaPink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Luke Collymore, an eCommerce web development agency. We discuss scaling eCommerce businesses using self-managed platforms like Magento and WooCommerce. Luke shares insights about the complexities of scaling, including customer acquisition, resource management, and infrastructure.We delve into the advantages and challenges of self-managed platforms versus SaaS solutions like Shopify. Luke also discusses how AI is increasingly aiding in optimising e-commerce processes and the growing trend of businesses leveraging marketplaces for further growth.Key Takeaways:Understanding Self-Managed PlatformsChallenges in Scaling eCommerce StoresSupporting Fast Growth with Self-Managed PlatformsTechnical Issues and SolutionsPotential Pitfalls in ScalingLeveraging AI for E-commerceLinks:Connect with Luke CollymoreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukecollymore/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/develo.design/Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk

In this episode, we are joined by Robert Edmonds, the Founder and Creative Director of NRG Digital. We discuss the importance of video marketing and share key insights such as the rise and impact of video content on mobile traffic, the significance of crafting a clear and consistent brand message, and how businesses of all sizes can start leveraging video effectively. Robert shares invaluable advice on following one's passion, the importance of consistency, and never giving up, while also touching on how advancements in technology, particularly AI, are making video production more accessible and streamlined. The episode is packed with practical tips for both beginners and those looking to scale their video marketing efforts, emphasising the necessity of quality content that engages and resonates with audiences.Key Takeaways:The importance of following your passion, being consistent, and never giving upPower of Human ConnectionVideo's dominance in mobile trafficEmbracing AIQuality over QuantitySimplifying Complex MessagesStart Small: Begin with smartphone videos.Look for inspiration: learn from industry examples.Working with an Agency: Choose an agency that understands your business.Links:Connect with Rob & NRG Digital:NRG Digital Website : https://www.nrgdigital.co.uk/Instagram  : https://www .instagram.com/nrgdigital--Pink Leopardwww.pinkleopard.co.uk