Why People-First Leadership Still Works in Brick-and-Mortar Retail with Brianne Mees

Brianne Mees, CEO of Tender Loving Empire, shares how a people-first background in psychology and social work shaped the culture of a retail brand built to champion artists, makers, and small businesses. Brianne walks through the company's growth from a scrappy early storefront to seven locations (including airport stores), the toughest leadership decisions during the pandemic, and why mission alignment is the anchor for hiring and culture. Brandon and Brianne also explore "regenerative retail," community investing through Wefunder, and how leaders can build a business that supports local economies without losing sight of sustainability and scale.

• 00:00 What the show is about + sponsor message from Xenium HR

• 01:00 Introducing Brianne Mees and the Tender Loving Empire mission

• 03:00 Brianne's unconventional path: psychology, social work, and a people-first approach

• 04:40 Why Tender Loving Empire started as a "helping profession" for artists and makers

• 05:00 The business today: seven retail locations, hundreds of makers, and a record label

• 06:00 The early days: starting before major online platforms existed for creators

• 07:00 The turning point: moving locations, hiring the first employee, and shifting from hobby to sustainable business

• 08:40 How Brianne's psychology background supported hiring and leadership

• 09:20 Scaling a creative retail brand into airports without losing the "feel"

• 10:00 Becoming "Portland tour guides" and translating local culture for travelers

• 12:00 Leading through the pandemic: scrappiness, resilience, and hard choices

• 13:00 The toughest day: furloughing the team while keeping leadership in place

• 13:50 Post-pandemic momentum: new airport locations and +$3M in annual revenue

• 14:10 How they keep 65 employees aligned: mission fit and kindness

• 15:20 The "Empire" name origin and the heart of the brand

• 15:40 The impact: celebrating $20M returned to artists and makers

• 16:00 Vendor selection today: buying team, data-driven decisions, and mission alignment

• 17:00 The ripple effect: vendors who reinvest through sustainability and social impact

• 18:00 Geographic focus: Portland and the broader Pacific Northwest

• 19:00 Why music remains the heart and soul of the brand

• 19:10 Why Tender Loving Empire chose Wefunder and community investing

• 20:40 Why VC is not the right fit for a values-based retail brand

• 21:20 How their Wefunder raise works: $1.2M goal and a convertible note approach

• 23:00 Advice to her 2007 self: confidence, trusting instincts, and staying close to the core

• 25:00 Preparing leaders for the next growth phase: transparency and sharing the full vision

• 27:20 What keeps Brianne going on tough days: impact, community, and walking into the stores

• 28:50 "Regenerative retail" explained: supporting communities vs. extracting from them

• 29:50 A first step for leaders: rethink suppliers and where resources flow

• 30:30 AI and the creator economy: efficiency benefits vs. IP and compensation concerns

• 33:00 Founder advice: grit, tenacity, support systems, and learning along the way

• 33:40 Closing: how listeners can support Tender Loving Empire and invest (starting at $100)

• 34:00 Podcast disclaimer and wrap-up

Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws

In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders."

About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more [https://www.xeniumhr.com/]

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