Podcast
The Nouveau Podcast
Hosted by Meredith Waguespack · EN
The Nouveau Podcast: Your guide to building a thriving local small business.
Join entrepreneur Meredith Waguespack, owner of Sweet Baton Rouge® for insights, inspiration, and actionable advice with over 14 years in the retail industry. We'll explore data, marketing, community, and more, all with a touch of French charm.
Let's pop the cork on your entrepreneurial success!
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 29: Final Message of 2025 | Use link below, Join my Email
Dec 800:17:42Tap to summarizeThis week's episode reflects on a year of growth, change, and finding a nouveau direction. Host Meredith Waguespack offers a deeply personal update on her business journey and her spiritual life, explaining why the word "Nouveau" applies more than ever as she heads into 2026.Meredith discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching the podcast (hitting 1,200+ downloads!), the successful Small Business Audit series, and her major personal focus for the next year, including her family, her spiritual journey toward the Catholic Sacrament, and her new role as a visionary for Sweet Baton Rouge®.She also shares exciting news about her upcoming co-authored book, The Luminescent Bloom, her commitment to playing tennis, and welcoming her new mini Goldendoodle puppy, Magnolia.Discover my intentional renewal and focusing on authenticity are the keys to finding my "home" in 2026.I'm starting a newsletter, we'd love for you to join; click here to join.Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 28: From Finish Line to Launchpad: Building Your 2026 Strategy Now
Nov 2400:09:03Tap to summarizeNow that the year is ending, it’s tempting to crash—but this is actually the most critical time to set yourself up for success.In this episode, we're transitioning from the final push to launching strong into 2026. We show you how to take the data and momentum from your Small Business Audit and turn it into a focused, mission-driven strategy for the new year.We dive into three essential steps for building your 2026 blueprint:Stop Guessing, Start Growing: How to use your Year-End Scorecard (Bestsellers and Top Revenue Channels) to determine exactly where to invest your time and energy next year.Mission-Aligned Goal Setting: Learn to set big, exciting goals that aren't just about revenue, but are directly rooted in your core values and vision. This ensures growth feels authentic.The "One Thing 100 Times" Plan: Simplify your marketing by choosing the one campaign or message that performed best this year and committing to doubling down on it for powerful, focused results.Don't wait until January 1st to scramble. Use this valuable downtime to build your 2026 launchpad and ensure your next year is your best year.Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 27: The Black Friday Blitz: Preparing for Your Moment
Nov 1700:15:22Tap to summarizeHow are you feeling as the biggest sales season of the year approaches? If you're running your small business full-time or juggling it as a side hustle, Black Friday is your moment of truth.In this timely episode, we're not just talking discounts—we're talking strategic, burnout-proof preparation. Meredith shares the focused tactics she uses after a year of major events (from hiring a new manager to running the Ultimate Tailgate!) to ensure Q4 success.We break down the simple steps you need to take right now to maximize holiday sales and protect your time:The Simple Offer Rule: Learn why complexity kills conversion, and how to create one crystal-clear deal that works for both you and your customer.The Capacity Check-Up: Audit your inventory and your available time to determine exactly how many sales you can handle while still honoring your core values.The Storytelling Countdown: Stop selling on Black Friday! Learn how to use the three days before the sale to prime your audience with your brand story, ensuring they are emotionally connected and ready to buy when the clock strikes midnight.Platform Prep: Get practical tips on scheduling content, testing your checkout process, and setting up customer care plans to manage expectations during the rush.Don't let the rush of Q4 derail your focus. Prepare simply, act strategically, and win your moment!Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 26: The Art of the Values-Driven Offer
Nov 1000:07:06Tap to summarizeStop selling stuff and start selling meaning. If your side hustle feels like it's drowning in a sea of competitors, you're missing the most powerful marketing tool you have: Your Values.This isn't about fluffy branding—it's about building deep trust that converts. When a customer buys from you, they aren't just getting a service; they are validating their own beliefs.Your Challenge: Can you clearly connect your core value (e.g., Simplicity, Transparency, Community) to a specific feature in your product?The Reward: That clear connection is your new competitive edge.Listen to the new episode of The Nouveau Podcast to learn the "Values Audit" exercise that will give you the precise language you need for your next pitch.Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 25: Your "Why" on Display: Using Storytelling to Attract the Right Customers
Nov 200:09:33Tap to summarizeYour marketing feels scattered, right? Especially if you’re a solo entrepreneur or running this as a side hustle. You’re constantly chasing trends or trying to write captions that sound salesy and awkward. The reason? You’re focused on the product instead of the promise. Today, we are unlocking the single most powerful marketing tool you own: your brand’s origin story and core values. This isn't just a fluffy exercise—this is the clarity that cuts through the noise. Listen today to learn how to stop inventing things to say and start simply sharing your truth to magnetize your dream local clients, freeing up your valuable time.Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 24: 15 Years of Sweet Baton Rouge®: The Power of Slow & Steady Growth
Oct 2000:44:02Tap to summarizeConnect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 23: The Vision Board Isn't Just for Dreams
Oct 1300:25:36Tap to summarizeIt’s the final 90-day push—and this is your business’s championship game! Today, we’re shifting our focus from data analysis to strategic vision.If you didn’t hop on the vision board train in January, today is the day we make one for the end of 2025. This isn't about pretty pictures; it’s about creating a powerful, visual roadmap to keep you solely motivated and focused on your ultimate goals for Q4.Meredith shares why she scaled her detailed Sweet Baton Rouge® brand book into a simple vision board to maintain focus on the "end game." Learn why a visual anchor is key to helping you throw that touchdown and win the year. We provide a step-by-step guide on how to create your own effective, motivating board using simple tools like a free Canva template or a piece of poster board.Tune in, grab your scissors and glue (or open up Canva!), and create the visual reminder that ensures you finish 2025 strong! 🍷Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 22: The Data Don’t Lie: Using Numbers to Fuel Your Mission
Oct 600:15:49Tap to summarizeIn the second step of our Small Business Audit, we’re showing you how to look past simple sales figures and connect your data directly to your mission and core values.Your brand is more than just a product. We discuss how clear vision—like Sweet Baton Rouge®’s commitment to community and comfort—allows us to grow sustainably (like our 49% retail sales increase over 2024 YTD!) and confidently invest in marketing that matters. Remember: Marketing is saying one thing 100 times, not 100 things once.We dive into:Connecting Your "Why" to Your Sales: How to find patterns in your data that reveal why customers truly purchase from you.The Product Catalog Audit: Using bestsellers to narrow your focus and create a core product line that defines your brand.Case Study: The Cracker Barrel Backlash. We analyze why their short-lived 2025 logo redesign failed. This is a crucial lesson on what happens when a visual identity betrays the brand’s mission, memory, and core customer values.You'll learn how to use numbers to reveal the human side of your business, build lasting community, and move with steady momentum until your business truly blooms.Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 21: The Small Business Audit: Your Roadmap to the Finish Line
Sep 2900:21:43Tap to summarizeThe Small Business Audit: Your Roadmap to the Finish LineWelcome to your first step in the small business audit! This exercise is designed to give you a clear, data-driven look at your business's performance so far this year. Grab a piece of paper or open a spreadsheet—let's get started.Step 1: Identify Your Sales ChannelsFirst, list all the ways your business brings in money. These are your "buckets of money" or sales channels. Step 2: Calculate Your 2025 Sales MetricsFor each sales channel, write down the total revenue from January 1 to September 30, 2025. You can use either gross or net sales, but be consistent across all channels.Next, you're going to calculate the percentage of sales each channel represents. This is a crucial step for gaining perspective. To do this, divide the revenue from each channel by your total business sales for the year so far, then multiply that number by 100.Example: If your Online Store made $50,000 and your total sales were $150,000, your Online Store represents 33.3% of your revenue.This simple calculation will show you exactly where your efforts are currently paying off and help you narrow your focus for a strong Q4.Step 3: Compare with Your 2024 PerformanceNow, repeat the same process for last year. Go back and get the total sales and the percentage breakdown for each channel from January 1 to September 30, 2024.Step 4: Analyze and Plan Your RoadmapWith your numbers in hand for both 2025 and 2024, you can now start to analyze the data. Compare the percentages and raw sales numbers side by side.Did a new channel like the Airport, which was added in 2025, bring in more revenue than you expected?Did your Brick & Mortar's percentage drop from last year?Which channels are showing the most growth and deserve more of your attention in the final quarter?Looking at these visuals together will help you identify what's working and where you need to adjust your strategy to hit your goals and cross the finish line strong. This is your roadmap to a successful Q4!If you enjoyed this episode, please don't forget to download and subscribe to The Nouveau Podcast. You can find us on all major podcast platforms.Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
Transcribe →Episode 20 Local Series: With Ebony McCallister and Posh Pop
Sep 2200:41:45Tap to summarizeThis week on our Local Series, we're bringing you a story that's not just local, but truly inspiring and incredibly sweet! We sit down with Ebony McCalister, the incredible mom and guiding force behind Posh Pop Popcorn, a gourmet brand started by her brilliant daughters, Bailey Monet and Harper Juliet.You'll hear the full story of Posh Pop's journey from its humble beginnings in their kitchen during the pandemic to becoming a Baton Rouge sensation. We'll discuss their big moves, from selling at farmers markets and pop-up events to getting their products into LSU and SU stadiums. Plus, hear all about the most exciting milestone yet: the opening of their very own brick-and-mortar store in October of 2024! Ebony shares what it's like to navigate the world of entrepreneurship and family, and how she's helping her daughters build a brand that's about so much more than just delicious treats.Connect with Meredith:I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions. I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts. Listen to The Nouveau PodcastFollow Meredith on InstagramThe Nouveau Podcast InstagramJoin Our Email Shop Sweet Baton Rouge®
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