In this powerful episode of Small Business PR with Gloria Chou, we’re joined by the incredible Yve-Car Momperousse, founder and CEO of Kreyol Essence—the Haitian beauty brand seen on Shark Tank and now sold at Sephora, Ulta, Whole Foods, Amazon, and more.

From a personal hair loss crisis to building a $50M clean beauty brand, Yve-Car shares the raw, real story of how she stayed true to her roots, served her community, and used her voice to break barriers in the natural haircare industry.

This is a masterclass on mission-driven entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, inclusive leadership, and what it really takes to scale a brand from scratch.

Key Lessons on Scaling a $50M Brand: Shark Tank Prep, Community-Led Growth, DEI, and Data-Driven Success for Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs

• How Kreyol Essence went from humble beginnings to $50M+ in product sales
• What preparing for Shark Tank really looks like (hint: it took over a year!)
• The power of community-driven business and grassroots brand building
• Why knowing your numbers is essential for BIPOC and women entrepreneurs
• How to measure impact and ROI beyond revenue
• How Yve-Car approaches DEI, inclusion, and allyship in her business
• Why storytelling and getting “back to basics” is the future of marketing
• How to turn preparation into opportunity—and opportunity into impact
  
  
  

Yve-Car Momperousse’s journey—from a personal hair loss experience to building Kreyol Essence, a $50M+ natural haircare brand—is a blueprint for mission-driven entrepreneurship rooted in purpose, community, and preparation.

This episode reminds us that success isn’t about luck—it’s about being prepared when the opportunity comes. Whether it’s navigating Shark Tank, scaling in the face of supply chain chaos, or advocating for inclusive business practices, Yve-Car proves that knowing your numbers, loving your customers, and staying rooted in your culture are what truly drive sustainable growth.

🎯 If you're a founder ready to lead with heart and strategy, let this episode be your reminder:
Stay ready, build with intention, and never take your eye off your community.

Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 days
• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou
• Join Gloria Ch

Want to get featured in the media but feel held back by fear, imposter syndrome, or the anxiety of being seen? In this episode of Small Business PR, I share the 3 powerful PR mindset shifts every small business owner needs to confidently show up, pitch their story, and land media coverage—without second-guessing themselves.

Whether you're a founder, solopreneur, or creative struggling with visibility fears, this episode will help you break free from the limiting beliefs keeping your brand in the shadows. Learn how to turn fear into fuel, use your story as a visibility asset, and pitch with purpose—no fancy PR background required.


How to Overcome the Fear of Visibility and Get Free Media Coverage for Your Small Business

• The 3 mindset shifts that helps you stop playing small and start pitching with purpose
• Why visibility is non-negotiable for building trust and scaling your impact
• The metaphor that will change how you see your role in your industry
• Why PR isn’t just visibility—it’s your mission in action
• How consistent, small actions can lead to massive media wins over time

You don’t need to be famous, polished, or have a PR team to start landing media coverage. By shifting your mindset around visibility and embracing your founder story, you can confidently pitch the media and secure press features that grow your brand. Your voice is the missing puzzle piece in your industry—and PR for small businesses starts with owning that. Visibility isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up with purpose, using storytelling to build trust, and taking consistent action.

Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 days
• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou
• Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

Are you tired of following Instagram formulas, tips, and tricks that no longer work? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

In this episode of Small Business PR, host Gloria Chou chats with Instagram strategist and content expert Shannon McKinstrie—an Instagram OG with over 270,000 organic followers. Together, they unpack what’s actually working on Instagram in 2025—and what outdated strategies to finally let go of.

From embracing authentic storytelling to getting back to basics with commenting and engagement, Shannon shares the real, human-first Instagram growth strategies that are helping product brands, service providers, and creators stand out without burning out.

What’s Actually Working on Instagram in 2025 (According to a 270K-Follower Pro)

• Why “how I” storytelling now beats “how-to” content
• Shannon’s 4 H’s Content Method: Heard, Helpful, Humor, and Happenings
• A simple Instagram Stories hack that instantly boosts views
• How commenting on popular accounts still drives organic growth in 2025
• Why your first 3 Stories matter more than ever
• The truth about how often you really need to post
• Why unscripted, raw videos perform better than polished ones
• How to combine growth, engagement, and conversion—all in one post
• The outdated Instagram content tactics to stop using now
  
  

Whether you're a product-based business, personal brand, or service provider, Shannon shares how to simplify your content strategy, boost engagement organically, and make Instagram fun (and profitable) again—without having to post every day.

You’ll learn why storytelling, casual videos, and simple Reels are outperforming polished content—and how to use Instagram as a genuine connection tool instead of just another sales platform.

Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 days
• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou
• Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941
• Learn more about Shannon McKinstrie:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonmckinstrie
• Website: https://shannonmckinstrie.com/
• LinkedIn:

Want to land media coverage without hiring a PR agency, paying for ads, or having industry connections? In this episode, PR expert Gloria Chou shares the exact framework that has helped thousands of small business owners get featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Marie Claire, and more—without spending a cent.

You’ll discover the 3 C’s of cold pitching—Consideration, Compliment, and Confidence—and how to use them to write pitches that actually get opened, read, and responded to. Whether you're launching a product, pitching a story, or building brand visibility, these tips work—even if you're just starting out.

✅ How to Pitch Journalists: Master the 3 C’s to Get Free Press and Stay on Trend

• How to use the 3 C’s of pitching: Consideration, Compliment, and Confidence
• How to find the right journalist for your niche using free PR tools
• Why subject lines matter—and how to write one like a headline
• How to use specific compliments to build journalist relationships
• How to show up with confidence as a solution—not as someone begging for attention
• How to pitch seasonally and stay relevant with trending topics

You don’t need ads, connections, or a blue check to get featured in top media. What you need is a PR strategy rooted in empathy, relevance, and confidence. In this episode, Gloria Chou reveals how to write cold pitches that convert—so you can land press, grow your brand, and get seen as the expert you are.

Whether you’re launching a product or scaling a service, this episode gives you the tools to pitch smarter and win media coverage—without paying for PR.

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass (https://learn.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassbygloria) .

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass (http://gloriachoupr.com/masterclass?utm_source=small-business-pr&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=&utm_content=masterclass&utm_campaign=masterclass) to get you featured for free in 30 days
• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.link (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou)
• CPR Pitch Framework (Credibility, POV, Relevance) https://gloriachoupr.com/1
• Source of Sources – HARO Alternative https://gloriachoupr.com/1
• Perplexity AI – Journalist Research Tool http://perplexity.ai

Still guessing that your customers are probably coming from Instagram? You’re not alone—and you might be missing critical insights that could transform your sales.

In this value-packed episode, Gloria chats with Kelsey Silver, a licensed therapist turned data strategist, who specializes in making analytics feel empowering (not overwhelming). Kelsey breaks down how to track where your customers actually come from using simple tools like UTM links, QR codes, and even smart social media keywords.

This is the episode every product-based business owner needs to finally stop guessing and start tracking what works—even if you’re allergic to spreadsheets.

Understand Why Knowing Your Customer's Source Improves Marketing ROI

• 🔗 How to use UTM links to track clicks and conversions from Instagram, podcasts, email & more
• 📍 How to customize QR codes for in-person events like farmers markets and pop-ups
• 📈 Why focusing on buyers, not just traffic, helps you grow profitably
• 💬 Why asking “How did you find me?” can be the most powerful data point in your business
• 🛠 How to keep your tracking simple, intentional, and totally doable (even with ADHD or zero tech skills)
  
  

Tracking your marketing channels isn’t just for big brands with data teams—it’s a game-changer for small business owners who want to grow strategically. As Kelsey Silver explained, understanding where your customers come from helps you double down on what’s working and ditch what’s not.

Before you invest more time in social media, email campaigns, or in-person events, make sure you’re tracking buyer behavior—not just traffic. Whether through UTM links, QR codes, or simple customer questions, having visibility into your customer journey is what separates guessing from growing.

🎯 No matter if you’re just starting out or leveling up your ecommerce game, this episode equips you to track smarter, sell better, and optimize every marketing decision.

🔗 Resources & Tools Mentioned:

Google UTM Builder (Free Tool)

Ready to track what really matters in your business? Grab Kelsey Silver’s free guide and discover the 15 key metrics top entrepreneurs use to grow smarter and sell more—without the overwhelm.

Connect with Kelsey on Instagram:
@kelseyesilver — DM her the word “Gloria” to start a convo and see how she does her own tracking!

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 days
• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.link

In this no-fluff, straight-talking episode of Small Business PR, host Gloria Chou sits down with seasoned ads expert and agency owner Zach Spuckler of Heart, Soul & Hustle to answer one of the most common (and costly) questions small business owners face:

“Should I hire a marketing or ads agency—or do it myself?”

With over 10 years of experience, millions spent on ads, and hundreds of clients under his belt, Zach breaks down exactly when it makes sense to hire help—and when it’s a waste of money. From red flags to look for, to knowing your numbers, to building a business that’s sustainable without giving up control, this episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur navigating growth.


🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode

• ✅ Why most small businesses shouldn’t hire an agency too early
• 🚩 The biggest red flags to watch for when hiring a marketing agency
• 📊 The difference between traffic, leads, and sales (and why it matters)
• 🔎 How to identify your most profitable, high-ROI tasks
• 🧯 Why “doing all the things” is a dangerous myth in small biz culture
• 💰 How to know if you’re financially ready to outsource your marketing
• 🔁 What it means to build a long-term brand—not just chase viral trends
  
  

Hiring a marketing or ads agency can be a powerful move—but only if your business is truly ready. As Zach Spuckler shared, the right agency can amplify what’s already working, but the wrong one can drain your time, budget, and momentum.

Before you sign any contracts, make sure you have a proven offer, a repeatable sales system, and a clear understanding of your numbers. And if you're not there yet? That’s okay—there’s strength in DIY marketing when it’s done with strategy and intention.

🎯 Whether you're scaling up, refining your marketing, or just getting started, this episode gives you the tools to make smarter decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Learn more about Zach Spuckler

🌐 Zach’s Website – Heart, Soul & Hustle
📲 Follow Zach on Instagram @ZachSpuckler
🚀 Join Zach’s Ads Bootcamp

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 days
• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.link

Want your product featured in Mother’s Day gift guides but don’t know where to start? In this episode, I break down proven PR strategies to pitch journalists, stand out in a crowded inbox, and land free media coverage—all without hiring a PR agency. Learn how to craft the perfect pitch, find the right media contacts, and increase your chances of getting featured. Plus, I share real-life success stories and insider tips you can start using today!

Crafting the Perfect PR Pitch for Mother's Day (and Beyond)

• Substack for finding journalist opportunities before publication
• Source of Sources (replacing HARO) for daily journalist requests
• Research publication-specific gift guide parameters
• Focus on 1-2 standout items rather than your entire product line
• Use email tracking software to monitor if journalists open emails
• Building credibility to compete with larger brands

Getting featured in gift guides provides small businesses year-round visibility without expensive ads. Research publication opportunities, craft targeted pitches, and follow up strategically to secure media coverage—even with a single product. PR is a numbers game where persistence builds credibility.

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 days
• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou
• Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

Want to land media coverage without hiring a pricey PR agency? This episode breaks down the best free PR tools and media pitching strategies to help you connect with journalists, craft compelling pitches, and get featured in top publications. Whether you’re a small business owner, startup founder, or entrepreneur, these proven tactics will help you boost brand awareness, gain publicity, and build credibility—all without spending a dime!

The Secret to Writing PR Pitches That Journalists Actually Read

• Using free tools like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and Substack for press coverage.
• Crafting compelling pitches that get responses.
• How personal experiences can enhance media opportunities.
• Overcoming cultural barriers to self-promotion.
• Following up with journalists, responding quickly, and positioning as an expert.
• Finding unexpected PR opportunities in different industries.
• Maintaining relationships with journalists and leveraging past features.

Securing media coverage doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By leveraging free PR tools like HARO and Substack, crafting compelling pitches, and strategically following up with journalists, you can land press features that boost your credibility and brand visibility. Remember, media success is about consistency, relationship-building, and positioning yourself as an expert in your field. Start implementing these tactics today, and watch your business gain the recognition it deserves—all without hiring an expensive PR agency!

If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.

• Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 days
• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou
• Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941
• Looking for PR podcasters to listen to or for your outreach campaign to promote your brand or product? Our PR podcasters list is what you need podcast.feedspot.com/pr_podcasts/
• Learn more about Swapna Patel:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/style.remixx/
• Website: https://www.styleremixx.com/