Sharon Price John on Leading with Heart at Build-A-Bear Workshop

December 11, 2023

“It’s magical to be of service.” – Sharon Price John

In this incredibly motivating episode of Entreprenista, we’re joined by Sharon Price John, the transformative CEO and President of Build-A-Bear Workshop. Under Sharon’s visionary leadership, this iconic brand has undergone a remarkable transformation, redefining the retail experience for millions. Her journey, a blend of creativity and strategic insight, has reshaped Build-A-Bear into a dynamic player in the retail industry. Sharon’s career is a roadmap of success through resilience and curiosity, starting with her unique fusion of art and psychology in advertising, leading to her major role in brand management and marketing. At Build-A-Bear, she has not just led the company but reinvented it, implementing innovative retail marketing strategies that resonate deeply with children and parents. Tune in as we explore her approach to understanding customer psychology and delivering immersive retail experiences that evolve as we evolve. We also discuss topics from her book “Stories and Heart”, how she channels her passion for personal development through mentorship, and so much more.

We talk about:

Building a value system
Sharon’s career path and the journey to Build-A-Bear
The tipping point for most entrepreneurs before ultimately investing in themselves
Learning and moving forward from failure
Preserving the culture and spirit of Build-A-Bear
Changing the business model and not upending the culture of the company
Change management
Effectively marketing to both parents and kids

Connect with Sharon:

Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Are you ready to make meaningful business connections that lead to real business results?

Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels, and MORE!

Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate and support you every step of the way.

Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!

Become An Entreprenista!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Entreprenista Podcast – the most fun business meeting for women founders and leaders. . If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes across social media to help us reach more amazing female founders, like you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, and LinkedIn and for more exclusive content, tips, and insight, join our community of founders right here.

Share it!

Posted in Entreprenista

Alenka Kyslik’s Business Matches Users With Holistic Providers

A brief introduction about Alenka and her business: A Canadian, now living in Los Angeles, Alenka has spent almost 15 years in the corporate world as an overachiever. Eventually it caught up with her and she burnt out. A year later, just as she was recovering mentally, she tore apart her ankle and has spent…

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (2) copy

Lana Wear’s Journey to Founding a Real Estate Flipping and Staging Company

A brief introduction about Lana and her business: Lana is Founder and CEO of HomeWear Designs, a real estate flipping and staging company in New York City, the Hamptons, and St. Petersburg, FL. Lana’s career began in Sales, first as a Real Estate Agent in NYC and later as a Sales leader for multinational corporations.…

Addie Gundry is Innovating Diaper Changing for Parents on the Go

“My biggest regret is [that] I kept this so close to the chest for a while, because a lot of people think, ‘Someone will steal my idea. People think it’s a bad idea.’ You almost want to wait to announce what you’re doing until it’s totally complete. And I always say, ‘If you’re not embarrassed…

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (3)

Cindy Dodd Connects Companies With Key Decision-Makers

A brief introduction about Cindy and her business: Cindy Dodd is an award-winning marketer and global speaker who has emerged as a trailblazer for Black women in the lead generation industry. As the Co-Founder and COO of PEMA.io, Cindy has transformed the company into a global powerhouse, executing over 100 million reach-outs and serving over…

Kathryn Shah, Spring & Mulberry, is Making the World a Sweeter and Healthier Place

“I don’t know that we’ve cracked the right mix yet, but gifting has gone a long way, and I think the more you gift, the more people see your product, and the more you can collaborate on content, the more views you’ll see on your content. And ultimately, what you’re wanting is just this feeling…

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (4)

Rita Richa Helps Businesses Tell Their Stories Through Podcasting

A brief introduction about Rita and her business: Rita Richa is the founder and executive Producer of Reignite Media. Rita has an extensive background in developing B2B podcasts, content-based networking, and brand strength capitalization. Her clients have been known to classify her as an innovator/visionary, passionate about developing podcasts, scripts, storyboards, social media content, and…

Courtney Todd’s Marketing Agency Increases Brand’s Visibility

Hi, Courtney! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Hi, I’m Courtney, Fractional CMO + Creative Director of Umlaut Agency. I help brands drive top-line growth and reduce cost per customer by increasing brand visibility and building stronger customer relationships. I also run a creative agency that focuses on branding and website…

Amy Rees Inspires Women Through Art With Personality Plates

“Find somebody to work with as a small business owner. I’m not taking out loans. I don’t have big funding. You really have to pick and choose where you want to invest in your business, but you do have to invest somewhere.” Struggling with feelings of neglect and loneliness in an unhappy marriage, Amy Rees…

Ramy Brook Sharp’s Journey to Building and Scaling a Fashion Empire

“As the leader, it all starts at the top. If you want a culture where people are kind to each other and people are understanding, you have to be that person.” Ramy Brook Sharp is the founder and CEO of Ramy Brook, a contemporary women’s fashion brand known for its chic and versatile designs. Launched…

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (2)

Sharon Ringier’s Magazine is Curated Exclusively for Women Entrepreneurs

A brief introduction about Sharon and her business: Sharon Ringier is a highly accomplished and influential entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and philanthropist who has dedicated her life to empowering and supporting women in their personal and professional pursuits. With over 20 years of experience in the events planning industry, Sharon has become widely known for her…

Beth Nydick Amplifies Media Exposure Into Profitable Opportunities for Businesses

A brief introduction about Beth and her business: Beth Nydick, the founder of The F.A.M.E. LAB, is the go-to media expert for coaches, experts, and authors seeking to amplify their brand presence. Known for her strategic approach and media expertise, Beth transforms media exposure into lucrative opportunities, ensuring her clients don’t just shine in the…

Michelle Hsiao’s Consultancy Firm Helps Product-Based Businesses Thrive

A brief introduction about Michelle and her business: Michelle Hsiao is the CEO/Founder of Revenue Growth Advisors, a consultancy for product-based businesses in retail, e-commerce, and wholesale/DTC brands. Previously she led merchandising teams as a Senior Vice President with Boscov’s Department Store, Group Vice President for Macy’s and Chief Merchant/Head of E-commerce for an online…

Networking Without the Nerves: Tips for Authentic Connections

“The power of networking, you never know. There could be just that one person that you connect with who then has somebody else that they know and it’s a snowball effect.”- Richelle Pena Today’s Startups in Stilettos has a very special minisode dedicated to the power of networking. Tune in to hear Carlyn Bushman and…

Mary Seats Fosters Community With Her Co-Working Space for Women, The Bakery CoWork

“I needed support, community, someone to reach their hand down and pull me up. And now I’m always reaching my hand down to pull someone else up.” Mary Seats is the founder of The Icing Agency and The Bakery CoWork, a co-working space designed for women entrepreneurs. From a young age, Mary showcased her entrepreneurial…

Masi Chukwuemeka’s Businesses Are All About Social Media Management and Storytelling

Hi, Masi! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: My name is Nmasichi Chinenye Chukwuemeka, but I go by Masi. I am the founder of Masi Brands and TribesAndHistory. Masi Brands is a digital branding agency located in Atlanta and our services include web design, social media management, and graphics design. Our…