Are you lying awake at night, wondering how your store will make it through another month? Do you remember the excitement you felt when you first opened your doors, only to now find yourself drowning in inventory decisions and cash flow worries? Team? Family? You’re not alone. As a mom and store owner who nearly lost everything – twice – I intimately understand the weight of these struggles. Those sleepless nights and constant stress almost made me walk away from my retail dreams entirely.


But here’s the truth that changed everything: retail success isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter with proven systems that actually work. Through my own journey from near-bankruptcy to building RETAILMavens, I’ve discovered what truly transforms struggling stores into thriving businesses. Today, I’m most proud of our “Millies” – clients who’ve broken through the million-dollar ceiling, a milestone that only 1.9% of women-owned businesses achieve. Every time we celebrate a new “Millie,” I’m reminded why this mission matters so much: these women aren’t just building profitable stores; they’re reshaping their communities and inspiring others to believe in bigger possibilities.


The Retail Profit Formula Podcast is your weekly guide to mastering the three pillars that revolutionize independent retail businesses: strategic inventory management, sustainable cash flow systems, and transformative leadership skills. Each episode unpacks practical strategies from our proven methods – the Sales Breakthrough System, Profit Roadmap, and Profit First powered by RETAILMavens. You’ll hear real success stories from store owners who’ve doubled their income and profits, eliminated their stress, and rediscovered their passion for retail. We dive deep into solutions for your most pressing challenges: from managing seasonal cash flow and optimizing inventory turns to building a team that runs your store like a well-oiled machine.


Ready to transform your store and your life? Join our vibrant community of ambitious retailers who are done with just surviving – they’re ready to thrive. Connect with me, Cathy Donovan Wagner, and the RETAILMavens team in our Richer Retailer Facebook community for daily inspiration and practical tips. Already at 6 figures and ready to scale up to 7 figures? Watch my free class: 3 Steps to Maximize Profit & Reduce Overwhelm. If you’re newer and not there just yet, watch: How to Increase Your Sales So You Can Consistently Pay Yourself & Your Staff. Together, we’ll help you build the profitable, sustainable business you’ve always dreamed of – one that lets you sleep better at night knowing your retail dreams are becoming reality.

Cathy Donovan Wagner - RETAILMavens Founder

Cathy Donovan Wagner

As a former retail store owner, RETAILMavens founder Cathy Donovan Wagner learned how to master numbers to go from near bankrupt, to owning three successful multi-million dollar stores.

“With four kids and three stores, I had to have some incredible systems in place so that I could manage it all and enjoy family time,” says Cathy. “The art of retail is in the passion of each store owner and team, the science remains the same in all stores regardless of what is being sold.”

Cathy now uses her cutting edge expertise in retail and consumer behavior to help thousands of independent retailers increase sales and improve cash flow, using her proven Profit Breakthrough SystemTM. Together with the RETAILMavens team she guides retailers to more profit, better sleep and living a life they love, through powerful group and private coaching programs, industry speaking events and a thriving online community.

Ready to get started with Retail Mavens?

Send us a message and we'll help you determine where to start your profit journey.