Show Notes: Making Millions, Losing Millions, and Still Thriving with Alison Grooms
You ever look at a super successful business owner and think, Damn, they must have it all figured out? Yeah, no. That’s not how this works.
This week on The Embodied Baddie Podcast, I’m sitting down with the incredible Alison, owner of Jules & James Boutique and Jazz Cosmetics. And let me tell you—this convo is a goldmine for every retail entrepreneur who has ever doubted themselves, stressed over inventory, or wondered if they’re secretly screwing everything up.
Alison built a multi-million dollar business almost by accident, rode the wild waves of scaling, and even landed on the Inc. 500 list—only to see a $2M revenue dip right after. (Cue existential crisis.) She keeps it real about the stress, the imposter syndrome, and why business success does not guarantee inner peace.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re just winging it while everyone else seems to have a game plan—this episode is for you.
What We Talk About:
💸 Accidentally building a multi-million dollar brand—what worked, what didn’t
📉 The scary AF revenue dip that had her questioning everything
🛑 Why the “more, more, more” mindset can sabotage sustainable growth
😵💫 Imposter syndrome & why even the best entrepreneurs feel like frauds sometimes
💖 Why external success ≠ internal happiness (and what actually brings fulfillment)
🙌 The power of generosity, community, and not hoarding success
Takeaways for My Fellow Retail Queens:
👉 Scaling is sexy, but sustainability is what actually keeps you in the game.
👉 If you’ve ever felt like a failure after a business slowdown, welcome to entrepreneurship. It’s normal.
👉 Just because someone looks like they have it all together doesn’t mean they feel like they do.
👉 Surround yourself with people who get it. The right community can change everything.
Connect with Alison:
📲 Instagram: @life_with_Alison
🛍️ Jules & James Boutique: julesandjamesboutique.com
💄 Jazz Cosmetics: jazzcosmetics.com
Let’s Keep This Baddie Energy Going:
✨ Loved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review! It helps more entrepreneurs find this podcast.
✨ Slide into my DMs on IG @theembodiedbaddie and let’s chat about this episode!
✨ Visit ChrystalRose.com for even more ways to scale without the burnout.
Until next time—stay badass, stay balanced, and for the love of retail, stop thinking you have to do it all alone. 💕
Alison Grooms is a 35 year old wife, mother, and the founder and CEO of Jules & James Boutique and JAZ Cosmetics. She began her clothing business in 2015, following her departure from teaching and the birth of her first child. Alison has grown her business from a very small business that was once ran out of her home to a flourishing online business. Jules & James has outgrown two warehouses, employs over 25 women and ships thousands of products to customers across the United States every week. She also has 2 brick & mortar stores in Carrollton & Newnan, Georgia. As Jules & James continues to grow, Alison has strived to keep kindness, generosity, and friendship the top values of her company. These values are continued by consistently giving and being involved with community organizations, local schools, charities, and world wide missions, all for the glory of God.