Launch Your Box Podcast with Sarah Williams | Start, Launch, and Grow Your Subscription Box

239: Inside My Subscription Box Business: Year-End Recap and 2026 Strategy

I’m sharing a real look inside my own subscription box business. Not the highlight reel. The actual numbers, the launches that worked, the one that didn’t, and the decisions that shaped where we’re headed in 2026. The numbers never tell the whole story. But they also never lie. Always start by looking at your numbers.  I added 1,300 new subscribers in 2025.  What surprised me most? Some of our biggest growth didn’t happen during launches at all. What happened between launches mattered more than I expected. May and September ended up being two of our strongest months. No cart open. No big push. Just momentum doing its job. What made the difference?  Staying visible instead of disappearing after launches Treating email like a growth tool, not just a reminder Paying close attention to who was already saying yes That’s also why retention became such a big win this year: I’m ending 2025 with a 94% retention rate People weren’t just buying a box once, they were staying One of my biggest - and somewhat unexpected wins - was my teacher tee subscription launch. My “baby subscription” doesn't always get a lot of attention. I ran a short, focused launch that doubled that subscription in just five days. Revenue told one story. Profit told another. After 8.5 years, I passed $6 million in subscription box sales. A huge milestone that felt great. But 2025 didn’t end up being a record year. Revenue finished 4.8% down compared to the year before Profit margins increased by 12% That shift came from smarter buying, cleaner inventory, and fewer decisions made out of panic. You can be down in revenue and still be building a healthier business. Some things in 2025 were harder than they should’ve been. We ran into backend issues that affected payments, cash flow, and retention.  At the same time, social media visibility dropped hard. Content that used to perform just didn’t. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still not seeing traction, you’re not imagining it. This was one of those years where pivoting mattered more than pushing. Where I’m putting my energy in 2026. I’m going all in on what’s already working. That looks like: Growing subscriptions earlier in the year instead of waiting Putting more focus on email and paid ads between launches Cutting tools, products, and offers that don’t earn their keep Letting subscriptions lead instead of chasing one-off ideas When I applied the 80/20 rule, the answer was obvious. Most of the revenue in my business comes from subscriptions. So that’s where the focus stays. Before you plan anything, ask yourself this. As you head into 2026, I want you thinking about three simple questions: What worked - and how can you do more of it? What didn’t - and what are you ready to let go of? Where do you actually want to go in 2026 - and what needs to change to get there? You don’t need more ideas. You need fewer, better decisions. Join me for this episode for an honest look behind the scenes and a grounded way to think about what comes next in your own business. And if you want support along the way, come join us inside Launch Your Box. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join me in all the places:     Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website  Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!

Taking Your Side Hustle to a Full-time Gig

Have you thought about taking your subscription box business from a side hustle to a full-time gig?   It’s absolutely possible. I did it and so have many members of Launch Your Box.    But…    Before you quit your full-time job or make any major changes to your business, you need to ask - and answer - some questions. And you need to get really comfortable with your financial details, business and personal.    Take your time and get real about what your goals are. Are you currently working 40/50/60 hours a week and want to work less? Do you want to make more income than you have been?    The truth is, you can get there. But you’ll need to make a plan and work that plan. Start by asking yourself these four questions:  What is the income you need to replace?  What is the survival income you need to cover your bare bones expenses every month?  What portion of that survival income can be covered by someone else (spouse, parents, roommates)?  What is the initial investment you’ll need for your business (products, supplies, packaging, tech)?    Understand that your business will need to be profitable before you can pay yourself. That takes time. It took me 9 months before I was able to pay myself a regular paycheck. 8 ½ years later, I pay myself a very nice salary and also pay the salaries of more than 20 employees.    Join me for this episode as I take you on my journey from tiny side hustle making $200 a month to where I am now, running two multi seven-figure businesses, answering those questions, knowing my numbers, and making careful decisions every step of the way.     Important Links:  Join me in all the places:  ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠ Launch Your Box with Sarah Website⁠  Are you ready for ⁠ Launch Your Box⁠? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. ⁠ Join the waitlist⁠ today! 

238: Turn Your Camera Roll into Sales This Weekend

You don’t need a photoshoot.You don’t need new content.And you definitely don’t need to overthink it. In this Friday Fuel episode, I’m sharing how to turn what’s already sitting in your camera roll into real sales this weekend using photos and videos you’ve already taken. If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll show up “when things are more polished,” this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting and start posting. Your phone is full of content that sells, you just haven’t used it yet. I walk you through exactly what to look for in your camera roll, including: Packing boxes Unboxing moments Stacked shipments Labels, inserts, and flat lays Sneak peeks of inventory Your hands assembling boxes Your workspace mid-ship Even the messy, in-progress moments count. Especially those. Your audience isn’t just buying a box. They’re buying from you. In this episode, I explain why everyday, non-business photos build trust. And how trust leads to sales. Things like: Your morning coffee while prepping orders A walk outside while thinking through next month’s box Your dog hanging out in the office A messy work table before launch A quick post office run Travel photos with a behind-the-scenes caption These aren’t filler posts. They’re connection builders. A Simple 3-Day Posting Plan (Friday–Sunday) I break it down into a realistic, no-stress weekend posting plan using only what’s already on your phone. Friday: Visibility & Light CTA Reel or short clip (packing, organizing, workspace setup) Casual text like: “Packing this month’s box. Want one?” Simple static post with a clear link-in-bio CTA Saturday: Show Value + Build Connection Carousel showing what’s inside the box Stories with behind-the-scenes clips, product shots, polls, or countdowns A quick “can’t wait for these to go out” talking clip if you want Sunday: Urgency + Final Push Reel or story of boxes stacked or ready to ship Static post with a detail shot Clear urgency: “This box ships tomorrow. Last chance to grab yours.” You don’t need to overthink it You just need to scroll through your phone and post Take Action:  Pick one photo from your camera roll right now, write a quick caption, and post it before the end of the day. And remember:  Real moments sell. Personality sells. Connection with your audience sells. And your camera roll already has everything you need. Join me for this episode, where I’ll show you how to scroll your camera roll, pick a few everyday photos, and turn them into connection, visibility, and real sales this weekend. No new content, no overthinking, just action. Join me in all the places:     Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website  Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!

237: 5 Reasons you Should start a Subscription box in 2026

If you’ve been sitting on a subscription box idea for way too long, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down 5 powerful reasons why 2026 is an incredible time to start a subscription box. Yes, even if you’ve been watching this space for years and wondering if it’s “too late.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. Not even close. We’ll talk about market opportunity, recurring revenue, loyal customers, and why subscription boxes continue to thrive. Especially for niche, well-positioned brands. I get asked all the time: “Is it too late to start a subscription box?”The truth? The industry is still growing fast, and there is so much room for niche boxes done well. The global subscription box market passed $37 billion in 2025 It’s projected to grow past $100 billion in the next few years You don’t need a subscription box for everyone - just a box for your people.  Reason #1: You Don’t Have to Constantly Sell If you’ve ever felt stuck in the daily hustle of: Posting Emailing Promoting Starting over tomorrow Subscription boxes allow you to sell once and get paid month after month, building revenue that compounds instead of resets. In a world where: Organic reach is down Ads cost more Attention is scattered Recurring revenue brings stability and peace of mind. Reason #2: You Build Loyal, Raving Fans Subscribers open more emails and engage more deeply Long-term subscribers turn into your best customers Community is one of the biggest hidden benefits of a subscription box (My average subscriber stays 17 months - and that relationship matters.) Reason #3: The Product Is Already Sold You’re buying inventory after customers have already said yes. Less risk Less waste Easier planning Better cash flow And in 2026, customers want thoughtful, intentional products, not mass-produced clutter. Reason #4: You Get to Create Something You Love In a world full of: Screens Algorithms AI-generated everything A subscription box is different. It’s real. It’s tangible. It’s personal. Whether your box is built around products, creativity, education, or connection, your passion becomes the experience, and your audience feels that. Reason #5: Predictable, Consistent Revenue Feast-and-famine sales cycles are exhausting. Subscription boxes give you: Stability The ability to plan ahead Freedom to hire help or take a break Revenue that doesn’t disappear if one post flops There is nothing like watching renewals hit your account month after month. If you think it’s “too late,” here’s the shift to make: The most successful subscription boxes aren’t broad. They’re specific. People want to feel: Seen Connected Part of something If you’ve been waiting… This is your sign. If you’re ready to move from thinking to planning, I want you to join me for my FREE 6 in 60 Workshop. In just 60 minutes, I’ll walk you through how to plan 6 months of subscription boxes that speak directly to your ideal customer. Whether you’re still brainstorming or ready to launch, this workshop will give you clarity and momentum. Join me for this episode to hear why 2026 is a smart, strategic time to launch a subscription box. And how this business model can give you the stability, freedom, and momentum you’ve been craving. Join me in all the places:     Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website  Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!

236: Stop Trying to Be Everywhere: Do This Instead

Feeling like you’re supposed to be everywhere online? Instagram. TikTok. Facebook. Pinterest. YouTube. Threads. It’s exhausting. And for subscription box owners who are already sourcing products, packing boxes, fulfilling orders, and serving customers, it’s simply not realistic. In this week’s Friday Fuel episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, we’re talking about why trying to “be everywhere” is burning you out and how choosing two primary marketing channels plus email can simplify your strategy, free your time, and help you show up with more clarity and consistency. The Mental Load of “Being Everywhere” Most subscription box owners aren’t just creating content, they’re juggling every part of their business. When you’re told you must be on every platform, it adds guilt, pressure, and overwhelm. Remember: You’re building a subscription box, not applying to be a full-time influencer. Trying to chase every social media trend only spreads your energy thin and keeps you from showing up the way your audience needs you to. Start with Momentum Before you add anything new, look at what’s already working. Are you consistently active on Instagram? Does your Facebook group get good engagement? Do your Pinterest pins get clicks? Are your Stories getting replies? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Build on what already has traction.Momentum is one of the most valuable assets in your business. Don’t ignore it to chase something shiny and new. The 2 Channels plus Email Formula Here’s your simple focus formula: Choose 2 Primary Marketing Channels Add Email Marketing Every Week Pick your channels based on: Where your audience already spends time Where you can show up with consistency What feels natural for you to maintain Your mix might look like: Instagram Reels & Facebook Lives Pinterest & Blog posts TikTok & Instagram Stories But no matter what you choose, email is non-negotiable. Your email list is the only audience you own, and it drives launches, waitlist signups, and sales. If a social post flops, nobody sees it.But when you send an email? It lands in inboxes. That’s powerful. Build a Repeatable Routine First Most subscription box owners don’t need more platforms. They need more consistency. Before asking “Where else should I be?”, ask: “Am I showing up consistently here?” “Does my audience know when to expect me?” “Have I built my content muscle yet?” Nail your routine on two channels plus email first. Then you can repurpose or expand once it feels easy. Action Steps Audit your energy and results: What’s working? What’s draining you? Choose your 2 primary channels and commit to them for the next 90 days. Send a weekly email (even a short one). Build the habit. Don’t add more until you’ve built consistency where you already are. You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be where it matters consistently. Join me for this episode and find out why doing less can actually help you grow more. Two channels. Plus email. That’s it. And I’ll show you how to make it work. Join me in all the places:     Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website  Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!