Your MSK Questions, Answered
We understand that questions come up when you’re considering our Master Shopkeepers membership, and we’re happy to answer them! Check out our FAQs below, and if you still have a question, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help.
Click on the plus sign to read answers to these common questions.
If you’re in financial crisis or hoping for a quick fix without putting in the effort, this may not be the right fit. A coaching call is recommend instead. But if you’re overwhelmed and ready to take action—willing to show up, do the work, and kick excuses to the curb—then you’re in the right place. Master Shopkeepers is for store owners who take ownership, not for those stuck in blame, looking for a miracle, or waiting for the “perfect” time.
We’re global! We have members all across the US and we currently also have members in Canada and UK.
We have 30+ different business models/types in our group. Here’s a sample:
Furniture painters, Souvenir shops, Vintage/Antique, Apparel, Game & Toy Stores, Home Decor, Florists, Baby & Kids, Lifestyle, Coffee Shop/Cafe, Stationery/Paper,
Consignment shops, Gourmet food/Specialty Foods/Beverages, Crafts & Art Supplies, Gift, Art Gallery/Store, Candy/Confectionery, Kitchen/Tabletop Crystal, metaphysical, Pet, Plant, Graphic Design/Print, Party Supplies, Refill/Sustainable Living, Interior design, Vendor stores
The membership is not exclusively for e-commerce businesses. It’s for brick-and-mortar retail store owners, but many of our members also have e-commerce components to their businesses and some also offer services, so a variety of topics are covered but the primary focus is brick and mortar retail.
Yes! You can pay in full and save — $995/year — or choose our payment plan of 12 monthly payments of $99.
However it’s important to note that this is an annual membership, not a month-to-month subscription. The payment plan is simply a courtesy to break up the total. When you enroll, you’re committing to the full year, regardless of which payment option you choose.
Yes, it’s a great idea! This membership is for store owners in all 6 stages. From those who haven’t opened yet to store owners who generate $2+ Million in annual revenue. When you apply to join, please provide the zip code where you plan on opening your store.
This is not a traditional course or program. Video content includes a variety of Zoom meeting replays, offering valuable insights through classes or group conversations, but not the polished, structured format of typical courses. The membership is designed for flexibility and a community-focused learning experience that’s at your own pace.
We do several things to make the onboarding process easy…
1) Onboarding emails – you’ll receiving several with details and instructions to help you get onboard
2) New member zoom call – held every 4-8 weeks, join Kathy on zoom to guide you through resources and membership navigation.
3) Facebook Group – you’ll immediately get invited to join our private MSK group
4) The Lab -you’ll get instructions for logging into the Shopkeeper’s Academy so you can access this MSK Library filled with resources and replays
5) Welcome packet – watch your mailbox, Kathy sends all new members a welcome packet too!
We host a variety of calls all year long at a variety of days and times. From conversational calls, general group chats, to calls for each business type (gift, apparel, toy, home decor, game, furniture, etc.) to calls where Kathy teaches on topics.
In 2025 Kathy is hosting a year-long series on Cash Flow Clarity. All calls are scheduled in the group 2-3 months in advance so you can plan accordingly. You won’t attend all calls, choose what works best for and your business! And if you can’t attend at the time, you can watch the replay.
This is a self-paced, community-based learning program where you set your own pace. Some members focus more on The Lab’s resources, others on participation and conversations, or a mix of both—it’s entirely up to you! We host up to 6 Zoom calls per month, many of which are recorded, but not all topics will apply to your business, so attendance is flexible. While calls are a valuable asset, how much time you spend on calls, in the group, or in The Lab is completely your choice!
Legal business partners or team members, like a store manager, can join at a discounted rate of $495/year. If your location has individual business owners, separate applications and separate memberships will be required. Once you join, let us know you have a business partner who would also like to join and we’ll send you a sign up link.
What group members are saying…
Kathy Cruz changed our lives and our business with MSK and one on one coaching. It’s been the single most impactful investment we’ve ever made in our business
Amanda + scott herringFrom the extensive resources, tried-and-true tools, the collective knowledge and experience of the group, and Kathy’s focused, guided coaching – every penny I have put towards the Master Shopkeepers has already given back to me many times over.
anonymousVermont Store OwnerIf you’re looking for a community that will both support and challenge you, help you make better, data-driven decisions, and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey, MSK is the place to be.
Jennifer lunaFounder & CEO of The Kindship, Paper Luxe, & The Curious Bear Toy & Book Shop