The Midlife Entrepreneur

This week Jo sits down with Kate Waterfall Hill, a leadership coach, author, podcaster and creator of 'Linda the Bad Manager', to share three ways to attract more clients using TikTok. First, Kate advises making TikToks and shifting mindset by recognising that business owners and decision-makers are on the platform, then creating content that educates, entertains and engages without feeling high-handed. Second, she recommends finding a repeatable format that fits your brand, testing different styles, and sticking with what works rather than constantly switching when early posts get little engagement. Third, she stresses that consistency beats perfection: record and...

This week Jo sits down with Anna Richards, founder and CEO of FrolicMe, to discuss building a female-led ethical erotica platform in midlife and redefining how adult content can centre female pleasure, consent, and authentic connection. Anna shares how a lack of erotic content reflecting women’s desires led her to start a blog in 2013–14, then launch FrolicMe in 2015 with 20 self-produced films alongside stories and galleries, funded with limited resources and without investors. She explains how she learned production by finding mentors and industry contacts, kept teams small and collaborative, and built growth largely through SEO because advertising options were...

This week Jo sits down with Thea Green MBE, founder of Nails INC. and Holler & Glow, to share three ways British brands can succeed in America. First, Thea says distribution is your best advert: focus on one key retail partner where you’ll get strong visibility, prove performance with clean data, and consider short-term exclusivity rather than spreading thinly across multiple retailers with poor shelf placement. Second, because it’s hard to outspend US corporates on advertising, she advises leaning into your USP and founder storytelling and using partnerships, collaborations, and retailer exclusives so bigger brands and retailers amplify your...

Building Aspiga: Sustainable Fashion, Slow Growth, and ADHD in Entrepreneurship

This week Jo speaks with Lucy Macnamara, founder of Aspiga, an award-winning sustainable fashion brand built on ethical production and positive impact. Lucy shares how she started with 250 hand-beaded sandals from Kenya sold through friends while working full time, then left her charity role after gaining early wholesale traction. She explains Aspiga’s steady, long-term growth through wholesale, online and pop-ups, later moving operations to London and building teams, and how retail stores began unexpectedly during lockdown through low-risk landlord offers, eventually expanding to around 10 shops. Lucy di...

15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Increase Engagement on Instagram with Milla Richardson

This week Jo sits down with Milla Richardson, Instagram expert and founder of Pink Storm Social, to share three ways to increase engagement on Instagram, explaining that engagement now includes comments, saves, shares and DMs and directly impacts reach via the algorithm. First, Milla advises grabbing attention in the feed with strong visuals, curiosity-driving hooks/headlines, and faces or behind-the-scenes people content, noting Instagram is increasingly personality-driven. Second, she recommends starting more conversations by asking questions in captions, replying to Stories, using Story engagement stickers (polls...

Maxine Laceby: Starting Absolute Collagen at 50 and building a £30m DTC Brand

This week Jo sits down with Maxine Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen, to discuss how she built a pioneering liquid collagen, direct-to-consumer brand in midlife. After 25 years as a stay-at-home mum, turning 50 and studying fine art led Maxine to a self-identity project, “Dare to Go Bare,” and a wellbeing journey that began with homemade bone broth and evolved into discovering collagen. In 2017 she launched Absolute Collagen with her daughter Darcy, growing it from a kitchen-table idea into a £30m business, raising £15m investment, and earning major r...

This week Jo sits down with AI expert, broadcaster, and AI Method founder Georgie Barrat to share three ways to scale productivity with AI. 

First, Georgie advises “onboarding” your AI like a new employee by creating an AI blueprint: a North Star vision document, ideal audience details, and “voice DNA” samples for emails, newsletters, and social posts, stored via tools like memory, projects, or custom GPTs to improve outputs and avoid confusion from overly long threads. 

Second, she recommends using voice input to reduce friction, brainstorm more naturally, and let AI consolidate ideas into well-formatted drafts you...

From City Marketer to Heirloom Seed Disruptor: Kate Cotterill on Building She Grows Veg in Midlife

Jo kicks off a new season by speaking with Kate Cotterill, CEO and co-founder of She Grows Veg, an heirloom seed company launched in November 2023 with Instagram grower Lucy Hutchings. Kate shares how a garden design course led to their partnership, how Lucy’s 120,000-strong following revealed pent-up UK demand for heirloom seeds, and how Kate left a 25-year marketing career to start the business at 46. They discuss what heirloom seeds are versus hybrids, She Grows Veg’s rapid growth from a £1...

Jo hosts the 15 Minute Masterclass and interviews Mirry Christie, CEO and founder of Be.Able, about three ways to lead with more purpose and positive impact. Mirry advises starting with the business by identifying priority social and environmental focus areas, engaging teams beyond the boardroom, and making practical improvements that add brand value, reduce waste, improve staff wellbeing and retention, and prepare for investors and future regulation. Second, she encourages action closer to home through conscious consumption, reusing, recycling, repairing, community support, and projects like selling clothes on Vinted and local initiatives such as Remnant Revolution. Third, she stresses...

This week’s guest is Zoe Levey, founder of Wildflower Press and editor of Wildflower Magazine. With over two decades in senior commercial roles across major magazine titles, Zoe left Conde Nast in 2017 after her son’s SEN diagnosis to create more flexibility, moved to the Cotswolds, and launched an independent publishing business designed to feel special, seasonal, and collectible. Eight years on, Wildflower is distributed nationally in the UK and stocked by Waitrose, M&S and WH Smith, and has expanded into Wildflower Live events, the Little Green Book for independent businesses, and a Wine Club. Zoe explains her...

In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass Jo Glynn-Smith chats to Camilla Newman, co-founder of Baillie Newman, who shares three ways to create events with impact that build memories and shift brand perception. First, she advises “engineer the feeling” by prioritising how guests feel from arrival, then choreographing the event’s cadence with connection points, surprise, momentum, and a strong finish rather than letting it fizzle out or over-focusing on VIP moments. Second, she highlights a 2026 trend: create participation, not spectators, using interactive experiences that build “body/muscle memory,” deepen connection, and strengthen brand loyalty. Third, she recommends not letting pe...

In this episode Jo chats to Amanda Hall, co-founder of Beck and Hall, a luxury relocation service that goes beyond removals to deliver fully installed, home-ready moves (layouts, installations, stocked cupboards, flowers) using trusted specialist partners, with recognition from media including Condé Nast Property, House & Garden, and Vogue. 

Amanda explains how the end of her 23-year marriage, financial insecurity, and moving from a renovated “forever home” into a rental pushed her to focus on creating calm through an expertly managed move, which later became the inspiration for her business which she launched with partner Louise Beck. She discus...

Jo speaks with Rebecca Hopkins, co-founder of Balance Me, a B Corp certified skincare brand rooted in science and naturally active, clinically backed formulas. Marking 20 years in business, Hopkins shares three ways to maintain brand relevance: evolve brand expression without losing the brand’s core essence, amplifying what the brand can authentically and legitimately own (including clinical credibility and wellness roots); stay obsessively close to customers by gathering data and feedback through founder-led skin consultations, product testing with customers, WhatsApp groups, surveys, community days, ambassadors, and social media presence; and innovate intelligently by keeping up with scientific advances and in...

Jo hosts The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast and interviews Nadia Hussein, a multi award-winning hair and makeup artist, educator, and founder of Hair Loving, a UK-made brand supporting women experiencing hair loss from menopause, postpartum changes, PCOS, cancer treatment, and hormonal shifts. 

Nadia shares being diagnosed with early menopause at 18 due to thalassemia-related iron overload damaging her pituitary gland, leading to severe symptoms, hair loss, and fertility challenges, and explains how treatment helped restore cycles. She describes transitioning from estate agency into beauty, building a training academy now teaching 500+ artists yearly, and creating her first hair oil from h...

Jo interviews Caroline Goyder, speaker coach and author of Gravitas, about three ways to be yourself as a public speaker. Caroline explains that many people fear speaking due to past experiences of judgment and offers practical tools to feel safer and more authentic. 

First, shift focus from impressing to asking “How can I help?” by understanding what the audience needs and simplifying the message. Second, use the body to create calm and energy by moving, breathing, and getting present before speaking so the room feels less threatening. Third, use breath and pauses, voice is out-breath and pauses are i...

This episode features Chloe Luxton, founder and creative director of Bramley, a B Corp-certified bath, body and wellbeing brand known for its natural essential-oil blends and a sustainable ethos. Chloe shares her background from Paperchase to Cowshed at Soho House, and how Bramley began in 2009 when she couldn’t find a natural, soulful, beautiful bathroom product range for her husband Charlie’s country pub hotel, The Beckford Arms. She explains launching quickly with six core products, using industry relationships, growing through hospitality and word-of-mouth, building the business around raising three children, current operational challenges, and opening Bramley’s first shop i...

Jo is joined by Anna Youngson, a retail and merchandising expert and founder of Majury Merchandising, who helps fashion founders make smarter data-led decisions to grow profit. Anna shares three ways to maximise sales opportunities: (1) know your customer, using the fundamentals of the five rights of merchandising - right product, right price, right place, right quantity, and right time; (2) always ask why and quantify results so you can learn from what sells (or doesn’t), stay ahead of shifting trends, and test new options alongside bestsellers without overcommitting stock; and (3) prioritise profitability over sales growth by managing stock investment, im...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast Jo chats to Sophie Rowell, interior designer and founder of Cote de Folk. 

Sophie shares her transition from a 24-year career in fashion styling and art direction to interiors after a difficult period that included her marriage breaking down, becoming a single mother, her best friend dying of cancer, and a health crisis that prompted her to rethink her life. After moving from Hackney to Folkstone and renovating a Georgian townhouse, she committed fully to a career change with a three-month deadline and landed her first interiors job three w...

In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass, Jo interviews Rachel Carvell-Spedding, Founder and CEO of Navygrey, a B Corp certified clothing brand specialising in high-quality knitwear. Rachel shares three critical strategies for building brand loyalty, community, and trust: 'Tell the truth,' 'Make people feel something,' and 'Keep showing up.' 

She underscores the importance of radical transparency, emotional connection, and consistency in business. Rachel also discusses her experiences in running Navygrey, the challenges faced, and how these principles have guided her brand's success. Tune in to hear her invaluable insights and personal anecdotes.

Join Jo on The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast as she converses with Helen Hopkins, also known as the Mealtime Maverick. Helen, a batch cooking specialist, wellness coach, and author with a massive online following, shares her entrepreneurial journey from going viral on Instagram in 2024 to publishing her first book, Mix and Match Batch. Helen discusses the pressures and rewards of her newfound fame, the impact of her personal struggles, and how she efficiently manages her thriving business with the help of her husband. Listen to Helen’s approach to balancing creativity with business strategy, and find out her top three in...

In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass, Jo is joined by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, for an insightful discussion on elevating networking skills. Helen breaks down the common misconceptions about networking and emphasizes the importance of shifting your mindset from 'networking' to 'connecting.' She shares practical tips including going in with an open mindset, being curious and asking open-ended questions, curating a meaningful network, and showing up consistently. Helen advocates for a generous approach to connecting people and stresses the long-term value of meaningful conversations over transactional meetings. Tune in for actionable advice on becoming a more...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo introduces Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk, the founder of the Women's Chapter, a community fostering the growth of women in business. Since 2014, the Women's Chapter has reached over 30,000 women through events, thought leadership, mentoring, and initiatives, becoming the first women's network in the UK to achieve B Corp certification for its social and environmental impact. Michelle shares her journey from varied career roles to founding the Women's Chapter as a passion project driven by a need for meaningful business connections. Michelle also discusses the pivotal moments that led to the growth...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, hosted by Jo Glynn-Smith, the focus is on new plans for the upcoming year. Jo celebrates a successful first year of the podcast, expresses gratitude to listeners, and introduces exciting new features. These include the '15 Minute Masterclass' series, aiming to provide expert advice on various business topics. Jo emphasises the importance of building a community around the podcast and encourages listeners to follow and engage with the show. Additionally, Jo announces the launch of a dedicated Instagram account for 'The Midlife Entrepreneur.'

00:00 Welcome to The M...

In this special end-of-season and year-end episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo reflects on her journey of nearly a year in podcasting, emphasising the key theme of resilience learned from her conversations with various entrepreneurs. Jo then passes the microphone to her summer interns, Song and Issie, who interview her about her career pivot at the age of 47, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned. Jo shares insights on the importance of resilience, listening to experienced individuals, stepping out of your comfort zone, and self-belief. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about career transitions, personal...

This week on The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo interviews Katherine Elphick, marketing consultant, web designer, and founder of Elphick & Co., a boutique Shopify agency. Katherine shares her unique journey transitioning from art history at Christie's to working with luxury brands like LVMH and Burberry, and eventually running her own successful e-commerce development business focused on helping women-led brands. She delves into her background, the evolution of her business, and the challenges she faces as a midlife entrepreneur. The conversation concludes with Katherine’s valuable insights on the significance of technology, the importance of bespoke service, and her transformative experience wi...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Emma Pratt, founder of Elsie and Tom Candles. Emma shares her inspiring journey from her career in legal marketing to overcoming a stroke at 42, which left her unable to walk, talk, or see properly. 

During her recovery, Emma rediscovered her creative passion, leading to the creation of her natural home fragrance and cosmetics brand. She talks about the challenges of balancing her new business venture with ongoing health issues, the importance of investing in one's past experiences, and her plans for scaling her business. 

Em...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo welcomes Sophie Fawcett, a brand strategist, cancer survivor, and the founder of TONIC, pioneering medical apparel. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from shaping major UK fashion brands, to founding TONIC after experiencing the inadequacies of traditional hospital wear through her own shoulder surgery. With sustainability and thoughtful design at its core, TONIC aims to provide dignity and empathy to patients during their most vulnerable times. Sophie discusses how her personal battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma solidified her mission, transforming her from a founder into a user of her own innovative...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo talks to Carol Lovell, the adventurous founder of Stow London, a luxury handbag and accessories brand known for its British design and Spanish craftsmanship. 

Carol shares her inspiring journey from launching Stow in 2013, navigating the rapid growth, handling personal and business challenges, to making the bold decision to step back in 2022 due to health concerns. She discusses how she sold the business to her manufacturing partner Adam but remains involved as a partner and strategist. 

The episode touches on the relief and challenges that came wi...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo interviews Louise Webster, a communication specialist and founder of Beyond the School Run, an award-winning platform dedicated to empowering mothers by utilising their skills and talents. Louise shares her inspiring journey from working in PR with major brands to addressing the barriers mothers face in the workforce. She details the evolution of Beyond the School Run, the challenges she faced, and her dedication to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. 

Tune in to learn about her journey, her advice for balancing motherhood and career, and her vision for creating inclusive workplaces through W...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo interviews Hansine Johnston, the founder and creative director of Hansine, a resort wear brand known for its sophisticated silhouettes and modern bohemian aesthetic. Hansine shares insights into her multicultural upbringing, her pivot from a career in fashion sales with Valentino and Armani to launching her brand at 45. She discusses how a chance encounter with Kate Moss boosted her brand's profile, the importance of timelessness and sustainability in her designs, and the challenges and triumphs of building a business. The episode concludes with a special segment where Hansine lists three...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo invites Joanna Jensen, founder of Child's Farm, to share her inspiring journey of building and selling an award-winning children's skincare brand. Joanna discusses the emotional highs and lows of selling her business, navigating investment challenges, and the critical importance of resilience. She also introduces her book, 'Making Business Child's Play,' offering practical advice on building a brand from scratch. Additionally, Joanna shares her '3, 2, 1' list: three worth-every-penny investments, two things she might have done differently, and one person she'd like to thank. Don't miss this insightful conversation...

Embracing Flexibility as a Midlife Entrepreneur

 Join Jo on the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast's season two finale as she reflects on valuable lessons learned about flexibility. Listen to conversations with inspiring business founders like Clare from Mini Mozart, Florence from Bellevue Law, Priya from Nudea, Julia Collins, and Lucy Yeomans of Drest, emphasising the importance of adaptability in their entrepreneurial journeys. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of starting a business in midlife, the role of mindset shifts, and how being open to change can significantly benefit your business. Plus, find out who Jo would like to thank, t...

In this penultimate episode of season 2 of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo is joined by Clare Shaw, founder of Mini Mozart, a London-based music education company specialising in live classical music classes for babies and toddlers.

 Established in 2005, Mini Mozart offers interactive sessions led by professional musicians, combining live performances, storytelling, and sensory activities to foster early cognitive development and a lifelong appreciation for music. 

Clare shares her journey from a career at the BBC to launching Mini Mozart during her maternity leave, and discusses the growth and scaling of her business over the years. Sh...

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur, Jo is joined by Emma Knight, an award-winning book publicist and founder of Studio 49, a communications agency specialising in book publicity. 

Together, they delve into Emma's journey of founding her own agency after 20 years in employment, discussing the challenges and rewards of taking such a bold step in midlife. 

Emma shares insights into her career, the importance of personal belief and timing, and the nuances of running a successful communication business. The episode also highlights the significance of networking, ongoing self-promotion, and meticulous planning. Emma brings to light he...

In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo interviews Florence Brocklesby, a lawyer and the founder of Bellevue Law, a B Corp certified boutique law firm which specialises in workplace law and commercial disputes. Florence discusses her journey from working at large international law firms to creating Bellevue Law from her garden office after struggling to find a firm that accommodated the flexibility she wanted to support her family life. She shares insights into the challenges of starting her own business, building a firm with a flexible and people-first culture, and the impact COVID-19 had on her...

In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Priya Downes, the founder and CEO of Nudea, an ethical and sustainable underwear and sleepwear brand. Priya shares her inspiring journey from working at the World Bank and luxury fashion houses like Chanel and Burberry, to launching and growing Nudea. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to focus on creating comfortable, well-fitting bras and sleepwear, the challenges faced, and how thorough research and customer feedback were instrumental in shaping her brand. Priya also delves into the strategic pivots Nudea has made, including their approach to online...

In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo welcomes Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, stylist, journalist, and founder of The FairGround, a digital marketplace for purpose-led brands. Ginnie discusses her transition from British Vogue to entrepreneurship, her dedication to promoting sustainable shopping, and the challenges and rewards of launching The FairGround. The conversation covers topics such as the realities of building a business, balancing family life, and the importance of women supporting each other in the entrepreneurial space. Ginnie also shares valuable insights from her journey, including the power of fitness, the importance of friendship and mentorship, and her fearless approach...

In this episode Jo interviews Anna Foster, the founder and creative director of E.L.V. Denim, an innovative up-cycling fashion brand. Anna shares her journey from a 20-year career as a fashion editor to creating a brand that challenges the norms of overconsumption in fashion. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to question the industry and her role in it, the challenges and breakthroughs in up-cycling denim, and the emotional connections to her work. 

Anna also touches on the importance of her team, maintaining sustainability, and her determination to push through obstacles. This episode i...

In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo interviews Julia Collins, founder of Collins and Green Art, a vintage art gallery based in West London. 

Julia shares her journey of transitioning from a 15-year career in finance to pursuing her passion for art after a 20-year sabbatical to raise her family. 

After her children left for university, Julia started Collins and Green Art, which has grown into a thriving business. She talks about the challenges and rewards of starting a business later in life, the importance of having a supportive team, and leveraging social me...

To kick off the second season of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Lucy Yeomans, founder and co-CEO of Drest, the innovative fashion styling app that’s transforming the way we interact with luxury fashion through gaming and technology.

They discuss her remarkable career and the innovative fashion styling app that's merging luxury fashion with gamification. From her transformative role as the editor-in-chief at Harper's Bazaar and Net-a-Porter to launching Drest in 2019, Lucy has continually reinvented herself and stayed ahead of industry shifts. 

Lucy shares the lightbulb moments that led to the creation of Dre...