Business Class

Welcome back to Business Class with your host Vicky Owens.
In this episode, Vicky sits down with sisters Sam and Steph, co-founders of Pretty Lavish, the womenswear label that grew from a £3,000 side hustle into a multi-million pound fashion brand stocked in Selfridges and ASOS.

What started in their living room while working full-time jobs has evolved into a globally recognised brand known for occasionwear, bridesmaid dresses and elevated everyday fashion. But this conversation goes far deeper than the highlight reel.

Sam and Steph share the raw truth behind scaling a fashion business -including working unpaid for years, designing without formal training, navigating manufacturer betrayal, handling copycat products, managing high return rates, and learning how to lead a growing team while becoming mothers.

In this episode, we cover:
• How to start a fashion brand with low investment
• The reality of “overnight success” (it took 4 years before they paid themselves)
• Transitioning from startup founders to CEOs
• Building a strong team culture and being nominated as a best place to work
• Hybrid working, leadership lessons and managing a team as women in business
• Handling negative reviews and protecting brand reputation
• Dealing with product failures, supplier issues and freight delays
• Removing Klarna to increase profitability (even if it reduced sales)
• Why chasing viral moments isn’t sustainable growth
• Working with influencers authentically and building long-term brand ambassadors
• Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
• Why resilience is a business superpower

They also open up about losing their dad as teenagers, how that shaped their resilience, and how their personal “why” continues to drive the brand forward.

This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about ecommerce growth, fashion entrepreneurship, female founders, leadership, community building and long-term brand strategy.

If you’re building a fashion brand, scaling an online business, leading a team, or navigating motherhood while growing a company - this episode is packed with insight, practical lessons and reassurance that sustainable success takes time.

Follow Pretty Lavish on Instagram at @prettylavishuk and tune in for new product launches, bridal collections and behind-the-scenes brand storytelling.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to Business Class with your host Vicky Owens.

In this listener dilemmas episode, Vicky answers some of the most stressful, emotional, and real business situations founders face behind the scenes. From influencer mistakes that cost sales, to friendship breakdowns in business, supplier disasters, fake reviews, viral growth burnout, and uncomfortable customer boundaries, this episode pulls back the curtain on what running a business actually looks like.

Vicky shares honest advice on how to handle imposter syndrome, fear of being wrong, and the pressure of feeling like everything rests on your shoulders. She explains when to follow up, when to stand your ground, how to protect your reputation without becoming a pushover, and why bad reviews, backlash, and hate often come with growth.

This episode also dives into the loneliness of entrepreneurship, managing overwhelming demand after going viral, setting professional boundaries with customers, and learning how to respond calmly when things go wrong. With practical advice, mindset shifts, and real-life examples from Vicky’s own business journey, this conversation is both reassuring and empowering.

If you’re a business owner, founder, or entrepreneur navigating growth, criticism, burnout, or uncertainty, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that making mistakes is part of building something successful.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to Business Class with your host Vicky Owens.

In this episode, Vicky is joined by Sian Whitefoot, an entrepreneur who has built an almost seven-figure business in a remarkably short space of time while being refreshingly honest about the realities of running a company.

Sian shares her journey from a successful career in fashion design into entrepreneurship, opening up about the emotional, mental, and practical challenges that come with scaling a business. This episode explores what it really looks like behind the scenes of rapid growth, including pressure, responsibility, decision-making fatigue, and the often-unspoken struggles founders face once success arrives.

Together, Vicky and Sian discuss imposter syndrome, confidence, and the internal battles that arise when you are building something visible and ambitious. Sian speaks candidly about learning on the job, navigating leadership, and letting go of perfectionism while still holding high standards. She also opens up about redefining success, setting boundaries, and protecting your mental health as your business grows.

This conversation is especially valuable for entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed, behind, or unsure whether they are “doing it right.” It offers reassurance that uncertainty is part of the process and that growth often comes alongside discomfort. The episode highlights the importance of resilience, self-trust, and allowing your business to evolve as you do.

If you are a business owner, founder, or aspiring entrepreneur who wants honest insight into scaling a business, managing pressure, and staying grounded while growing fast, this episode will leave you feeling understood, motivated, and far less alone.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to another episode of Business Class with your host, Vicky Owens.

In this week’s episode, Vicky dives into your business dilemmas, unpacking some of the most common fears and challenges that stop people from starting, growing, and enjoying their businesses. This episode is packed with practical ideas, mindset shifts, and honest reassurance for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Vicky tackles the fear of being wrong and the imposter syndrome that holds so many people back from taking the leap. She explains why your mindset must change and challenges you to reframe the question. How would you feel if someone you knew went for it and succeeded? Why shouldn’t that be you?

She also discusses how to showcase your work and build credibility without naming clients when confidentiality is involved, offering smart ways to demonstrate value while staying professional. The conversation then turns to the loneliness of running a business, exploring how to stop feeling like everything rests on your shoulders and how to cope when leadership feels isolating.

From handling cliques in business environments to dealing with negative reviews, Vicky breaks down why criticism is often a sign of growth and success, and how to navigate it without letting it derail your confidence.
These are essential conversations for business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs, making this episode both empowering and deeply relatable for anyone building something of their own.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to Business Class with your host, Vicky Owens.
In this week’s episode, Vicky is joined by Joel Conder, one half of the viral family YouTube channel Dad vs Girls, and founder of Desvu Clothing and We Are Sol tanning brand.

Joel opens up about feeling lost in his career and making the brave decision to leave his job to pursue content creation full time. What started as simply having fun with his family quickly turned into a YouTube channel that changed everything. After battling perfectionism and delaying his first upload, Joel finally posted his first video, and within just eight weeks the channel had taken off. After their fourth video went viral, Dad vs Girls became a full-time career.

He also shares the less-talked-about side of success, including the challenges of running multiple businesses with a laid-back management style and ADHD. Joel speaks honestly about how this approach initially led to issues with employees and moments where he considered walking away altogether. Through perseverance, he explains how implementing a few core structures transformed the logistics of his businesses and helped everything run more smoothly.

In addition, Joel discusses the powerful role of manifestation and journalling, and how these practices have had a profound impact on both his personal life and career.

This episode is packed with honest insights on content creation, entrepreneurship, mindset, and building sustainable businesses, making it a must-listen for creators, founders, and anyone considering turning passion into a career.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to another episode of Business Class with your host, Vicky Owens.

In this week’s episode, Vicky tackles one of the most common questions leaders and business owners ask themselves: how do I actually do it all? This conversation is all about productivity, especially for those who don’t fit the typical “hyper-organised” mould.

As a self-confessed Type B and naturally scatty person, Vicky has spent years learning how to work with her brain rather than against it. She shares the productivity systems, habits, and mindset shifts that have genuinely helped her get more done without burning out.

From practical tips you can implement immediately, to realistic ways of structuring your day, managing your energy, and staying focused when organisation doesn’t come naturally, this episode is designed to help you maximise your time and feel more in control of your workload.
If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur who wants to be more productive without forcing yourself into rigid routines that don’t suit you, this episode is a must-listen.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to another episode of Business Class with your host, Vicky Owens.

In this week’s episode, Vicky is joined by Benjy Leslie, founder and CEO of Connect Management and widely recognised as one of the UK’s most impressive young business leaders. Benjy represents over 150 creators and delivers influencer campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands, making him a leading voice in the creator economy.

Benjy shares how his journey into influencer management began during Covid, after noticing a close friend with over a million followers on TikTok and realising there was a huge opportunity to build a career around managing creators. From that moment, Connect Management was born.
In this conversation, Benjy opens up about his unconventional leadership style and why people skills are at the heart of everything he does. He talks about famously investing six figures into his team, offering generous bonuses, incentives, holidays, and even cars, and why giving back to his staff is a non-negotiable part of his business values.

Despite being told by others that his approach is “stupid” or unsustainable, Benjy explains how this leadership style has led to exceptional staff retention, a motivated team, and long-term business success. He also reflects on being business-minded from a young age and the lessons he’s learned while scaling a fast-growing company.

This episode is packed with insight on leadership, team culture, influencer marketing, and building a business that thrives by putting people first. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, founders, and anyone interested in modern business and leadership.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to Business Class with your host, Vicky Owens.

In this week’s episode, Vicky is joined by her sister and coworker, Lauren, as they sit down to tackle your listener dilemmas in a conversation packed with honest business insights and real-life lessons.

This episode even features a voice note from a loyal listener sharing a truly eye-opening and slightly terrifying story about working with a friend. It’s wild, relatable, and a must-listen for anyone considering mixing business with personal relationships.

Vicky and Lauren also open up about a difficult period last year when the business felt so tough that they seriously considered giving up. They share how they pushed through those challenges, why they’re so grateful they didn’t quit, and what those moments taught them about resilience, growth, and belief.

They discuss the realities of starting a business, the pressure of the early years, and why it’s okay to admit when things feel overwhelming. From trying to be a “cool boss” and learning the hard way why that approach can backfire, to understanding the difference between being kind and being nice, this episode explores the importance of leadership, boundaries, and having uncomfortable but necessary conversations.

If you’re navigating the ups and downs of running a business, managing people, or setting boundaries from the very beginning, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and practical lessons you can learn from straight away.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to another episode of Business Class with your host, Vicky Owens.

In this week’s solo episode, Vicky dives deep into social media growth and how to turn your online presence into a powerful revenue stream. From the importance of consistency to understanding how algorithms, audience trust, and content strategy work together, Vicky breaks down exactly what it takes to grow on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and beyond.

With a combined following of around 200,000 followers, Vicky shares her real-world experience of how social media can open the door to brand deals, new income opportunities, and long-term business growth. She talks honestly about the mental barriers that stop people from showing up online, how to get over fear of judgment, and how to build the confidence to become visible in your niche.

This episode also covers practical advice on posting frequency, content creation, and finding the time to show up consistently, even when life and business get busy. Whether you want to become a content creator, grow a personal brand, or monetise your social media platforms, this episode is packed with tips you can start using straight away.

If you’re serious about building an audience, attracting brands, and making money through social media, this is a must-listen.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

Welcome back to another episode of Business Class with your host, Vicky Owens.

In this week’s episode, Vicky is joined by the brilliant Holly Brooke and Joely Sanderson, founders of the bold and brilliantly named brand We Are Regular, the all-in-one poo supplement that took the wellness industry by storm.

After struggling with chronic constipation for most of her life, Holly was desperate to find a solution that actually worked. While she eventually discovered something that helped, it required taking more than 30 supplements a day, which was unrealistic and unsustainable. Watching her friend struggle, Joely realised there had to be a better way, and together they decided to turn the problem into a product.

With strong backgrounds in business, the pair created We Are Regular and the response was instant. The brand hit six figures in just five weeks, proving there was a huge gap in the market for a simple, effective, all in one gut health solution.

In this honest and refreshingly open conversation, Holly and Joely talk about experiencing burnout at a young age, how to recognise the warning signs early, and how to protect your energy through boundaries while still building a high growth business. They also share how they work together as co founders, how they balance each other out, and what it really takes to build a brand with both impact and integrity.

This episode is packed with insight, humour, and real world business lessons, making it a must listen for entrepreneurs, founders, and women building brands in today’s fast moving world.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk