How do you create a brand that connects so deeply with your customer? In today's episode, Nicole is joined by Sharon Keegan, the founder of fitness brand Peachylean, to discuss the remarkable journey and growth of the brand. They delve into the strategies behind creating a brand that deeply connects with customers, exploring Sharon's story, Dragons Den appearance, and the success of Peachylean.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Peachylean sells more than just activewear—it represents confidence. Sharon started the brand after feeling unseen and unsupported in the wellness industry due to her postnatal journey. After noticing the lack of imagery and suitable activewear for postnatal bodies, she wanted to provide suitable activewear and empower others in similar situations.
• Through her experience working with other brands, Sharon discovered the importance of staying true to your story, values, and authenticity. She believes that by building a community that aligns with your brand, you will consistently attract customers who resonate with your product and those customers will be there for the duration.
• Peachylean do not Photoshop imagery as they want to empower women's real body types and show imagery of real women. They want to show that there's nothing wrong with real women.
• One of the biggest things Sharon has learned is to keep on top of your cash flow, really understand when and how your money is coming in and out. Having only recently come out of a bit of trouble with this, Sharon would recommend elongating the timeframes that you expect cash to come in. 
• Sharon built her brand's community by focusing on empowering individuals who often feel left behind. There are so many women who don’t get opportunities and support, those who may doubt themselves or feel stuck in life. Sharon believes that everyone needs someone who believes in them and she wants to be that person for others, giving them the confidence and strength to go after what they want.
• Sharon says it all begins with self-belief. Age or gender doesn't matter; anyone can start a business, even at 60. The biggest obstacle we face is often our own mind, doubting whether others will approve or criticise us. But here's the truth: "They," the ones we worry about, are usually just our own insecurities.

BEST MOMENTS
‘Stay true to what your core customer values and asks for’
‘I was sat in McDonalds and got a phone call from Dragons Den’
‘The video has 7 million views on YouTube’
‘Don't forget, “They” don't pay your bills’
‘Success can be anything you want it to be’
‘I love stories, I love women’s stories and empowering them’

EPISODE RESOURCES
Peachylean
P E A C H Y L E A N ®️ (@peachyleanofficial) • Instagram photos and videos
The Marketing Agency Sharon recommended - doodledevelopment.co.uk

ABOUT THE GUEST
At the age of 33 founder and CEO of Peachylean, Sharon Keegan, became a new Mam and struggled with postnatal depression. Being no stranger to throwing herself into adversity, Sharon decided to go back and study Innovation and entrepreneurship in University College Dublin. This helped her to not only overcome her anxiety and postnatal depression, but also compelled her to help other women who were going through similar experiences.
After designing and experimenting with multiple products, Sharon realised that her passion was in physical and mental wellbeing. Having found huge solace in exercise throughout her most arduous times, Sharon decided to create a product that she couldn’t find on the market: supportive, comfortable, excellent quality leggings that would not only support a woman’s shape, but would also help give them the confidence and self-esteem to move for their mind. Sharon’s mission was simple, to help women to silence their inner critic, to stop holding themselves back and discover their true potential in life, and to ultimately love them 'Self.'

ABOUT THE HOST
Buying & retail expert Nicole Higgins spent the last 18 years working for companies such as Primark, M&S, Debenhams and Asda, sourcing & developing products from all over the world, building strategies for blue chip businesses, and increasing bottom line sales and profit, adding over £40 million in incremental business to the bottom line.
Nicole now uses that experience and works as a consultant and coach for entrepreneurs and small to medium sized business owners, helping them start and scale their product businesses as The Buyer And Retail Coach (TM)
Join the Start Scale Succeed waitlist. How to start & scale a product business. A 12 Week programme:  thebuyerandretailcoach.com/startscalesucceedwaitlist

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