Jim and Kate from Creative Content Studio join Colline and Rhona for a role reversal - the producers become the guests.

They talk about the jump from corporate life into running a studio, what it’s really like to trade a guaranteed monthly salary for uncertainty, and how quickly the business has grown since opening in March. You’ll also hear why the local small business scene feels more collaborative than corporate life, the surprising mix of clients coming through the doors (from sound-healing sessions to construction marketing), and the bigger long-term vision: a larger creative space with multiple sets and room for more makers.

Plus, as tradition demands: what everyone’s having for dinner

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.com

You can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecook

Strategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.uk

This podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

This week on Kitchen Tales, we’re talking all things cake with Domino from Domino Purchase Cakes - from learning to bake with her grandmother, to merging graphic design and cake design into a business built on bespoke celebration and wedding cakes.

Domino shares what it’s really like to create one-of-a-kind designs (including an Alice in Wonderland showstopper), why pricing is the hardest part of the job, and how rising ingredient costs have changed everything. We also get into the most stress-inducing part of cake life: delivery - plus the kind of cake disasters you only laugh about once you’ve survived them.

And yes… we also talk Bake Off: The Professionals — early mornings, insane time pressure, and why Domino would never do it again.

Learn more about Domino Purchas Cakes at https://www.dominopurchas.com

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.com

You can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecook

Strategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.uk

This podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

In this episode of Kitchen Tales, we’re joined by Sarah from The Cookery Lab, a chemist-turned-cookery teacher who’s helping people rediscover confidence and joy in the kitchen.

We talk about cooking without strict recipes, teaching children real food skills, building confidence through tasting and instinct, and why cooking together matters more than perfection. Sarah shares how The Cookery Lab has evolved in its first year, from school workshops to adult classes, parties and seasonal sessions, plus her plans for the year ahead.

You can book sessions at The Cookery Lab at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thecookerylab

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.com

You can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecook

Strategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.uk

This podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

What do killer swans, a melted pink goose and a six cheese pasta bake have in common? They all live in the wonderfully weird world of Blind Maggot.

In this episode of Kitchen Tales, Colline and Rhona sit down with Chessie Rosier Parker, screen printer, YouTuber and co-founder of streetwear brand Blind Maggot and screen printing studio Squeegee & Ink. Chessie shares how following her partner Em into a university screen printing session sparked an obsession that grew into a fully fledged business, starting with a £5k “Dragons’ Den” style grant and evolving into a much loved t-shirt brand and educational channel.

They talk about how Blind Maggot’s designs come to life, including the infamous Killer Swans of Newbury tee and a cat doing something very undignified. Chessie explains why printing in-house makes all the difference for creativity and profit, and how Newbury’s markets, festivals and tattoo conventions have helped the brand thrive. She also speaks openly about working with her partner, the role merchandise plays in supporting creative industries, and how she found a path that truly suits her.

Find out more about Blind Maggot at https://www.blindmaggot.co.uk

There is plenty of love for local businesses too, from Lusso and Milk & Bean to the Newbury Artisan Market and charity collaborations such as FLAG DV. Chessie also shares the brilliant story behind the name Blind Maggot. And of course, the episode ends with the most important question of all: what is for dinner?

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.comYou can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecookStrategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.ukThis podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

This episode is proudly sponsored by Newbury boutique, Luna https://lunauk.co.uk

Colline and Rhona are back and looking festive and chatting about the whirlwind of Christmas catering, unusual festive traditions, and what they’re actually eating on Christmas Day this year (spoiler: it’s not turkey).

This week they’re joined by Libby, the artist and creative behind Magpie and the Mob (https://magpieandthemob.co.uk) and co-organiser of the beloved 

RenArtGades Artisan Market in Newbury (https://www.renartgades.co.uk).

Libby shares her journey from secondary school art teacher to full-time creative, building a business that blends artwork, hand-painted signs, window art, and her own unique style of drawn mindfulness. Her classes use simple drawing, movement and sensory prompts to help people access mindfulness without the pressure of sitting in silence - ideal for busy minds and neurodivergent folks.

She also lifts the curtain on how the RenArtGades market exploded from 20 traders to up to 80 makers, bakers, artists and artisans each month, and why supporting local independents matters more than ever. Expect stories of painting on every surface imaginable, community spirit on market days, and how creativity became Libby’s path back to joy.

A fun, creative chat filled with festive energy, small-business love, and plenty of laughs.

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.comYou can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecookStrategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.ukThis podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

In this episode of Kitchen Tales, Colline and Rhona sit down with Jemma Davis, the founder of Mini Food Explorers and the recipe developer behind the popular Junior Chef Challenge online course.

Jemma shares her journey from childhood “dinner parties” to a 25-year career in food development, including her time at M&S where she helped create products such as the well-known Posh Dog™.

She talks about why cooking skills matter more than ever for children, how to introduce little ones to real ingredients from a young age, and why confidence in the kitchen can shape healthier habits for life. The conversation covers everything from preschool cookery classes and after-school clubs to her new accessible online courses for tweens, plus tips for getting even the fussiest eaters involved.

The episode also includes the Kitchen Tales crew celebrating six months of the podcast (with a little help from Luna’s party outfits), festive gingerbread workshops, and plenty of laughs along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your kids cooking, how to build food confidence at home, or how to teach basic kitchen skills without the stress, this episode is full of practical ideas.

Find Jemma:
https://minifoodexplorers.co.uk
Instagram & Facebook: @minifoodexplorers

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.com

You can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecook

Strategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.uk

This podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

This episode is brought to you by VCK Accounting. You can find out more about VCK at https://vckaccounting.co.uk

In this episode of Kitchen Tales, Colline and Rona sit down for a Proper catch-up in the middle of a very busy season. With Christmas approaching, work piling up, and family life to juggle, the conversation quickly turns to the stress of running a small business and trying to keep on top of accounts.

Colline talks about the headache she’s had with her accounting software, sorting out her HMRC submissions before Christmas, and the pressure of trying to do everything herself. Rona shares how she and her husband handle their finances and admits she’s never fully sure if they’re doing everything perfectly either.

The episode is sponsored by VCK Accounting Services, whose lead accountant VImbai has written “The Numbers Behind the Business,” a clear, straightforward book designed to help business owners understand profit and loss, tax, and all the bits that usually feel confusing. Colline explains why it’s been so helpful and why more people should know about it.

To balance the stress with something lighter, the pair go through a fun set of questions — from their favourite takeaways, store-cupboard must-haves, and kitchen gadgets, to dream foodie holidays, hobbies, and whether they’d ever get a tattoo. 

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.com

You can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecook

Strategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.uk

This podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

Selamat Datang! (Welcome!) Su and Kat from Makan Malaysia join Kitchen Tales to share their inspiring journey from hosting tiny supper clubs in Reading to building a growing Malaysian food brand loved across the UK.

They talk about friendship, flavours, and the power of food to bring people together. From learning to cook Malaysian dishes after moving to the UK, to launching their own sauce range and catering for weddings across Europe — this is a story of passion, community, and cultural connection.

Explore the world of Makan Malaysia and discover why they believe food is more than just flavour — it’s about belonging.

Find out more: makanmalaysia.co.uk

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.com

You can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecook

Strategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.uk

This podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

In this episode of Kitchen Tales, hosts Colline and Rhona sit down with Caroline Dallas, founder of Luna UK, the vibrant Newbury boutique known for its colourful, Italian-made fashion and community-driven atmosphere. Caroline shares her remarkable journey — from DJing at raves in Cape Town and London to opening her first clothing shop on credit (while pregnant!) and eventually expanding to four stores before consolidating into her successful Newbury location.

She discusses imposter syndrome, surviving COVID, rebuilding her business, and the philosophy behind her one-size-fits-most approach that celebrates every body shape.

You’ll hear how Luna became a creative hub for local women, why passion outweighs qualifications, and how Caroline uses fashion to lift spirits and foster community.

Luna UK – Northbrook Street, Newbury

 www.lunauk.co.uk

 https://www.instagram.com/_luna_uk

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.com

You can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecook

Strategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.uk

This podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

In this episode of Kitchen Tales, hosts Colline and Rhona sit down with Caroline Dallas, founder of Luna UK, the vibrant Newbury boutique known for its colourful, Italian-made fashion and community-driven atmosphere. Caroline shares her remarkable journey - from DJing at raves in Cape Town and London to opening her first clothing shop on credit (while pregnant!) and eventually expanding to four stores before consolidating into her successful Newbury location.

She discusses imposter syndrome, surviving COVID, rebuilding her business, and the philosophy behind her one-size-fits-most approach that celebrates every body shape.

You’ll hear how Luna became a creative hub for local women, why passion outweighs qualifications, and how Caroline uses fashion to lift spirits and foster community.

Luna UK – Northbrook Street, Newbury

 www.lunauk.co.uk

 https://www.instagram.com/_luna_uk

You can find out more about Colline's Kitchen at https://www.collineskitchen.com

You can find out more about Thyme catering at https://www.instagram.com/thyme_homecook

Strategy and marketing by https://www.junecontentstudio.uk

This podcast is recorded and edited by Creative Content Studio https://www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk

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