Real Startup Stories

In this episode of Real Start Up Stories, we sit down with Jarrad from Rise & Reign to discuss his journey into the tattoo industry and what it really takes to build a career as a tattoo artist. We talk about breaking into the industry, advice for aspiring tattoo artists, the challenges he’s faced along the way, why tattoo artists often become therapists for their clients, the importance of mental health, and what it was like tattooing Ant Middleton. Jarrad also shares the story of Ant’s son wanting his very first tattoo from him. If you’re interested in tattoos, business, entrepreneurship, or hearing the real stories behind successful people, this episode is for you. Follow Real Start Up Stories on all platforms for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators and inspiring people. #Tattoo #TattooArtist #Podcast #Entrepreneur #MentalHealth #Business #RiseAndReign #RealStartUpStories

Welcome to another episode of Real Startup Stories. Joined by Ella, founder of The Prawn Star, who swapped Essex for Cornwall and left her old life behind to build a business around her love of seafood. Ella shares what it was like moving 370 miles away, starting from scratch and building her brand through pop ups and restaurant takeovers while working full time and raising two children. She talks about the lessons learned from her very first seafood boil event, where things didn’t quite go to plan, the realities of doing everything herself, and the journey towards launching her own food van. We also discuss balancing family life with entrepreneurship, future projects in the pipeline and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. If you enjoy hearing honest stories from founders and entrepreneurs, make sure to subscribe and follow Real Startup Stories for new episodes every week. Follow The Prawn Star: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprawnstarcornwall?igsh=OTN4OGdxMm9nMDdm Follow Real Startup Stories: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartupstories.podcast?igsh=ODEzdHc2ejlqb2Z0 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realstartupstories?_r=1&_t=ZN-97OqnFnjlDi #RealStartupStories #ThePrawnStar #FoodBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessUK #SeafoodBoil #FounderStory #BusinessPodcast

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of Real Startup Stories. This week, we’re joined by Hogi, an independent rapper from Barnsley who’s been making music for years but only recently decided to take it seriously. We dive into his journey into music, balancing his passion alongside a full-time job, and what it’s really like trying to build a career as an independent artist in today’s industry. Hogi shares the story behind his latest single “Barcelona”, inspired by an unexpected missed flight home from Barcelona that ended up becoming one of his biggest creative moments. We also talk about: 🔥 The reality of being an independent artist 🎵 Building a music career without a label ✈️ How a missed flight inspired his latest single, “Barcelona” 🧭 His love for side quests and embracing opportunities 💼 Balancing music with a full-time job 🚀 Upcoming projects and what’s next for Hogi Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, creator, or simply someone pursuing a passion outside of your day job, there’s plenty to take away from this conversation. 👇 Let us know your favourite moment in the comments, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the episode. #RealStartupStories #Hogi #IndependentArtist #UKRap #Barnsley #Barcelona #MusicPodcast #CreatorEconomy #Entrepreneurship #IndependentMusic #RapPodcast #StartupStories #MusicIndustry #CreativeJourney #Podcast

Jam & Meme: How a Cornish Meme Page Turned Into a Movement In this episode, I sit down with the creator behind Jam & Meme to discuss how a simple Cornish meme page evolved into one of Cornwall’s most recognisable community brands. We talk about the unlikely story of becoming DJs after being handed a festival set, learning to DJ from scratch, the growth of Pard Card and Pardcast, staying anonymous, how Jam & Meme has become a platform for highlighting the issues affecting Cornwall today and his top pasty locations. Topics covered: • The origins of Jam & Meme • Getting their first DJ set • Learning to DJ under pressure • Building Pard Card and Pardcast • Staying anonymous • Reporting on serious issues in Cornwall • The future of the brand • What’s next for Jam & Meme If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment and subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators and interesting people from Cornwall and beyond. #JamAndMeme #Cornwall #PardCard #Pardcast #CornishBusiness #CornishPodcast #Podcast #CornwallLife #Entrepreneurship Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamandmeme?igsh=YWd4cW51ZnNhcDVu TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamandmemecornwall?_r=1&_t=ZN-97BbqDSSkhq Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realstartupstories?_r=1&_t=ZN-96p6U5RlKlu Listening on the go Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c... Business enquiries [email protected] [email protected]

In this solo episode, I'm sharing a few things that have been on my mind lately. I talk about the growing support behind VATISTHEPROBLEM.co.uk, why I believe VAT is holding back small businesses across the UK, and what we're doing to push the conversation forward. It's also Men's Mental Health Month, so I wanted to speak openly about the importance of checking in with ourselves and the people around us. I also open up about something I've personally been struggling with recently - the difficult decision to re-home my dog and the emotions that have come with it. On top of that, I share my thoughts on the incredible feedback the podcast has been receiving, how much it means to me, and some exciting plans I have for the future of the channel. Topics covered: VATISTHEPROBLEM.co.uk Why VAT is hurting UK hospitality Men's Mental Health Month Rehoming my dog Dealing with difficult decisions Podcast growth and audience feedback What's next for the channel If you've enjoyed the podcast so far, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find value in it. 🌐 VAT Is The Problem: https://VATISTHEPROBLEM.co.uk #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #VATIsTheProblem #SmallBusinessUK #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #FounderJourney #Podcast #UKBusiness #menshealth Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realstartupstories?_r=1&_t=ZN-96p6U5RlKlu Listening on the go Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c... Business enquiries [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Real Startup Stories Podcast, I sit down with Barnsley rapper Kie5 to discuss his journey into music, how he developed his sound, and the work that’s gone into building his career from the ground up. We talk about setting up his own recording studio, organising shows for other up-and-coming artists, gaining recognition around his hometown, and why representing Barnsley is such a big part of his identity. Kie5 also shares insights into the realities of being an independent artist, creating opportunities for others, shooting music videos in iconic local locations, and what the future holds for his music career. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, entrepreneur, creative, or simply interested in hearing real stories from people building something from scratch, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and honest conversation. Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kie_5?igsh=OHBlNWl4c295bzl0 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@KIE5tkw?si=-XZlKJmu_VpOLKLq Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realstartupstories?_r=1&_t=ZN-96p6U5RlKlu Listening on the go Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c... Business enquiries [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Manchester rapper $corpiodadon to discuss his journey into music, the story behind his name, what inspired him to start rapping, and where he sees his career heading in the future. We dive into whether talent is something you’re born with or something you build, the artists who have influenced his sound, his dream collaborations, the best advice he’s ever received, and the message he wants to share with the next generation of upcoming rappers. If you’re interested in UK rap, music, entrepreneurship, personal development, or the mindset required to chase your goals, this episode is packed with insights and honest conversation Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamscorpiodadon?igsh=cmE2ZThudWM1emdu YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ScorpioDaDon?si=D-zE55E5s1E0HCy2 Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realstartupstories?_r=1&_t=ZN-96p6U5RlKlu Listening on the go Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c... Business enquiries [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Rema the deadline defence lawyer, from Cornwall legal centre. A barrister based in Cornwall, one of the only CIC organisations of its kind tackling access to justice in the region. We discuss the growing legal aid crisis in Cornwall, often described as a “legal aid desert,” and what that actually means for real people trying to access legal support. Rema shares her journey into law, the reality of working on the front line of a struggling system, and some of the emotional weight that comes with the cases she deals with. This conversation goes beyond the courtroom - exploring the human impact of a justice system under pressure, the lack of resources in Cornwall, and why corporate social responsibility and community-led legal support is becoming more important than ever. Topics covered: Cornwall’s legal aid crisis explained What a “legal aid desert” actually means Life as a barrister working in under-resourced systems Emotional impact of legal cases Access to justice in rural communities Why CIC legal organisations are becoming essential This is a powerful insight into a part of the UK justice system most people never see and the people trying to hold it together. #cornwallbarrista #uklaw #justicesystem Contact Rema https://cornwall-legal.org Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realstartupstories?_r=1&_t=ZN-96p6U5RlKlu

In this solo episode, I break down a big shift - the rebrand of the podcast to Real Start Up Stories Podcast and why it matters. This isn’t about polished success or overnight wins. It’s about real people building real businesses, making mistakes, figuring it out as they go, and showing what actually goes on behind the scenes. I explain why this direction benefits not just the guests, but anyone watching who’s trying to start or grow something of their own. I also dive into Hyperfocus Studios - a new collective built to bring ideas to life. Whether it’s brand launches, events, content creation, photography, videography, or full-scale execution, the goal is simple: take any idea and make it happen properly. This episode gives you insight into the vision, the model, and where it’s heading. On a more personal note, I talk about turning 29, the pressure of the next chapter, and the goals I’m setting before 30 - in business, life, and everything in between. No fluff, just a real look at where I’m at and what I’m aiming for. If you’re into startups, business growth, creative projects, or just hearing how things actually get built from the ground up, this one’s for you. Shout out to : Audrius, the guy behind the camera: https://www.audriuscreates.com/ https://www.instagram.com/audriuscreates/ Xemi, the printing company: https://dtf-services.com/gallery

Sat down with Sammy, founder of the Cornwall Hair and Beauty Awards, to break down how she turned a simple idea into one of the most recognised hair and beauty industry events in Cornwall. In this episode, we dive into the full startup journey - from the moment the idea wouldn’t leave her alone, to launching the first awards event, dealing with unexpected problems on the night, and growing it into a respected brand within the UK beauty industry. We cover: • How to start an awards event from scratch • Building a brand in the hair and beauty industry • The importance of sponsorships and how to secure them • Event planning challenges and real behind-the-scenes issues • Lessons from launching a business in Cornwall Whether you’re an entrepreneur, event organiser, or working in the hair and beauty industry, this episode gives real insight into what it takes to build something from nothing. Subscribe for more podcasts featuring UK business owners, startup stories, and real conversations about building and scaling a business. Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cornwallhairandbeautyawards?igsh=bXJxdW02M2czaWt1 Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness... Listening on the go Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c... Business enquiries: [email protected]