Episode 40: Journey to Becoming a Natural Beauty Consultant and Entrepreneur

Date broadcast: 26th August 2025

I met Esther via Woman Who, a networking group and so much more for women and I’ve heard her speak. I’ve always found her totally inspirational and so I was delighted when she accepted my invitation to come on my podcast. I wanted to know how a Mum of 5 and owner of at least 3 businesses and a podcast host could do it all. And, when we spoke she had just come in from her allotment! She shares how she came to found her beauty brand Deroiste Natural Beauty and it’s a personal story like so many. 

Her two key learnings from her journey were that help comes from where it’s least expected and the need to build resilience. And her book? “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It can help us all by encouraging us to build habits that serve us for life. It’s a great read and I would recommend it too

And her final piece of advice was to live life on your terms and Esther certainly is.

Esther Roche is a mum of five, entrepreneur, and founder of Deroiste Natural Beauty, an award-winning inclusive skincare brand inspired by her family’s struggles with sensitive skin. She also leads South West Dental Nurse Training, with over 20 years in dental-related roles. As host of The Mum CEO Podcast and a mentor, Esther shares her journey of resilience, motherhood, and building purpose-led businesses that empower others to thrive.

You can connect with Esther here:

To connect with Esther:

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Date broadcast: 12th August 2025

I was intrigued by Debbie’s journey which started the moment a teacher told her she would never be any good at maths. She takes us through how a life of work and bringing up two children alone prevented her grieving for her Dad. Finding herself on a retreat in the middle of Wales was the turning point for her and from there she developed herself into the Midlife Mystic Mentor.

She shared two powerful learnings:-

“Your voice is sacred and powerful, trust it”

“Worth is not granted, it’s claimed”

There were three book recommendations:-

“Excuse me – your life is waiting” – Lynn Grabhorn

“The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz

“The Celestine Prophecy” – James Redfield

Debbie is a Midlife Mystic Mentor guiding women through the sacred threshold of midlife, I help you awaken your intuition, reclaim your voice, and embody your spiritual power. Through deep mentorship, ritual, and soul connection, I support your transformation from who you’ve been into who you truly are. This is your time to rise - wild, wise, and fully expressed.

You can get Debbie’s freebie here:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkyzaxMno/ihUxYkwHzY8OwXsNOX-qRw/view?utm_content=DAGkyzaxMno&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h799545346c

      And you can follow her here: Insta and tiktok - @midlifemysticmentor

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 38: Journey THROUGH Academia

Date broadcast: 29th July 2025

I met Sandra some years ago through a networking group and we have had many fascinating conversations. And time goes by and I was intrigued to learn her current work around grief and how it relates to women’s experiences in the workplace. I’m not even going to try and write notes about what she said, all I would say is listen because grief impacts every single one of us.

Her book recommendations were “The Grieving Brain” by Mary-Frances O’Connor and “The Long Run” by Stacey d’Erasmo.

As for her tip? If you feel there is something you want to do, it doesn’t matter about your age or anything else, just go and do it

Sandra Hunter is an empowerment coach, educator, and founder of empowerHER. With 19+ years in academia, she champions cross-generational, intercultural leadership for women. Her work blends story-healing, mentorship, and strategic coaching to develop confidence, inclusion, and professional transformation—helping women lead with clarity, purpose, and power.

You can find out more about Sandra and her work here:

https://www.empowerhertorise.com/

And the link to her events: https://www.griefhouse.org/event-details/art-as-release-grounding-in-the-senses

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 37: Journey from Cuckoo Clock to Content Alchemy

Date broadcast: 15th July 2025

Cath and I both received awards at the same event and I was struck by the amazing colourful dress she was wearing! We got to know each other and noiw she’s on my podcast talking about her business. This is someone who at the age of 3 wanted to be a cuckoo clock! She soon knew she wanted to be a writer but was told by her careers teacher that she would not be able to make money at writing. And that is exactly what she is doing .. she makes money in her business writing for others and also writes fiction in her spare time.

Her tips were to never be too busy for opportunities. It was saying yes to an opportunity that she nearly said she was too busy for that started her off building her business. And secondly know the value of your time. Her books: “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal and “getting Things Done the Art of Stress Free Productivity” by David Allen

Cate founded Creative Words in 2017, having spent over 20 years as a management consulting, specialising in change management, communications and people engagement.

She describes what she does as ‘Content Alchemy’ – creating content gold by transforming what people have to offer. She is a writer, trainer, coach and consultant to her clients, helping them express themselves in a way that truly expresses who they are.

She works with businesses of all sizes, creating content ranging from leaflets and short profiles, through to books and online membership services and everything in between.

She is proud to say she is a crazy-cat lady – though it is the cat, Lola, who is the crazy one. You’ll often find Lola video-bombing zoom sessions and walking across the keyboard.

You can find out more about Cate and her work here:

Website: https://www.creativewords.cc/

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 36: Journey from Corporate Sales to Sports Massage Therapy

Date broadcast: 1st July 2025

I met Nikki on an online networking group and, like so many people, knew she would have a good story. She shares how she damaged her back whilst in her corporate sales role and became aware how poor the support in her workplace and the workplace generally was back then. So she decided to go it alone, learnt sports massage therapy, which she delivers in people’s homes and works with employers on their health and wellbeing programmes.

The key learnings for her were to “back yourself” .. we should all do more of that in all walks of life .. be prepared to get out of your comfort zone and just ask! I love all of those and she recommends 2 business books: Daniel Priestly’s “Key person of Influence” and Donald Miller’s “How to Build a Story Brand”. She also shares her personal care strategies .. breath work, meditation and sound baths so listen in!

Nikki Roy is the Founding Director of Body Mechanics, a company that helps people to enjoy active, pain free lives. There are three parts to Body Mechanics - Mobile Home Massage, Employee Health and Wellbeing and a new service launching later this year - watch this space!

After swapping a corporate sales career for sports massage therapy following a back injury in 2011, Nikki carved out a new path, one that now sees her working with individuals to improve their wellbeing, as well as with businesses to incorporate health and wellbeing as part of their business strategy. 

In short, Nikki is a biz owner. Cat mum. Loves travel, red wine and finding the humour. Fighting to tame the frizz. On a new journey of connection and discovery. 

You can find out more about Nikki and her work here:

Body Mechanics Home Massage

https://homemassage.bodymechanics.co.uk

Body Mechanics Employee Health and Wellbeing

https://www.bodymechanics.co.uk

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 35: Journey from Biochemist to Clinical Hypnotherapy

Date broadcast: Tuesday 17th June 2025

I  met Linda some time ago and was always fascinated by her journey from biochemist to hypnotherapy and I also love how so much of her story mirrors my own. She shares how she came to be doing hypnotherapy and the difference it’s making in the lives of so many people and I think it will resonate with many of you.

Her fascination with all things healing started by her listening to that little spark that many of us are aware of and ignore. She knew there was something else for her. So her tip is to not ignore that spark, we only get one life and each of us has our own individual purpose, and there is so much fulfilment in realising that purpose. Go for it!

And her books? Fiction was Margaret Atwood’s particularly “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Oryx and Crake” which will add to my holiday reading and Dr David Hamilton particularly “The Joy of Actually Giving a F…k”

Linda’s bio:

'As a clinical hypnotherapist, Linda loves being a catalyst for positive change for individuals, helping them to move towards thriving as how they want to be.  Linda works with adults, children and young people and is also a Senior Lecturer in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at CPHT Manchester. 

A Biochemist and a Quality professional with a career in the Pharmaceutical Industry for over 30 years Linda wanted  to be helping people directly.   Having a fascination for science and especially how our brains work, the transition to the client focused profession of hypnotherapy with its basis in neuroscience was a natural fit!’

You can find out more about Linda and her work here:

Website

         www.coda-hypnotherapy.co.uk

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 34: Journey to Business Award Strategist

Date broadcast: Tuesday 3rd June 2025

It’s not often I speak to someone with such an unusual business. There’s plenty of business awards out there but not many people who can help you with the process and actually winning. Emma, mother of two children, aged 7 and 9, shares how she chose the world of self employment to give her flexibility around raising them. It has taken her a few years to create this business which she launched last year. The book she recommended was “Maybe I don’t belong here” by David Harewood. And her advice? If an opportunity comes your aware assess it first but, if the only thing that stands in your way is fear, go for it, because these are usually the best!

Emma Hewitt is a Business Awards Adviser,  working with small business owners to build award strategies to boost  visibility, credibility and opportunities.

To find out more about Emma’s work here:

https://welcome.emmahewitt.co.uk/home

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 33: Journey from Therapy to Therapist and Queen of Happiness

Date broadcast: 20th May 2025

In this episode we hear how Jo experienced therapy following the death of her biological father. It had such a profound impact on her life she trained in therapy herself and then found the Happiness Club to help as many people as possible grow in mental and emotional resilience. This is a business that she has franchised. We discuss our experience of self employment and growing businesses and also the importance of experiencing contrasting emotions ie you can’t experience joy without pain, love without hate. Listen out for her analogy of the buffet table. And the book recommendation this episode was “Living Untethered” by Michael A Singer

Jo’s bio:

Jo Robinson-Howarth is an advanced hypnotherapist and mindfulness practitioner who runs The Happiness Club, an app based support service for mental and emotional wellbeing. She is mum to two beautiful teenage daughters, one gorgeous cat and one very naughty dog. She lives in Merseyside but hails from Somerset originally.

To find out more about Jo’s work here:

www.thehappinessclub.co.uk

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Date broadcast: 06/05/2025

Episode 32: Journey from Music to Writing

In this episode we hear how German born Susanne developed her love of reading and story telling as a child and is now a full time writer. She is also a musician and wanted to be an opera singer but that was not to be. She married an American serviceman and now lives in Washington State in the North West of the US, writing, she’s a foodie and loves to explore the local countryside

Susanne Bacon is a bi-lingual, German-American author, journalist, and columnist with plenty of experience as an event creator, organizer, and manager as well as a business consultant, translator, and public speaker, singer, museum docent, sales associate, and craft instructor. All of these colorful chapters in her life and a very positive, hope-inspired attitude influence her topics and her style of writing.

Susanne Bacon was born in Stuttgart, Germany, She learned her ropes as a writer, first as a freelance journalist with a daily paper in her hometown, then with a trade magazine for which she would end up as the editor-in-chief for over a decade. During this time, she published two books of poetry and short stories in her German mother tongue.

Susanne emigrated to the U.S. in 2010, where she has been living with her husband in the South Puget Sound region in Washington State ever since.

In 2015, Susanne Bacon edited and translated her first, originally German novel, “Islands in the Storm”, a historical novel about the German occupation of the British Channel Islands in WW II. Immediately after its publication, she wrote and published her first American novel, “Delicate Dreams”, which would become the first in a series that she hadn’t even planned on. Her Suburban Times column “Home from Home”, comparing her former German life to her American experiences, turned into another book with the same title. In 2021, Susanne created an off-spin from her Wycliff series, a romantic mystery based on the character of a military spouse, while also writing some dystopian and alternate historical short stories. All in all, since 2015, Susanne Bacon has published 15 novels – the 16th is in the workings –, one book of short fiction, and two books of non-fiction; they can be found on Amazon in English and in German.

To connect with Susanne and buy her books:

https://susannebaconauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/susannebaconauthor

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Date broadcast: 22.04.2025

Episode 31: Journey from Midwifery to Relationship Coaching

In this episode we hear how Naomi moved from her career in midwifery to becoming a relationship coach, in part because of her own relationship breakdown and her love of helping others. We talk quite a lot about our relationships with ourselves and how we have the power and choice to change that which I turn can enhance our relationships. She is now in business with her life partner, Martin and we hear how their business has evolved

Naomi is a relationship coach who helps individuals and couples navigate the complexities of love and connection. With years of experience, Naomi, alongside her partner Martin, guides clients towards deeper self understanding, improved connection, and healthier relationships. Whether you're seeking to heal from past hurts, build stronger bonds with your partner, or simply cultivate more fulfilling connections in your life, Naomi offers compassionate support and practical tools to help you achieve your relationship goals.

To connect with Naomi:

https://www.facebook.com/share/18Q9KfDAjG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.