This is one of the most personal episodes of The Creative Conversation so far.

Today I’m joined by Kay, founder of Kay Meach Artistry, salon owner, makeup artist and someone I’ve worked alongside for nearly eight years.

But this conversation isn’t just about beauty or business.

At 35, Kay was diagnosed with combined type ADHD and suspected level 1 autism after years of burnout, overwhelm and questioning why things felt harder than they “should.”

We talk about:
 – Growing up feeling like you wouldn’t amount to much
 – Masking, people-pleasing and perfectionism
 – Burnout while still showing up for clients
 – Late diagnosis in women
 – Running a business with a neurodivergent brain
 – Imposter syndrome, validation and identity shifts
 – Building a life that supports you, not one you have to survive

Kay shares what burnout really looked like behind the scenes, how diagnosis reframed her self-worth, and why understanding her brain has made her a stronger businesswoman not a weaker one.

If you’re creative, self-employed, neurodivergent, or simply trying to build a life that works for you rather than against you — this episode will resonate deeply.

This one is raw, and it matters.

CONNECT WITH KAY:

Instagram - @kaymeachartistry

TikTok - @kaymeachartistry

Website - https://www.kaymeachartistry.co.uk/

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, I’m joined by Amy from Mango & Wild, a freelance marketer and fellow small-business founder who’s built a business around helping brands grow with clarity, confidence and creativity.

Amy’s journey will feel so relatable: she went from corporate marketing to building something on her own terms, after first helping friends during lockdown. But what makes this conversation especially real is that Amy is also a new mum, and she shares what it’s actually like balancing business and motherhood when you’re self-employed… including the fact she was back at her laptop after just two weeks.

We talk about:

• Building a marketing business from a “side project” to full-time
• The mindset shift of taking the leap when you’ve got a mortgage and bills
• Why boundaries are everything (and why they’re so hard)
• The pressure of being the default parent when you’re self-employed
• The realities of switching off when you genuinely love what you do
• Marketing in 2026: keeping up with constant change, SEO, ads and AI

If you’re building a business while juggling life changes, family, or simply trying to keep your head above water, you’ll take a lot from this one.

Connect with Amy / Mango & Wild:
Instagram: @amy_mangoandwildmarketing

Website: https://mangoandwild.com/

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

Launching a podcast wasn’t about being perfect, it was about creating space for business owners who are still building. 

In this episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, I’m sharing five things I’ve learned since launching the podcast, from the behind-the-scenes realities to the unexpected lessons that came with it.

We talk about why sometimes you just need to hit publish and figure it out as you go, why this podcast felt needed in the small business space, the importance of backing everything up, how hard audio actually is to get right without a studio, and the biggest surprise of all, realising that people genuinely care.

This episode is for anyone sitting on an idea, overthinking the launch, or feeling held back by things not being “perfect yet.” If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start, this might be it.

Thank you to everyone who has listened, shared, messaged, and supported this podcast so far. There are many more creative conversations to come.

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this solo episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, I’m sharing the five biggest mistakes I’ve made while building Greene Creatives, and the lessons that came from them.

From not prioritising my own business, to lacking systems, setting weak boundaries, taking things personally, and not fully understanding contracts, these are the things I wish someone had been honest with me about at the very start.

If you’re building a business right now, especially in the early stages, this episode is here to help you skip a few of the bumps, save yourself time, and feel less alone in the messy middle.

Mistakes are inevitable. Learning from them is what shapes the business you’re building.

If this resonates, the previous episode on 5 Things I’ve Learned in Business pairs perfectly with this one.

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

As Greene Creatives turns five, in this solo episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on what I’ve really learned along the way.

From cash flow worries that never fully disappear, to trusting your gut with clients, outsourcing before burnout hits, learning that rest is productive, and why showing up as yourself is still the strongest marketing strategy there is... this episode is an honest look at the realities of running a business beyond the highlight reel.

If you’re a business owner, freelancer, or thinking about starting something of your own, this episode is for you. Not polished advice just real lessons shaped by five years of building, juggling, doubting, growing, and figuring it out as I go.

Listen in, take what resonates, and remember: you’re doing better than you think.

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, the mic is turned around as Danni Greene, founder of Greene Creatives, steps into the guest seat. Interviewed by GC team member Amy, Danni shares the real story behind building Greene Creatives from its beginnings as a side hustle to becoming a growing agency rooted in community, creativity, and connection.

We talk honestly about:

• Leaving employment and making the leap into self-employment
• The messy middle no one talks about
• Building systems, a team, and long-term client relationships
• Burnout, boundaries, and learning to switch off
• What it really feels like to be the one building the brand

This episode kicks off Series 2 with more solo conversations from me, diving into the realities, lessons, and behind-the-scenes of building a business.

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this special episode, I sit down with my husband Chris for a different kind of Creative Conversation. We talk about what it’s really like to live with — and love — someone who runs their own business. From late nights and stress to pride and support, we share the highs, lows, and honest moments behind the scenes.

Connect with us:
Website: www.greenecreatives.co.uk
Instagram: @greenecreatives
TikTok: @greenecreatives
YouTube: @greenecreatives
Creative Conversations: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.ss. From late nights and stress to pride and support, we share the highs, lows, and honest moments behind the scenes.

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, Erin founder of Occhiali Bespoke Eyewear Boutique, shares her journey of building a unique eyewear brand. From the inspiration behind launching a boutique to the challenges of retail, client care, and staying true to her vision, Erin opens up about the realities of running a business in the fashion eyewear world.

CONNECT WITH ERIN & OCCHIALI

Website: occhialibespokeeyewearboutique.co.uk
Instagram: @occhiali_bespoke
 
The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series
Hosted by Danni, founder of Greene Creatives an agency supporting women in business with social media and marketing.

Connect with us:
Website: www.greenecreatives.co.uk
Instagram: @greenecreatives
TikTok: @greenecreatives
YouTube: @greenecreatives

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, Zoei — founder of Dancilicious Dance Company — shares her journey of building a fun, friendly, and non-competitive dance brand in Dundee. From starting out with a passion for dance to creating a community where confidence shines and every dancer belongs, Zoei opens up about the lessons learned, the messy middle, juggling being a mum of twins, and the joy of watching her students grow.

Connect with Zoei & Dancilicious:
Website: danciliciousdancecompany.com
Instagram: @dancilicious_dance_studio
 
The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series
Hosted by Danni, founder of Greene Creatives an agency supporting women in business with social media and marketing.
Connect with us:
Website: www.greenecreatives.co.uk
Instagram: @greenecreatives
TikTok: @greenecreatives
YouTube: @greenecreatives

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, Kerrie Alexander, founder and designer behind KerrieALDO,  shares the real story of building a slow-fashion brand in Dundee. From selling her first handmade coat to launching a website, juggling motherhood, and protecting the craft behind every piece, we talk about the messy middle, boundaries, and making clothes that lasts.

Connect with Kerrie:
Website: www.kerriealdo.com
Instagram: @kerriealdo
 

TheCreative Conversation: The Start-Up Series
Hosted by Danni, founder of Greene Creatives an agency supporting women in business with social media and marketing.

Connect with us:
Website: www.greenecreatives.co.uk
Instagram: @greenecreatives

TikTok: @greenecreatives

YouTube: @greenecreatives

The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.
Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.com | Instagram: @greenecreatives