In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast Jo chats to Sophie Rowell, interior designer and founder of Cote de Folk. 

Sophie shares her transition from a 24-year career in fashion styling and art direction to interiors after a difficult period that included her marriage breaking down, becoming a single mother, her best friend dying of cancer, and a health crisis that prompted her to rethink her life. After moving from Hackney to Folkstone and renovating a Georgian townhouse, she committed fully to a career change with a three-month deadline and landed her first interiors job three weeks before it ended, quickly gaining more work through referrals. Sophie discusses relying on self-trust, managing imposter syndrome with help from a business coach, and viewing success as a mix of opportunity, effort, and determination rather than luck. She explains her intuitive approach to colour and her focus on how spaces feel, not trends. Sophie talks about scaling the business, hiring staff including her right hand Sarah, bringing in a CFO for financial strategy, and expanding into furniture, fabric, and wallpaper. She also describes her preferred working environment (tidy and uncluttered), the importance of rest for creativity, her working culture mantra 'work hard, rest hard', and generous leave policies. 

00:00 Welcome + the mission behind The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:54 Meet Sophie Rowell: from fashion stylist to interiors with soul

02:34 The breaking point: single motherhood, burnout, and a health scare

04:11 Leaping without training: the 3‑month deadline and going all in

06:56 First commissions to steady pipeline

08:54 Drive and the ‘why’

11:45 Building confidence in a new career

13:04 The signature style: colour as a gift and reading a home’s energy

15:19 Collaboration with clients: trust, pivots, and letting the building lead

16:43 Scaling the studio: hiring, interns, CFO support, and product expansion

18:11 Design philosophy: simplicity, warmth, and how spaces make us feel

22:43 Founder realities: time, holidays, rest, and creating space for creativity

29:17 'Rest Hard': Building Recovery Into Creative Success

29:28 Designing a Rest-First Work Culture 

30:33 Early Nights, Deep Sleep & Finding Your Rhythm

31:37 Kids, Co-Parenting & Looking Forward to More Time

33:29 Redefining Success

35:36 3-2-1s: Best Investments

39:43 Imposter Syndrome in Creative Work 

43:04 What I’d Do Differently

47:07 One Person to Thank

50:07 Closing Thoughts

Visit https://www.cotedefolk.com/ 

Shop https://www.cotedefolk.com/shop

Follow @cotedefolk

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass, Jo interviews Rachel Carvell-Spedding, Founder and CEO of Navygrey, a B Corp certified clothing brand specialising in high-quality knitwear. Rachel shares three critical strategies for building brand loyalty, community, and trust: 'Tell the truth,' 'Make people feel something,' and 'Keep showing up.' 

She underscores the importance of radical transparency, emotional connection, and consistency in business. Rachel also discusses her experiences in running Navygrey, the challenges faced, and how these principles have guided her brand's success. Tune in to hear her invaluable insights and personal anecdotes.

00:00 Introduction to the 15 Minute Masterclass

00:18 Meet Rachel Carvell-Spedding: Building Brand Loyalty

01:13 First Key to Success: Tell the Truth

06:34 Second Key to Success: Make People Feel Something

09:05 Third Key to Success: Show Up Consistently

14:30 Summary and Closing Remarks

16:34 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

You can follow Navygrey on Instagram @navygrey.co

Or head to their website: https://navygrey.co/

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

Join Jo on The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast as she converses with Helen Hopkins, also known as the Mealtime Maverick. Helen, a batch cooking specialist, wellness coach, and author with a massive online following, shares her entrepreneurial journey from going viral on Instagram in 2024 to publishing her first book, Mix and Match Batch. Helen discusses the pressures and rewards of her newfound fame, the impact of her personal struggles, and how she efficiently manages her thriving business with the help of her husband. Listen to Helen’s approach to balancing creativity with business strategy, and find out her top three investments, two regrets, and who she thanks for her success.

00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:54 Introducing Helen Hopkins: The Mealtime Maverick

02:04 Going Viral on Instagram: The Journey

03:15 The Challenges and Realities of Viral Fame

04:47 DM Automation: Managing the Influx

12:11 Balancing Personal Life and Business

16:03 Creating the Mix and Match Batch Cookbook

27:00 Balancing Family Meals

28:20 The Business Evolution

28:41 Membership and Income Streams

29:08 Affiliate Marketing Insights

30:10 The Role of Community

32:40 Working with a Partner

37:46 Future Aspirations

41:35 Reflecting on Success and Challenges

51:41 Closing Thoughts and Tips

You can follow Helen at:

Instagram @mealtime.maverick

https://mealtimemaverick.com/ 

Her new book ‘Mix and Match Batch’ is available to order on Amazon now. 

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass, Jo is joined by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, for an insightful discussion on elevating networking skills. Helen breaks down the common misconceptions about networking and emphasizes the importance of shifting your mindset from 'networking' to 'connecting.' She shares practical tips including going in with an open mindset, being curious and asking open-ended questions, curating a meaningful network, and showing up consistently. Helen advocates for a generous approach to connecting people and stresses the long-term value of meaningful conversations over transactional meetings. Tune in for actionable advice on becoming a more effective and genuine networker.

00:00 Introduction to the 15 Minute Masterclass

00:43 Debunking Networking Myths

01:36 Mindset Shift: From Networking to Connecting

02:14 Practical Tips for Making Connections

06:46 Curating and Maintaining Your Network

14:34 The Importance of Showing Up

16:28 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

17:51 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Helen Brocklebank is the CEO of Walpole, the official sector body for the UK’s £81bn luxury sector. Their work promotes, protects and develops the business of British luxury.  https://www.thewalpole.co.uk/

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo introduces Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk, the founder of the Women's Chapter, a community fostering the growth of women in business. Since 2014, the Women's Chapter has reached over 30,000 women through events, thought leadership, mentoring, and initiatives, becoming the first women's network in the UK to achieve B Corp certification for its social and environmental impact. Michelle shares her journey from varied career roles to founding the Women's Chapter as a passion project driven by a need for meaningful business connections. Michelle also discusses the pivotal moments that led to the growth of the Women's Chapter, including personal challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasises the importance of building a community that promotes genuine collaboration over transactional networking. This insightful episode highlights Michelle's dedication to empowering women and fostering connections that drive positive change. The conversation also covers key aspects of managing and scaling a business, outsourcing, maintaining a work-life balance, and future goals focused on simplicity and core strengths.

00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:56 Introducing Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk

02:18 Michelle's Career Journey

03:52 The Birth of The Women's Chapter

06:23 Challenges and Inspirations

12:37 Building a Digital Home

15:26 Navigating Personal and Professional Changes

20:32 Expanding the Community

21:34 Managing Growth and Team Dynamics

25:45 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

28:24 Balancing Ambition and Realism

29:13 The Entrepreneurial Mindset

29:43 Building a Supportive Community

30:19 Diverse Inspirations and Success Stories

30:57 Aligning Passion with Purpose

31:23 Reinventing Career Paths

34:59 The Value of Midlife Experience

42:44 Future-Proofing Your Life and Business

45:56 Investments Worth Every Penny

48:45 Reflections and Gratitude

50:51 Looking Forward to 2026

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, hosted by Jo Glynn-Smith, the focus is on new plans for the upcoming year. Jo celebrates a successful first year of the podcast, expresses gratitude to listeners, and introduces exciting new features. These include the '15 Minute Masterclass' series, aiming to provide expert advice on various business topics. Jo emphasises the importance of building a community around the podcast and encourages listeners to follow and engage with the show. Additionally, Jo announces the launch of a dedicated Instagram account for 'The Midlife Entrepreneur.'

00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:47 Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting

01:35 Introducing the 15-Minute Masterclass Series

02:07 Building Our Community

02:29 Follow Us and Stay Connected

02:58 Join Us on Instagram

03:29 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this special end-of-season and year-end episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo reflects on her journey of nearly a year in podcasting, emphasising the key theme of resilience learned from her conversations with various entrepreneurs. Jo then passes the microphone to her summer interns, Song and Issie, who interview her about her career pivot at the age of 47, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned. Jo shares insights on the importance of resilience, listening to experienced individuals, stepping out of your comfort zone, and self-belief. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about career transitions, personal growth, and resilience.

00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast

00:41 Reflecting on a Year of Resilience

01:32 Exciting Changes and Interns

02:06 Song and Issie Take Over

02:23 Jo's Career Pivot at 47

03:37 Discovering Purpose and Coaching

06:35 Building a Business from Scratch

09:07 Navigating Ups and Downs

10:37 Transitioning Careers and Overcoming Fear

12:51 Embracing the Geek Within

13:14 Navigating Post-University Uncertainty

14:24 Creating Your Own Opportunities

15:38 Measuring Success as a Self-Employed Professional

17:04 Learning from Inspirational Women

18:30 Advice for Young Women Entering the Job Market

22:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

This week on The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo interviews Katherine Elphick, marketing consultant, web designer, and founder of Elphick & Co., a boutique Shopify agency. Katherine shares her unique journey transitioning from art history at Christie's to working with luxury brands like LVMH and Burberry, and eventually running her own successful e-commerce development business focused on helping women-led brands. She delves into her background, the evolution of her business, and the challenges she faces as a midlife entrepreneur. The conversation concludes with Katherine’s valuable insights on the significance of technology, the importance of bespoke service, and her transformative experience with coaching and consultancy. She wraps up by sharing her 3,2,1 list: three things she invested in that were worth every penny, two things she would do differently, and one person she wishes to thank.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:27 Katherine Elphick's Journey: From Art History to E-commerce

01:29 The Importance of a Good Website for Business Success

02:36 Building Sheerluxe: Sponsored Content and Website Challenges

03:33 Katherine's Transition to Web Design

04:24 The Evolution of E-commerce and Web Design

13:54 The Role of AI in Web Development

21:00 Growing a Business and Overcoming Challenges

23:58 Future Vision: Growing and Selling the Business

25:08 Exploring Business Endpoints and Evolution

25:42 The Challenges of Service-Based Businesses

26:23 Naming and Branding Your Business

27:03 Building a Bespoke Service

28:00 Balancing Work and Family Life

29:14 Managing Overwhelm and Stress

32:40 Proactive Business Growth Strategies

35:51 Investing in People, Technology, and Coaching

40:59 Lessons Learned and Reflections

45:51 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Emma Pratt, founder of Elsie and Tom Candles. Emma shares her inspiring journey from her career in legal marketing to overcoming a stroke at 42, which left her unable to walk, talk, or see properly. 

During her recovery, Emma rediscovered her creative passion, leading to the creation of her natural home fragrance and cosmetics brand. She talks about the challenges of balancing her new business venture with ongoing health issues, the importance of investing in one's past experiences, and her plans for scaling her business. 

Emma also highlights key investments, regrets, and people who have contributed to her path. The episode concludes with Emma's 3, 2, 1 list of invaluable investments, things she wishes she had done differently, and a person who significantly helped her on her journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:24 Emma Pratt's Journey: From Marketing to Stroke Recovery

00:33 The Stroke: A Life-Changing Event

00:46 Recovery and Rediscovery of Creativity

00:56 The Birth of Elsie and Tom Candles

01:24 Emma's Life Before and After the Stroke

01:47 The Stroke Experience: Symptoms and Immediate Aftermath

05:01 Diagnosis and Early Recovery

06:29 Living with Stroke Fatigue and Rehabilitation

08:42 The Emotional and Mental Struggles of Recovery

10:26 Starting a New Business: Challenges and Triumphs

14:27 The Unexpected Success of Elsie and Tom Candles

17:58 Scaling Up: Opportunities and Challenges

23:27 The Importance of Natural Fragrances and Compliance

25:05 Regulatory Challenges in Cosmetics

25:31 The Importance of Knowledge in Perfumery

26:13 Personal Challenges and Memory Issues

27:05 Scaling Up and Building a Team

28:53 The Mission and Vision for the Business

29:48 Exploring Natural and Synthetic Ingredients

31:13 The Soap Making Process

35:32 Investing in Yourself and Your Ideas

37:01 Overcoming Personal and Professional Obstacles

45:23 The Importance of Support and Collaboration

48:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo welcomes Sophie Fawcett, a brand strategist, cancer survivor, and the founder of TONIC, pioneering medical apparel. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from shaping major UK fashion brands, to founding TONIC after experiencing the inadequacies of traditional hospital wear through her own shoulder surgery. With sustainability and thoughtful design at its core, TONIC aims to provide dignity and empathy to patients during their most vulnerable times. Sophie discusses how her personal battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma solidified her mission, transforming her from a founder into a user of her own innovative garments in chemotherapy wards. Listen as she delves into the creation process, the challenges faced, and her future aspirations for TONIC, truly making health and recovery more humane through stylish, functional medical wear.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Meet Sophie Fawcett: Brand Strategist and Cancer Survivor

00:37 The Birth of TONIC: Redefining Patient Wear

01:05 Sophie’s Personal Journey with Cancer

01:24 The Emotional Impact of TONIC’s Mission

01:38 Welcome Sophie to the Podcast

01:50 Sophie’s Journey Through Chemotherapy

02:40 The Inspiration Behind TONIC

04:30 Challenges with Traditional Medical Apparel

05:23 The Development of TONIC’s Product Line

05:46 The Importance of Dignity in Patient Care

06:32 TONIC’s Unique Approach to Medical Apparel

08:54 The Role of Design in Medical Apparel

13:24 Building the Business: From Idea to Reality

19:37 The Investment Journey and Future Plans

25:08 Passion for the Business

26:04 Challenges of Running a Business

26:54 Innovative Medical Solutions

29:07 Patient Experience and Research

32:34 Marketing and Sales Strategies

34:57 Reflections and Future Goals

39:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

46:37 Gratitude and Support

48:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com