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

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo talks to Carol Lovell, the adventurous founder of Stow London, a luxury handbag and accessories brand known for its British design and Spanish craftsmanship. 

Carol shares her inspiring journey from launching Stow in 2013, navigating the rapid growth, handling personal and business challenges, to making the bold decision to step back in 2022 due to health concerns. She discusses how she sold the business to her manufacturing partner Adam but remains involved as a partner and strategist. 

The episode touches on the relief and challenges that came with stepping back, managing decisions made by others, and finding a better life balance. Carol also discusses the strategic partnership with Tanner Leatherstein, a TikTok sensation and now Director of Craftsmanship at Stow. The conversation delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it pressured her to re-evaluate her priorities. Carol concludes with reflections on maintaining excitement in her role and embracing new adventures. The episode wraps up with Carol’s list of three investments worth every penny, two things she wishes she had done differently, and one person she’d like to thank.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Meet Carol Lovell: Founder of Stow London

00:33 The Journey of Stow London

01:02 Challenges and Triumphs

01:39 Selling the Business and Stepping Back

02:57 Adjusting to a New Role

05:22 Health and Well-being

07:15 The Decision to Sell or Close

07:57 A New Beginning with Adam

09:27 Tanner Leatherstein's Influence

14:19 The Early Days of Stow

17:11 Building the Business

25:38 The Meghan Markle Effect

28:15 Growth and Publicity Milestones

28:52 Entering Harrods: A Dream Come True

29:51 Impact of COVID-19 on Business

31:07 Navigating the Pandemic Challenges

32:01 Reflecting on Personal and Business Health

38:24 Transition to a Balanced Life

40:37 Key Investments and Lessons Learned

47:07 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

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 interviews Louise Webster, a communication specialist and founder of Beyond the School Run, an award-winning platform dedicated to empowering mothers by utilising their skills and talents. Louise shares her inspiring journey from working in PR with major brands to addressing the barriers mothers face in the workforce. She details the evolution of Beyond the School Run, the challenges she faced, and her dedication to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. 

Tune in to learn about her journey, her advice for balancing motherhood and career, and her vision for creating inclusive workplaces through We are Beyond Global consultancy. The episode concludes with Louise's '3, 2, 1' list: three valuable investments, two things she wishes she could have done differently, and one person she'd like to thank.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:27 Meet Louise Webster: From PR to Empowering Mothers

00:49 The Birth of Beyond the School Run

01:32 Challenges and Realizations

02:39 Building a Purpose-Driven Platform

03:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery

04:24 The Role of Parenting in Personal Growth

06:03 Expanding Beyond the School Run

08:12 Navigating Career Transitions and Societal Expectations

13:29 Monetizing the Mission

21:49 Reshaping the Platform and VC Journey

22:07 Building the MVP Model

22:22 Combining Work and Personal Growth

23:11 Purpose-Driven Business Insights

24:48 Launching Community Events

26:16 Developing the B2B Platform

28:50 Final Reflections and Advice

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 interviews Hansine Johnston, the founder and creative director of Hansine, a resort wear brand known for its sophisticated silhouettes and modern bohemian aesthetic. Hansine shares insights into her multicultural upbringing, her pivot from a career in fashion sales with Valentino and Armani to launching her brand at 45. She discusses how a chance encounter with Kate Moss boosted her brand's profile, the importance of timelessness and sustainability in her designs, and the challenges and triumphs of building a business. The episode concludes with a special segment where Hansine lists three worthwhile investments, two things she would do differently, and someone she'd like to thank for their support.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Meet Hansine Johnston: Founder of Hansine Resort Wear

00:35 The Journey from Fashion Sales to Radio Show Host

00:46 Launching Hansine: A Brand Inspired by Global Adventures

01:51 Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth

04:41 Design Philosophy: Timelessness and Wearability

08:00 The Pivot to Creating a Fashion Brand

12:09 Building a Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Brand

20:19 Navigating Challenges and Customer Feedback

25:49 Passion for the Brand

26:15 Challenges in Administration and Production

27:19 Wholesale and Resort Market

28:36 Team Dynamics and Lean Operations

29:40 Navigating the Fashion Industry

31:18 Customer Stories and Brand Loyalty

32:25 Future Plans: Swimwear and Accessories

34:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

34:54 Top Investments and Lessons Learned

43:51 Gratitude 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 invites Joanna Jensen, founder of Child's Farm, to share her inspiring journey of building and selling an award-winning children's skincare brand. Joanna discusses the emotional highs and lows of selling her business, navigating investment challenges, and the critical importance of resilience. She also introduces her book, 'Making Business Child's Play,' offering practical advice on building a brand from scratch. Additionally, Joanna shares her '3, 2, 1' list: three worth-every-penny investments, two things she might have done differently, and one person she'd like to thank. Don't miss this insightful conversation full of valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Introducing Joanna Jensen: Entrepreneurial Journey

00:35 Building Child's Farm: From Kitchen Table to Supermarket Shelves

00:55 Life After Selling Child's Farm

01:53 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling a Business

05:00 The Importance of Choosing the Right Investors

06:05 Securing Investment: Trials and Triumphs

12:35 The Role of Relationships in Business Success

15:45 Managing Emotions and Resilience in Entrepreneurship

22:01 Parenting and Life Lessons

24:48 Building Resilience in Children

25:49 Processing Emotions and Taking Action

26:16 Challenges of Running a Business

27:59 Introduction to Joanna's Book

28:28 Writing and Illustrating the Book

29:44 Key Insights for Entrepreneurs

35:06 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge

40:33 Joanna's Personal Investments and Regrets

44:40 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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

Embracing Flexibility as a Midlife Entrepreneur

 Join Jo on the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast's season two finale as she reflects on valuable lessons learned about flexibility. Listen to conversations with inspiring business founders like Clare from Mini Mozart, Florence from Bellevue Law, Priya from Nudea, Julia Collins, and Lucy Yeomans of Drest, emphasising the importance of adaptability in their entrepreneurial journeys. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of starting a business in midlife, the role of mindset shifts, and how being open to change can significantly benefit your business. Plus, find out who Jo would like to thank, the top three investments worth every penny, and two things she wishes she had done differently.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:34 The Importance of Flexibility in Business

01:37 Real-Life Examples of Flexibility

03:42 Mindset and Adaptability

04:40 Challenges and Changes in the Business World

08:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

10:05 Season Wrap-Up and Listener Engagement

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 penultimate episode of season 2 of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo is joined by Clare Shaw, founder of Mini Mozart, a London-based music education company specialising in live classical music classes for babies and toddlers.

 Established in 2005, Mini Mozart offers interactive sessions led by professional musicians, combining live performances, storytelling, and sensory activities to foster early cognitive development and a lifelong appreciation for music. 

Clare shares her journey from a career at the BBC to launching Mini Mozart during her maternity leave, and discusses the growth and scaling of her business over the years. She particularly shares how being part of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme at the Said Business School, University of Oxford, changed the way she approached her business entirely. 

The episode also covers Clare's experience during the pandemic, her approach to flexible staffing, and future plans for the company. Clare’s passion for music education and her innovative business model shine through as she explores the impact of her work with children, parents, and musicians alike. End the episode with Clare's 3, 2, 1 list, reflecting on investments, lessons learned, and a special person she would like to thank.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:14 Meet Clare Shaw: Founder of Mini Mozart

01:06 The Birth of Mini Mozart

02:21 Crafting the Perfect Music Class

05:55 From Casual Beginnings to Professional Growth

08:06 Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians

09:44 The Joy and Challenges of Music Education

17:49 Flexible Subscriptions and Business Models

20:47 Building a Strong Team and Expanding

25:27 Women Entrepreneurs and Investment Challenges

27:01 Challenging Stereotypes of Entrepreneurs

27:32 The Superpower of Midlife

28:31 Motherhood and New Beginnings

29:42 Future Business Plans

30:11 International Ventures and Cultural Insights

32:02 Post-Pandemic Challenges and Opportunities

33:25 Making Music Education Accessible

36:18 Investing in Business Growth

45:55 The Importance of Mentorship

51:45 Pandemic Pivot and Online Classes

54:56 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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, Jo is joined by Emma Knight, an award-winning book publicist and founder of Studio 49, a communications agency specialising in book publicity. 

Together, they delve into Emma's journey of founding her own agency after 20 years in employment, discussing the challenges and rewards of taking such a bold step in midlife. 

Emma shares insights into her career, the importance of personal belief and timing, and the nuances of running a successful communication business. The episode also highlights the significance of networking, ongoing self-promotion, and meticulous planning. Emma brings to light her passion for working with authors, the evolving landscape of book publicity, and her collaborative efforts with Milk Publicity. The conversation rounds off with Emma's 3, 2, 1 list, offering valuable advice and reflections on her entrepreneurial journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:14 Introducing Emma Knight: A Journey in Book Publicity

01:41 The Decision to Go Solo

02:45 Balancing Family and Career

04:15 Challenges and Opportunities in Book Publicity

06:19 Building Studio 49: From Concept to Reality

09:25 The Importance of Networking and Support

13:24 First Clients and Early Success

14:14 Seasonal Trends in the Book Industry

21:29 The Rise of Audiobooks

23:02 Defining Success and Trusting Intuition

25:13 Delivering High-Level Service

25:39 The Power of Passion and Coffee

26:03 From Math to Musicals

26:38 A Career Shift Inspired by Feedback

28:05 The Journey to BBC and Beyond

29:06 Outsourcing and Efficiency

30:21 The Importance of Networking

34:42 Investments Worth Every Penny

40:49 Reflecting on Choices and Gratitude

43:58 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 interviews Florence Brocklesby, a lawyer and the founder of Bellevue Law, a B Corp certified boutique law firm which specialises in workplace law and commercial disputes. Florence discusses her journey from working at large international law firms to creating Bellevue Law from her garden office after struggling to find a firm that accommodated the flexibility she wanted to support her family life. She shares insights into the challenges of starting her own business, building a firm with a flexible and people-first culture, and the impact COVID-19 had on her business model. Florence also touches on the importance of empathy and resilience, the significance of investing in people both professionally and personally, and how personal support systems and fitness play crucial roles in managing her responsibilities. The episode concludes with Florence expressing gratitude towards a trailblazing lawyer who inspired her to start her own firm.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:14 Florence Brocklesby's Journey to Founding Bellevue Law

01:37 Launching a Business from a Garden Office

02:49 Challenges and Early Successes

07:14 Building a Flexible and Inclusive Law Firm

15:03 Navigating the Impact of COVID-19

21:21 Supporting Clients and Team Through Difficult Times

25:40 Challenges of Running a Business

26:00 Strategic Planning and Growth

28:02 Balancing Work and Family

31:24 The Importance of Delegation

33:20 Perfectionism vs. Practicality

39:16 Investments and Reflections

43:27 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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