The Midlife Entrepreneur

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

In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Priya Downes, the founder and CEO of Nudea, an ethical and sustainable underwear and sleepwear brand. Priya shares her inspiring journey from working at the World Bank and luxury fashion houses like Chanel and Burberry, to launching and growing Nudea. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to focus on creating comfortable, well-fitting bras and sleepwear, the challenges faced, and how thorough research and customer feedback were instrumental in shaping her brand. Priya also delves into the strategic pivots Nudea has made, including their approach to online and retail sales, the importance of diverse and realistic marketing, and the role of innovation in their product offerings. The episode ends with Priya sharing her "3-2-1" list: three things worth every penny, two things she wishes she'd done differently, and one person she'd like to thank for their support.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:14 Meet Priya Downes: From World Bank to Nudea

00:52 The Birth of Nudea: A Journey into Underwear

03:22 Challenges and Innovations in Bra Shopping

03:55 Building a Brand: Research and Customer Engagement

07:08 Marketing Strategies and Model Representation

13:49 Launching Nudea: From Idea to Reality

19:10 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges

24:05 Embracing Failure and Pivoting

24:55 Navigating the Pandemic

25:34 Retail Partnerships and Challenges

27:34 Digital Marketing Strategies

30:57 Expanding into Sleepwear

34:14 Personal Motivation and Legacy

36:20 Final Insights and Reflections

Priya's 3, 2, 1s:

3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny:

1. Childcare, I could not have built the business without help

2. Investing in the business myself, I am the majority shareholder for now

3. A good book keeper tat help me keep financial control 

2 things you wish you could have done differently

1. I had been clearer about my exit strategy from the beginning 

2. I wish I had started 10 years earlier

1 person you'd like to thank:

James Eden, and early angel investor who really saw her vision - which considering he is a man and has no experience in this space gave me a lot of confidence. 

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 welcomes Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, stylist, journalist, and founder of The FairGround, a digital marketplace for purpose-led brands. Ginnie discusses her transition from British Vogue to entrepreneurship, her dedication to promoting sustainable shopping, and the challenges and rewards of launching The FairGround. The conversation covers topics such as the realities of building a business, balancing family life, and the importance of women supporting each other in the entrepreneurial space. Ginnie also shares valuable insights from her journey, including the power of fitness, the importance of friendship and mentorship, and her fearless approach to business risks.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:14 Introducing Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey

00:27 Ginnie's Journey to Entrepreneurship

00:53 The Birth of The FairGround

01:52 Challenges and Insights of Running a Business

03:17 Balancing Family and Business

03:51 The FairGround's Unique Selling Proposition

05:01 Subscription Model and Brand Assessment

09:54 Marketing and Outreach Strategies

11:17 Personal Reflections and Future Goals

13:04 The Reality of Midlife Entrepreneurship

19:46 Team Dynamics and Support

23:07 Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges

25:15 The Journey of Empathy and Boundaries

26:02 Building a Community and Brand

28:02 The Importance of Supporting Women

29:20 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

33:49 Investments and Lessons Learned

43:29 Gratitude and Future Aspirations

Ginnie's 3,2,1s:

3 Things you've invested in that have been worth every penny:

1. Exercise is really critical to my mental health, I will also invest in retreats

2. My business partner, who I met at the school gate 

3. My web developer 

2 Things you wish you'd done differently 

1. Lent on my brother a bit more for guidance  - he's really good at business

2. I can recycle content rather than trying to come up with new ideas the whole time - I've just learned that 

1 person you'd like to thank

My postman - who must think I shop all the time!

I'd also like to thank Katie Lopes, co-founder of Stripe and Stare who introduced me to an amazing lawyer who has helped me get my trademark. 

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 Jo interviews Anna Foster, the founder and creative director of E.L.V. Denim, an innovative up-cycling fashion brand. Anna shares her journey from a 20-year career as a fashion editor to creating a brand that challenges the norms of overconsumption in fashion. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to question the industry and her role in it, the challenges and breakthroughs in up-cycling denim, and the emotional connections to her work. 

Anna also touches on the importance of her team, maintaining sustainability, and her determination to push through obstacles. This episode is a rich exploration of resilience, creativity, and the passion that drives sustainable business.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:16 Meet Anna Foster: From Fashion Editor to Upcycling Pioneer

01:42 Anna's Journey: Questioning the Fashion Industry

03:51 The Turning Point: From Stylist to Sustainable Fashion

05:35 Challenges and Realizations in Upcycling

07:08 Building E.L.V. Denim: The Early Days

08:31 The Denim Industry's Waste Problem

10:20 Creating Unique, Sustainable Fashion

18:08 The Emotional Connection to Upcycling

25:50 Scaling Up: The Future of E.L.V. Denim

29:20 The Power of Intuition and Mentorship

29:45 British Fashion Council's Low Carbon Transition

30:03 Lessons from the Past: Railways and Resistance

31:30 Innovative Approaches in Fashion

32:36 The Importance of Diversifying Partnerships

33:39 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions

35:03 Sustainable Fashion: The Stretch Denim Dilemma

36:37 Building Resilience and Problem-Solving Skills

37:06 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

39:35 Daily Routines for Energy and Productivity

42:54 Evening Routines and Relaxation

46:19 Three, Two, One: Key Takeaways and Gratitude

Anna's 3,2,1s:

3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny

1. My 20 morning routine, walking the dog and getting fresh air, high five the mirror

2. I bought myself a necklace a few years ago and it reminds me of what I've built. 

3. My team

2 things you wish you had done differently:

1. Trusted my instincts more

2. Put less trust in consultants and invested in a really good MD instead

1 person you'd like to thank: 

Mimma Viglezio  - communications expert, been on many boards and fashion industry icon and mentor

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 Julia Collins, founder of Collins and Green Art, a vintage art gallery based in West London. 

Julia shares her journey of transitioning from a 15-year career in finance to pursuing her passion for art after a 20-year sabbatical to raise her family. 

After her children left for university, Julia started Collins and Green Art, which has grown into a thriving business. She talks about the challenges and rewards of starting a business later in life, the importance of having a supportive team, and leveraging social media for business growth. Julia also offers advice to fellow midlife entrepreneurs and emphasises the importance of following one's passion.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:34 Julia Collins' Journey from Finance to Art

01:14 The Birth of Collins and Green Art

02:05 Balancing Family and Business

03:54 Navigating Instagram and Online Sales

06:14 Challenges and Triumphs in Business

15:02 Building a Community and Networking

18:44 Overcoming Technological Hurdles

22:33 Reflecting on Business Chaos and Team Dynamics

22:53 Hiring and Motivating the Team

23:23 Defining Success and Business Growth

23:59 Marketing Strategies: Word of Mouth and Instagram

25:51 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Passion

31:05 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship

32:53 Challenges and Progress for Women in Business

36:38 Three Investments, Two Regrets, One Thank You

41:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Julia's 3,2,1s:

3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny:

1. My website, it was designed by Catherine Elphick at Elphick & Co. 

2. My team, the gallery assistants, framer, accountant.

3. Comp cards - a business and notecard in one

2 things you wished you'd done differently:

1. Started earlier but in a small way so that I could have built it slowly over time. 

2. Set up the business with a partner - too late now, but I would have liked to work with someone who's skills could have complimented mine. 

1 person you'd like to thank:

I'm going to break the 'not a family member' rule and say my mother.  She started two businesses in the days where women didn't do that kind of thing, and has always been my inspiration. 

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

To kick off the second season of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Lucy Yeomans, founder and co-CEO of Drest, the innovative fashion styling app that’s transforming the way we interact with luxury fashion through gaming and technology.

They discuss her remarkable career and the innovative fashion styling app that's merging luxury fashion with gamification. From her transformative role as the editor-in-chief at Harper's Bazaar and Net-a-Porter to launching Drest in 2019, Lucy has continually reinvented herself and stayed ahead of industry shifts. 

Lucy shares the lightbulb moments that led to the creation of Drest, the challenges of navigating the tech and gaming worlds, and the importance of personal well-being in entrepreneurial success. The episode also delves into Lucy's approach to building a supportive team, leveraging the fusion of real and virtual experiences, and the ultimate goal of making luxury fashion accessible to everyone.

 00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:14 Introducing Lucy Yeomans and Drest

00:27 Lucy's Career Journey and Vision

00:42 The Birth of Drest

00:54 Challenges and Collaborations

01:01 The Evolution of Drest

01:33 In-Depth with Lucy Yeomans

01:38 What is Drest?

02:34 The Lightbulb Moments

02:46 The Gaming Inspiration

03:14 From Harper's Bazaar to Net-a-Porter

03:39 The Changing Media Landscape

04:09 The Rise of Gaming

07:52 The Drest Audience

10:24 Building Drest from Scratch

10:39 The Reluctant Entrepreneur

11:58 The Importance of the Right Team

17:16 The Real Virtual Real Concept

21:18 Creating Immersive Experiences

23:08 Personal Challenges and Growth

26:41 Finding Energy and Balance

28:39 The Energy Required to Run a Business

28:56 Gaming and Fashion: Breaking Stereotypes

29:46 The Importance of Physical Activity

31:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life

32:16 Goals and Milestones for the Business

33:59 Three Investments Worth Every Penny

36:37 Two Things I Wish I Had Done Differently

42:26 The Value of Experience and Relationships

46:29 One Person to Thank

50:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Lucy's 3,2,1s:

3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny:

1. Good People, it's essential. 

2. Time for myself, and investing in my wellbeing. 

3. My child's education, it makes me so happy to know that she's somewhere that's looking after her when I have to work away (they have flexi boarding) and where she's really happy. 

2 things you wish you could have done differently

1. More due diligence in the tech and gaming space beforehand. It slowed us down. 

2. I wish I'd trusted my instinct more. 

1 Person you'd like to thank:

My investor, Graham Edwards, for his excitement and belief in the vision. 

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