Running a business can feel really lonely – especially when you're just starting out and don't have anyone to bounce ideas off of, vent to, or celebrate wins with. That’s exactly why today’s episode is all about the power of networking – and how to use it to truly support your small product-based business.

I’m joined by my biz bestie Clare Alexander, founder of clare-alexander.co.uk, and we’re diving into how we met, how our connection transformed our businesses, and how you can create that same kind of supportive network for yourself.

Clare and I originally met during the pandemic inside a networking group called The Coven, and from there, we built a genuine friendship rooted in business support, idea sharing, and accountability. We even co-hosted a live networking event in 2021 – bringing together 50 small business founders who left with collaborations, clarity, and community.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why networking can feel awkward – and how to make it feel natural
• How to find your people (even if you're shy or unsure where to start)
• The role networking plays in brand growth, motivation, and momentum
• How to start building your business community today
• Why we created our Product Business Networking Hub – and how to join

Whether you’re in the early days or scaling something amazing, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a founder friend who needs a biz bestie.

👉 Want more support? Find Clare at clare-alexander.co.uk

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for ecommerce – but it’s often overlooked by small product-based business owners who feel unsure where to start.

In this episode I’m joined by Elle, founder of The Ecommerce Assistant, who helps indie brands get the most out of their Shopify stores and email marketing with Klaviyo.

We both know how impactful email can be when it’s used strategically – not just for sales, but for building trust, nurturing your audience, and creating repeat customers. If you’ve been putting email on the back burner, this episode will show you how to finally put it to work for your business.

What we cover:

• Why email marketing should be a non-negotiable in your strategy
• Where to start if you’re new to email or feel overwhelmed
• How to use Klaviyo to set up automations that work while you sleep
• The most important emails every product-based business needs
• Tips for growing your list without relying on ads or discounts

If you’re ready to move beyond social media and create consistent sales through your own platform – this is a must-listen.

📩 Find Elle & get support:

• Website: theecommerceassistant.com

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a founder who’s ready to take their marketing to the next level.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

Starting a fashion brand sounds exciting – but when you don’t have experience in the retail industry, the reality can feel overwhelming fast.

In this episode I’m joined by Faye, founder of Fable Petite – a womenswear brand designed specifically for petite women. Fae is halfway through the process of developing her first collection and generously shares what she’s learned (and struggled with) so far.

From the emotional rollercoaster of product development to the challenge of navigating supplier conversations without a background in fashion – this is a real, unfiltered look at what it's like to build a brand from scratch.

We talk about:

• What Fae thought product development would be like vs what it’s actually been
• How she’s navigating supplier conversations with limited experience
• The mindset blocks that show up when you're doing this for the first time
• Why so many early-stage founders feel overwhelmed – and how to move through it

If you’re in the early stages of building a product-based business and feeling unsure or underqualified – this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and way less alone.

🧵 Follow Fae’s journey:

• Website: fablepetite.com
• Instagram: @fablepetite

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, or share with a founder friend who’s just starting out.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

If you're launching a business but don’t have the upfront capital to fund your idea – crowdfunding could be your answer.

In this episode I’m joined by Kayleigh Beniot, founder of BIND London, a workout headwear brand that launched during the pandemic with the support of a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Kayleigh used NatWest’s Back Her Business initiative to raise funding for her startup and has since become a powerful voice for entrepreneurs – regularly sharing her journey on LinkedIn and Instagram, and most recently partnering with Crowdfunder UK to support others launching their own campaigns.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How to structure your crowdfunding campaign for success
• The key elements that helped Kayleigh exceed her funding goal
• What you need to prepare before launching your campaign
• The best ways to promote your campaign across platforms
• How to use your funding strategically once the campaign is complete

If you’re thinking about launching a brand but feel stuck because of budget – this is a must-listen episode to explore how to get your idea funded and off the ground.

🎧 Connect with Kayleigh & BIND London:

• Instagram: @bindlondon
• Website: www.bindlondon.com

✨ Interested in crowdfunding but not sure where to start? This episode will give you clarity, inspiration, and a practical action plan.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

If you’re launching a brand – or holding yourself back from selling because it feels awkward – this episode is exactly what you need to hear.

I’m joined by Elizabeth Stiles, fashion sales coach and the friendly face of the industry, known for helping brands launch with confidence and sell their products without ever feeling pushy.

We dive deep into the real side of launching – what it takes to build trust, talk about your offer unapologetically, and show up consistently so people actually buy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why selling isn’t sleazy – and how to shift your mindset around it
• The surprising number of times Elizabeth had to promote her own course to make sales
• What holds most people back from launching successfully
• How to launch in a way that feels authentic, aligned, and effective
• Tips to build momentum and turn your community into customers

Whether you’re getting ready for your first product launch or simply want to get better at showing up and selling on social – this episode will give you both the pep talk and the practical steps.

✨ Connect with Elizabeth:

• Instagram: @elizabethstilesuk

🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share it with a fellow founder, and leave a review to help more product-based businesses grow with confidence.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

Have you been sitting on an idea for an incredible product, but never had the tools, knowledge or time you need to take action and set it up?

Myself & fellow retail business expert Clare Alexander are here to help! We have broken it down in to 6 key stages you need to go through in order to set up a brand within approximately 6 months.

In this episode we give you a quick overview of what they are.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

What happens when you go viral on LinkedIn while launching a fashion brand from scratch? For Laura, founder of The Shortlist, it was the start of something big.

The Shortlist is a limited-edition fashion brand for petite women under 5'3 – created out of Laura’s personal frustration with not being able to find stylish, well-fitting clothing without constant tailoring. Like many great businesses, it was born from solving a real problem.

Laura pivoted from recruiter to fashion founder and documented her journey online – and her honest, relatable content quickly gained traction, proving that LinkedIn is no longer just for corporate professionals.

In this episode, we chat about:

• How Laura’s viral LinkedIn post kickstarted her brand visibility
• What made her launches so successful – and the strategy behind it
• The personal and professional challenges she’s overcome
• Why showing the behind-the-scenes can help you build a loyal audience
• Tips for turning audience growth into actual conversions

If you're building a product-based business and want to grow your brand without relying solely on paid ads, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration.

👚 Connect with Laura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraderricourt-theshortlist/

🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow founder who's navigating launch life.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

2022 wasn’t the year I set out to scale my business. It was the year I focused on myself – and funny enough, that shift taught me more about business than I ever expected.

Sometimes stepping back gives you the clearest perspective. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on 22 powerful lessons I learned about entrepreneurship, mindset, growth, and alignment – all from a year where I chose to slow down.

Here’s a taste of what I share:

• Why taking breaks isn’t just okay – it’s necessary
• The one mindset shift that will change everything
• How to stop forcing strategies that aren’t working
• The real ROI of investing in support
• Why community, environment, and energy matter more than metrics
• The truth about passive income, marketing, and what actually drives sales
• What I learned from working with coaches, collaborators, and creatives

Whether you’re scaling fast or slowing down to find your footing, these lessons are here to help you check in with yourself and your business before charging into a new season.

🎧 Tune in if you’re ready for an honest reflection and some inspiration to shape how you move forward.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

Fabric sourcing can feel like an absolute minefield when you're just starting out - but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode I’m joined by Ciara Jennings, fabric agent and founder of Ciara Jennings Textiles, who brings years of experience in sourcing fabrics for major UK high street brands like River Island and Coast.

Now running her own agency, Ciara represents eight fabric mills around the world and helps small businesses source the right materials - without getting overwhelmed or hit with unrealistic MOQs.

Whether you're creating a fashion brand from scratch or developing your first product line, this episode will walk you through the practical steps to get started - and avoid the common mistakes many new founders make.

In this episode, we cover:

• The fabric sourcing process for beginners
• How to avoid high MOQs and wasted investment
• What to look for in a trustworthy supplier
• Common fabric sourcing mistakes (and how to avoid them)
• Why sustainability and transparency matter more than ever

Ciara also shares info on her upcoming fabric sourcing and sustainability workshops - perfect if you’re ready to learn more hands-on!

🧵 Connect with Ciara:

• Website: ciarajenningstextiles.com
• Instagram: @ciara_jen_tex

🎧 Found this episode helpful? Subscribe, share with a fellow founder, or leave a quick review to help others find the show.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...

What happens when your business is rooted in purpose - but your own wellbeing starts to suffer?

In this episode, I’m joined by Tony O’Neil, founder of Animalia Apparel - a Glasgow-based fightwear brand with a powerful social heartbeat. Tony started Animalia after working in youth sports development and seeing first-hand how much his local community needed more support and connection.

Now, he partners with world-class fighters, reinvests profits into youth-led community activities, and even invites locals to help design products. But behind the impact is a raw, honest story of what it really takes to build a business while managing poor mental health.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The origin story of Animalia and its community-driven mission
• What it’s like to fall into entrepreneurship without a clear roadmap
• How Tony navigated burnout and mental health challenges while leading a brand
• Why your wellbeing must come first — even when others are relying on you
• The power of going back to basics and building stronger business foundations

Whether you're running a mission-led brand or just need a reminder that it's okay to slow down - this episode is honest, human, and full of heart.

🥋 Check out Animalia Apparel:

• Website: animaliaapparel.co.uk
• Instagram: @animalia_apparel

🎧 If you appreciated this vulnerable conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a founder who needs it.

About The Remote CEO Podcast:

This podcast is for freedom-seeking online entrepreneurs, offering practical, actionable advice to help you step up into your new role as CEO by building an online business that works for you - not one you work for.

Hosted by Sophie Biggerstaff, an online business mentor, e-commerce founder, mental health advocate, and full-time digital nomad. 🙋‍♀️

👆Want to start an online business? Take my quiz to help you get started

👆 Want to achieve more freedom in your life? Find out how you can make it happen in my free masterclass.

👆Need online business advice? Get my best business tips directly in your inbox by signing up to my newsletter

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to hear more conversations about starting and growing an online business.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow me on Instagram

🎥 Follow me on TikTok

🗣️ Connect on LinkedIn

...