In this compelling episode of What's Your Stori?, James sits down with Mari Arthur, award-winning business owner and sustainability expert. Mari shares her journey of creating Tetrim Tea Company, a Community Interest Company aimed at revitalising her hometown of Trimsaran, Wales. Delving into the development of their unique health teas, including the Rhubarb Root Tea and Lion's Mane Mushroom blends, Mari discusses the importance of local sourcing, community involvement, and sustainability. This episode offers invaluable insights into how one small business can drive significant community impact and promote local economic resilience.Timestamps00:00 Welcome 01:13 Introducing Mari Arthur and Her Business02:10 The Journey of Starting a Tea Company06:12 Community Impact and Future Plans08:36 Innovations in Tea and Mushroom Products19:09 Exploring Mushroom Drying Processes19:58 Partnering with Local Farmers21:04 Challenges in Welsh Agriculture21:44 Collaborations with Simon Wright23:37 The Importance of Local Economies25:55 Renewable Energy and Community Benefits29:27 The Future of Community Energy Projects32:20 The Significance of Buying Local36:08 Welsh Language and Technology36:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the What's Your Stori podcast, host James sits down with Cameron, a young serial entrepreneur from Wales who is building a boutique plant business, The Secret Plant House. Cameron shares his journey, starting from his first business at 16, Bug Box, selling insects, to an ambitious plant venture offering rare and exotic houseplants. They discuss the challenges of importing plants post-Brexit, the transition from hobby to profitable business, and the future expansion plans, including potential locations in Swansea and Paddington Station. Cameron also gives advice to budding entrepreneurs and emphasises the importance of buying local.Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome00:35 Introducing Cameron: The Serial Entrepreneur01:18 The Secret Plant House: A Boutique Plant Shop02:14 Cameron's First Venture: Bug Box04:50 Challenges and Successes of Bug Box08:22 A Foray into Skincare10:48 The Birth of The Secret Plant House15:47 Discussing Plant Orders and Business Updates16:13 Lessons Learned from Running Multiple Businesses17:33 Authenticity in Business19:06 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs20:01 Future Goals for Secret Plant House23:05 Expanding to New Locations23:54 Commission Work and High-Profile Clients24:45 The Origin of the Secret Plant House Name27:40 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Nicola Anderson, a professional makeup artist with over two decades of experience. From her training at the renowned Shep Studios and Pinewood Studios in London to setting up her own makeup studio in Carmarthen, Nicola shares her inspiring story and passion for makeup. She discusses the transformative power of makeup, her dedication to skincare education, especially for young people, and the importance of supporting local businesses. Nicola also offers insights into her daily routine, her love for educating clients, and her unique studio setup that reflects her vibrant personality.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Nicola Anderson

00:50 A Day in the Life of a Makeup Artist

01:53 The Passion Behind Makeup

05:25 From London to Retail: Nicola's Journey

11:26 Creating a Haven in Carmarthen

13:23 The Importance of Skincare Education

16:50 Age-Appropriate Skincare Tips

19:00 Asian Skincare Trends

19:32 Age-Appropriate Skincare for Children

20:51 Self-Care Sundays

21:57 Skincare Tips for Kids

27:02 Nicola's Professional Journey

28:33 Supporting Local Businesses

29:55 Nicola's Inspirations and Idols

33:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of What’s Your Stori?, we chat with Sarah Martin, co-founder and CEO of Hapola Sportswear, a brand designed to keep girls and women engaged in sports. Their mission is clear: to break down barriers and ensure girls and women feel comfortable and confident while playing sports. Sarah shares her journey from being a passionate hockey player to identifying a gap in the market for period protection sportswear. She discusses the challenges of starting a business from scratch, the importance of empowering women in sports, and the significance of having supportive teammates. Tune in to hear how Hapola aims to make a significant impact on women's sportswear and mental health.TimeStamps00:00 Welcome to What's Your Stori Podcast

00:47 Introducing Sarah Martin: Empowering Women in Sports

01:31 The Mission Behind Hapola Sports

02:38 Challenges Faced by Young Female Athletes

06:34 Creating Period Protection Sportswear

08:33 Launching the Business: From Idea to Reality

15:01 Future Plans and Expanding the Brand

15:59 Future Aspirations for the Brand

17:07 Lessons Learned in Business

17:25 The Importance of Research and Development

22:20 Personal Stories and Challenges

23:44 The Role of Mental Health in Sports

26:42 Inspirations and Future Goals

28:25 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this captivating episode of What's Your Stori?, James sits down with Dawn Lyle, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of iCreate and 4TheRegion. Dawn shares her inspirational journey from setting up a computer graphics business in Swansea during her university days to launching a social enterprise aimed at fostering business and community collaboration in Southwest Wales. Discover how Dawn navigated challenges like the 2008 financial crisis, the power of visualisation in architecture, and the ambitious vision for a thriving and inclusive region. Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:36 Meet the Guest: Don Lyle01:28 Don's Business Ventures: iCreate and 4TheRegion03:56 The Power of Visualisation in Business06:10 Balancing Business and Personal Life09:20 Challenges and Resilience in Business11:48 The Birth of 4TheRegion13:19 Championing Southwest Wales15:35 Challenges for Small Businesses with Local Authorities16:36 The Concept of Co-Creation18:10 Local Authorities and Placemaking Plans20:11 The Role of For the Region24:18 Lessons from Running a Business26:37 The Power of Visualisation30:03 Inspiration and Storytelling32:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this captivating episode of What's Your Stori?, host James sits down with Osian, the founder of Copa Cymru. Osian shares his remarkable journey from studying media at Bangor University to establishing a successful video production company and expanding into the gaming industry. Discover how his early struggles with breaking into the industry led to the creation of Skint Student Productions, which later evolved into Copa Cymru. Osian discusses the importance of building genuine client relationships, embracing challenges, and continuously learning. He also delves into the exciting expansion into video games, detailing how Copa Gaming came to life and the recent achievements that have set them apart in Wales and beyond. This episode is filled with invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and creatives, emphasising the significance of resilience, diversification, and surrounding yourself with smarter individuals.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:05 Founding Copa Cymru03:38 Early Career Challenges05:04 Building Experience and Opportunities09:52 Transition to SSP Media and Copper12:42 Client Relationships and Business Philosophy16:53 Adapting to Social Media Trends20:35 Challenges of Retainers in Business21:22 Diversification Strategies22:13 Venturing into Video Games23:12 The Journey of Copa Gaming25:20 Building a Successful Team30:11 Inspiration and Influences35:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of What's Your Stori?, host James sits down with Scott from  @coaltown-coffee , a speciality coffee brand deeply rooted in the heritage of Ammanford, Wales. Scott shares the inspiring journey of how he transformed his passion for coffee into a thriving business, starting from his parents' garage to establishing multiple cafes and an online community. They delve into the challenges of branding, the impact of the local mining history, and the unique stories behind their products. A must-watch for coffee enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs alike, this episode highlights the power of combining community spirit with innovative business strategies.Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome00:33 Introducing Scott from Coaltown01:27 The Birth of Coaltown Coffee03:59 Scott's Early Life and Struggles06:27 From National Trust to Coffee Entrepreneur13:18 The First Coffee Venture: Roasted Joe's15:17 Lessons Learned and the Rise of Coaltown19:05 The Birth of Cool Time19:26 Honouring Family Legacy20:16 Building a Community Brand20:48 Starting from Scratch23:34 Innovative Coffee Roasting26:26 Expanding the Coffee Line29:27 The Unearthed Series33:11 Transforming the Business36:45 The Power of Coffee Stories

In this compelling episode of What's Your Story?, host James Owen sits down with Mark Burch, a financial planner and mindset coach from West Wales.

Mark shares his journey of building a financial planning business, Sleek Stone Private Clients, while emphasising the crucial role of mindset in achieving personal and financial goals. Despite overcoming significant health challenges, including a brain injury and prostate cancer, Mark's resilience shines through. He discusses the psychological aspects of financial planning, the importance of understanding one's true objectives with money, and how these lessons have shaped his new venture in mindset coaching.

Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with real-life experiences and valuable advice on achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

00:00 Welcome to What's Your Story

00:49 Introducing Mark Birch: Financial Planner and Mindset Coach

01:24 A Day in the Life of a Financial Planner

02:28 The Deeper Meaning of Money

03:34 Mindset and Money: A Personal Journey

10:45 The Path to Financial Planning

13:38 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Resilience

27:36 Resilience in Entrepreneurship

28:29 Overcoming Personal Challenges

29:40 Life as a Coast Guard Volunteer

30:09 The Impact of PTSD

31:46 Family and Personal Growth

32:52 The Power of Visualisation

36:32 Entrepreneurial Mindset

41:24 Helping Others Through Coaching

49:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In episode 40 of What's Your Stori?, James sits down with professional rugby referee Craig Evans. Craig shares his journey from playing grassroots rugby to becoming a top referee, officiating games at the international level and even at the Olympics. He discusses the challenges and highlights of his career, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and the personal loss that deeply affected him. Craig also touches on the mental and physical toll of refereeing, coping mechanisms, and the importance of mental health. Whether you're a rugby fan, aspiring referee, or someone interested in personal stories of perseverance, this episode has something for everyone.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:33 Welcoming Today's Guest: Craig Evans01:08 Craig Evans' Rugby Journey02:08 Refereeing at Different Levels04:53 Challenges and Experiences as a Referee07:47 The Importance of Consistency in Refereeing11:59 Handling Pressure and Criticism18:29 The Role of Referees in Modern Rugby26:43 Diverse Opinions in Rugby Refereeing27:25 The Importance of Performance in Refereeing28:40 Respect for Referees in Different Sports33:00 Challenges and Highlights of a Referee's Career35:48 Coping with Personal Loss and Mental Health40:33 Finding Support and Coping Mechanisms46:33 The Importance of Self-Care48:59 Reflections and Future Aspirations

Join host James Owen on this episode of the What's Your Stori? as he sits down with Tom White, a professional film and television composer from Wales.

Tom shares his journey into the world of cinematic film music, discussing his process of composing for TV and film, his own musical projects, and the balance between creative expression and commercial work.

Learn about the intricacies of composing, the use of real versus sampled instruments, and the challenges of earning a living in the creative industry.

If you're passionate about music and storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights from a seasoned composer in the field.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to What's Your Stori? Podcast

00:52 Introducing Tom White: Film and TV Composer

03:48 The Creative Process and Weekly Routine

06:05 Challenges and Rewards in the Creative Industry

10:40 Balancing Passion and Business

14:16 Career Aspirations and Inspirations

17:25 The Reality of Working in the Creative Field

25:32 Exploring Different Music Genres

27:33 Defining Neoclassical Music

28:53 Personal Musical Journey

29:54 Collaborative Creative Process

33:06 Programming vs. Real Instruments

40:20 The Value of Authentic Instruments

43:43 Investment in Music Production

47:07 Inspirations and Influences

51:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts