The Midlife Entrepreneur

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 podcast00:41 Reflecting on a Year of Resilience01:32 Exciting Changes and Interns02:06 Song and Issie Take Over02:23 Jo's Career Pivot at 4703:37 Discovering Purpose and Coaching06:35 Building a Business from Scratch09:07 Navigating Ups and Downs10:37 Transitioning Careers and Overcoming Fear12:51 Embracing the Geek Within13:14 Navigating Post-University Uncertainty14:24 Creating Your Own Opportunities15:38 Measuring Success as a Self-Employed Professional17:04 Learning from Inspirational Women18:30 Advice for Young Women Entering the Job Market22:46 Final Thoughts and FarewellSupport the showEdited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor 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 @jojoglynnsmithContact: [email protected] CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.ioPHOTOGRAPHY 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 Podcast00:27 Katherine Elphick's Journey: From Art History to E-commerce01:29 The Importance of a Good Website for Business Success02:36 Building Sheerluxe: Sponsored Content and Website Challenges03:33 Katherine's Transition to Web Design04:24 The Evolution of E-commerce and Web Design13:54 The Role of AI in Web Development21:00 Growing a Business and Overcoming Challenges23:58 Future Vision: Growing and Selling the Business25:08 Exploring Business Endpoints and Evolution25:42 The Challenges of Service-Based Businesses26:23 Naming and Branding Your Business27:03 Building a Bespoke Service28:00 Balancing Work and Family Life29:14 Managing Overwhelm and Stress32:40 Proactive Business Growth Strategies35:51 Investing in People, Technology, and Coaching40:59 Lessons Learned and Reflections45:51 Final Thoughts and FarewellSupport the showEdited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor 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 @jojoglynnsmithContact: [email protected] CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.ioPHOTOGRAPHY 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 Podcast00:24 Emma Pratt's Journey: From Marketing to Stroke Recovery00:33 The Stroke: A Life-Changing Event00:46 Recovery and Rediscovery of Creativity00:56 The Birth of Elsie and Tom Candles01:24 Emma's Life Before and After the Stroke01:47 The Stroke Experience: Symptoms and Immediate Aftermath05:01 Diagnosis and Early Recovery06:29 Living with Stroke Fatigue and Rehabilitation08:42 The Emotional and Mental Struggles of Recovery10:26 Starting a New Business: Challenges and Triumphs14:27 The Unexpected Success of Elsie and Tom Candles17:58 Scaling Up: Opportunities and Challenges23:27 The Importance of Natural Fragrances and Compliance25:05 Regulatory Challenges in Cosmetics25:31 The Importance of Knowledge in Perfumery26:13 Personal Challenges and Memory Issues27:05 Scaling Up and Building a Team28:53 The Mission and Vision for the Business29:48 Exploring Natural and Synthetic Ingredients31:13 The Soap Making Process35:32 Investing in Yourself and Your Ideas37:01 Overcoming Personal and Professional Obstacles45:23 The Importance of Support and Collaboration48:04 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showEdited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor 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 @jojoglynnsmithContact: [email protected] CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.ioPHOTOGRAPHY 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 Podcast00:15 Meet Sophie Fawcett: Brand Strategist and Cancer Survivor00:37 The Birth of TONIC: Redefining Patient Wear01:05 Sophie’s Personal Journey with Cancer01:24 The Emotional Impact of TONIC’s Mission01:38 Welcome Sophie to the Podcast01:50 Sophie’s Journey Through Chemotherapy02:40 The Inspiration Behind TONIC04:30 Challenges with Traditional Medical Apparel05:23 The Development of TONIC’s Product Line05:46 The Importance of Dignity in Patient Care06:32 TONIC’s Unique Approach to Medical Apparel08:54 The Role of Design in Medical Apparel13:24 Building the Business: From Idea to Reality19:37 The Investment Journey and Future Plans25:08 Passion for the Business26:04 Challenges of Running a Business26:54 Innovative Medical Solutions29:07 Patient Experience and Research32:34 Marketing and Sales Strategies34:57 Reflections and Future Goals39:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs46:37 Gratitude and Support48:19 Conclusion and FarewellSupport the showEdited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor 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 @jojoglynnsmithContact: [email protected] CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.ioPHOTOGRAPHY 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 Podcast00:15 Meet Carol Lovell: Founder of Stow London00:33 The Journey of Stow London01:02 Challenges and Triumphs01:39 Selling the Business and Stepping Back02:57 Adjusting to a New Role05:22 Health and Well-being07:15 The Decision to Sell or Close07:57 A New Beginning with Adam09:27 Tanner Leatherstein's Influence14:19 The Early Days of Stow17:11 Building the Business25:38 The Meghan Markle Effect28:15 Growth and Publicity Milestones28:52 Entering Harrods: A Dream Come True29:51 Impact of COVID-19 on Business31:07 Navigating the Pandemic Challenges32:01 Reflecting on Personal and Business Health38:24 Transition to a Balanced Life40:37 Key Investments and Lessons Learned47:07 Final Thoughts and Future OutlookSupport the showEdited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor 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 @jojoglynnsmithContact: [email protected] CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.ioPHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com