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The Midlife Entrepreneur

Jo Glynn-Smith
The Midlife Entrepreneur
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  • EP14: Priya Downes, Founder and CEO of Nudea, a B Corp Certified underwear and sleepwear brand
    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 Podcast00:14 Meet Priya Downes: From World Bank to Nudea00:52 The Birth of Nudea: A Journey into Underwear03:22 Challenges and Innovations in Bra Shopping03:55 Building a Brand: Research and Customer Engagement07:08 Marketing Strategies and Model Representation13:49 Launching Nudea: From Idea to Reality19:10 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges24:05 Embracing Failure and Pivoting24:55 Navigating the Pandemic25:34 Retail Partnerships and Challenges27:34 Digital Marketing Strategies30:57 Expanding into Sleepwear34:14 Personal Motivation and Legacy36:20 Final Insights and ReflectionsPriya'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 help2. Investing in the business myself, I am the majority shareholder for now3. A good book keeper tat help me keep financial control 2 things you wish you could have done differently1. I had been clearer about my exit strategy from the beginning 2. I wish I had started 10 years earlier1 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. Edited 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
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  • EP13: Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, Journalist, Stylist and Founder of The FairGround, a digital marketplace for purpose-led brands
    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 Podcast00:14 Introducing Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey00:27 Ginnie's Journey to Entrepreneurship00:53 The Birth of The FairGround01:52 Challenges and Insights of Running a Business03:17 Balancing Family and Business03:51 The FairGround's Unique Selling Proposition05:01 Subscription Model and Brand Assessment09:54 Marketing and Outreach Strategies11:17 Personal Reflections and Future Goals13:04 The Reality of Midlife Entrepreneurship19:46 Team Dynamics and Support23:07 Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges25:15 The Journey of Empathy and Boundaries26:02 Building a Community and Brand28:02 The Importance of Supporting Women29:20 Balancing Personal and Professional Life33:49 Investments and Lessons Learned43:29 Gratitude and Future AspirationsGinnie'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 retreats2. 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 business2. 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 thankMy 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. Edited 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
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  • EP12: Anna Foster, Creative Director & Founder of E.L.V. Denim, a global leader in sustainable fashion
    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 Podcast00:16 Meet Anna Foster: From Fashion Editor to Upcycling Pioneer01:42 Anna's Journey: Questioning the Fashion Industry03:51 The Turning Point: From Stylist to Sustainable Fashion05:35 Challenges and Realizations in Upcycling07:08 Building E.L.V. Denim: The Early Days08:31 The Denim Industry's Waste Problem10:20 Creating Unique, Sustainable Fashion18:08 The Emotional Connection to Upcycling25:50 Scaling Up: The Future of E.L.V. Denim29:20 The Power of Intuition and Mentorship29:45 British Fashion Council's Low Carbon Transition30:03 Lessons from the Past: Railways and Resistance31:30 Innovative Approaches in Fashion32:36 The Importance of Diversifying Partnerships33:39 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions35:03 Sustainable Fashion: The Stretch Denim Dilemma36:37 Building Resilience and Problem-Solving Skills37:06 Balancing Personal and Professional Life39:35 Daily Routines for Energy and Productivity42:54 Evening Routines and Relaxation46:19 Three, Two, One: Key Takeaways and GratitudeAnna's 3,2,1s:3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny1. My 20 morning routine, walking the dog and getting fresh air, high five the mirror2. I bought myself a necklace a few years ago and it reminds me of what I've built. 3. My team2 things you wish you had done differently:1. Trusted my instincts more2. Put less trust in consultants and invested in a really good MD instead1 person you'd like to thank: Mimma Viglezio  - communications expert, been on many boards and fashion industry icon and mentorEdited 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
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  • EP11: Julia Collins, Vintage Art Dealer, Founder of Collins and Green Art
    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 Podcast00:34 Julia Collins' Journey from Finance to Art01:14 The Birth of Collins and Green Art02:05 Balancing Family and Business03:54 Navigating Instagram and Online Sales06:14 Challenges and Triumphs in Business15:02 Building a Community and Networking18:44 Overcoming Technological Hurdles22:33 Reflecting on Business Chaos and Team Dynamics22:53 Hiring and Motivating the Team23:23 Defining Success and Business Growth23:59 Marketing Strategies: Word of Mouth and Instagram25:51 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Passion31:05 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship32:53 Challenges and Progress for Women in Business36:38 Three Investments, Two Regrets, One Thank You41:34 Final Thoughts and EncouragementJulia'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 one2 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. Edited 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
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  • EP10: Lucy Yeomans, Fashion Tech Entrepreneur, Founder and Co-CEO of Drest
    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 Podcast00:14 Introducing Lucy Yeomans and Drest00:27 Lucy's Career Journey and Vision00:42 The Birth of Drest00:54 Challenges and Collaborations01:01 The Evolution of Drest01:33 In-Depth with Lucy Yeomans01:38 What is Drest?02:34 The Lightbulb Moments02:46 The Gaming Inspiration03:14 From Harper's Bazaar to Net-a-Porter03:39 The Changing Media Landscape04:09 The Rise of Gaming07:52 The Drest Audience10:24 Building Drest from Scratch10:39 The Reluctant Entrepreneur11:58 The Importance of the Right Team17:16 The Real Virtual Real Concept21:18 Creating Immersive Experiences23:08 Personal Challenges and Growth26:41 Finding Energy and Balance28:39 The Energy Required to Run a Business28:56 Gaming and Fashion: Breaking Stereotypes29:46 The Importance of Physical Activity31:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life32:16 Goals and Milestones for the Business33:59 Three Investments Worth Every Penny36:37 Two Things I Wish I Had Done Differently42:26 The Value of Experience and Relationships46:29 One Person to Thank50:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLucy'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 differently1. 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. Edited 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
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About The Midlife Entrepreneur

The show that's all about building a business in midlife, hosted by professional coach and entrepreneur Jo Glynn-Smith. Each week Jo sits down with a different business owner to explore their personal stories and learn from their business journeys. These conversations are designed to inspire and motivate more people to find the courage and confidence to become a Midlife Entrepreneur.
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