The Midlife Entrepreneur

• EP22: Carol Lovell, Adventurer and Founder of Stow London, the luxury handbag and accessories brand.

  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

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• EP21: Louise Webster, Communications Specialist and Founder of Beyond the School Run, the platform connecting mothers to their skills and talents.

  In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo interviews Louise Webster, a communication specialist and founder of Beyond the School Run, an award-winning platform dedicated to empowering mothers by utilising their skills and talents. Louise shares her inspiring journey from working in PR with major brands to addressing the barriers mothers face in the workforce. She details the evolution of Beyond the School Run, the challenges she faced, and her dedication to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn about her journey, her advice for balancing motherhood and career, and her vision for creating inclusive workplaces through We are Beyond Global consultancy. The episode concludes with Louise's '3, 2, 1' list: three valuable investments, two things she wishes she could have done differently, and one person she'd like to thank.00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast00:27 Meet Louise Webster: From PR to Empowering Mothers00:49 The Birth of Beyond the School Run01:32 Challenges and Realizations02:39 Building a Purpose-Driven Platform03:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery04:24 The Role of Parenting in Personal Growth06:03 Expanding Beyond the School Run08:12 Navigating Career Transitions and Societal Expectations13:29 Monetizing the Mission21:49 Reshaping the Platform and VC Journey22:07 Building the MVP Model22:22 Combining Work and Personal Growth23:11 Purpose-Driven Business Insights24:48 Launching Community Events26:16 Developing the B2B Platform28:50 Final Reflections and AdviceSupport 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

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• EP20: Hansine Johnston, Founder and Creative Director of Hansine, a modern bohemian resort wear brand worn by Kate Moss.

  In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo interviews Hansine Johnston, the founder and creative director of Hansine, a resort wear brand known for its sophisticated silhouettes and modern bohemian aesthetic. Hansine shares insights into her multicultural upbringing, her pivot from a career in fashion sales with Valentino and Armani to launching her brand at 45. She discusses how a chance encounter with Kate Moss boosted her brand's profile, the importance of timelessness and sustainability in her designs, and the challenges and triumphs of building a business. The episode concludes with a special segment where Hansine lists three worthwhile investments, two things she would do differently, and someone she'd like to thank for their support.00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast00:15 Meet Hansine Johnston: Founder of Hansine Resort Wear00:35 The Journey from Fashion Sales to Radio Show Host00:46 Launching Hansine: A Brand Inspired by Global Adventures01:51 Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth04:41 Design Philosophy: Timelessness and Wearability08:00 The Pivot to Creating a Fashion Brand12:09 Building a Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Brand20:19 Navigating Challenges and Customer Feedback25:49 Passion for the Brand26:15 Challenges in Administration and Production27:19 Wholesale and Resort Market28:36 Team Dynamics and Lean Operations29:40 Navigating the Fashion Industry31:18 Customer Stories and Brand Loyalty32:25 Future Plans: Swimwear and Accessories34:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs34:54 Top Investments and Lessons Learned43:51 Gratitude 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

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• EP19: Joanna Jensen, author, investor and Founder of Child's Farm, the natural, sustainable skincare brand for children.

  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 Podcast00:15 Introducing Joanna Jensen: Entrepreneurial Journey00:35 Building Child's Farm: From Kitchen Table to Supermarket Shelves00:55 Life After Selling Child's Farm01:53 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling a Business05:00 The Importance of Choosing the Right Investors06:05 Securing Investment: Trials and Triumphs12:35 The Role of Relationships in Business Success15:45 Managing Emotions and Resilience in Entrepreneurship22:01 Parenting and Life Lessons24:48 Building Resilience in Children25:49 Processing Emotions and Taking Action26:16 Challenges of Running a Business27:59 Introduction to Joanna's Book28:28 Writing and Illustrating the Book29:44 Key Insights for Entrepreneurs35:06 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge40:33 Joanna's Personal Investments and Regrets44:40 Final Thoughts and GratitudeSupport 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

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• EP18: Jo Glynn-Smith wraps up Season 2 with some valuable lessons learned from her guests.

  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 Podcast00:34 The Importance of Flexibility in Business01:37 Real-Life Examples of Flexibility03:42 Mindset and Adaptability04:40 Challenges and Changes in the Business World08:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections10:05 Season Wrap-Up and Listener EngagementSupport 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

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