The Midlife Entrepreneur

• EP24: Emma Pratt, Founder of Elsie and Tom candles, a natural home fragrance and cosmetics brand.

  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

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• EP23: Sophie Fawcett, Brand Strategist, Cancer Survivor, and Founder of TONIC, pioneering medical apparel.

  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

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• 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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