In this twenty-second episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Amy Robinson – a Beauty Business Owner and Educator who has built her business from the ground up, starting in her mum’s kitchen and growing into a thriving beauty space and educator brand known for empowerment, confidence and connection.

Amy’s story is one of resilience, persistence and transformation. From childhood challenges and overcoming bullying, to carving out her own path in the beauty industry, her journey highlights the power of turning pain into purpose. Today, Amy isn’t just shaping brows - she’s shaping confidence, creating safe spaces and proving that boundaries are just as important as beauty in business.

In this conversation, Alex and Amy explore:

• How Amy turned early challenges into a successful beauty career

• The lessons she learned starting out from her mum’s kitchen

• Why creating a safe, welcoming space is the heart of her work

• The role of boundaries and policies in building a sustainable business

• Practical advice for new entrepreneurs about persistence and self-focus

• The empowering impact of helping clients see themselves differently

Whether you’re in the beauty industry, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration to keep going, Amy’s story is proof that small beginnings can grow into something powerful when paired with persistence, boundaries and a focus on what really matters.

Timestamps [00:00] Introduction: Alex welcomes Amy to the podcast [01:30] Childhood challenges and early influences [05:00] Starting out in the beauty industry [07:00] The decision to specialise in brows [10:00] From mum’s kitchen to opening her own salon [15:00] Creating a safe space and building client confidence [20:00] Comparison, boundaries, and lessons learned [25:00] Personal growth, coaching, and reflection [30:00] Amy’s advice for new entrepreneurs [32:00] Vision for the future and empowering through beauty

Key Highlights

• The transition from working at her mum’s kitchen table to running her own thriving salon

• Why confidence and boundaries are essential in business

• How creating safe spaces helps clients feel seen and empowered

• Amy’s advice for persistence, self-focus and growth as a new entrepreneur

Connect with Amy Instagram: @ajrglamour

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twenty-first episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Anna Botley – a coach, yoga teacher, and space-holder who helps women stop people-pleasing, speak their truth, and rebuild their relationships from the inside out through embodied presence, nervous system work, and everyday self-respect.

Anna’s story is one of self-discovery, resilience, and redefining success. From early jobs that didn’t quite fit, to earning a biomedical degree, to finding the emotional connection and transformation of yoga, Anna’s journey is full of trial, error, and powerful lessons. She opens up about navigating the challenges of long COVID, overcoming self-doubt and comparison, and building a business that prioritises alignment, well-being, and authenticity.

In this conversation, Alex and Anna explore:

• The real differences between coaching and therapy in personal growth

• How to create a business that works with your values and lifestyle

• Why success is about grounded truth, not just financial milestones

• Practical advice for new entrepreneurs starting their journey

• The mindset shifts that help you show up as your authentic self

Whether you’re a business owner, yoga enthusiast, aspiring coach, or someone navigating your own path of personal growth, this episode will inspire you to define success on your own terms and trust that the smallest shifts can lead to the biggest transformations.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction: Alex welcomes Anna to the podcast [00:50] Early Career Exploration & realising 9–5 wasn’t for her [10:15] Discovering coaching and yoga [20:30] Coaching vs. Therapy – key differences [30:45] Overcoming self-doubt and comparison [40:00] Defining success on your own terms [50:15] Advice for new entrepreneurs [55:00] Final reflections and what’s next

Key Highlights

• Anna’s inspiring journey from uncertainty to a fulfilling career in coaching and yoga

• The emotional transformation she experienced through yoga

• Insights into coaching vs. therapy and how each supports growth

• Navigating long COVID while building a values-led business

• Redefining success to prioritise joy, alignment, and personal fulfilment

Connect with Anna Instagram: @annabotley

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twentieth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Tia Harris – a Shropshire-based mum, coach and creator of The Motherhood Shift.

Tia shares her powerful journey from corporate leadership into the world of coaching, where she now supports women in one of the most transformative seasons of life: motherhood.

They explore how her childhood experiences shaped her business decisions, what it took to step away from a successful career, and how becoming a mum cracked her wide open to a new way of living and working. Tia is passionate about helping women redefine who they are, without shame or pressure to “bounce back” – and this conversation is full of warmth, honesty and inspiration.

If you’re navigating change, growing a business alongside motherhood, or craving a deeper sense of self-connection – this episode is for you.

[00:00] Introduction: Alex welcomes Tia to the podcast [01:30] Childhood Influence: How Tia's early life shaped her path [05:00] From Corporate to Coaching: What sparked the shift [10:00] Balancing Business & Motherhood [15:00] Redefining Success [20:00] Leading with Authenticity and Integrity [25:00] Creating The Motherhood Shift & supporting other women [30:00] Final Reflections and What’s Next

• Tia’s bold transition from corporate leadership into coaching

• The role of childhood in shaping her identity and values

• The emotional and practical challenges of starting a business as a new mum

• Redefining success to include joy, self-trust, and authenticity

• Why mental well-being and identity work are at the heart of The Motherhood Shift

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odjus_coaching

Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession

Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching

Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this nineteenth solo episode of My Kind of Business, Alex opens up about the real, raw experience of navigating motherhood while running a business.

Alex shares her personal journey through the chaos and joy of early motherhood - from the mental load of juggling multiple roles to the invisible weight of postnatal anxiety. She talks honestly about the guilt many mothers carry and the necessity of redefining what success looks like in this season of life.

In this heartfelt episode, Alex also explores the power of community, the importance of asking for help and the freedom found in embracing imperfection.

If you’re a parent balancing business and life, or anyone feeling the pressure to “do it all,” this episode offers comfort, insights and permission to be kind to yourself.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and the reality of early motherhood 02:15 – The mental load and juggling roles 05:30 – Postnatal anxiety and its subtle manifestations 08:45 – The guilt of motherhood and redefining success 12:00 – Building a supportive community and asking for help 15:20 – Embracing imperfection and focusing on what matters

What to Expect

✦ An honest conversation about balancing motherhood and business ✦ Insights into postnatal anxiety and its hidden impact ✦ Reframing guilt as a sign of care, not failure ✦ The importance of community and asking for help ✦ Embracing imperfection and redefining success on your terms

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching

In this eighteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Kate Parslow; a warm, thoughtful interior designer based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Kate’s journey into business is rooted in a lifelong love of creating spaces that feel personal and full of soul. It all started with a doll’s house her dad made her when she was ten — a moment that sparked her obsession with homes that truly reflect the people who live in them.

After a detour in her twenties, it was a conversation with a friend at forty that gave her the final nudge to pursue interior design for real. Since then, Kate has built a business grounded in curiosity, kindness, and creativity — blending vintage, inherited and new pieces to create homes that aren’t about perfection, but about personality.

In this gentle, reflective episode, Kate talks about building a business later in life, navigating imposter syndrome, and the real power of our environments to impact how we feel day to day. She also shares honest advice for anyone wanting to make a change — no matter what age or stage you’re at.

We chat about letting go of pressure, trusting your instincts, and creating a business that truly feels like your kind of success.

If you’ve ever felt behind, questioned your path, or needed a reminder that there’s no deadline on following your passion — this episode is for you.

00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:15 – Childhood inspirations: the dollhouse story 05:30 – Overcoming doubts and training in interior design 10:45 – The turning point at 40 15:00 – Starting her business and juggling family life 20:30 – A transformative client story 30:00 – How home design can support wellbeing 35:45 – Managing imposter syndrome 40:00 – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 45:30 – What “my kind of business” means to Kate

✦ The story behind a creative career change at 40 ✦ How childhood passions can shape your future ✦ The emotional impact of thoughtful home design ✦ Honest talk about imposter syndrome and self-trust ✦ Encouragement to start, no matter where you’re at

🌐 Website: @kparslowinteriors

📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this seventeenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Elena – a creative and multi-passionate business owner who runs not one but two unique businesses: a keepsake sewing business and a candy floss venture.

Elena’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t planned – in fact, she calls herself an accidental business owner. After working night shifts in police custody and navigating life as a busy mum, she began sewing meaningful keepsakes for her children and friends. What started as a creative outlet soon grew into a word-of-mouth business. Then came her second venture – a colourful, joy-filled candy floss business inspired by her own sweet tooth and love of celebration.

In this honest and down-to-earth chat, Elena shares what it’s really like to manage multiple businesses while also prioritising rest, growth and family. She talks about the joy of building something her way, the importance of personal development, and why she’s learning to say “no” in order to protect her energy.

We chat about the mindset shifts needed to grow as a business owner, the power of building slowly, and how letting go of pressure can be the best business move you ever make.

If you’re multi-passionate, managing lots of moving parts, or dreaming of starting something of your own, this episode is full of gentle encouragement, creative inspiration and practical wisdom.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction 01:07 – Eleanor’s early career in police custody 02:00 – How her sewing business began by accident 03:45 – Starting her candy floss business 05:30 – Balancing both businesses 07:15 – How personal growth supports business growth 09:00 – Challenges and learning to outsource 11:00 – Finding work-life balance and protecting energy 12:30 – Advice for those thinking of starting a business

What to Expect

✦ A creative and unfiltered look at juggling two small businesses ✦ The value of starting small and growing through word of mouth ✦ Honest insights into boundaries, burnout and business evolution ✦ Tips on time management, outsourcing and staying grounded ✦ Why it’s okay (and necessary) to do things differently

Connect with Eleanor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaterialgirl_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaterialG/?locale=en_GB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candycloudsfloss/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candycloudscart?locale=en_GB

Connect with Alex 📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this sixteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Helen Scotchford, Founder of The Face Therapist – an advanced skincare clinic based in Marston Moretaine, Central Bedfordshire.

Helen’s journey into entrepreneurship started after years of struggling with her own skin issues and a deep passion for skincare. While still working in her corporate job she began studying skincare and slowly built the foundations of her business.

Her decision to step into business came during a huge life shift - becoming a mother - and since then she’s been navigating the ever-evolving balance of growing a business and raising her young family.

In this honest conversation Helen shares the highs and lows of building her business from scratch. She reflects on leaving the security of employment, working through her inner critic, and staying focused on her purpose - helping others regain their confidence through skincare.

We chat about the behind-the-scenes of running a service-led business, the reality of slow, steady growth, and why connection and trust are the heart of everything Helen does. She also opens up about motherhood, boundaries and the courage it takes to back yourself through every season of life.

If you’ve ever felt the pull towards starting something of your own, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom and gentle encouragement.

00:00 – How Helen’s passion for skincare began 08:30 – Transitioning from corporate to business ownership 17:05 – Balancing business with motherhood 23:59 – Challenges, self-doubt, and the inner critic 29:00 – Advice for those considering starting a business

✦ A down-to-earth look at starting a service-based business ✦ The power of passion and purpose in shaping your work ✦ Honest reflections on motherhood and entrepreneurship ✦ Tips on building confidence and trusting yourself ✦ How slow, steady growth can lead to deep fulfilment

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefacetherapistuk/

Website: https://www.thefacetherapistuk.com/

Bookings: https://www.fresha.com/a/the-face-therapist-marston-moretaine-uk-reynes-close-wsntamjh/booking?menu=true

📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this fifteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex shares some honest reflections and practical strategies for when business feels hard. Whether you're in a dip, feeling low on motivation, or just questioning what you're doing it all for, this episode is here to help you reset.

Alex explores how to manage your energy, reconnect with what matters, and shift your focus back to creating rather than consuming. You'll hear ways to rebuild momentum (without forcing it), take the pressure off yourself, and keep going in a way that actually feels sustainable.

If you've been feeling stuck, tired, or out of sorts in your work — this episode is a reminder that you're not alone, and things can feel better again.

00:00 – Navigating Tough Times in Business A real look at the emotional and practical challenges of running a business when things feel heavy.

03:31 – Energy Management Strategies How to reduce noise, set boundaries, and focus on what actually moves you forward.

05:32 – Creation Before Consumption Why switching off the scroll and getting back to creating can shift everything.

07:25 – Building a Sustainable Business Mindset Looking after yourself, protecting your time, and making space for what matters.

• Give yourself space to acknowledge how you feel.

• Reconnect with your purpose to get clear on your next step.

• Speak your goals in the present tense to bring them closer.

• Boundaries protect your focus and energy.

• Creating before consuming helps build momentum.

• Motivation isn’t the starting point — action often comes first.

• Rest is productive. Stillness is allowed.

• You’re not behind — you’re building something that fits.

• Business can be shaped to work with your life, not against it.

Business Connection Sessions alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions

Instagram @alexmccarthycoaching

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/alexmccarthycoaching

Website alexmccarthycoaching.com