Welcome to the Reinvention Diary! In this episode, Michelle and Nicola dive into the realities of reinvention, rediscovery, and regaining confidence as women. They share personal stories, discuss the challenges of balancing work and life, and reflect on the importance of self-care and community.

Topics Discussed:

• Catching up: Weekend getaways, birthday celebrations, and the changing dynamics of social drinking.
• The art of dressing for events: When to go all out and when to blend in.
• Christmas is coming: Debates over chocolates, early holiday music, and family traditions.
• Home life: The great slippers vs. shoes debate for dinner parties, and the acceptability of pajamas in public.
• Meal planning: From spreadsheets to smart speakers, and using AI for weekly shopping lists.
• Working in vs. on your business: The struggle to balance client work, marketing, and personal development.
• Courses and upskilling: Excel, blogging, and automating business processes.
• Health and self-care: Smear tests, breast checks, and the importance of regular screenings.
• Random acts of kindness and “what’s rocked your world” this week: Camera holsters, rebounders, and more.

Listener Questions:

• Is it acceptable to go out in public in your pajamas?
• Do you sit down at a set time each week to do your shopping list and meal plan?

Calls to Action:

• Share your thoughts on Instagram: How acceptable is it to go out in pajamas?
• Send in your questions for future episodes—anything about business, life, or what rocks your world!
• Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Follow on Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Thank you for listening! Join the conversation and be part of our community of women rising together.

If you'd like to know more about us check out our websites:

www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

www.mrsstylewright.com

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola Guest: Yvette Martin, Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist for Breast

Episode Summary

In this episode, Michelle and Nicola are joined by Yvette Martin, a breast cancer specialist nurse with over 20 years of experience in the NHS. Yvette shares her journey into nursing, her dual role in healthcare and business, and provides practical advice for women navigating breast health, diagnosis, and recovery.

Key Topics Discussed

• The importance of regular breast checks and what to look for beyond lumps (skin changes, nipple discharge, changes in shape, etc.).
• The emotional impact of diagnosis and the support role of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).
• What to expect after a breast cancer diagnosis: treatment pathways, support systems, and the role of the CNS as a key worker.
• Survival rates and positive outcomes: Over 50% increase in survival in the last 50 years; 9 out of 10 women live 5+ years post-diagnosis.
• The prevalence of breast cancer (1 in 7 women) and the importance of screening, especially for those with family history.
• Support for friends and family: how to communicate, offer help, and understand the patient’s needs.
• Post-treatment mental health: programs and resources for ongoing support, including the Moving Forward program and Pilates classes.
• Addressing misconceptions about hereditary risk and male breast cancer.
• Personal stories and random acts of kindness.

Resources & Links

• Breast Cancer Now – Comprehensive information and support for breast cancer and benign breast disease.
• Macmillan Cancer Support – Support for patients and families.
• NHS Breast Cancer Information – Official guidance and resources.
• Elevate Design and Print – Yvette’s print business.

Contact & Social

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn: Elevate Design and Print
• Michelle - www.mrsstylewright.com
• Nicola - www.nicolaaucklandphotography.com

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola

Episode Highlights:

• The realities and humor of getting older (varifocals, aging, and self-acceptance)
• Coping with autumn bugs and busy schedules
• Discovering and working within your "zone of genius"
• Delegating tasks and the value of virtual assistants
• The importance of collaboration and skill-swapping with friends
• Recognizing your strengths and not undervaluing your expertise
• The challenge of niching down your business and finding your ideal client
• Marketing, motivation, and the ups and downs of running a business
• Random acts of kindness and the little things that make a difference
• TV talk: Celebrity Traitors and Claudia’s outfits
• How to connect with the hosts and join the community

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace your strengths and delegate what doesn’t light you up.
• Don’t assume others find your skills as easy as you do—charge for your expertise!
• Collaboration and skill-swapping can be a great way to get things done on a budget.
• It’s okay to niche down and focus on what makes you happiest in your work.
• Small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

Connect with Us:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Michelle: @Mrs.StyleWright
• Nicola: @NicolaAucklandPhotography

Listener Call to Action:

• Share your own "zone of genius" stories or how you’ve organized your life to focus on what you love—email or DM us!
• Join us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates