Mum Means Business

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by actor, voice artist and founder Kate Okello Tarrant, also known as Mrs. OT. A millennial mum of three boys, Kate has appeared on countless stages across the UK and worked with household names including the BBC and Audible. But when the performance industry paused during lockdown, she began documenting her experience of motherhood online and something powerful happened. Within weeks, her honest reflections reached tens of thousands of women. The conversations that followed led her to train as a breastfeeding consultant, become a pre and postnatal advocate and create The Mum Retreat - a series of nurturing events centred on maternal mental health and wellbeing. From intimate candlelit evenings to expert-led workshops, Kate now curates powerful spaces where women can gather, speak honestly and feel seen. Her work is rooted in vulnerability, connection and a belief that there is joy to be found in failing publicly. 💡 “We need to dismantle the societal conditioning that other women are a threat.” In this energising and deeply honest conversation, we explore: ✨ Kate’s journey from actor to founder of The Mum Retreat ✨ The myth of overnight success and what really happens behind the scenes ✨ Navigating imposter syndrome when stepping into leadership ✨ The social conditioning that teaches women to compete rather than connect ✨ Transforming envy into empowerment ✨ The burden of stoicism in motherhood ✨ Embracing vulnerability online and in real life ✨ Why failure can be a powerful catalyst for growth We also talk about the scarcity mindset that keeps women playing small and what becomes possible when we actively choose connection over competition - in motherhood, in business and in life. About Kate Okello Tarrant: Kate Okello Tarrant, also known as Mrs. OT, is an actor, voice artist and founder of The Mum Retreat, a series of maternal wellbeing events designed to create safe, supportive spaces for mothers. After building an engaged online community during lockdown, Kate expanded her work into breastfeeding consultancy, advocacy and in-person gatherings focused on maternal mental health. She was recently recognised as 'Best Maternal Mental Health & Wellbeing Events UK' at the GHP Women’s Health Awards. Through her retreats, social media presence and public work, Kate is passionate about helping women feel less alone and more connected. Visit her website or follow her on Instagram @_mrsot to learn more. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Maria Rush - leadership mentor, speaker and host of the Women Don’t Rush podcast. For the past 15 years Maria has dedicated her time not only to raising her two children, now teenagers, but to promoting self-leadership, emotional intelligence and solution-based communication in entrepreneurial spaces, state organisations and private businesses. Maria is fascinated by people. Her work explores how we can communicate and connect more deeply with ourselves and others by becoming more authentic and self-aware. She supports capable, high-achieving women and mothers who, despite outward success, often feel tired, overwhelmed and quietly unfulfilled. Through her calm and thoughtful framework, Maria helps women uncover the missing link between outer achievement and inner fulfilment. In this reflective and practical conversation, we explore: ✨ Maria’s transition into motherhood and the identity shifts that followed ✨ Why communication begins with self-reflection ✨ Solution-based communication in parenting and partnerships ✨ Why many high-achieving women feel unfulfilled despite external success ✨ The burden of always being the problem-solver ✨ Emotional intelligence and empathy as foundational leadership skills ✨ Connecting with your inner child to better understand present-day reactions We also talk honestly about early motherhood, uncomfortable self-awareness and the courage it takes to recognise when our own behaviours may be contributing to the challenges we’re facing. 🎁 Exclusive for Mum Means Business listeners: Use code MMB20 to receive 20% off Maria’s April 2026 cohort of The Connected Leadership Programme. The programme offers a practical introduction to emotional intelligence and compassionate communication in a small group setting - equipping parents, partners and professionals with tools to strengthen their relationship with themselves and enjoy greater calm and connection. About Maria Rush: Maria Rush is a leadership mentor, speaker and host of the Women Don’t Rush podcast. She specialises in self-leadership, emotional intelligence and solution-based communication, supporting women who want to experience greater calm, clarity and fulfilment in both their professional and personal lives. Drawing on her experience as a mother, mentor and entrepreneur, Maria guides high-achieving women to bridge the gap between external success and inner alignment. Her work empowers women to communicate more effectively, articulate their needs with confidence and cultivate deeper connections with themselves and others. You can connect with Maria via her website, on Instagram, LinkedIn or through her podcast. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

My guest this week is Isabelle Pearcey, founder of Izz Whizz VA, where she helps founders, small teams and legal professionals bring structure, calm and confidence to the way they run their business. With a background in law, executive support and charity governance, Isabelle has spent years as the unflappable right hand to high-level leaders; quietly building effective systems, leading with empathy and keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. After navigating long COVID alongside early motherhood, Isabelle made the courageous transition into entrepreneurship. She built a virtual assistant business rooted in her values of kindness, trust and flexibility - and is now growing a small, trusted team of VAs who want meaningful, family-friendly work. Her approach to business feels like a breath of fresh air: calm rather than chaos, collaboration rather than control and support instead of silent struggle. In this honest and reassuring conversation, we explore: ✨ Isabelle’s journey from law and charity governance into entrepreneurship ✨ The impact of long COVID and motherhood on career decisions ✨ Breaking free from the super mum complex ✨ What a virtual assistant actually does and how they support business growth ✨ Building trust and strong working relationships in remote teams ✨ How to prepare your business for outsourcing ✨ Empowering women through flexible, values-led work ✨ Supporting maternal mental health alongside business ambitions We also talk about resilience, identity shifts and what it really means to invite someone into your world to help carry the load. About Isabelle Pearcey: Isabelle Pearcey is the founder of Izz Whizz VA, supporting founders, legal professionals and small teams with structure, systems and trusted executive support. With a background in law, executive assistance and charity governance, Isabelle combines professionalism with empathy — helping business owners feel calm and confident as they grow. She is building a team of skilled virtual assistants who want meaningful, flexible work that aligns with family life. Through her work and charitable involvement, Isabelle is passionate about empowering women at every stage of motherhood and business. Connect with Isabelle on LinkedIn and Instagram to find out more about how her team could support you. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Ekaterina Ward - mindset coach and founder of Vivacity, a community supporting female founders aged 40 and over to build vibrant, soul-aligned businesses that support the lives they want to lead. Ekaterina began her career in teaching before moving into corporate financial services. Eleven years ago, she retrained as a coach and has since worked extensively in corporate and executive coaching. Today, her focus is on supporting mothers in business - helping them grow their income, energy and impact without sacrificing themselves in the process. A mum to an eleven-year-old daughter, Ekaterina is deeply passionate about challenging the societal expectation that women should shrink as they move through midlife. Instead, she invites women to see this season as one of expansion, power and becoming. Her work explores the patterns that often guide our behaviour. As she recently shared, some of us are led by the heart, others by fire - but many of us are unconsciously addicted to suffering through overworking, people pleasing, control and self-neglect. Ekaterina’s message is clear: we do not need to suffer in order to grow. 💡 “We do not need to suffer to grow.” In this deep, reflective and quietly powerful conversation, we explore: ✨ Ekaterina’s transition from corporate life into coaching ✨ Why asking for help is a skill many women struggle to practise ✨ Breaking cycles of suffering and self-sabotage ✨ Fear of success and how it shows up for women in business ✨ Creating ease rather than glorifying struggle ✨ Self-regulation, emotional awareness and the window of tolerance ✨ Reframing midlife as the wise woman’s journey ✨ Navigating perimenopause with honesty, compassion and self-advocacy We also talk about self-enquiry, identity shifts and what it means to truly come home to yourself - as a woman, a mother and a business owner. About Ekaterina Ward: Ekaterina Ward is a mindset coach and founder of Vivacity, a community supporting female founders aged 40 and over to build soul-aligned businesses and lives. With a background in teaching, corporate financial services and executive coaching, she brings depth, compassion and strategic clarity to her work. Ekaterina specialises in supporting mothers in business to grow sustainably, without burnout. Her work challenges outdated narratives around midlife and menopause, reframing them as powerful seasons of self-leadership, honesty and renewal. You can find Ekaterina on Instagram or LinkedIn, and learn more about her work through Vivacity via her website. You can also download her FREE Midlife Mayhem and Magic Workbook! About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Liz Mosley - graphic designer, Adobe Ambassador, podcast host and public speaker on a mission to help small business owners feel more confident about their branding and marketing. Liz believes that when branding is not only beautiful but also strategic, it can completely transform how business owners show up. Through her design work, she creates bespoke branding and websites that leave her clients feeling excited, empowered and ready to share what they do with the world. Alongside client work, Liz has recorded over 200 episodes of her podcast Building Your Brand - all within the constraints of the school day. She’s a mum of two and a passionate champion for small businesses navigating visibility, content creation and sustainable growth. Liz is also well known for her rejection challenge. In 2023, after recognising how much fear of rejection might be limiting her own business growth, she set herself the goal of collecting 100 professional rejections in six months. Since then, she’s been openly sharing what she’s learned - helping creatives and business owners see that rejection is a normal, unavoidable and often far less scary part of putting yourself out there. 💡 “Rejection is a normal part of being a creative and a business owner.” In this honest and encouraging conversation, we explore: ✨ Liz’s journey into entrepreneurship and finding her place in the small business world ✨ Why rejection feels so personal and how to reduce its emotional impact ✨ The origins of the 100 rejections challenge and what Liz has learned so far ✨ Navigating identity shifts through motherhood and business growth ✨ The realities of content creation and how it has evolved over time ✨ What happens when your work goes viral and how to manage the aftermath ✨ Why vulnerability and human connection matter more than perfection We also talk about trusting your instincts, doing work you genuinely enjoy and why consistency becomes far more sustainable when you stop trying to perform and start being yourself. In this episode Liz mentions a Ted Talk by Jia Jiang entitled "What I learned from 100 days of rejection" which you can watch here. About Liz Mosley: Liz Mosley is a graphic designer, Adobe Ambassador and host of the podcast Building Your Brand. She specialises in creating strategic branding and websites for small business owners who want to feel confident sharing their work and growing their businesses. Liz is passionate about helping creatives overcome fear of rejection and build resilience through visibility, experimentation and self-trust. She shares practical marketing advice alongside honest reflections on running a business and navigating motherhood. You can find Liz on Instagram, via her website or by listening to Building Your Brand 🎧 About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Rachael Twumasi-Corson - a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, public speaker and non-executive director. Rachael founded her first company, Afrocenchix, at just 18 years old and scaled it to international success, raising over $2 million in investment before exiting the business in 2023. An advocate for ethical leadership and powerful storytelling in business, she’s delivered talks for global organisations including Google, Meta and HSBC. Today, Rachael serves on multiple boards, was recently appointed Vice Chair of British Mensa and is on the cusp of launching her new haircare brand Ayaa Botanicals. She lives in London with her husband and four children. As a busy Mum, Rachael believes work-life balance is a myth. Instead, she champions the idea of work-life harmony - a more compassionate and realistic way of approaching ambition, family life and personal wellbeing. As she puts it, balance leads to stress and frustration, while harmony creates freedom. In this rich and practical conversation, we explore: ✨ Rachael’s journey from teenage founder to scaling and exiting Afrocenchix ✨ The realities of building ambitious businesses alongside family life ✨ Why work-life balance doesn’t exist - and what to aim for instead ✨ How health challenges can reshape priorities and redefine success ✨ Navigating public spaces, expectations and pressure as a working mother ✨ The orchestra metaphor - and why harmony needs both mindset and systems ✨ Rachael’s simple 5-4-3-2-1 method for starting the day with intention ✨ How identity evolves through motherhood, exits and new beginnings Rachael shares both the mindset shifts and the practical tools that have helped her navigate different seasons - reminding us that when family life feels settled, we can go again and when it doesn’t, stepping back is not failure but part of being human. During our conversation Rachael also recommends a book called "Coherence" which I can confirm is by Dr. Alan Watkins. About Rachael Twumasi-Corson: Rachael Twumasi-Corson is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and non-executive director. She is the founder of Afrocenchix, a pioneering haircare brand she scaled globally before exiting in 2023. Her work focuses on ethical leadership, storytelling and helping others build lives and businesses that feel aligned - rather than perfectly balanced. She lives in London with her husband and four children and continues to explore new ventures inspired by resilience, lived experience and a commitment to long-term impact. Learn more about Rachael via her website or connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Amy Grilli - former teacher and co-founder of The Five Hour Club, a growing movement challenging the traditional 9–5 workday and advocating for more realistic, family-friendly ways of working. After taking five years out of paid employment to care for her children, Amy found herself staring at a large gap in her CV and questioning how it would be received. Her instinct was that being a “full-time parent” would be judged, dismissed or even criticised. So she left the gap unexplained and quietly withdrew, feeling insignificant, undervalued and unsure whether she was still welcome in the professional world. In frustration, Amy shared her experience on LinkedIn in 2024. The post went viral, resonating with tens of thousands of mothers who felt deeply seen. That response became the catalyst for The Five Hour Club - a professional job board promoting five-hour workdays, alongside a podcast of the same name, all designed to help parents maintain and return to meaningful careers after having children. What began as a personal moment of vulnerability has grown into a powerful movement. As Amy puts it so simply - 9 to 5 doesn’t work for parents. In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, we explore: ✨ The emotional impact of stepping away from paid work to raise children ✨ Why returning to work after time out can feel so daunting ✨ The hidden struggles of part-time work and so-called “flexibility” ✨ Balancing careers with school hours and school holidays ✨ How rigid working cultures quietly push mothers out of the workforce ✨ Why flexibility must be a two-way conversation between employers and employees ✨ How the five-hour workday could benefit businesses as well as families ✨ The vision behind The Five Hour Club and its growing global impact About Amy Grilli: Amy Grilli is a former teacher and co-founder of The Five Hour Club, a global job board and podcast promoting five-hour workdays and flexible roles for parents. Her work is driven by a desire to normalise parenthood in the workplace and challenge outdated assumptions about productivity, commitment and success. After experiencing first-hand the barriers parents face when trying to return to work, Amy now advocates for systemic change that allows families to thrive - without forcing parents to choose between career and caregiving. You can learn more about The Five Hour Club by visiting their website, following them on LinkedIn and Instagram, or listening to The Five Hour Club podcast. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by my marvellous coach Teresa Heath-Wareing - an international award-winning TEDx speaker, business strategist and host of the #1 rated Your Dream Business podcast. Teresa is widely known as the go-to expert for launching and scaling online businesses, specialising in practical growth strategies for course creators, membership owners and coaches. With a degree in marketing and over a decade of experience, she began her business in 2013 as a single mum to her four-year-old daughter. Since then, Teresa’s business - and life - have evolved dramatically. Alongside growing a globally recognised online brand, she has navigated divorce, solo parenting and a profound shift in her relationship with alcohol, a journey she shares openly on her health podcast Losing Part of Me. Today, her daughter is a teenager, she’s gained two grown-up stepchildren and a “handsome husband”. In 2024, Teresa launched her signature programme 'Grow Launch Sell', bringing together her depth of experience to help entrepreneurs build profitable online businesses in a way that feels aligned, sustainable and human - moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and towards thoughtful, supported growth. In this open and generous conversation, we explore: ✨ Teresa’s journey from single parent to building a globally recognised online business ✨ Navigating divorce, motherhood and entrepreneurship at the same time ✨ What it really means to “burn the boats” and fully commit to your business ✨ Why success must be defined personally, not dictated by the online space ✨ Balancing ambition, wellbeing and family life ✨ The power of community, honesty and bespoke support in business growth About Teresa Heath-Wareing: Teresa Heath-Wareing is a business strategist, TEDx speaker and podcast host specialising in online business growth for course creators, coaches and membership owners. Having started her business as a single mum, Teresa is passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow in ways that feel aligned with their values, lives and energy. She is the host of Your Dream Business podcast and creator of the Grow Launch Sell programme, supporting business owners to build sustainable success without sacrificing themselves in the process. You can find Teresa via her website, YouTube channel and on Instagram @teresa_heathwareing. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall - an Essex-based academic psychologist, speaker, writer and self-described recovering perfectionist whose work explores the real emotional experience of modern motherhood. Tuesday has built a deeply engaged online audience by choosing honesty over polish in a space where so many mothers feel pressure to curate perfection. Her work brings compassion and depth to feelings women often keep hidden, helping to reshape how we understand - and talk about - maternal mental health. Drawing on her doctorate in psychology alongside counselling skills, hypnotherapy, hypnobirthing and postnatal mental health training, Tuesday supports women through identity shifts, big transitions and the unraveling and rebuilding that so often comes with motherhood. In one of her pinned posts she writes, “I don’t feel guilty about working whilst my children are small. I see my work as the creative rest I need to be the best mother I can be.” When I first read that, I felt seen - and that ability to articulate what so many women feel but struggle to say out loud is very much Tuesday’s superpower. In this honest and validating conversation, we explore: ✨ Tuesday’s journey from academia into business ✨ The identity shifts that come with motherhood and matrescence ✨ Why perfectionism can quietly keep women playing small ✨ Redefining work, ambition and success as a mother ✨ The role of social media in shaping how we view motherhood ✨ Why connection - not performance - is the real catalyst for growth About Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall: Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall is an academic psychologist, speaker and writer whose work focuses on the emotional reality of modern motherhood. Through research-informed insight and deeply human storytelling, she helps women navigate identity shifts, perfectionism and the complexities of combining motherhood with meaningful work. Known online as Dr Tuesday, she shares unfiltered reflections on family life, mental health and ambition, creating spaces where women feel less alone and more understood. Her work challenges the idea that mothers must have it all figured out and instead invites compassion, flexibility and honesty. You can find Tuesday via her website or on Instagram at @iamdrtuesday. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

As we look ahead to a new year, this week on Mum Means Business I’m joined by Ruth Ashton - founder of RAPT Movement, a personal training business supporting women to rebuild strength and return to exercise safely in the early season of motherhood. Movement has always been Ruth’s way of managing life’s demands and reconnecting with herself. But after returning to work as a management consultant following the birth of her first baby, she found that exercise no longer felt straightforward. Physical changes, injury and a lack of time made traditional fitness routines feel unrealistic and often unsafe. Ruth soon realised she wasn’t alone. Many of her friends felt intimidated by gyms and frustrated by fitness messaging that swung between extreme workouts and gentle stretching, with nothing in between. There was a clear gap in support for women navigating postpartum recovery. In 2024, Ruth qualified as a personal trainer and fitness instructor and began developing a strength-training approach based on what had actually worked for her during her own postpartum running journey. When an opportunity arose to move to Canada with her husband’s job, it felt like the right moment to step away from consultancy and launch RAPT Movement. Now based in Toronto, Ruth works with women one-to-one both in person and online, offering simple, home-based strength training sessions that fit into real life. Her philosophy is fitness for life - not about getting your pre-baby body back, but about caring for and celebrating the body you’re in right now. In this thoughtful and practical conversation, we explore: ✨ Ruth’s journey from management consultancy to launching a postpartum-focused fitness business ✨ Moving countries with a young family and starting a business from scratch ✨ Why postpartum fitness advice often feels too generic or unrealistic ✨ The physical realities of pregnancy, birth and recovery that women are rarely prepared for ✨ How strength training supports long-term health, confidence and resilience ✨ The idea of “snack exercises” and how they fit into everyday life with young children About Ruth Ashton: Ruth Ashton is a personal trainer, fitness instructor and founder of RAPT Movement, a business dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery and beyond. Drawing on her background in management consultancy and organisational change, Ruth applies the same principles to fitness - small, realistic shifts that lead to lasting habits. Based in Toronto, Ruth works with women one-to-one both in person and online, offering accessible strength training designed to fit into busy lives. Her work focuses on helping women rebuild confidence, strength and trust in their bodies at every stage of motherhood. You can find Ruth and learn more about working with her on Instagram at @rapt.runs. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

brings honesty and hope to conversations about healing, self-worth and authenticity. Her work centres on supporting women who, as little girls, were made to feel they were too much and who grew up believing they were never enough. Charlotte knows this story personally. After years of hiding parts of herself to feel worthy, she began addressing the roots of those patterns and found freedom, safety and self-acceptance. Now, she’s deeply committed to helping women - and the little girls watching them - feel safe to be seen, heard and fully themselves. By exploring people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-sabotage and visibility struggles, Charlotte reminds us that authenticity isn’t about performing confidence. It’s about feeling safe enough to be who we really are. In this deeply moving and reflective conversation, we explore: ✨ The roots of people-pleasing and where these behaviours really come from ✨ How perfectionism and anxiety often develop as protective strategies ✨ Why we are not our behaviours — and never were ✨ The role of therapy in healing self-worth and identity wounds ✨ How motherhood can accelerate personal growth and emotional awareness ✨ The power of poetry and creative expression in processing and healing Charlotte also shares a spoken word piece that captures the emotional heart of this episode — a moment that stayed with me long after we stopped recording. About Charlotte Bailey: Charlotte Bailey is a trauma-informed psychotherapist, speaker and writer who supports women to reconnect with their authentic selves. Through therapy, mentoring, spoken word and her podcast Let’s Talk People Pleasing, Charlotte helps women understand the origins of people-pleasing, perfectionism and self-abandonment. Her work is rooted in helping women feel safe to be seen, heard and expressed - not only for themselves, but for the children who are watching and learning from them. Charlotte believes that healing ourselves is one of the most powerful gifts we can give the next generation. Visit charlotte-bailey.com, listen to Let’s Talk People Pleasing wherever you get your podcasts, or connect with Charlotte on Instagram @charlotte_bailey_therapies or LinkedIn. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Rebecca Hogan - a certified life coach who believes that motherhood is feminism’s unfinished business. Through identity-first coaching, Rebecca helps women clarify their values, vision and boundaries so they can evolve through every stage of womanhood with more ease, joy and confidence. Rebecca has just published her first book, Me to We: How to Rediscover Yourself and Truly Thrive in Motherhood. It guides readers through the profound identity shift of matrescence, inviting mothers to reconnect with who they are as whole, multi-layered women - not just caregivers managing the many demands of modern family life. Reflecting on the book she writes, “Me to We was born from my own experience of getting swept up in doing all the things for everyone else when I became a mother. I lost my sense of self, which left me feeling stressed, grumpy and at my worst angry and resentful.” Her work validates the quiet but universal question so many mothers ask: “What about me?” With Christmas around the corner - a season where mums often carry the emotional and logistical load - this conversation arrives at exactly the right moment. A compassionate reminder that self-abandonment is not a prerequisite of motherhood. In this grounding and heartfelt conversation, we explore: ✨ Rebecca’s journey from corporate life to motherhood to becoming a coach ✨ Why balancing career and motherhood is less about strategy and more about mindset ✨ The identity shift of early motherhood and the emotional toll it takes ✨ The importance of community, connection and honest conversations between mothers ✨ Understanding matrescence and why it matters so deeply for our wellbeing ✨ What it means to “mother the mother” and how to cultivate self-compassion ✨ The creative and emotional process behind writing Me to We About Rebecca Hogan, Life Coach and Author: Rebecca Hogan is a certified life coach, writer and mum of two. She specialises in identity-first coaching, supporting women through the emotional and practical transformations of matrescence. Her work focuses on helping mothers rediscover who they are, set healthy boundaries and find more ease, clarity and self-compassion in daily life. Her first book, Me to We, explores the identity transformation that happens in motherhood and offers practical tools to help women thrive rather than lose themselves in the process. Connect with Rebecca on Instagram at @rebeccahogan_ and explore her coaching and resources at rebeccahogancoaching.com. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Priya Velusami - founder of Pri Pri, an independent zero-waste brand transforming preloved saris into colourful handmade pieces. From homeware and fashion accessories to festive decorations, Pri Pri designs are created in partnership with Animedh Charitable Trust, a women’s charity in Mumbai that supports underprivileged women with valuable skills such as sewing. Rooted in childhood memories of sewing with her sari-clad grandmother during long summers in India, Priya’s work beautifully blends traditional Indian textiles with contemporary western design. As she says, Pri Pri is about “stitching together the two cultures that have made me.” As a mum of two, Priya believes success isn’t measured in profit alone. Her business is deeply aligned with her values - sustainability, community, creativity and lifting other women as she climbs. 💡 A heartfelt reminder that the story behind a product is often where the real magic lies. In this rich and uplifting conversation, we explore: ✨ How Pri Pri evolved from a creative hobby into a thriving product-based business ✨ The impact of the pandemic and the moment Priya realised she had something bigger to build ✨ How she formed ethical partnerships with artisans in India ✨ The beauty, history and sustainability of working with preloved saris ✨ Why storytelling is the most powerful PR tool for small product businesses ✨ How creativity helps us stay grounded while navigating motherhood and growth About Priya Velusami: Priya Velusami is the founder of Pri Pri, a zero-waste brand transforming preloved saris into colourful homeware, accessories and seasonal pieces. By partnering with Animedh Charitable Trust in Mumbai, Priya’s work empowers women with training in tailoring and provides sustainable income opportunities. Her designs celebrate Indian heritage, slow fashion and the belief that meaningful purchases connect people to powerful stories. She is passionate about sustainability, creativity and women supporting women. Explore Pri Pri’s collections at pripri.co.uk and connect with Priya on Instagram at @pripri.co.uk. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Jennifer Wood - a digital marketing, communications and social media expert with over 15 years’ experience leading campaigns across multiple industries. Alongside her corporate career, Jen has always had a creative side. She shares healthy, family-friendly recipes that help busy mums swap ultra-processed meals for simple, “kid-approved” alternatives. Earlier this year, she launched The Digital Marketing Mum, drawing on her extensive experience to help small businesses grow through smart storytelling supported by meaningful data and analytics. Today she works as a freelance digital marketer, offering consultancy and hands-on support to businesses across the UK. A mum to one little girl (and one cat!), wife to a tech-sales bike enthusiast and currently writing her first recipe book, Jen is proudly multi-passionate - embracing the different threads of her life and weaving them into a career that feels authentic, energising and full of purpose. In this vibrant and honest conversation, we explore: ✨ How Jen transitioned from corporate marketing to launching The Digital Marketing Mum ✨ The power of using “Mum” as part of your business identity ✨ Why motherhood gives women unique and highly transferable skills ✨ The motherhood penalty and how it impacts careers and confidence ✨ Building a values-aligned client base you genuinely enjoy working with ✨ Jen’s journey into recipe development, wellness and multi-passionate living ✨ Why storytelling sits at the heart of good marketing ✨ Overcoming the fear of showing up online ✨ Balancing wellbeing, motherhood and business with honesty and self-awareness About Jennifer Wood: Jennifer Wood is a digital marketing expert, recipe creator and founder of The Digital Marketing Mum. With over 15 years’ experience in digital communications and brand storytelling, she now supports small businesses across the UK with marketing consultancy, social media strategy and hands-on content creation. Alongside her marketing work, Jen is passionate about women’s wellness and healthy eating. She shares simple, family-friendly recipes that help mums make nutritious food in a realistic, pressure-free way and is currently writing her first recipe book. Follow Jen on Instagram at @the.digitalmarketingmum for marketing insights, or @thecleanlifemum for healthy family recipes. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!  

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Keeley Bolton - jewellery designer and founder of Moon & Dusk, an indie brand creating delicate, celestial-inspired silver pieces designed to help women reconnect with their sparkle. After years spent raising her two children at home, Keeley found herself slipping into the identity of being “just” a mum. She began craving a creative outlet that belonged solely to her - something that reawakened her sense of self. Working with silver, shaping metal with her hands and bringing beauty to life, became the spark she didn’t realise she’d been missing. Inspired by the different seasons of life we all move through, Keeley launched Moon & Dusk from her spare room and has grown it into a thriving small business that fits around family life. Today, she’s passionate about showing other women that it is possible to build something meaningful after motherhood, without losing yourself entirely in the role. A beautiful reminder that creativity can be a lifeline back to yourself. In this conversation, we explore: ✨ How Keeley rediscovered herself after years of devoted mothering ✨ The overwhelm of early motherhood and the importance of small pockets of creativity ✨ Why embracing imperfection matters in both parenting and making art ✨ The story behind Moon & Dusk and the celestial themes that inspire her jewellery ✨ How she built a flexible business that fits around family life ✨ The transformative power of creativity, beauty and self-expression About Keeley Bolton: Keeley Bolton is a jewellery designer and founder of Moon & Dusk, an indie brand creating handcrafted, celestial-inspired silver jewellery that celebrates femininity, identity and the changing seasons of life. After years as a stay-at-home mum, Keeley rediscovered her creativity through silversmithing and turned her passion into a blossoming business that helps women reconnect with their inner light. She shares her journey openly online, inspiring other mothers to explore their creativity and trust that it’s never too late to begin again. Follow Keeley on Instagram at @moonanddusk to explore her work and join her creative journey. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week I’m joined by Dr. Natasha Wallace - a clinical psychologist with over 20 years’ experience in the NHS, and founder of Revive Psychological Services. After the birth of her second child in 2021, Natasha experienced burnout and postnatal depression firsthand. That experience sparked a powerful new mission - to support other women through the emotional and mental challenges of motherhood, helping them rediscover calm, balance and good mental health even in the busiest seasons of life. Through her work, Natasha combines nervous system regulation, mindset tools and evidence-based strategies to help women move from surviving to thriving. Her holistic approach blends science, compassion and lived experience, helping mothers better understand their emotions, manage stress and reconnect with joy in both parenting and work. 💡 “You are not broken. You just need space, support and time to heal.” In this important and compassionate conversation, we explore: ✨ How Natasha went from NHS clinical psychologist to founder of Revive Psychological Services ✨ Understanding burnout, postnatal depression and the early warning signs ✨ The impact of stress and dysregulation on health, emotions and parenting ✨ What mum guilt really is and how to reframe it through self-compassion ✨ How nervous system regulation supports calmer, more connected parenting ✨ The importance of talking openly about mental health and reaching out for help About Dr. Natasha Wallace: Dr. Natasha Wallace is a clinical psychologist, mother of two and founder of Revive Psychological Services. After over two decades in the NHS, she transitioned into private practice following her own experience of burnout and postnatal depression. Today, she helps women navigate the emotional and mental challenges of motherhood, blending the science of nervous system regulation with practical mindset and lifestyle tools. Her work focuses on empowering women to move from survival mode to thriving - creating calm, connection and joy amidst the chaos of modern motherhood. Learn more about Natasha’s work at Revive Psychological Services and follow her on Instagram at @drtasha_psychologist. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Natalie Webster - photographer, business mentor and course creator helping female entrepreneurs and mum business owners get more visible and create more freedom in their lives. After becoming a single mum at 18, Natalie was determined to stand on her own two feet and build a life on her terms. She went on to create a six-figure wedding photography business, but it wasn’t until she launched her first online course that she discovered real freedom - breaking away from the time-for-money exchange and building a business that better supports her lifestyle and family. Earlier this year, Natalie launched The Rich Life Podcast, where she shares practical steps, mindset shifts and stories from women creating success on their own terms. 💡 “You don’t have to trade time for money forever - you can build a business that works for you.” In this empowering conversation, we explore: ✨ How Natalie went from single motherhood at 18 to building a six-figure business ✨ What it really looks like to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship ✨ The pivotal mindset shifts that helped her overcome imposter syndrome and fear ✨ Why online courses can unlock freedom and flexibility for mums in business ✨ How cultural conditioning around “hard work” can limit our potential ✨ The importance of investing in yourself and embracing abundance About Natalie Webster: Natalie Webster is a photographer turned business mentor and course creator dedicated to helping women achieve freedom through visibility, mindset and online education. After building a thriving wedding photography business as a single mum, she now mentors other entrepreneurs on how to turn their expertise into scalable income through courses. She’s also the host of The Rich Life Podcast, where she shares inspiring stories and actionable strategies to help you design a business - and life - you truly love. Follow Natalie on Instagram and listen to The Rich Life Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Imogen Partridge - a painter, illustrator and creative workshop host on a mission to make creativity both aspirational and accessible. After more than a decade in interior design, Imogen took a leap of faith in 2024 and turned her side-hustle illustration business into a full-time creative career. Today, her work blends bespoke commissions, brand collaborations and immersive workshops that encourage others to reconnect with their creative instincts. Through her art and teaching, both online and in person, Imogen champions creativity as a powerful tool for connection, wellbeing and joy. She’s especially passionate about helping mothers who may have lost touch with that part of themselves through the busyness of everyday life. 💡 “Creativity isn’t a luxury. It isn't something that you tick off your to-do list. It's something that slots in to make you better at your to-do list.” In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, we explore: ✨ How Imogen transitioned from a 13-year career in interior design to running her own illustration business ✨ The mindset shifts that came with motherhood and self-employment ✨ Why creativity is one of the most powerful forms of self-care ✨ The importance of nurturing creativity in education and within our homes ✨ How to overcome creative blocks and rediscover joy in making ✨ Why imperfection, not perfection, is where the magic lies About Imogen Partridge: Imogen Partridge is a watercolour illustrator, creative workshop host and mother of two, based in the southeast of England. After over a decade in interior design, she turned her passion for painting into a thriving creative business in 2024. Imogen’s work blends personal commissions, brand collaborations and in-person workshops that celebrate connection and self-expression. Her mission is to make creativity both aspirational and accessible while encouraging others to rediscover the joy of creating. Connect with Imogen via her website or follow her on Instagram at @imogen.partridge for inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her artwork and upcoming workshops. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!    

This week, I’m joined by Pippa Goulden - PR expert, entrepreneur and founder of The PR Set. After 15 years working in the world of PR, Pippa saw a gap in the market: small business owners wanted to harness the power of publicity but didn’t know where to start. So, she made it her mission to demystify public relations and help founders, entrepreneurs and start-ups get known for what they do - without big agency fees or insider contacts. Through The PR Set, Pippa now supports hundreds of women to build their brands, land press coverage, and share their stories with confidence. Her DIY PR members and clients have appeared everywhere - from This Morning and Stylist to top podcasts, industry panels and brand collaborations. 💡 “You don’t need a little black book to make big PR moves - just the confidence to send the email.” In this dynamic and insightful conversation, we explore: ✨ How motherhood inspired Pippa to build a business on her own terms ✨ The mindset shifts needed to pitch yourself and your story ✨ Overcoming fear and rejection in PR and business ✨ Why small businesses have an advantage when it comes to storytelling ✨ How to make PR about your audience, not your ego ✨ Practical ways to start promoting yourself today - without overwhelm About Pippa Goulden: Pippa is a PR expert and founder of The PR Set - a community and training hub that empowers small business owners to harness the power of PR. A mum of two, she’s passionate about helping women share their stories confidently, connect with their audience and grow their businesses with authenticity. 🎧 Listen to her podcast PR Made Simple for more tips on building visibility and growing your brand. Exclusive Offer: Mum Means Business listeners can get 50% off their first month in the DIY PR Membership using code MMB50 at checkout via theprset.com And in this conversation we also mention Liz Mosley and her 'Rejection Challenge' sticker chart, which you can buy here to join in the fun 😃 About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week, I’m joined by Helen Buteux - a specialist children’s occupational therapist with over a decade of experience supporting children and their families. After years working in the NHS, both clinically and in leadership, Helen now combines her deep understanding of early childhood development with her own experience of matrescence - the powerful and often challenging transformation women go through when becoming mothers. Through her work and social media content, Becoming a Mummy, Helen helps new mums navigate those early, emotional days of motherhood with confidence, compassion, and clarity. She’s passionate about maternal wellbeing and believes that when mothers are cared for, children thrive too. 💡 “Happy mum, happy baby.” In this honest and insightful conversation, we explore: ✨ What matrescence really means and how it reshapes identity ✨ Why self-care isn’t selfish, but essential for maternal wellbeing ✨ The science behind early childhood development and emotional regulation ✨ Building resilience and confidence in both mothers and children ✨ Creating supportive communities and finding purpose through motherhood ✨ How Helen balances her business, motherhood and mission to help other women About Helen Buteux: Helen is a specialist children’s occupational therapist and founder of Becoming a Mummy - a supportive space designed to help mothers navigate matrescence with self-compassion and evidence-based guidance. With two preschoolers at home, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, empowering mums to reconnect with themselves and their children. Connect with Helen on Instagram at @becoming_a_mummy. About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis! I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams. Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!