Yes SHE Can Project- Inspiring stories to empower one another

Come and join the conversation with Sarah Haran AKA The Bag Lady! Founder of Sarah Haran Accessories, Sarah has designed the ultimate, innovative bags that are interchangeable, giving you endless looks in just one purchase!We chat all about her journey so far, beginning with her career in tech. Small glimpses of her handbag hobby started to surface when she began to get fed up of having to take ugly and impractical bags everytime she was travelling for work. She knew that handbags was a direction she wanted to go in, having to put up with those "techy backpacks" for so long, she felt compelled to fulfill that need for others too. She knew from her experience that she needed something not only practical, and with functionality, but it needed to look amazing too. In 2017, Sarah knew it was the right time to take the leap. She had a solid plan, and confidently was able to stride into her new adventure with her brand. She tells me honestly about the worries that she experienced in the early days, but continued to push on and grow her business, soaking up all the knowledge she could along the way.It was three years in the making before she launched her first product, Sarah opens up about the challenges that she faced, the patience she had to bring it to fruition and cites it as a real invention process. Sarah researched, researched and researched some more! Wanting superior quality, functionality and the ability to customise and interchange the bags, Sarah also knew that she needed a product you could take from day to night, just like she needed along her way in her corporate career.We chat the importance of staying ahead of trends, keeping your customers involved in the process and how she has built a global, loyal customer base. You can tell how important Sarah's community and client base is to her, although the brand has reached over 10,000 reviews, Sarah is evidently still as invested and values her customers just as much now as she did at the launch of Sarah Haran Accessories. Glowing everytime she talks about getting feedback, Sarah's designs are loved by a plethora of celebrities and influential women. Sarah gives me a sneak peek of who she would love to get her bags in the hands of.... the one and only Princess Kate! If anyone has any royal connections, get in touch!We chat sustainability, the interchangeable nature of her designs and the constant need to have a bag that fits in with our lives as women. Sarah tells me about her amazing show 3 Bags on a Boat, and her co host Anthea Turner, where they delve into the contents of celebrities handbags- so genius!Sarah is not only talented in her designs, but an insanely talented businesswoman, and is on track with her goal of turning over 10 million by 2028! Such a pleasure to chat to you Sarah, you are definitely an inspiration to us all, Yes SHE Can! You can check out the website here:https://sarahharan.com/And check out 3 Bags on a Boat here!:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9PVWI6BljF_z618VASbFJd7FBpJmaVqX

Come and join the conversation with the utterly iconic Nicky Hambleton-Jones!Best known as the host of Channel 4's 10 Years Younger, Nicky has some incredible strings to her bow! We chat all about the different hats she wears such as being a stylist, TV presenter, fashion Director at Platinum Magazine and author, and nothing that makes her happier than making someone over. She is dedicated to showing people the true transformations that can be achieved from the outside in.We delve into her passion for fashion that was evident from being a young girl growing up in South Africa, to graduating with a degree whilst she enjoyed but didn't feel like it was truly lighting that fire within her. She tells me of her move to London, business school and then a journey into management consulting.After a spell of travelling the world and living in places like San Francisco, New York and Luxemburg, Nicky knew that there was something missing for her, something she knew she had to pursue. Her passion for fashion was burning brighter and she knew she needed to listen to her heart.A shock redundancy was exactly the catalyst she needed, and working with a coach started her journey and her styling consultancy was born! Driven by the reactions of her clients, the incredible transformations that she was witnessing before her very eyes and seeing the impact her work was having, Nicky knew she was finally where she needed to be. She tells me of the beginnings of the career that truly lit her up and she shares the exact moment when she secured being the host of the epic show 10 Years Younger! It was random and serendipitous all rolled into one!Nicky is open about what she had to navigate during her time on the show and explains the impact that being on such a popular show had on her. She was in her element, doing something she adored, being able to see the transformative effects on the participants, it was feeding her soul!We chat all about her amazing new book "Bolder Not Older", (her 5th book!!!) which Nicky says comes from a desire to help people, and cites the era we are living through at the moment as the rise of the mid life woman, which is so true. She says irrespective of age, whatever body shape you are, what your bank balance looks like, Nicky says everyone has the potential to look and feel amazing.She tells me about the 12 week programme that Bolder Not Older is centered around, to help you redefine your style, and make you feel better about yourself. What I found really interesting about the book is that it almost feels like you have a Nicky in your pocket, holding your hand and guiding you throughout every step, it's fabulous! She talks about the importance of having a wardrobe she can rely on, and how a lot of red lipstick and her style are her survival tools!Nicky tells me about the kind of clients she has, a mix of ages and one lady is 80 years old! Like she says there is no upper age limit on wanting to feel good about yourself and take control of your style to make you feel fantastic, age is just a number right?!Nicky says that the beauty is that your style can be the key to making you feel younger than your years and more confident, not only that but happier within yourself just by feeling good about how you look on the outside and how your style makes you feel. It absolutely shines through how passionate Nicky is about her work, and how much it means to her when she sees that confidence in her clients. She isn't just overhauling people's style, she's changing the way that they feel about themselves, she works her magic on the inside as well as the outside!Such a fabulous chat with an even more fabulous lady!If you want to take the journey into your own style and confidence reclamation you can grab a copy of the epic Bolder Not Older in all good bookstores or via her website here: https://nickyhambletonjones.com/

Come and join the conversation with the INCREDIBLE Nyree from Jack & Grace. Jack & Grace is a communications, marketing and PR agency- but with a difference! It's breaking the rules (throwing the book out of the window infact) in the most refreshing and employee centric way.Nyree's self titled Squiggly Time during her journey starts with her career in working with charities, then transitioning into a corporate background, backed up with her inherited hard work ethos that was instilled in her by her family.We chat about the rules that we are given in every aspect of our lives, starting with school years and into our professional working lives. She shares such fascinating insights into the governance that we all just adhere to, without even stopping for a moment to question why...After having her daughter, Nyree found that with the new dynamic and her new role as a Mum, those rules that she had always been taught to follow were becoming increasingly challenging to be able to sustain. Juggling nursery drop offs, pick ups and everything in between got her to the point where it was difficult to navigate the demands of working life alongside this.Nyree openly shares the impact it was having on her mental health, the feelings of isolation and the worry of the years of hard work and sacrifices she had made were potentially crumbling beneath her. Returning to work after having her daughter was actually the catalyst she needed to leave.This experience sparked something in Nyree where she knew she had to not only make a change, but make a difference for others too. Met with feelings of frustration that her working pattern just wasn't infact working for her anymore, she decided to set up on her own with a friend of hers that had been experiencing the same issue.The early stages of Jack & Grace were full of coffee shops and values checks (love this so much!) The company was launched rooted in similar values that the women both held, and the driving need to rewrite those unwritten rules!We discuss what success looks like, the expectations that we put on ourselves from the get go, but also the beauty of everything happening for a reason (true right!) Nyree tells me about building policies within Jack & Grace, thinking outside the box in terms of what they wanted to offer their team, things that are integral to their company ethos with focus on mothers, carers, and people with neurodiversity, and ways to make their work work for them.Balance is a big driving force within their company, trying to get the sweet spot when it comes to giving their employees a place to work that is an extension of the way that they live their lives already, facilitating that balance to get the best out of their team. We talk about the benefits of flexible working and how "bendy" Jack & Grace are. The upsides to working this way and also the potential pitfalls that have been navigated along the way. With the new proposals of "return to work" conversations being had at the moment, Nyree credits the incredible work of Anna Whitehouse, The Flex Appeal & Pregnant Then Screwed for their tireless campaigning for a fairer way of working. Such a beautifully refreshing approach to working, Jack & Grace prides itself on being truly purpose led, heart led, people centered and most of all flexible. What a wonderful conversation with a lady that is breaking down barriers in her field, challenging what has always been considered the "norm" and really being led by her purpose to want to do better for others. Absolutely true to their tagline "communications for good"!An absolute pleasure to chat with you Nyree, true definition of Yes SHE Can!You can check out Jack & Grace here:https://www.jackandgrace.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/jackandgrace/https://www.instagram.com/jackgracecomms/

Come and join the conversation with the gorgeous Nadia Alibhai!An Osteopath for 23 years, Director of Back2Wellbeing, Columnist for HELLO! Magazine, and regular expert on ITV's This Morning, Nadia is the go to for celebrities and private clients alike. Helping people to look after themselves and make sure they are functioning at their best, Nadia cites wellness as her forte. The passion she has for her work absolutely radiates from her as we chat!We delve into her journey, which has been far from straightforward, she has encountered multiple challenges along the way both personally and professionally. We start at the beginning, being fresh out of graduating and full of enthusiasm ready to make her mark on the industry, Nadia was met with resistance as she tried to secure herself a role. Encountering people that remarked that she "didn't look like an Osteopath", she was too petite and even comments that she belonged more in the fashion industry, it took a toll on her confidence and left her deflated. But Nadia tells me that instead of waiting around for a role, she took matters into her own hands and make it for herself, and what happened next was nothing short of entrepreneurial grit and determination! Taking me on a journey into her 20's and having to navigate some difficult personal circumstances, she picked herself up, dusted herself down and pivoted in a slightly different direction. Working on sets like Downtown Abbey and theatre productions, Nadia started to notice how intrigued people were about the power of Osteopathy, and found herself fully booked once again!In true female founder spirit, Nadia moved to Canada for a year, and continued to reach more clients with the most incredible feedback. Coming back to London, Nadia was now a mother and wife and decided she wanted to revisit her dream with Back2Wellbeing and set about a fresh launch for the business. Passionate about creating a team of practitioners offering the very best in complete wellbeing, Nadia worked her magic and hit the ground running!Nadia and I chat about her practice, how our bodies hold trauma, the manifestation into physical symptoms, and tells me all about the common issues that she sees with her clients. Such fascinating insights into the correlation between things we are holding within us and the way it makes us feel physically was honestly such a revelation! She shares some amazing tips that people can try at home, and the small things we can do to introduce new habits into our day to improve our wellbeing. Nadia openly shares her journey of burnout, not just the physical symptoms she experienced, but the toll that it took on her mental health too. We share our stories, chat about the red flags to look out for, and how we can be aware of the early signs within ourselves before overwhelm takes hold. We delve into the pressure that is on our shoulders as female founders to feel like we are "on it" all the time and the crucial need for us to make time for ourselves to rest and reset. We talk about the battle of our internal thoughts, the guilt that we feel as women, those lightbulb moments that come along when we know things need to change, and taking back control over our lives.Such an insightful and beautifully honest episode, and full of topics that will resonate with so many of us.Thankyou Nadia, you are a gorgeous human inside and out, a true definition of Yes SHE Can!To find out more about Nadia and her work, visit her website here: https://www.nadiatheosteopath.com/ and you can also connect with her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nadiatheosteopath/ 

Come and join the conversation with the gorgeous Victoria Stokes! In this inspiring episode of The Yes SHE Can Project Podcast, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Victoria Stokes, a health and wellness copywriter with a rich background in journalism. If you're a business owner in the wellness space or simply love hearing real, honest stories of pivoting careers and following your passion, this is one for you!Victoria takes us through her remarkable journey, from being a teenager in rural Northern Ireland dreaming of writing for Cosmopolitan, to becoming Deputy Editor of STELLAR Magazine in Dublin, a role that she tells me truly was a dream come true. She shares how a single comment from a schoolteacher set the trajectory for her career and how she followed that spark all the way to the top of the magazine world.But success isn’t always straightforward, and Victoria opens up about the reality of what happened when things took a difficult turn. After finding herself in a toxic work environment that was impacting her mental health, she made the brave decision to walk away and start her own business. And not just that, she launched it on the Monday after quitting her job on the Friday! Now, Victoria supports personal trainers, therapists, nutritionists, dietitians, and other health-driven entrepreneurs by writing standout website and email copy that reflects who they are and how they want to be heard. Her tone is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and connection, helping clients build trust and attract dream clients by nailing their tone of voice. Something which runs so powerfully through her own work, she has such a distinctive style of writing, which is EXACTLY why she's so good at helping others with theirs! We also talk about:-How her journalism experience gave her a solid foundation in storytelling and empathy led writing -Why tone of voice is essential in the health and wellness space -The services she offers, from done-for-you copy to her innovative Content Clinic and email writing course -The emotional high of launching her first digital product and why you don’t need 20K followers to make an impact-What happens when her clients start getting dream results, and why those wins mean so much to her!This conversation is full of heartfelt advice, practical insight, and encouragement for anyone thinking about making a career leap or wanting to communicate more clearly in their business.Such a pleasure to chat to such a genuinely lovely, inspiring and talented lady!You can connect with Victoria below:Website: ⁠https://thewellnesscopywriter.co/⁠Instagram: @thewellnesscopywriterCourse Info: https://thewellnesscopywriter.co/the-copy-shop

Come and join the conversation with award winning actress, writer and producer AND Director of Soho London Independent Film Festival (Soho LIFF)- Liz Farahadi!Liz talks me through her journey from the very beginning, becoming an actress and the inspiration behind starting SohoLIFF. Such an interesting and colourful life she had led, and started to notice that as an actress, the scripts she was being sent didn't really fit the narrative of the reality that she was living, and it was then that she knew that something had to change.Spurred on by the lack of representation of women like herself on our screens, Liz started writing her own material, however quickly came up against a number of stumbling blocks... The glaring ageism that she was facing really stopped her in her tracks.Not one to back down from a challenge, Liz tells me that if anything this lit even more of a fire under her and she set about creating a safe space for all voices to be heard and stories to be told. Determined to pave the way for creatives that may have been overlooked, may have not been in a financial position to enter the industry, Liz's work on this passion project soon became the beginnings of SohoLIFF. Offering mentoring for people, support, access to opportunities, SohoLIFF began to gain momentum. We chat about the inspiring ways in which it's helping creatives no matter what background they have or previous experience.We talk about her brand new film- "Keep Young & Beautiful", delving into the darker world of beauty, and the pressure on women to keep looking young at all costs. Liz excitedly tells me about the process of getting the crew together, and the instant bond they had over their shared experiences of the script. And whilst it's hard hitting in terms of subject matter, she wanted to give it a humourous edge, to allow for education and for it to resonate in a positive way!With a super impressive cast and crew for "Keep Young & Beautiful" , from an Emmy nominated Director who worked on Game Of Thrones, stars of TV shows like Eastenders, Law & Order and Dr Who, the list is amazing!We both share our thoughts on the enormous pressure for our younger generation of girls, the struggles they face, dilemmas on us as mothers and how important it is for us to make a change to allow for the next generation to benefit.Liz is passionate about also highlighting even deeper rooted issues in the beauty industry such as testing on animals, child labour, and the dark underbelly of what really goes into some of our beauty products.We chat about the lack of representation of older women on TV, how age is actually a massive advantage, having had more life experience, space to grow as a woman, and actually to be able to bring so much to the table in roles, and especially in terms of stories to tell!With the film freshly finished and the cast and crew private screening imminent, Liz has had so much support for Keep Young & Beautiful. With a shared sense of camaraderie and lived experience, she is keen to really get the message out there in the most beautifully creative way, knowing that so many others can resonate with the story. Liz hopes that people feel empowered after watching the film, and that it's the start of a huge catalyst for change.What an amazing lady, doing amazing things!You can follow Liz's journey here on her Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lizfarahadi/Find out more about the Soho London Independent Film Festival Here:https://www.soholiff.co.uk

Come and join the conversation with the amazingly talented and gorgeously hilarious Siobhan Phillips!Gracing our screens on the final of Britain's Got Talent, Siobhan captivated the nation with her witty ditties and sailed through the live shows. Currently on her 10 week tour with Rita Sue & Bob Too, Siobhan Sat down with me to chat all things career so far! We delve into her journey into performing, starting at the tender age of 16, fond memories of her Dad driving her to gigs and supporting her in her dream of becoming a singer. Music and entertainment certainly runs in the family, with her great grandfather an opera singer, guitarist father, singing mother and a brother who is also a lead singer, Siobhan definitely has music in her genes!She gives me all the gossip from behind the scenes at Britain's Got Talent, her having no expectations of her audition- treating it rather like a day out with butties and a flask in hand, Siobhan hilariously tells me about the process.We talk about the realities of being in such a competitive industry, the highs and also the real low points where Siobhan did a lot of soul searching, coming out the other side stronger and more determined than ever. We chat about the importance of experience, the ability to choose the work that fits around your family, citing age as a source of her wisdom and ability to take things in her stride.The biggest love of Siobhan's life is her daughter, and she tells me of the gratitude of her career longevity, allowing her to spend precious moments with the people she loves the most, whilst doing a job she adores.Siobhan tells me about meeting her comedy hero Bob Mortimer after they were appearing on Loose Women on the same day, after a fan girl moment and quick selfie they had a normal chat like old pals! We chat aspirations for the future, her dream of being cast in Corrie, and with her recent theatre tour she would love to do more acting. Siobhan is a real lover of stories, hearing people's journey and would love a show of her own interviewing people, hearing all about their lives- she would be fabulous at this right?!! Attention TV stations, In Conversation with Siobhan could be your next big ratings hit!Honestly, an utter joy to speak to this amazing lady, had me laughing from start to finish, as they say in the business she really does have funny bones! A gorgeous human being, insanely talented and truly deserving of success.There's still time to go and see Rita Sue & Bob too, head on over here for tickets!https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/rita-sue-and-bob-too-1 Thankyou Siobhan, what an absolute pleasure ❤️

Come and join the conversation with the gorgeous Deborah Mitchell!Fresh from her recent appearance on Lorraine, Deborah excitedly tells me about being awarded The Royal Warrant! A centuries old endorsement that shows that not only do the Royal Family use her products, but they have used them for many years previously. After beginning her career over 30 years ago as a beautician, Deborah built her own skincare company, attracting many a celebrity fan along the way. With her royally cemented status as a leading skincare brand, not just for the products themselves, Deborah's range actually improves skin issues instead of masking them like many out there on the market.We chat about the challenging times she's had in her business journey, people jumping on her success and creating copycat products in a bid to emulate her skincare line, even appearing in high street stores. The beauty of her Royal Warrant however, is that this is the official stamp of approval to show that it is in fact Heaven Skincare and no substitutes!We delve into Deborah's background, her humble beginnings and never in her wildest dreams did she imagine the success she has experienced to date. From starting out in training, coming from having little money, to now regularly travelling to the Palace, Deborah honestly tells me about the massive change in the path that her life has taken. (She was actually in the car travelling back from the Palace as we recorded the episode!)We chat developing product ranges that work instantly, making people look visibly younger, her own journey with acne and identifying a need to help her own skin which then birthed her lifelong passion to help others with theirs.For Deborah, it goes far deeper than developing a product and getting it retail ready, she actually goes one step further and delivers training to salon owners and spa directors. What this serves to do is not just help them to offer amazing products that really work for their own clients and customers, but it enables them to educate them in how best to look after their skin, delivering a real 360 approach to her offering.Passionate about educating others and busting those beauty myths, her desire to actually help people absolutely shines through when she talks! We talk about the importance of taking care of your skin, and Deborah tells me about the disgusting bugs that may appear if you don't! My goodness it scared me into submission to adopt and brand new cleansing routine FAST!We chat the future of Heaven, stinging nettles, celebrities, royalty and how a dream one night made her discover bee venom and acquired her nickname of The Bee Venom Queen! Deborah is very open about her dyslexia diagnosis, the challenges she's faced along the way with it, but also her gratitude for how her brain works. Sparking ideas and creating incredible products has been a rollercoaster journey for her and is fascinating to hear about.Talking about going to events with the likes of Cillian Murphy doesn't faze Deborah, it's almost become second nature to her, she's so down to earth and loves nothing more than to share her success with others! She's so grounded and remains true to her roots, often reminding herself of the struggles she has had to get to this point which keeps her feet firmly on the ground. Such an incredibly inspiring, knowledgeable, kind and amazing woman, and such a pleasure to chat to!You can find out more about Deborah's incredible Royal Approved products on her website here:https://heavenskincare.com/

Come and join the conversation with Alina Timofeeva , an expert in her field working all over the world with AI, data and technology!Delving straight in Alina tells me about her background growing up in Russia under the care of her grandmother, whose hopes were for her to become a housewife which is traditional in her home country.But Alina had other ideas, she became the first woman in her family to work, her simple background gave her the drive to help better not only her own life but the lives of her family too.Deciding to go to Moscow State University to study Mathematics, Alina's aspirations were high, however found herself as a graduate and seemingly the bottom of the pile when it came to securing a job. Being the resilient woman she is, Alina applied for over 1000 jobs, vying for a role in the ever competitive corporate world, and landed herself a placement in the UK.Clearly gifted in her knowledge and determined to climb her way up the corporate ladder, Alina bravely took the plunge and moved to the UK despite not knowing a single soul!We chat about the challenges she faced in an industry that is heavily male dominated, her creative side from her experience of modelling and photography, and the burning passion she has to help others to see the potential within themselves.We talk about cultural differences, the difficulties she experienced settling into a new country, sponsorship opportunities she wished she'd have known sooner and the beauty of mentoring!Alina shares with me her journey of being an introvert, and having to put yourself out there and be seen and heard when it feels alien to do so. We chat about the work she has done on her own personal branding, and cementing herself as an expert in technology conversations across the globe.This lady is a POWERHOUSE! An example of sheer resilience, determination and tenacity! Her mission is to inspire 50 million people to see that failure is an opportunity to grow, and to allow the future generations a place to get their stories seen and heard.What an absolute pleasure to speak to such an incredible woman, a woman who is breaking down barriers in her industry and a true advocate for paving the way for the younger generation.Alina is a Top Voice on LinkedIn, go and connect with her to watch her inspiring journey! ⭐linkedin.com/in/atimofeevaYES SHE CAN!

Come and join the conversation with the incredible Marie Morice, Senior Women's Health Adviser. Marie is passionate about helping women in multiple areas of their lives! With a background in the corporate world for the past 25 years, Marie started her career in Sustainability, specifically finance and was eco centered in her approach, with an ethos to help businesses and corporations to be sustainability focused and drive change. Previously working at the United Nations (UN), Marie began to realise her own need for wanting to make an impact on a more personal level aside from the global one! Retraining as a life coach, Marie tells me how her business evolved, and she started to notice a common theme appearing with her coaching clients. It was then that she realised she wanted to niche down even further and went back to training with an intensive course at Master Level in intimacy and womens wellness. Fuelled by both her passions to help on a one to one basis and to be making a difference, Marie tells me how her focus for 2025 is to concentrate on the corporate space. Helping organisations to be providing their workforces with safe spaces to have open conversations and really help their employees. Marie gives me a fascinating insight into how she works, not only with private clients, but designing programmes for corporates that are all centered around womens wellness. A seasoned speaker, she has spoken about topics from global issues such a climate change, right through to menopause issues at work. Now bringing her expertise into the workplace, Marie is the perfect choice for corporations when it comes to having their finger on the pulse surrounding womens issues and how they can make sure that their female workforce feels supported. Determined to be at the forefront of changing the narrative when it comes to having previously taboo conversations, Marie tells me about her drive to make changes for women in their working lives. Whether that be through lunch and learn sessions, undertaking training programmes for managers, or offering long term support for private sector organisations, Marie is poised to deliver much needed support and fresh and exciting perspective! She opens up about the well known existing gap, whether that's pay related or lack of support in the UK, there's a shocking statistic that she shares, it will blow your mind! Drawing on her corporate experience, Marie can not only provide support for the employees, she is also able to see the impact on the business itself if these issues aren't addressed. Talking to me about productivity, it's clear that there's a glaring correlation between workplace wellness and company standing, no wonder she is so passionate about plugging that gap for organisations! Extremely well versed on her subject, we chat about the impact of our new government and what that means in terms of responsibility with womens wellness. We talk about the new policy changes that are coming into force soon and how she is working with leaders in order to make sure that they are compliant in implementing the new policies, and most importantly how they are going to make them sustainable and viable in the long term. Marie is extremely honest and opens up about her own experiences of the stigma attached to certain workplace conversations. She bravely tells me about an incident that happened to her in the boardroom, and only wishes that the work that she is now doing was available for her at that time. I think that's why she is so determined to make a difference, she has been on the receiving end of this stigma, has had her own struggles, and is steadfast in her mission to make womens health and wellness a key priority in the workplace. We chat about midlife, the importance of women not being overlooked and the impact that it has on businesses when this does happen. Marie is at the forefront of such important conversations right now! A true Yes SHE Can guest!

Come and join the conversation with Jess Parkinson! Jess is a certified Breathwork & Wellbeing Coach and Head of Holistic + Mind at renowned chain Gymbox. With a background as an actress and performer, Jess found her true calling in a really organic way, having looked for things to help her along her own personal journey. Her mantra is to help people feel better everyday, ad she certainly does just that! Inherently passionate about her work, Jess talks me through the beginnings of her journey into the industry. Working as a performer in West End shows such as the epic School of Rock, prompted Jess to really zone in on the importance of looking after herself in an industry that is so unpredictable. Like many performers and creatives, the nature of the work needs something on the side, often emotionally and financially to provide support and a sense of grounding as the work can be sporadic. A chance conversation and a truth bomb from a friend steered her into becoming a personal trainer in the first instance. Jess also found yoga as a way of keeping herself grounded, and fell in love with the practice. Feeling the benefits not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too, Jess knew that it was a lifestyle she wanted to explore and delve deeper into. Citing it as life changing for her Jess continued on the path of discovering the whole system, and how it becomes the epicentre of how you live your life. She tells me about the science behind it, the ancient and historical importance, it was so fascinating! We discuss the difficulties of being a newcomer to yoga in particular, especially as a female, and Jess debunks the myths surrounding this, proving that it's actually one of the most beautiful and inclusive practices around. Not only has Jess got decades of experience in a professional capacity, taking her work extremely seriously with her certifications, she's not a stranger to the limelight either. Talking me through her incredible appearance on This Morning (WOWZERS!) to discuss Eye Yoga (I won't spoil it by telling you what it is!) we delve into the small changes that you can make that will impact your health for the better. Talking about the importance of looking after ourselves, especially as women in business, Jess & I discuss self-awareness, the temptation to work ourselves into the ground and the damage that can arise from failing to put ourselves first. Jess has the most wonderful, calming, positive energy about her, and is clearly so passionate about her work. What a truly lovely soul, who really is living by her mantra- Helping People To Feel Better Everyday. You can find out more about Jess here: https://www.happyhealthywithjess.com And book onto her next workshop coming up soon here: https://happyhealthywithjess.com/eventbooking

Get ready for a massive dose of feel good with the incredible Cynthia Green! The eagle eyed of you may recognise her from the hit shows Married At First Sight UK & Netflix's Love Is Blind. A Registrar & Wedding Celebrant for nearly three decades, Cynthia takes me on a heartfelt and humourous journey of how she got to where she is today! We start by chatting about how a random job advert in the job section of the paper catapulted her into the career that she adores so much to this day. Juggling a family, a job in a cake factory AND studying for a degree, Cynthia's determination, tenacity and authentic personality shone through in her interview, with the interviewer citing it as the best one they'd ever conducted! Born and raised in Bolton, Cynthia tells me her personal circumstances at the time prompted an epic move to London, to be closer to her twin sister and she continued her role in Lambeth. The beginning of an exciting new chapter for her, she hit the ground running and quickly got her first taste of the limelight being a part of the live wedding on the London Eye on GMTV! That wasn't to be the end of her TV experiences, in fact ONLY the beginning! What followed was Channel 4's Wedding House, where she married 46 couples over 26 days, Married at First Sight UK and Netflix's Love Is Blind! Often when we think of "celebrant" and "registrar" we immediately think of weddings and joy, as much as that is a big part of Cynthia's job, the reality is that the other pillars of the work are births and deaths, something which I myself hadn't considered until having the conversation with her. We chat about the pride she felt being able to conduct her own twins' wedding ceremony, to the bittersweet responsibility of registering her own parents' deaths. The eloquency in which Cynthia describes the honour that she felt being able to see her name on those certificates is so moving, and the emotions that must go along with this are huge, especially when it's your loved ones. We chat about the ways in which she navigates her life, filled with laughter and positivity with her fiancee Milo, citing him as one of her biggest sources of smiles and fun, especially in times when the nature of her role can be heavy. The importance of finding little gems of joy in every day is a big part of the way in which Cynthia combats the negativity in the world too. Such an interesting insight into the industry, not only the behind the scenes gossip (love this part!!) but the emotions that go along with it and the complexities in which the role is filled with. There are some hilarious moments in this episode! From a bride repeating her vows in a Bolton accent when English wasn't her first language, clown shoes and red noses, themed weddings, to the dreaded question "Does anyone believe there is a lawful impediment..." and the time when the answer was a YES, my jaw nearly hit the floor, I was on the edge of my seat! Being at the forefront of so many weddings over the past 27 years, Cynthia excitedly tells me about her very own upcoming wedding in Japan! Still under wraps in terms of the exact location, Cynthia and her husband to be share a mutual passion for everything Japanese and knew that it would be special for them to marry there. It's set to be a spectacular day (and a day off for her, I'm sure it will feel strange being at a wedding and not standing at the front!) Such an privilege to interview such an amazing woman, to get a glimpse into her world, and I would challenge ANYONE to have a conversation with her without coming away with a smile on their face! Radiating fun and a deep rooted passion for her work, Cynthia's essence is one of infectious happiness! Cannot wait to see what the future holds for you Cynthia, what a powerhouse of positivity you are! You can find out more about Cynthia here: www.cynthiagreen.co.uk YES SHE CAN!!!

What does Kim Kardashian, dog training, Sarah Jessica Parker, fringes & J-Lo's password all have in common? This episode with the gorgeous Jo Hoare!!!!! Editorial Lead at Boots, celebrity journalist, multi author and former Beauty Editor at heat Magazine, Jo has some incredible stories to tell! Such a brilliant conversation, Jo begins by telling me about how she always knew she wanted to write, it was something that came so naturally for her, although she wasn't sure which direction it would take her. A chance meeting at a party was to change the course of her career, catapulting her into the world of Heat Magazine 20 years ago. An initial short term role turned into over a decade as the Fashion & Beauty Editor of the publication, citing it as a time for her that she wished she could bottle! Jo's life was hectic, fast paced and fun, at the height of when we as a society would live for the weekly gossip that was crammed into the glossy pages of our favourite magazine. We reminiscence about the days when we would wait all week to sit and devour a copy, and the nostalgia of the everchanging landscape of the media industry. Gone are the times when we would all huddle together at the same time every week to watch the likes of Pop Idol & X Factor, an excuse for family and friends to get together and so often the thread that bound communities in gossip! Jo takes me on a journey, having left Heat 7 years ago, as the rise of |Instagram was taking hold, she tells me that it took a while to get used to, as her life was so all consumed by her work for such a long time, being in that full on environment, leaving it was a transitional period for her. We chat celebrities, social media, and the age in which we now live where people can become overnight sensations. Also the drawbacks to this when talent is often getting overshadowed in favour of the people who are constantly showing their face online. We explore the rise in TikTok when it comes to the fashion and beauty industry, Jo says although she was reluctant to join at first, she's so glad she did as it's a wealth of information and being able to keep your finger on the pulse (and also not wanting to feel old she says!) when it comes to trends, it is a "revolution"! We talk about the dangers of the platform, and the ease of which people can cement themselves as "experts" which can make for a dangerous outlet. In her role as Fashion & Beauty Editor at Boots, she is driven by the passion to educate their audience, by giving them the correct information which is always backed up by the science and the best industry expertise. More recently she has hosted The Skin Clinic, which covers a wide range of health and beauty topics, again featuring industry professionals and experts to make sure that women know that it's information they can trust and rely upon. You can watch the series here: Everything you NEED to know about ACNE 👏 | The Skin Clinic with Jo Hoare | Boots UK (youtube.com) Jo is also a Multi-Author, we delve into her journey from her very first publishing offer, starting off with a light-hearted, cultural trend publication, Jo's authenticity and unique style of writing is what brought the publishers to her! Jo dishes the gossip on celebrities, her favourite interviewee being Sarah Jessica Parker, we get the inside scoop on the celebs that have turned up drunk and even having their make up done on the floor!!! Such a jam packed episode, so insightful, and just like having a cuppa with a friend! Jo is absolutely fantastic, so much fun and insanely talented at what she does (have a Google and read some of her work, she is AMAZING! Like your BFF is writing to you!) You can follow her here: https://www.instagram.com/jojolizzy

Come and join the conversation with the gorgeous Akua Opong! After originally meeting in 2022 as winners at the WeAreTheCity Rising Star Awards, Akua and I have been supporting each other ever since, it was high time we got together for a proper catch up! Currently a Senior EUC Engineer at the London Stock Exchange Group, STEM Ambassador & Sports Volunteer Akua wears an incredible amount of "hats" too! A massive advocate for women in a number of different capacities such as Women In Tech, Black Women in Tech, charity ambassadorships, initiative leaderships, she is just so passionate about helping people in any way she can. We chat about her childhood aspirations, early influences and the seeds of creativity and empathy that were sparked within her from an early age. The conversation covers The Simpsons, Hello Kitty, clocks and the practical qualities that she began to show, citing her grandparents as one of her biggest inspirations. In her teens, Akua felt pulled to become a pediatrician (with light up roller skates and a cape no less!) in pursuit of her passion to help others. Akua talks me through a potential Army career (with a warning about telephone numbers!) and the story behind her journey into the male dominated world of tech. Fighting her way up the ladder as a woman, we chat about the difficult journey she experienced to get to where she needed to be. Genuine determination and bucket loads of research Akua tells me is the key to being intentional when it comes to landing your dream role. We talk through how she started as an advocate for DEI, specifically in LSEG and the shock of being the only woman on her team, a fact that took some time to wrap her head around. She tells me of all the amazing women that have helped her along the way, such as Ella Morgan, Sarah Hepworth, her Mentor at LSEG Jennifer Burns, we chat about her massive CV of projects to date including a UNICEF water walk, activities linked to social purpose, community projects, joining the Woman's Inspired Network, LSEG Foundation and Co-Lead London Chapter of Accessibility Network, UK Charity Committee, LITERALLY this lady is on FIRE! Akua is undoubtedly a woman of action, she's a doer, she's proactive in making changes in any way that she can to help others. She is also a massive champion for Neurodivergent employees, having received her own diagnosis only a few years back. Determined to spotlight the incredible neurodivergent women she had read about and encountered along her journey, Akua jumped onboard an initiative to help show employers what women could bring to workplaces! I cannot express quite what a force of nature and inspiration she is, selflessly giving up the majority of her free time to help others, she is jam packed full of empathy and compassion for others, Akua is a very special woman. I truly believe that she is going to leave a legacy behind, she is the epitome of an action taker, and a thoroughly amazing human being. Please do go and support her and follow her incredible journey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akua-opong/ An inspirational chat with an inspirational lady! YES SHE CAN!

Come and join the conversation with the gorgeous Emma Benyon! Emma is a Motherhood & Self-Care coach, and Educator, qualified in Practical Magic, NLP AND MBit certified! If you're looking for a coach that covers a wide variety of expertise, Emma is your gal! In this episode we chat about each section of her work, giving an amazing insight into exactly what has brought her to this point today. It is fascinating to hear all about the different aspects of her work, especially when Emma shares how she not only uses her skillset with her clients to help them but her little girl to get rid of scary spiders! Emma takes me through her journey into becoming a coach and what prompted her to begin. Coming out of the pandemic Emma tells me how she was feeling at the time and the emotions that went along with it, at one point not being able to leave the house and working from home as a teacher. Starting to study NLP, Emma cites this as a transformative period in her life, starting her business when her daughter was just FOUR WEEKS old, she tells me that she was always looking for a creative outlet and knew that she needed to share her motherhood journey with others as the isolation she had felt was something that she wanted to help other new Mums to navigate. With a renewed focus and energy, Emma set about ploughing her energy into creating a safe space and more importantly starting a conversation that she knew in her heart that women needed. Behind the scenes though, Emma talks me through what a difficult time it was, she bravely tells me about the struggles she faced as she was diagnosed with PND when her daughter was just five months old. Emma is passionate about sharing the real story of motherhood, supporting women through her work and it comes from a place f lived experience. Such a powerful conversation with such an amazing lady, we chat about the REAL meaning of self-care and the real benefits of introducing it into our daily lives. We chat about her podcast- The Self-care & Motherhood Edit, priorities, life lessons and her passion for her work. Such an insightful conversation with an incredible lady! Please go and check Emma out here and give her a follow too!: Motherhood Coach for Busy Mums and Self Care Expert (emmabenyoncoaching.co.uk) Self Care and Motherhood Edit | Podcast on Spotify

Come and join the conversation with the gorgeous Rosie Nixon: Author, Coach, Host, Philanthropist & HELLO! Magazine Editor-at-Large. We begin with Rosie's recollection of cutting out the pages of Smash Hits Magazine, graduating from Sussex University & getting her first taste of journalism. Her early career as a book editor,moving into magazines later, pouring over the pages of the Media Guardian as it was at the time, THE place for job opportunities in the industry, a far cry from the instant access job postings we have today!We chat about the day to day in an editorial role, being so immersed in the intensity of her work & the pressure of wearing so many hats. Going from working in teen magazines like Bliss & Just Seventeen,she then ventured into more celebrity content and started filling up her "little black book" of contacts over the years.We have a nostalgic look back on the times when life was simpler, when we used to get our news from physically picking up a copy of our favourite title!We reminisce about the old days with the flow chart quizzes in magazines, gathering info about friendships, boys, our favourite bands & growing up!Rosie is an advocate for inspiring women through her work with HELLO!, charity ambassadorships, coaching, campaigns, you can tell that the passion runs deeply with her and it's her life mission to make sure that women's voices are heard loud & clear.Chatting about the importance of looking at our lives & recognising when things need to change, Rosie tells me of her venture into coaching, specifically for midlife women, the transition having come from a time of her own personal change and the desire to help others to do the same. Continuing to want to amplify the voices of women in multiple capacities in issues such as menopause and FGM awareness, Rosie adds an extra layer of credibility to her campaigns and work by having the backing of leading experts, something which massively sets her apart from others, further cementing her as a trusted figure in her line of work! This comes from the personal sense of responsibility that she's always felt in her career to give the impressionable younger audience in particular, sound advice and access to the best information possible. It is clear that Rosie has and has always had the best interests of her audience at heart and tells me about the vital importance of starting conversations around topics that are often difficult to talk about.We move on to chat about all things books! Her path to becoming an author was always at the forefront of her mind with being a writer anyway as a journalist & editor, something she did find difficult in the beginning however was finding her authentic voice as a novelist. Convinced that there was a certain style she "should" be writing in, Rosie tells me about the lightbulb moment for her when she realised she should in fact write about what she knew! She tells me about her The Stylist trilogy, the main character going on her own epic journey of self-discovery, mirroring Rosie's own personal experiences in many ways. Exploring ways in which we as women find out what works for us,Rosie and I share what helped us through some of our darkest times. We discuss the key to knowing when we are ready to share our story, showing ourselves the same compassion & kindness that we would for others.The positive impact that journaling had, crediting it as a great tool that she utilised to help her in a therapeutic way. The re-release of her Be Kind book which was originally released during the pandemic, will now be available in paperback at a super affordable price in October 24. Packed full of tips, tools and inspirational words,centered around self compassion and kindness. Such an inspiring lady, breaking down barriers, championing others & paving the way,opening up conversations for so many women & the next generation, you are an absolute joy & a true definition of YES SHE CAN! Find out more about Rosie here: www.rosienixon.co.uk

Come and join the conversation with the incredibly inspiring Stacey Fleece! We were introduced by the amazing Samantha Tradelius of Sparkle Foundation and Stacey's cohost for InspirHerd podcast. An international friendship we have connected across oceans! (although my geography isn't that great so if oceans is plural or not I have no idea!) Stacey's story is one of resilience, sheer grit and determination. Raised by a single Mum, Stacey saw and learned strength and perseverance watching her mother work 3 jobs to provide for her and her siblings. Fast forward to after going to college, Stacey ended up in the Hedge Fund Industry working for a big company for 10 years. Moving on to another company Stacey found herself with a decade of experience behind her and relished in her new role. We chat about the "pale, male and stale" industry and how she navigated her way through the challenges that this brought. Eventually setting up her own hedge fund with a friend of hers when she was in her early 30's, Stacey was deeply engrossed in the industry and was reaping the benefits both financially and personally enjoying her work to the fullest (albeit it super intense and stressful!) However when the world was rocked by the devastating events of 9/11, Stacey had a personal connection with the attack, having known people that were inside the twin towers. While she paused with the world, it put a lot of things into perspective for her and this was the beginning of a new chapter. Stacey tells me that her work was essentially "making the rich even richer" and she began to question whether she was infact doing the right thing by continuing in the industry especially as she had become a mother herself and craved the flexibility to spend time with her children. Deciding to leave her role, Stacey opens up about the uncomfortable transition that she experienced in the fight for a balanced life with work and home. Although starting a new career in the mortgage industry, Stacey's world was about to be turned upside down once more. Her husband picked up and left out of the blue one day and she tells me the story behind how she felt and how scary it was to find herself a solo parent. We chat about the pressures on us as women to "have it all together" and how we are somehow conditioned to put on a brave face, get on with things for fear of appearing vulnerable or weak. When in actually fact the most powerful thing we can often do is share how we are feeling with others, but that asking for help doesn't seem to come naturally to us! We talk through the realities of raising her children on her own, juggling her career and family, but more importantly focusing her energies into positive things rather than dwelling on the negative. Stacey is showing her children true resilience, teaching them strength and determination! In her own words she says that she has lived her life with ruthless accountability, a trait that she attributes to her Mum and the way in which she was raised. There is such a powerful theme running through everything that Stacey does, and that is truly EMPOWERING other women! Whether that's through her podcast with Samantha- InspirHER'd, working with Sparkle Foundation, or in her day job, all of these avenues are intrinsically interwined in helping women to RISE!! What a pleasure to speak to such an epically inspiring woman, thankyou Stacey for sharing your story you are incredible! I LOVE MY U.S GIRL TRIBE!!!! You can find out more about Stacey's work below: InspiHER‘d on Apple Podcasts Mission — Sparkle Foundation (sparklenow.org) Stacey Carter Fleece (@staceyfleece) • Instagram photos and videos

Come and join the conversation with the amazing Taruna Chauhan! A soon to be double author, running a consultancy practice for clients in the healthcare sector and a Business Coach & Mentor, Taruna is a busy lady! Previously a Quality Manager in the NHS, Taruna tells me about her work now with companies looking to obtain the CQC certification and coaching them through the process. Taruna works holistically with her clients drawing on her extensive qualifications and having the key awareness that comes with being a business coach. We chat about the angle in which she approaches her work, how that sets her apart from other consultancy coaches. We delve onto her vision board and find out that she's actually achieved the majority of things on there which is amazing! Her belief in having an integrated approach to life instead of striving for that "balance" that is so often hard to come by makes for such an interesting insight. Taruna tells me if we see our goals and aspirations as an integration instead of a dream which feels unreachable and actually by incorporating it as part of our lives, it is like a breath of fresh air! We chat about her extensive toolkit from her training that she has developed ways in which she can help her clients to thrive. Not only that, but Taruna is an NLP practitioner and an MBIT (Multiple Brain Integration) Coach, further allowing her the flexibility to connect with her clients on an even deeper level. We talk about our personalities and it is SO evident how passionate Taruna is about her work and helping people, it's such an integral part of her make up which makes her perfectly placed to be in the career that she is! Taruna tells me all about her upcoming book: Recipes From A Gujarati Kitchen. After a conversation with the amazing Shelley Wilson, she was encouraged to start writing an compiling her book. Hailing from India and the youngest of 8 children, Taruna spent her weekends growing up cooking alongside her mother and is passionate about sharing her journey and educating others about her heritage. Wanting to capture a lifetime of family recipes having reflected on the passing of her mother, Taruna was determined to write them down and make them available for the next generation. Not only full of recipes, this book is an insight into Taruna's journey as an immigrant, where she shares the story of her life! Ready for release during South Asian Heritage Month later in the year, this book for Taruna is a passion project! You can join her mailing list to be first to hear about the release in August. We chat about challenges, and Taruna explains about how traditionally she was never supposed to be an author or a woman in business, in her culture, you are expected to grow up, get married, have children and be a housewife. To have achieved what she has is nothing short of inspiring! Talking about challenges, Taruna explains her struggles when it comes to self-belief and confidence, something so many of us as women experience. The joy of finding people that lift us up, tell us that we are doing a great job and that sense of achievement when others take time out to tell us how we have helped them. Such a beautiful soul, Taruna exudes kindness and compassion for others which makes her absolutely perfect for her clients and their needs. Thankyou Taruna it was an absolute pleasure to chat to you and cannot wait for your book!!! To find out more click the links below: Mailing List and Book updates: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/134770/forms/115145836259706639 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarunachauhan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarunachauhan Website: CQC Application Support - Ensuring your aesthetics clinics avoid rejection (tchauhanconsultancy.co.uk)

Come and join the conversation with this wonderful ball of energy Rozz Darlington! What an epic journey she has been on in the last year, having taken part in the most recent series of Married At First Sight UK, and running TWO businesses! Rozz starts from the beginning and chats to me about the mindset and headspace she was in before applying for the show. She was looking for some happiness amidst the sadness and grief that she was experiencing in the months prior and knew that something needed to change. Being on such a high profile show brought an intense spotlight that felt alien upon leaving. Having been in a bubble during the show, Rozz returned back home to her businesses. She experienced what can only be described as hate and vitriol and it had a huge impact on her. We chat about the nature of television and how it's such an edited small glimpse into what actually happened. However what came from her time on the show was a huge period of personal growth, Rozz tells me honestly how much of a transformational time the last year has been. We chat about how important it is for us as women to be true to ourselves, to have that space to speak openly about our feelings and inspire other women to do the same. Rozz walks me through the journey she has had, from a young woman who was in a dark place mentally and looking for happiness, to receiving hate online, to ultimately becoming a woman who knows her own strengths and knows exactly what she wants out of her life. We talk about how important it is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and how testing your own resilience is key to personal growth. Rozz chats to me about her two businesses- Rosaline's and The Flower Paddock and she absolutely lights up when talking about them! It's so clear to see how passionate she is about what she does, it just shines through when she talks about them! She cites her business as her purpose and it goes far beyond the physical products that she not only sells but grows too! For Rozz it's the privilege of being a part of her community, and being a source of support in the happiest and saddest times in people's lives. Not only this but she is passionate about shining a light on the importance of getting outside for your mental health and is working away behind the scenes to help as many people as possible feel the benefits in their minds aswell as their bodies. So many exciting things happening for this lovely lady, and such a journey she has been on so far! What a joy to speak to you Rozz! Yes SHE CAN!!!! Here are the links to her websites so you can check them out! Rosaline's Flowers - Home of your local florist (rosalines.co.uk) The Flower Paddock | England | Flower Grower