Sasha Wilkins: From Fashion Journalism to Found by Sasha Wilkins

 In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo speaks with Sasha Wilkins, a renowned journalist, broadcaster, author, and founder of Found by Sasha Wilkins, an antiques business specialising in 19th-century English ceramics. Sasha discusses her diverse career, from her pioneering days of blogging with Liberty London Girl to her latest venture in antiques. She shares her journey with dyspraxia and ADHD, the importance of curiosity, and how she has adapted her skills across various industries. The conversation delves into the challenges of starting a business in midlife, the value of personal branding in social media, and the practical aspects of operating an antiques business, including invaluable tips for new entrepreneurs.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Introducing Sasha Wilkins: A Multifaceted Career

02:26 Sasha's Neurodivergence and Its Impact

03:11 Journey into Journalism and Broadcasting

05:20 The Birth of Liberty London Girl

10:46 Transition to Instagram and Found

13:58 Bootstrapping and Business Advice

21:38 The Importance of Mentorship and Learning

26:47 The Magic of Found and the Barn

29:03 Leveraging Social Media for Business

32:25 The Reality of Social Media Standards

33:16 Repurposing Content for Growth

33:55 Challenges of Running a Business

35:03 Balancing Work and Personal Life

36:12 Building a Business from Scratch

38:34 The Importance of Self-Belief

41:13 Navigating Career Transitions

45:16 The Power of Research and Planning

51:56 Investing in Health and Business

56:33 Family Support and Future Plans

59:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sasha’s 3,2,1:

 3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:

1.           Business card/ postcard hybrid - doubles as both, saves money and means I can write notes on them for customers

2.          My physical health – I have a trainer once a week and see the osteopath once a month, I need to be fit for what I do, and injury would hold me back

3.          My barn – not only is it a beautiful backdrop to my antiques, but 40% of my business is by private appointment

2 things you wish you’d done differently:

1.           I would have done more research about my industry before I started the business, but timing was not on my side

2.          I would have created more personal content around my brand right from the beginning  

1 person you’d like to thank:

1.           Lisa from the Miserden Estate who I wrote to in Feb 2021 and who got back to me in Sept 2021 with the offer of my barn – she saved my sanity! Thank you!

 
Found by Sasha Wilkins, Unit two, Manor Farm, Winstone, in the Cotswolds between Cirencester and Cheltenham, by appointment only
www.foundbysashawilkins.co.uk
Instagram @foundbysashawilkins
YouTube https://youtube.com/@foundbysashawilninsantiques

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded on location at Eight Works Podcast Studios, Eight Moorgate, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
Email eightworks@eightclub.co.uk 

Jo is a professional coach, writer, and speaker, specialising in transformation and change.
Instagram @jojoglynnsmith
TikTok @TheMidlifeEntrepreneur
Email me: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com
www.joglynnsmith.com