My Kind of Business

The courage to create your own path with Charlotte Williams

In this forty-seventh episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Charlotte, Founder of Healthy Future Marketing and holistic health practitioner, for an honest conversation about courage, reinvention and building a business rooted in purpose.
Charlotte’s entrepreneurial journey began long before she started her own company. Growing up around her family’s automotive business, she developed an early understanding of entrepreneurship, sales and the realities of running a company. Those formative experiences shaped her work ethic and gave her valuable insights into the world of business.
But Charlotte’s path wasn’t linear. After spending years working within the family business and other roles, she found herself navigating personal challenges with her mental health. Searching for support and balance led her to discover yoga and holistic health practices — tools that ultimately transformed not only her wellbeing but also the direction of her career.
Determined to understand these practices more deeply, Charlotte trained with the Academy of Healing Nutrition, where she explored Traditional Chinese Medicine, holistic wellbeing and longevity practices, graduating in 2022. These experiences became the foundation for a new mission: helping others access the support, calm and healing she once searched for herself.
Today, through Healthy Future Marketing, Charlotte supports purpose-driven business owners — particularly those in the wellness space — to share their work with confidence. Through marketing guidance, networking events, workshops and community spaces such as Namaste Networking, she helps entrepreneurs connect, grow and dream bigger in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
In this episode, Alex and Charlotte explore the power of trusting yourself, taking courageous action and embracing the slower, more meaningful path in business. Charlotte opens up about stepping away from the family business when her parents retired, the lessons she carried with her from that chapter, and the pride she feels in building something that truly reflects her values.
They also discuss the importance of kindness, resilience and patience in entrepreneurship — and why success doesn’t have to come from rushing or forcing growth, but from staying aligned with your purpose.
Looking ahead, Charlotte shares her vision for the future, including beginning her yoga teacher training in 2026 and launching residential retreats designed to help more people experience the calm and connection that transformed her own life.
If you’re navigating change, building a values-led business or learning to trust your own path — this episode is a powerful reminder that growth often begins with one brave step.
In this episode, Alex and Charlotte explore:
Charlotte’s childhood influences and early entrepreneurial curiosity
Lessons learned from growing up in and working within her family’s automotive business
Early ventures, challenges and the realities of starting out in business
How mental health struggles led her to discover yoga and holistic health
Her training in holistic nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine
The transition from the family business to building her own brand
Moving away and developing independence through life experiences
The creation of Healthy Future Marketing and her work supporting purpose-led businesses
Building community through networking events and Namaste Networking
Moments of challenge, pride and personal growth in entrepreneurship
Why slow, sustainable growth can be more powerful than rapid scaling
The importance of trust, kindness and resilience in business
Future plans including yoga teacher training and residential retreats
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction: Charlotte’s entrepreneurial roots
[02:13] Childhood influences and learning from the family business
[05:24] Early ventures and entrepreneurial curiosity
[09:29] Health challenges and discovering wellness through holistic practices
[14:11] Choosing a different path from the family business
[19:58] Moving away and learning independence
[23:31] Reflecting on a decade in the family business
[30:32] Navigating change when her parents retired
[37:13] Discovering her passion for marketing and supporting small businesses
[41:10] Celebrating creative wins and overcoming business triggers
[44:38] Trusting yourself and embracing slow growth
[47:39] Final reflections: kindness, authenticity and building a meaningful business
Key Highlights
Building a business after leaving a long-standing family company
How personal wellbeing can shape entrepreneurial direction
Using marketing as a tool to support purpose-driven businesses
The value of slow, sustainable growth in business
Creating community through networking and collaboration
Trusting yourself when building a values-led career
Kindness and resilience as core business principles
Connect with Charlotte
Charlotte is the Founder of Healthy Future Marketing and a holistic health practitioner from Shropshire with over a decade of experience in sales and marketing. After navigating her own mental health challenges, she discovered lasting support through yoga and holistic practices, which inspired her to train in holistic nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Today she supports purpose-driven business owners through compassionate and strategic marketing guidance, networking events and workshops that help them share their work both online and offline while building meaningful communities.
In 2026, Charlotte will begin her yoga teacher training and plans to launch residential retreats to help more people access the sense of calm she spent years searching for.
Business Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/healthyfuturemarketing
Personal Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/healthyfuturecharlotteuk
Emailcharlotte@healthyfuturemarketing.co.uk
Connect with Alex
Websitehttps://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/
Book onto an upcoming Business Connection Sessionhttps://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions

Why clients aren’t converting - 5 business actions you can take this month

In this forty-sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Business Coach Alex McCarthy shares five subtle but powerful ways your business might be unintentionally turning away potential clients and how to refine each one this month to improve client conversion.
If you have been visible but not converting consistently, questioning your messaging, your offers or even your direction, this episode will help you step back and assess your business through a more strategic lens. Instead of assuming you need more visibility or a complete rebrand, Alex explains why small refinements in positioning, communication and leadership often create the biggest shifts in sales.
Alex explores the quiet misalignments that frequently sit beneath slow business growth, including overly broad positioning, unclear calls to action, feature-led offers, lack of conviction in pricing, and creating content from pressure rather than confidence. She shares practical strategies to strengthen your foundations so you can attract clients with more clarity and ease.
This episode is not about doing more, posting more or chasing trends. It is about refining your messaging, strengthening your offer positioning and leading your business with confidence so that the right clients feel safe and ready to invest.
If you want to sharpen your approach, increase conversions, and build a sustainable business rooted in clarity and self-trust, this conversation will help you reset and refocus.
This episode is perfect for small business owners, service providers, coaches, creatives, freelancers and founders who want consistent client attraction, stronger sales strategy and long-term growth without hustle or burnout.
What You Will Learn
Why broad or unclear positioning weakens client attraction and reduces conversions
How to refine your messaging so your ideal client instantly recognises themselves
The difference between creating valuable content and including clear calls to action that drive sales
How to position your offer around emotional transformation and tangible results instead of features alone
Why conviction in your pricing and messaging directly influences client trust and buying decisions
How nervous system regulation and confidence affect your marketing and sales energy
The difference between creating from pressure versus leading from clarity and authority
Practical steps to strengthen one key area of your business this month
Why refining your foundations is often more effective than reinventing your brand
How confident leadership supports long-term client relationships and sustainable business growth
Connect with Alex
Explore 1:1 business coaching online or in personWebsite: https://alexmccarthycoaching.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching
Book a free clarity call: https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/claritycall
Book a business connection session; https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions
 

Breaking the Therapist Stereotype with Becca Upton

In this forty-fifth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Becca Upton — also known as The No BS Therapist — for a candid conversation about authenticity, individuality and building a private practice that truly reflects who you are.
Becca shares her journey from childhood dreams and traditional NHS therapy roles to creating a bold, personality-led private practice supporting organised, type A women navigating burnout, exhaustion and overthinking. Her style is realistic, honest and refreshingly direct — challenging long-held ideas about what a therapist “should” look and sound like.
Together, Alex and Becca explore what happens when you stop trying to fit the professional mould. From dyeing her hair and ditching formal dress codes to swearing in sessions and showing up unapologetically online, Becca explains how embracing her true self didn’t repel clients — it attracted the right ones.
This episode dives into perfectionism, black-and-white thinking, and the pressure to “get it right” — especially for high achievers building businesses. Becca opens up about balancing ambition with flexibility, managing workload boundaries, and redefining success in a way that prioritises freedom and fulfilment over societal expectations.
They also break down what therapy actually looks like behind closed doors — the structure of a typical session, different therapeutic approaches such as CBT, person-centred, attachment and compassion-focused therapy — and how flexibility sits at the heart of meaningful client work.
From workshops and retreats to her Destress Membership and live online sessions, Becca shares her vision for growing her impact without losing the authenticity that built her brand.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the stereotype in your industry — this conversation is your permission slip to do things differently.
In this episode, Alex and Becca explore:
Becca’s childhood ambitions and early career influences
The shift from NHS therapy to private practice
Breaking professional stereotypes in the therapy industry
Authentic self-expression in business and marketing
How individuality attracts aligned clients
Building a “no BS” brand and setting clear boundaries
Managing perfectionism and black-and-white thinking
The structure and flexibility of therapy sessions
Different therapeutic approaches: CBT, person-centred, attachment and compassion-focused
Balancing ambition with self-care and lifestyle freedom
Redefining success beyond societal metrics
Future plans: workshops, retreats, collaborations and expanded offerings
The power of community, diversity in personality types and client preference
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction: redefining therapy on your terms[01:00] Childhood dreams and early influences[02:30] From NHS to private practice[04:00] Dyeing hair, swearing and casual dress codes[05:45] Industry norms versus authenticity[07:00] Marketing self-expression and attracting the right clients[08:30] Building a no-BS brand[09:45] Breaking therapist stereotypes[11:00] Relatability and connection in therapy[12:30] Authenticity and client retention[14:00] What a typical therapy session looks like[15:45] Different therapy approaches explained[17:45] Overcoming first-session nerves[19:00] First-year lessons in business[20:30] Flexibility and freedom in private practice[22:00] Balancing ambition with self-care[23:45] Future plans and expansion[25:15] Workload balance and perfectionism[28:00] Advice for high achievers[30:00] Redefining success[32:00] Future experiments and growth[34:00] Community and authentic connections[36:00] Individuality in professional spaces[38:00] Letting go of rigid expectations[40:00] Business as an extension of your true self[41:30] Final reflections: My kind of business is…
Key Highlights
Authenticity as a client attraction strategy
Breaking stereotypes in traditional industries
Managing perfectionism in business
Building flexibility without sacrificing ambition
Redefining professionalism on your own terms
Creating a business aligned with personality and values
Connect with Becca
Becca Upton is The No BS Therapist — helping organised, type A women with exhaustion, burnout and overthinking to find balance whilst still getting sh*t done. Her approach is realistic, honest and rooted in helping clients rewire their thinking and find their grey area.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_no_bullshit_therapistFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565579537810Website: https://beccauptontherapy.co.uk/
Destress Membership (7 day free trial):https://buymeacoffee.com/thenobullshittherapist/membership
Free 9-minute breathwork session:https://buymeacoffee.com/thenobullshittherapist/intro-breathing-9-mins
Resources Mentioned
The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire ShipmanAttachment Theory OverviewCBT Resources
Connect with Alex
Website: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/
Book onto an upcoming Business Connection Session:https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions

Why Authenticity Is Your Business Superpower with Jodie Faitakis

In this forty-fourth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jodie Faitakis, COO of Entrepreneurial Spark and Founder of Entspired, for a powerful conversation about authenticity, resilience and the real rhythm of entrepreneurial growth.
Jodie shares her journey from childhood creativity and DIY ventures to leading national entrepreneurial operations and building community-led spaces for founders in Bedford. Her story is one of lived experience — from starting her own businesses to returning to Entrepreneurial Spark in a leadership role — proving that growth rarely follows a straight line.
Together, Alex and Jodie explore the myth of overnight success and what it truly means to build something sustainable. They talk candidly about juggling motherhood, side projects and full-time leadership, navigating imposter syndrome, and learning to embrace seasons of focus.
This episode is a refreshing reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t about doing more — it’s about creating space. Space to think. Space to reflect. Space to grow.
Jodie speaks openly about vulnerability as a business superpower, the importance of removing “human blockers”, and why no founder should have to build alone. From the lessons behind the Resilience Festival to the simple power of a brain dump, this conversation is full of grounded wisdom and practical mindset shifts.
If you’ve ever questioned your pace, doubted your capability, or felt the pressure to keep up — this episode will remind you that authenticity and patience are your greatest assets.
In this episode, Alex and Jodie explore:
Jodie’s childhood entrepreneurial spirit and early creative ventures
First jobs, retail experiences and university projects
Why experiential learning often outweighs rigid frameworks
Building confidence through mentorship and real-world exposure
The origin and growth of entspired in Bedford
The myth of overnight success and the importance of patience
Balancing motherhood, full-time leadership and side projects
Creating white space to unlock creativity and clarity
Managing imposter syndrome and mindset blocks
Authenticity as a business advantage
Community, local storytelling and founder support
Preparing financially and solving real problems
Practical tools for overcoming overwhelm and mental clutter
Embracing holistic success across life and business
Whether you’re at the beginning of your business journey or navigating a new season of growth, Jodie’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience is built quietly, community matters deeply, and your way of doing business is enough.
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction to Jodie’s entrepreneurial journey[01:30] Childhood creativity and early ventures[03:45] First jobs and formative work experiences[05:20] University, internships and real-world lessons[07:15] Learning beyond academic frameworks[09:05] Founding entspired and building community[11:45] Patience and the myth of overnight success[13:05] Multiple startups and the challenge of focus[15:20] Financial preparation and solving real problems[17:45] Flexibility and planning with buffer time[19:20] Creativity and the power of white space[21:00] Confidence and imposter syndrome[24:10] Authenticity as a business superpower[26:00] Personal growth through highs and lows[28:10] Resilience and overcoming setbacks[30:15] Testing ideas and identifying community needs[32:00] The power of local entrepreneurial storytelling[34:50] Juggling career, side projects and motherhood[36:35] Tough decisions and working in seasons[38:10] Quality over quantity[40:05] Creating personal rhythm and joy[42:30] Holistic success and alignment[44:15] Mindset tools: brain dumping and mental clarity[45:40] The value of space and the “Harry Potter wand” analogy[47:00] The Resilience Festival story[48:10] Removing human blockers in business[49:00] Final reflections and encouragement
Key Highlights
Why authenticity creates sustainable success
The power of community in entrepreneurship
Embracing patience over pressure
Balancing ambition with motherhood and life
Removing mindset blockers to unlock growth
Redefining success beyond hustle culture
Creating space as a strategy, not a luxury
Connect with Jodie
Jodie Faitakis is the COO of Entrepreneurial Spark and founder of entspired, a Bedford-based platform hosting inspirational events and community spaces for entrepreneurs.
A lifelong advocate for the entrepreneurial spirit, Jodie has built her career around helping founders turn ideas into reality. From founding her own businesses to coaching startups and now leading national operations, her mission remains the same: ensuring no entrepreneur has to build alone.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiefaitakisEntrepreneurial Spark: https://entrepreneurial-spark.comentspired: https://www.entspired.co.uk
Connect with Alex
Website: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/
Book onto an upcoming Business Connection:https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions

Building a Human Law Firm with Rachel McGrath

In this forty-third episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Rachel McGrath, family solicitor and founder of RJS Family Law, for an honest and powerful conversation about resilience, values and building a business in one of the most emotionally demanding industries.
Rachel shares her non-traditional journey into law, from leaving home at 17 and working full-time while studying part-time, to qualifying as a solicitor alongside raising a family. Her story is one of grit, determination and a deep belief that there had to be a more human way to practise family law.
She opens up about the realities of working in family law, including the emotional toll of supporting clients through divorce, child arrangements and domestic abuse, and how learning to manage her own emotions has been essential to both her wellbeing and her leadership.
This episode explores what it really looks like to step away from the “stuffy old solicitor” stereotype and build a modern, values-led legal practice rooted in empathy, clarity and strong representation. Rachel reflects on the leap of faith it took to start her own firm, the loneliness that can come with entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that helped her push through fear and comparison.
From outsourcing and strategic support to celebrating milestones and hiring her first team member, Rachel’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to mean scaling fast or losing yourself. Instead, it can mean building something boutique, intentional and deeply aligned with who you are.
This conversation is grounding, inspiring and reassuring for anyone building a business in a high-pressure industry, navigating self-doubt, or carving out a path that truly reflects their values.
In this episode, Alex and Rachel explore:
Rachel’s childhood and unconventional route into lawQualifying as a solicitor while working full-time and raising a familyThe resilience and mindset required to overcome setbacksWhy family law felt aligned, and the emotional landscape of the workNavigating a male-dominated industry and empowering womenThe decision to start her own practice and take the leapBuilding a boutique law firm rooted in empathy and trustManaging comparison and embracing the strengths of small businessOutsourcing, support and sustainable business growthBalancing success, wellbeing and life outside of workDefining “my kind of business” as client-first and purpose-driven
Whether you’re running a service-based business, working in an emotionally demanding role, or feeling the pull to do things differently, Rachel’s story offers perspective, encouragement and a reminder that there’s no single right way to build a successful business.
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction and Rachel’s journey into family law[02:13] Childhood experiences and discovering law[03:08] Qualifying part-time alongside family life[05:43] Resilience, determination and self-belief[07:42] Choosing family law and supporting clients emotionally[11:04] Deciding to start her own practice[14:01] Launching the business and early foundations[17:30] Competition, comparison and boutique business strengths[22:44] Hiring her first staff member and celebrating growth[28:37] Outsourcing, support and working smarter[33:39] Emotional resilience and personal wellbeing[37:33] Future plans and maintaining a boutique ethos[44:31] Defining “My Kind of Business”
Key Highlights
Building a business rooted in values and empathyRedefining success beyond traditional legal normsThe emotional realities of people-focused workWhy independence and control matter in businessHow support and outsourcing create sustainabilitySuccess as alignment, impact and integrity
Connect with Rachel
Rachel McGrath is a family solicitor and the founder and director of RJS Family Law, an independent specialist firm supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging transitions.
Her work is grounded in empathy, clear advice and practical solutions, alongside robust and fearless representation when it matters most.
Website: https://www.rjsfamilylaw.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjsfamilylaw/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjsfamilylaw/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/75015479/
Connect with Alex
https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/
Book onto an upcoming Business Connection; https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions
 
 

Holding Life’s Thresholds with Merryn Tenalach

In this forty-second episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Merryn Tenalach – death doula, funeral celebrant, writer and space holder – for a grounding, honest and deeply human conversation about grief, intuition and building a business that honours life’s thresholds.
Merryn’s work sits at the meeting point of grief, ritual, psychology and the living world. She is the guardian of Soulton Long Barrow, an ancient burial place in Shropshire, where she facilitates seasonal gatherings, art-led programmes and threshold ceremonies that invite people into deeper relationship with land, loss and meaning.
With a background in psychology and ongoing studies towards a Clinical Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Merryn weaves evidence-based understanding with intuitive, earth-connected practice. Her work supports individuals and communities to navigate life’s great thresholds, including death, birth, illness, identity change and spiritual reorientation. She is particularly interested in how we might reclaim ceremony as a living, relational act rather than a rigid tradition.
In this episode, Merryn shares her journey from a nurturing childhood and an early fascination with psychology, to starting a business straight out of university and supporting children and families. She opens up about burnout, the moment she knew something had to change, and how that transition eventually led her to her work as a doula and death doula.
This conversation explores authenticity, intuition and self-care, the quiet power of word of mouth, and what it really looks like to build a business rooted in compassion rather than hustle. Merryn also shares her vision for the future, including her doctoral studies, her writing and her ongoing exploration of ceremony as something deeply human, embodied and shared.
This episode is a gentle reminder that success doesn’t have to be loud, fast or polished to be meaningful – and that allowing your work to change as you do can be one of the most powerful choices you make.
In This Episode, Alex and Merryn Explore:
Merryn’s nurturing childhood and early interest in psychology
Starting a business straight out of university
Supporting children and families and the path to burnout
Recognising when something needs to change
Transitioning into work as a doula and death doula
Grief, ritual and reclaiming ceremony in modern life
Balancing evidence-based psychology with intuition
Building a business rooted in compassion, care and presence
The role of word of mouth in sustainable business growth
Studying towards a Clinical Doctorate and future visions
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction and Merryn’s background[03:00] Early nurturing instincts and psychology[06:00] Starting a business and early career choices[09:00] Supporting children and families[12:00] Burnout and the moment of change[15:00] Becoming a doula and death doula[18:00] Word of mouth and organic growth[21:00] Ceremony, study and future work
Key Highlights
Burnout as an invitation to realign
Why ceremony still matters in modern life
Blending psychology with intuitive practice
Redefining success beyond hustle culture
Building meaningful work that evolves with you
Connect with Merryn
Merryn Tenalach is the founder of a Community Interest Company dedicated to compassionate presence, end-of-life care and education for those who hold space for others, including celebrants, therapists and volunteers. She also works one-to-one, offering accompaniment through grief, anticipatory loss and periods of profound transition.
She is the author of Guided, a reflective and ritual-based book exploring how we might meet life’s thresholds with intention, tenderness and courage. Across her writing, teaching and spoken work, Merryn invites people to slow down, listen deeply and remember that transformation is rarely neat, but it can be meaningful, held and shared.
Find Merryn’s work here:
Guided (book):https://www.merryntenalach.com/product-page/guided
Shropshire Grief Tending (CIC):https://www.shropshiregrieftending.com/
Independent work and current offering The Turning Year:https://www.merryntenalach.com/
Connect with Alex here:
https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/
Book a business connection session here; https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions
 

Gabbie’s Journey from Grief to Growth; Building a Creative Business that Feels like You

In this forty-first episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Gabbie, founder of Tilted Crown, for an honest and deeply human conversation about creativity, intuition and building a business alongside motherhood.
Gabbie shares her journey from aspiring journalist to hairdresser and creative entrepreneur, reflecting on the early influences that shaped her path and the moments that invited her to rethink what she really wanted from life and work.
She opens up about the loss of her father and how grief became a turning point that led her to reconnect with her intuition, trust herself more deeply and pursue a business that truly aligned with who she is.
This episode explores what it looks like to build a business rooted in authenticity, creativity and spirituality, while navigating self-doubt, growth and the realities of life as a mum.
From creating a home studio to stepping into new opportunities through fashion events, Gabbie’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is trust the process, even when you’re winging it.
This conversation is reflective, encouraging and full of reassurance for anyone building a business in a season of change, loss or growth and especially for mums learning to hold ambition and motherhood side by side.
In this episode, Alex and Gabbie explore:
Gabbie’s journey from aspiring journalist to hairdresser and business owner
The role of creativity and family influence in shaping her career path
How loss can become a catalyst for clarity and change
Trusting intuition and authenticity in business decisions
Navigating self-doubt and stepping into new opportunities
Building a home studio and creating a business that fits around life
Fashion events, visibility and saying yes before you feel ready
Balancing ambition, motherhood and presence as a mum
Redefining success through alignment, meaning and personal growth
Whether you’re navigating change, rebuilding after loss, or learning to trust yourself more deeply in business, Gabbie’s story offers comfort, perspective and a reminder that there’s no one right way to do this.
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction and Gabbie’s background[02:30] Early creativity and the shift from journalism to hairdressing[05:40] Family influence and finding her own path[08:50] Losing her father and reevaluating life and work[12:20] Authenticity, intuition and spirituality in business[15:45] Overcoming self-doubt and embracing new opportunities[18:30] Building a home studio and creating flexibility[21:10] Fashion events and expanding creative confidence[24:00] Motherhood, balance and being present[27:30] Encouragement for anyone feeling unsure or behind
Key Highlights
How following creativity can lead to unexpected success
Loss as a turning point for deeper alignment
Why intuition and authenticity matter in business
Building confidence through action, not certainty
Creating a business that supports life and motherhood
Success as growth, meaning and self-trust
Connect with Gabbie
Gabbie is the founder and creative mind behind Tilted Crown, where she shares her journey of building a name in the hair industry through consistency, creativity and self-belief.
She’s passionate about growth, trusting the process and building a business while navigating motherhood as a mum of soon-to-be two.
You can connect with Gabbie and follow her work here:
https://www.tiltedcrownhairstudio.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tilted.crown.hair/
 

Building a Business from the Ground Up - Mindset, Money & Balance with Jay Summers

In this fortieth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jay, founder of Mayfair Decorating Contractors for a grounded and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, mindset, and building a business from the ground up.
Jay shares his journey into business ownership, including the family influences that shaped his work ethic, what it was really like starting a business at a young age and the lessons he’s learned through both challenge and growth. From navigating financial responsibility to learning how to balance work with personal life, this episode offers a realistic and refreshing take on sustainable success in business.
This conversation is thoughtful, practical, and full of insight for anyone building a business particularly in hands-on or service-based industries and for anyone redefining what success looks like beyond just financial gain.
In this episode, Alex and Jay explore:
Jay’s journey into entrepreneurship and building Mayfair Decorating Contractors
The role of family influence in shaping his approach to business
Starting a business young: opportunities, pressure, and responsibility
Why financial literacy is a non-negotiable for business owners
The importance of efficiency and productivity as you grow
How mindset plays a crucial role during challenging seasons
Balancing business growth with personal life and wellbeing
Redefining success beyond money and milestones
Whether you’re at the beginning of your business journey, in a season of growth, or reflecting on what success truly means to you, Jay’s story offers grounding perspective and real-life insight.
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction and Jay’s background[02:10] Family influence and early exposure to business[05:12] Starting Mayfair and the early challenges[08:45] Learning financial responsibility in business[12:30] Efficiency, productivity and growing sustainably[16:05] Mindset, resilience and handling pressure[19:40] Balancing work and personal life[23:10] Redefining success beyond financial gain
Key Highlights
The impact of growing up around business and entrepreneurship
Lessons learned from starting young and learning on the job
Why understanding money is essential, not optional
The role of mindset in navigating pressure and responsibility
Building a business that supports life, not consumes it
Success as more than just profit or growth
Connect with Jay
If you’d like to connect with Jay or find out more about his work, you can reach him directly at:jay@mayfairdecorating.co.uk

If I were starting my business again in 2026, here’s what I’d do differently

In this thirty-ninth episode of My Kind of Business, Business Coach Alex McCarthy reflects on the past eight years of running her business and shares what she would do differently if she were starting again in 2026.
With the new year often bringing pressure to move fast, set big goals, and have everything figured out, Alex invites you to slow down and take a more intentional, grounded approach instead. She talks honestly about the lessons that only come with experience — the things she rushed, the mistakes she learned from, and the shifts she’d make now with clearer boundaries, stronger self-trust, and a deeper understanding of how seasons of life impact the way we do business.
This episode isn’t about dramatic reinvention or forcing change. It’s about thoughtful reflection, realistic planning, and choosing growth that actually feels sustainable. Alex encourages you to look back before you leap forward, using your own experiences as valuable data to shape what comes next.
If you’re feeling the weight of a new year, questioning your direction, or craving a calmer way to approach business growth, this episode will help you reset your mindset and start 2026 with clarity and intention.
This episode is perfect for business owners, creatives, freelancers, and anyone who wants to build a business that supports their life — not the other way around.
What You’ll Learn
Why starting the year with intention matters more than rushing into action
How reflecting on past experiences can guide smarter, more aligned decisions
What eight years of business has taught Alex about growth, pace, and priorities
Why a seasonal approach to business planning creates sustainability
How personal growth and business growth are deeply connected
The cost of rushing into new year resolutions — and what to do instead
How to learn from past mistakes without judgement or regret
Why realistic goals often lead to better long-term results
How to balance motivation with a grounded, steady mindset
Why long-term success comes from clarity, not constant pressure
Connect with Alex
Explore 1:1 business coaching (online or in person)
Website: alexmccarthycoaching.comInstagram: @alexmccarthycoaching
Book a free clarity call; https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/claritycall

Choosing Joy; How Sanne Van Der Ende built a supportive, inclusive fitness community

In this thirty-eighth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Sanne van der Ende – personal trainer, community-builder, and founder on a mission to bring kindness, compassion, and joy back into fitness.
Sanne shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial household to completely rebuilding her life after years of depression, negative body image, and an unhealthy relationship with exercise. She talks about the pivotal moments that shaped her path: transitioning from hospitality to personal training, moving abroad to create a fresh start, rediscovering movement as something nourishing, and ultimately stepping into a business that reflects her values and belief in accessible, kind fitness.
This conversation is honest, grounding, and full of real insight for anyone navigating self-doubt, early-stage entrepreneurship, or the pressure to fit into an industry that doesn’t always feel aligned.
In this episode, Alex and Sanne explore:
How Sanne’s upbringing shaped her entrepreneurial spirit
The transition from hospitality to becoming a personal trainer in 2019
Rebuilding her relationship with exercise after years of struggle
Navigating self-doubt, comparison, and fear in the early days of business
How COVID became the unexpected catalyst that allowed her to grow
The role of therapy in building confidence and managing negative thoughts
The importance of community in her bootcamps and business model
How motherhood has influenced her work-life balance and mindset
Her vision to reach more women globally through accessible home workouts
Why kindness can be your business strategy
Whether you’re starting out in business, rebuilding confidence, or wanting to create something more aligned with your values, Sanne’s story is both grounding and inspiring.
Timestamps
[00:00] The roots of entrepreneurship[03:08] Transitioning from hospitality to personal training[06:11] Early business challenges, fear and comparison[08:59] Motherhood and finding balance[11:57] Building confidence and community[15:03] Therapy and rewiring negative thoughts[18:01] Growing a business during COVID[21:03] A vision for global impact[24:00] The power of kindness and community in business
Key Highlights
The entrepreneurial influences that shaped Sanne’s belief that she could work for herself
Turning her own struggles with mental health and body image into her mission
Allowing movement to become joyful rather than punishing
The messy early days of self-doubt and comparison
Therapy as a powerful tool for confidence and clarity
Community as the heart of her bootcamps and online presence
Building a business aligned with kindness, accessibility, and empowerment
Holding a bigger vision without losing authenticity
Connect with Sanne
YouTube (Strong Squad – 15-minute workouts):https://www.youtube.com/@sanne.personaltraining
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sanne.personaltraining/https://www.instagram.com/strongsquad.london/
Website:https://sannevanderende.com/
Connect with Alex
Instagram: @alexmccarthycoachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmccarthycoaching/Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com