Conversations of Inspiration

Holly meets Mindful Chef Founders Myles and Giles this week for a wonderfully inspirational interview. This episode hear's these two founders openly discussing their business highs and lows over the last 5 years, but also how a ‘giving’ mentality can transform a weekly recipe box into a true force for good.In this conversation you'll hear how these two went from packing their boxes to navigating a successful round of crowdfunding. And how exciting it is as a small business, using the power of your customers and community as your biggest and most powerful marketing tool. I hope that this episode will inspire just so many small businesses listening. You too can make a difference, and maybe even start that B-Corp journey like us here at Holly & Co - why not even give back to those in need!Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

This week's episode was recorded in front of a live audience in the glorious Edinburgh, with Charlie Gladstone, founder of The Good Life Experience and Pedlars.  Charlie is hugely passionate about design, provenance, supporting makers, running businesses - but mainly helping everyone to ‘Live the Good Life’, and to do what they love. This is an utterly inspiring episode as Charlie leads us through (his self-described…) “feral” childhood but also what he believes to be game changers for small businesses and his hopes for the future of retail.In this conversation Holly and Charlie and discuss why you must shop with purpose and a consciousness, how to ultimately harness an overflowing enthusiasm (as a person and as a business owner!) and most of all how love and passion can propel you through this journey.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Owen O'Kane, author of Ten to Zen and a trained Psychologist, joins Holly at the Holly & Co HQ for this week's conversation. This episode centres around Owen's personal path to happiness, as well as how business owners need to put into place simple strategies to help with the stresses and inner critical voice that can hold you back.Owen has been on an incredible journey through life and this episode is an emotional listen. You'll hear how Owen spent his childhood dodging the violence on the streets of 1970s Belfast, the pain of being bullied as well as Owen's struggle with his sexual identity.  A magical and up and down journey from priest to author, Owen shares his words of advice on how as business owners we can put into practice some of his knowledge on protecting our own mental health.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Henrietta Morrison of Lily’s Kitchen (a pet food range made from the best of British ingredients) has had the most incredible career in business, spanning over 30 years. A born entrepreneur, Henrietta started (and sold) a number of businesses before founding Lily’s Kitchen - which now sells 50 million dog and cat meals a year.In this conversation, Henrietta recounts her happy childhood before a tragic series of unexpected events would turn her life upside down. But it was her terrible loss that became her fuel through her extraordinary life. A life filled with passion, purpose and entrepreneurial spirit.This is an episode about everything from disrupting an entire market and being a women in business, to money, B corps and doing good in the world.  But ultimately this conversation is about triumph over adversity and how love (for animals or people!) can conquer all.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Emma Bridgewater is known best for her iconic style, mixing Britishness & wittiness with beautiful homeware and china.  In this episode Holly hears from Emma about how she built her iconic brand over the last 35 years, creating lasting designs, and reviving an industry in Stoke. With a turn over of over £20 million a year, Holly and Emma explore life as a female entrepreneur in a male dominated industry, discuss their approach to 'mother's guilt' and the strong role family plays within business. From sharing thoughts on the life span of a product, to discussing the impact her own beloved mother had on her career, this episode is a rare glimpse into Emma Bridgewater and her iconic brand.  Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Gemma Metcalfe-Beckers, founder of Muthahood, talks to Holly about her business' main mission - empowering women and girls through ethically produced products that have positive, strong and meaningful messages.  In this episode Holly learns how Gemma's incredible 'Strong Girls Club' represents every woman's strength and the need for celebrating self-value. Gemma's work has grown from only emotional heartache, physical pain and an searingly honest view on the world but wanting to "see" those that need touch of empowerment.   From her journey through childbirth and PTSD, to starting the business on just £400 and building a community - Gemma candidly shares what it means to be an entrepreneur whilst bringing up her young children and how you can navigate the bumpy road of motherhood.  Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Donna Wilson, aptly named ‘Designer of the Year’ at Elle Decoration’s British Design Awards, has been creating her curious creatures, cushions, knitwear and ever-expanding home accessories since 2003.Donna’s story began on her parent's farm in rural Aberdeenshire, and it was from these early adventures (and a little push from her inspirational Grandma) that her love for landscapes, wildlife, crafting and of course sustainable practices grew. In this episode, Holly visited Donna in her incredible East London Studio to hear all about how she honed her homegrown talents into the business it is today. Donna shares with Holly her magical time at the RCA, watching her products popping up all over the globe and the vital importance of UK manufacturing, exploring how true collaboration and a network of talent is key!Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Rosie Wolfenden & Harriet Vine founded their handmade jewellery company Tatty Devine in 1999 very much as a 'side hustle'; selling their first pieces from a market stall in Camden after discovering the discarded fabric and sample books that they would create their first collection from. Having worked together for the past 20 years, Rosie & Harriet know a thing or two about making collaborations work, having seen successful collaborations with the V&A, Rob Ryan, & Anthony Gormley, to name a few. In this episode, Rosie & Harriet share their journey from that market stall to the pages of Vogue, their approach to sustainability, and how they found their signature style. A must listen for those dreaming of turning a side hustle into their dream career!Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

This week's episode is highly emotionally charged, as Dame Kelly Holmes discusses the challenges she faced and overcame on her journey to winning two gold medals at the 2004 Olympics. In an extraordinary conversation, Kelly reveals the dramatic lows and mental health struggles that preceded her dreams coming true.Kelly also discusses life after achieving her dreams, how a focused passion can fuel success as well some insights into her own winning mentality and how that can translate into business. This episode is a must listen, for anyone who has ever faced adversity; Kelly is a testament to overcoming the odds and the power of belief.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

This week’s episode is a LIVE special podcast from The Congregation of Inspiration 2019. The 12 hour day condensed into one podcast, with tips, advice, lessons and laughs from all our speakers on the day - including Fearne Cotton, Sahar Hashemi OBE, Charlie Gladstone, Freddie Harrel & Emily Coxhead. Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, Edward Perry, Pip Murray, Dave Buonaguidi and of course, Holly Tucker herself. Covering topics from being brave in business, building a brand doing good, to pursuing happiness and what it really means to build an immersive brand, this episode is a snapshot of an extraordinary day. Throughout the episode you’ll also hear from some of the people who attended the day, as well as the sounds of the brilliant Urban Voices Collective who joined us on the day. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.