Unstoppable Women in Business, Mental Health, and Personal Empowerment - Episode 88

1230 TWC Business Beat Podcast

Welcome to another empowering episode, filled with inspiring stories, insightful conversations, and practical tips from dynamic women shaping their industries with me, your Host Jackie Groundsell.

Special Guest Highlights:

Jenny Holloway – Revolutionizing Fashion and Mental Health Jenny Holloway, the powerhouse behind Fashion Enter Ltd (FEL), takes us through her remarkable journey from the corporate world of Arcadia and Marks & Spencer to building her own successful fashion brand. Jenny didn’t stop there; she spent six years as a government advisor, nurturing new designer talent. Now, with almost 80 employees, FEL is a trailblazer in ethical manufacturing and fashion training. But what truly sets Jenny apart is her commitment to social causes. We explore the HOPE-FX project—a collaboration with the North London Mental Health Partnership. Jenny shares the power behind giving young people recovering from mental health challenges the tools and support to create their own unique t-shirts and products. These young designers not only gain new skills but also rebuild their confidence. Their efforts have led to the HOPE-FX project being shortlisted for a prestigious HSJ Award in the Early Intervention and Prevention category. Jenny speaks passionately about how creativity, self-expression, and slow, steady business growth—without debt—are keys to long-term success.

Lucy Hawkins – Turning Passion into Business Our next guest, Lucy Hawkins, is the creative mind behind House of Happy Threads, a boutique sewing business born from her passion for textiles . Lucy, a seamstress from West Wickham, shares her journey of balancing family life with her business dreams. She talks about the joys of traveling the world with her husband and daughter, exploring new cuisines, and how those experiences influence her creativity.

In our conversation, Lucy reveals a hard lesson learned in social media marketing when her account was deactivated, erasing years of work. Her valuable advice to fellow entrepreneurs: always back up your content, and consider getting verified if you rely heavily on social platforms for your business. It was a stressful moment, but Lucy rebuilt her presence from scratch and is now stronger than ever. Her resilience and resourcefulness are true testaments to the power of determination.

Michel – Inspired by Family, Driven by Ambition From an early age, Michel knew she was for entrepreneurship. Inspired by her grandparents, who ran a thriving property and hospitality business, Michel began earning her own money at just 14. She fondly recalls the lessons she learned from watching her grandparents’ hard work and dedication, which laid the foundation for her own entrepreneurial journey.

Our discussion dives into the importance of early inspiration, the hustle of starting young, and how family values can shape a successful career. Michel’s story serves as a reminder that with the right mindset and work ethic, anyone can carve out a path to success.

Carole Pyke – Sparkling Through Challenges The incredible Carole Pyke, also known as the Queen of Sparkle, brings a wealth of wisdom and energy to the table. As a two-time survivor living with only five years of conscious memory, Carole has a unique perspective on life, resilience, and personal branding. Her SPARKLE Methodology helps women leaders and entrepreneurs stand out, be unforgettable, and lead with confidence.

In this episode, Carole discusses the power of a smile—an essential ingredient in her personal brand. As we celebrate World Smile Day, explains how smiling, combined with her “Sparkle Injection,” can transform not just personal outlooks but entire businesses. According to Carole, success starts with "S," but it always begins with YOU. She urges entrepreneurs to embrace their uniqueness and bring their sparkle into everything they do.

What’s Coming Up:

• 17 October: Evolution of Finance for Business Women event, where Jenny Holloway will be a keynote speaker, sharing her insights on business growth, finance, and mental health in the workplace.

• 21 October: Menopause & HRT Special – Tune in as we discuss the challenges and support systems for women navigating menopause and hormone replacement therapy.

• 22 January: The exciting launch of the Amersham & Chesham business event with Sheena King, connecting local businesses for growth and collaboration.

• 13 March: The Kent Business Show, a fantastic opportunity to network with entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the region.

Final Thoughts:

I want to extend a huge thank you to my amazing guests—Jenny, Lucy, Michel, and Carole—for sharing their wisdom and experiences with us today. Their stories remind us that whether it's building a business, supporting mental health initiatives, or bouncing back from adversity, the key is to stay focused, stay resilient, and keep sparkling!

And to you, my listeners, thank you for tuning in week after week. Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to have you back for next week’s special guests—Denise and Rachel. Stay inspired, stay connected, and remember: success may start with "S," but it always begins with YOU. Keep sparkling, and see you next time!

Here are some hashtags to boost your visibility and engagement for the podcast:

#UnstoppableWomen #WomenInBusiness #MentalHealthMatters #FashionEntrepreneur #HOPEFX #SparkleOn #BusinessGrowth #CreativeEntrepreneur #ResilienceAndSuccess #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #PodcastLife #InspiringConversations #PersonalBranding #FashionAndMentalHealth #EntrepreneurMindset #WomenSupportingWomen #SocialMediaTips #KeepSparkling