In this value-packed episode, Nicole Higgins sits down with Dean Johnson—AI consultant, and experienced product business founder—to dive into the game-changing ways artificial intelligence is transforming product businesses. Whether you're a founder at the start of your journey or running an established e-commerce brand, you’ll learn actionable strategies for using AI to streamline operations, save time, and scale efficiently without losing that crucial human connection. Highlights include Smart...
Jul 03, 2025•26 min
Welcome to another episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast with your host, Nicole Higgins, the Buyer and Retail Coach. In this episode, Nicole is joined by Lauren Orlicky , co-founder of US Launchpad about the practicalities of launching your brand in the United States and how to do it the Easy Way Episode Highlights: - The Story Behind US LaunchpadLauren shares how her own e-commerce challenges inspired her to create US Launchpad—a company dedicated to helping brands expand into the US marke...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min
When should I start talking about my brand on socials? How soon should I build a community? These are questions I'm often asked by brands that are starting and in EP 193 I'm chatting with Heather Chan co-founder of new brand Moonbow (where Traditional Chinese Medicine meets modern skincare) The brand launched in March 2025 and the founders Heather & Dr. Felice Chan have been building the brand in public for the last 18 months. . In this episode Heather shares her insights into Building a ski...
Jun 26, 2025•45 min
In this weeks episode, Nicole brings back Laura, founder of The Shortlist—a premium petite fashion brand—for her third appearance on the podcast. Having followed Laura’s journey from launch to becoming a profitable business, Nicole dives deep into the milestones, challenges, and evolutionary steps that have shaped The Shortlist over the past four years. Listen in as Laura shares candid insights about manufacturing setbacks, profitability milestones, the realities of staying lean as a solo founde...
Jun 12, 2025•33 min
Is conventional PR over? In this weeks episode of start scale succeed we are live from the retail revealed stage of the Top Drawer Trade Fair I’m joined by Journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara and here are some of the key areas we chat about How PR has evolved (and what actually matters now)Storytelling that connects—and convertsWhere to focus your PR efforts for real visibilityMistakes to avoid (and how to nail those press pitches) Guest Priscilla Pollara https://www.instagram...
May 30, 2025•37 min
Nicole sits down with expert fashion copywriter Katie Ramsingh to dive deep into the art and strategy of creating compelling copy and developing a distinctive tone of voice for your brand. With over 10 years’ experience writing for brands like Louis Vuitton, John Lewis, and Farfetch, Katie shares practical advice for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. From defining the difference between brand voice and tone of voice, finding inspiration outside your industry, leveraging customer la...
May 22, 2025•24 min
On this episode of Start Scale Succeed,Nicole Higgins sits down with Katy Cottam, the founder of Luna Daily—a body care brand redefining skincare for women at every age and life stage. Katy opens up about her journey from a personal struggle with thrush and sensitive skin to launching and leading a fast-growing brand with retail partnerships at places like Boots, Sephora, and M&S, just three years after launching. She shares behind-the-scenes stories about breaking taboos, securing major ret...
May 15, 2025•47 min
37% of entrepreneurs suffer from Anxiety and in this weeks Episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole chats with Psychotherapist and Author Anna Mathur we talk about Anxiety, overwhelm and mental health as an entrepreneur Highlights include Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurs - accepting messy imperfect beginnings and anchoring throughs in truth versus fear Low Self-Esteem in Business- Signs of low self-esteem for entrepreneurs Difficult Conversations and Decision Avoidance- Impact of d...
May 08, 2025•39 min
Claudia shares her journey from marketing to design, the challenges early-stage brands face with packaging, and her expert advice on how founders can communicate their brand’s personality, maximize every inch of packaging real estate, and strike the right balance between standing out and fitting in with category norms. You’ll hear about common mistakes to avoid, trends shaping the future, and some and practical tips for leveraging colour psychology and QR codes to engage your audience. Whether y...
May 01, 2025•29 min
Join us as Imogen shares her journey from interior designer to creative business owner, revealing why she chose to make wholesale and trade shows a new focus, the realities of prepping for her debut trade show at Top Drawer, a UK trade show and the practical lessons she learned along the way. Whether you’re considering your first trade show or just love hearing honest accounts of building a business, this episode is packed with actionable tips, candid moments, and encouragement for anyone ready ...
Apr 24, 2025•36 min
This episode is packed with practical advice for founders and brand owners looking to start or scale their product-based businesses—especially those considering India for production. You’ll learn about the best product categories to source from India, key cultural and communication considerations, pitfalls to avoid, and how on-the-ground trips can transform your sourcing journey. Key Topics & Takeaways Why Source from India? Finding the Right Suppliers Navigating Challenges Cultural & Co...
Apr 22, 2025•23 min
Nicole and Deryane delve into the reality of competing in a discount-driven market, strategies for driving sales, and the importance of focusing on exceptional customer service. For those considering starting a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce business, Deryane’s advice is invaluable. Deryane shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in retail to establishing a successful multi-brand boutique. Episode Highlights: Challenges and Triumphs: Discover the hurdles Deryane faced in securing...
Apr 03, 2025•34 min
This weeks episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole is joined by Leanne and Amy, the dynamic co-founders of Naked Biotics. They delve into the journey of launching and scaling their probiotic brand amidst challenges like the COVID-19 lockdowns. Inspired by personal experiences and the power of gut health, Leanne and Amy's entrepreneurial journey is one of passion, resilience, and innovation. The Birth of Naked Biotics: Discover how a trip to South Africa and a unique formulation transformed Leanne ...
Mar 27, 2025•39 min
In this episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, Nicole is joined by Becci McAvoy, founder of Be Heard Socials, to discuss the importance of authenticity in social media, particularly for brand founders. They delve into the challenges and fears of showing true selves online, tips to overcome these barriers, and the significance of personal boundaries in content sharing. Becky, a content strategy and social media marketing expert, shares her journey and insights on building genuine connections...
Mar 20, 2025•26 min
Pippa Goulden joins the Start Scale Succeed podcast to chat all thing PR for your small business and how you can DIY it and the steps you need to take to increase the visibility of you and your brand. Highlights include 🎙️ Personal Branding Power: Learn how to weave your personal story into your brand to create compelling narratives that connect with your audience. Pippa highlights the importance of sharing personal stories that align with your business goals without oversharing irrelevant deta...
Mar 15, 2025•29 min
In this episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, We delve into the world of entrepreneurship with the inspiring story of Lucy, the founder of Acorn and Pip. Lucy has successfully run her family concept store, navigating the complexities of retail in challenging times. With nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and a thriving business model that includes a retail store, cafe, and an online presence, Lucy shares insights into the importance of community, innovation, and authentic customer service....
Mar 06, 2025•35 min
Ep 178 Masters of the Market, Elevating Small Businesses with Salad Days Market founders Daisy & Liv Tinker In this week's episode of Start Scale Succeed I chat with Liv & Daisy, the innovative founders behind Salad Days Market, a vibrant pop-up market showcasing the best of small businesses in London. With their unique backgrounds in fashion and retail, they share their journey from working in the fashion industry to creating their own dream events. They discuss the importance of crafts...
Feb 27, 2025•41 min
I'm all for anything that is going to make you more money in your business and connecting with your customers in an authentic way. Live shopping ticks those two boxes. In todays episode of Start Scale Succeed I'm joined by Stephanie Weightman the founder of highlight crafts who started to implement Live shopping in their business just 9 months ago and it has literally saved them from going under. Stephanie initially started slowly with Live shopping once a month but is now doing several campaign...
Feb 21, 2025•39 min
Subscription box businesses are worth 1.8 billion in the UK and it's a growing market. So if you are considering starting one, adding one to your current business or need advice on how to make your existing one more profitable then listen to this weeks episode 176 of start scale succeed . Where you'll hear tips and advice from Multiple Subscription Box founder Lauren Prentice. Some of the areas we chat about are The importance of audience building before launch How to structure pricing and commi...
Feb 12, 2025•42 min
EP 175 How your style can create your success with Samantha Harman Listen to this week's episode to understand how your wardrobe choices influence your business success "Your wardrobe isn't clothes. It is the physical manifestation of your beliefs, your hopes, your fears, your dreams, all of the things that you think that you can be, that you can't be." Tune into this weeks episode with Samantha The style editor, we chat about Wardrobe as a Tool for Success: Samantha shares how your wardrobe is ...
Feb 07, 2025•36 min
In this raw and honest episode, Katie Brandon Byrne shares the emotional journey of closing her award-winning children's wear brand, Lil and Izzy. From its successful beginnings to the final decision to liquidate, Katie discusses: The warning signs that led to closure The impact of rising costs and market changes Navigating the liquidation process Personal lessons learned from the experience Moving forward with a new business venture Katie Brandon Byrne founded Lil and Izzy, an award winning chi...
Jan 31, 2025•47 min
Join me as I chat with co- founder Roxy Marrone where she shares how her own skincare journey with hormonal acne led to the creation of the brand. eyeam is a community-driven wellness destination on a mission to align your skin with your mind, body, and spirit. Their mission is to bring healing into the world with targeted skincare, supplements and education. While wellness has traditionally separated these fundamental pillars from one another and treated each in isolation, they feel that true w...
Jan 24, 2025•41 min
Join Jasmine & Nicole for an open and honest conversation about starting and growing a brand, securing investment and the process of finding a buyer for the business. In Ep 171 of Start Scale Succeed Jasmine Wicks-Stephens shares the story behind the brand and how it's rapid expansion and success were met with financial and manufacturing challenges and despite backing from Dragons Den she decided to sell the business Faace was born out of Jasmine's extensive industry experience and her perso...
Jan 17, 2025•36 min
Etsy has over 6 Million sellers and about 400 million visitors to the platform each month So as a seller how do you get started and how do you get seen. These are just some of the topics I’m going to be talking about with my guest Dylan Jahraus on todays episode of start scale succeed You can also watch the episode on You tube https://youtu.be/y5rxoH1P5lg Highlights of the episode include Getting started on the platform and where your focus needs to be. Why your etsy sales may be declining and w...
Dec 20, 2024•29 min
"Building Your Brand: Visibility Strategies with Anna Jones What's your why? sometimes this can be a difficult question to answer but one I think is key to understand before you start showing up as the face of your brand. My guest this week Anna Jones - Visibility expert helped make this more accessible by asking yourself what is the impact that you want your product to have on your customer. What do you want it to do for them, this goes much deeper than the features and the benefits of the prod...
Dec 12, 2024•35 min
Todays episode of start scale succeed Nicole is Joined by UK knitwear designer and brand founder Genevieve Sweeney Some of the areas we chat about are Challenges of UK Manufacturing in an industry that is disappearing & her dreams and plans of revitalising the UK knitwear industry. What Genevieve learnt from stepping away from the Fashion Norms when running a fashion business.The power of staying true to your business brand values. Building community through social media and how it has scale...
Dec 05, 2024•24 min
Innovating Period Care with Ruby Raut of Wuka In this inspiring episode, Nicole Higgins sits down with Ruby Raut, the founder of Wuka, a sustainable period product brand on a mission to eradicate period shame and combat period poverty. Join us as Ruby shares her journey from a small village in Nepal to leading a game-changing brand in the UK. With insights into funding, product innovation, and the importance of building a community, this episode is packed with valuable advice for aspiring entrep...
Nov 21, 2024•43 min•Ep. 168
Approximately 29% of entrepreneurs are neurodivergent, revealing a strong link between neurodiversity and entrepreneurial drive. In Ep 167 Nicole Chats with Dr Lauren Breese experienced Clinical Psychologist and founder of & Psychology and Co-founder of The neurodiversity practice along with other co-founders Dr. Siobhan Higgins and Dr Jo Muelller Together, they explore ADHD symptoms, varying diagnoses and tips and strategies for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs. Lauren discusses why awareness a...
Nov 15, 2024•39 min
With Black Friday just around the corner, I know you're probably gearing up for one of the biggest shopping events of the year. To help you navigate this competitive landscape, I'm chatting with Anna Frapwell founder of Neon Digital Clicks and sponsor of the podcast. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the scene, these expert tips are sure to help you crush your sales goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. It's Never Too Late to Prepare Anna emphasises that even if you feel behind, it's never too late to s...
Nov 07, 2024•28 min•Ep. 166
Live shopping is set to hit £5 billion in the UK by 2025 with fashion and beauty being the key categories. But what converts and why should it be part of your marketing strategy. In todays episode of Podcast Start Scale Succeed I'm joined by Macdara Duncan International Director of Live Shopping Platform Sprii. https://sprii.io/ Key Highlights to help you understand what works in Live Shopping are below Authenticity in Content MacDara emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity in live...
Oct 28, 2024•36 min•Ep. 165
