Want to start, scale and succeed in your product business? Buying & retail expert Nicole Higgins spent the last 18 years working for companies such as Primark, M&S, Debenhams and Asda, building strategies for blue chip businesses, and increasing bottom line sales and profit. In this weekly business podcast, Nicole is here to empower you to "start, scale and succeed" by providing you with inspiration, motivation and insight from entrepreneurs and experts to help you in the retail industry.This podcast includes tips, tactics and conversations that you can learn from and implement into your own business, from start up entrepreneurs that have just launched to multi million pound businesses. With tips from experts and how to’s to help your business grow to enable you to live the life you crave. From side hustle to stock market and everything in between.Start listening and subscribe now
Christmas 2026 what's trending and how to turn it into sales with Hannah Bartlett
jeudi 24 septembre 2026 • Durée 34:06
In this episode, Nicole and Hannah discuss the evolving trends in Christmas marketing, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior and emotional connections to the holiday season.
They explore how retailers can leverage nostalgia, storytelling, and immersive experiences to engage customers effectively.
Hannah introduces the 'Three P's' —Purpose, Personalization, and Provenance as essential elements for businesses to consider in their strategies. The conversation also highlights the significance of creating memorable retail experiences, whether in physical stores or online, to foster customer loyalty and drive sales during the festive season.
Takeaways
Christmas trends are influenced by consumer emotions and nostalgia.
Retailers need to adapt to the changing buying patterns of consumers.
The 'Christmas creep' phenomenon shows early holiday shopping is on the rise.
Storytelling is a powerful tool in marketing Christmas products.
Purpose, personalization, and provenance are key to product appeal.
Ep 195 Scaling A Global Beauty And Wellness Brand, How Popmask grew 500% in one year
jeudi 17 juillet 2025 • Durée 01:26:18
On this episode of Start Scale Succeed, Nicole chats with Louisa Booth, the inspiring founder behind Pop Mask and Blushing LA.
Louisa shares her entrepreneurial journey from investment banking to bootstrapping and building a global beauty and wellness brand, now found in over 35,000 retail doors worldwide—including CVS, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Superdrug, and Boots.
Nicole and Louisa chat about:
The story behind Louisa’s first product, Pop Band (the hair ties that don’t damage hair), and her accidental pivot into the US market.
How Louisa grew Pop Mask into a brand that brings joy and innovation to everyday essentials—from sleep masks to femcare solutions.
The logistics of scaling internationally: cracking the US market, dealing with retail red tape, vendor setups, and surviving cash flow challenges.
The reality of copycat competitors and how Louisa kept innovating and moving forward.
Product development inspiration—how her own family’s needs and feedback from a multigenerational team drive new ideas.
Navigating tariffs, Trump policies, and the need for dogged focus on margins
The shift to showing up as the face of the brand and connecting with customers on a relatable, human level.
The rollercoaster of founder life: bootstrapping, remortgaging, 18-hour days, pinch-me moments, and finally seeing her products in major UK retailers.
Louisa’s best advice for founders at every stage: trust your instincts, scrutinize every penny spent, focus on margins, and remember—there are no shortcuts in scaling a product business.
Ep 194 Ways To Use AI In Your Product Business With Dean Johnston
jeudi 3 juillet 2025 • Durée 25:19
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 ways to use AI for inventory forecasting, automating reporting, customer service, and content creation
The strengths of custom ChatGPTs for more intuitive, tailored results
EP 193 Launching with Intention: Moonbow’s Journey from Idea to Indie Brand with founders Heather & Dr Felice Chan
jeudi 26 juin 2025 • Durée 44:04
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 skincare brand from scratch
Importance of founder visibility on social media and how to get comfortable with it.
Ep 192 The Easy Way To Launch Into The US Market With Lauren Orlicky
jeudi 26 juin 2025 • Durée 38:47
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 market without the overwhelming red tape of officially setting up a US entity.
- Navigating the US Market as an International SellerLearn about the “international seller” route, a cost-effective and stress-free way to test your brand in the States, requiring only a US EIN (tax number) and a US dollar account—no US bank visits or 54 forms!
- Sales Tax SimplifiedLauren breaks down how sales tax works for international sellers in the US, including navigating threshold laws (known as “nexus”), using tools like TaxJar on Shopify, and the surprisingly simple admin required.
- What Products Are Flying Off Shelves in the US?Discover which UK/EU brands and product categories are resonating with American consumers—
- Why Brand Messaging MattersNicole and Lauren discuss the importance of adapting your brand voice and marketing—Americans love “extra cheese,” and what feels salesy in the UK can truly resonate in the US.
- Compliance, Packaging, and InsuranceIf you’re a food or beauty brand, find out what it takes to meet US compliance, the difference between cosmetic and drug labeling, and how Lauren’s team helps with the complicated world of US product liability insurance.
- The Realistic Path to Success in the USLauren shares honest advice about managing expectations—most brands see true traction in the US after consistent effort for 10 to 12 months. Plus, why starting small, testing, and scaling are the keys to sustainable growth.
Ep 191 The Path To Profit with Petite Fashion Brand The Shortlist founder Laura Derricourt
jeudi 12 juin 2025 • Durée 32:13
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 founder, and building a loyal community.
She also offers hands-on advice for fellow product business entrepreneurs about trusting your instincts, the value of data, and mastering the art of the slow, steady build.
Some of the key topics they talk about are
The Journey from Launch to Profitability
Laura discusses how her initial collections operated at a loss, the strategic decision to move manufacturing from the UK to Poland (and later to other countries), and achieving net profit covering her business’s long-term costs.
Pricing Strategy
Why Laura reduced her price points (nearly 50% from original levels) and how that played into her brand’s position
Building Community & Brand Loyalty
How sharing behind-the-scenes content, leveraging customer stories, and collaborating with diverse content creators have elevated The Shortlist’s brand and broadened its appeal.
Ep 190 Is PR over with journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara Live episode from Top Drawer
vendredi 30 mai 2025 • Durée 36:33
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 converts Where to focus your PR efforts for real visibility Mistakes to avoid (and how to nail those press pitches)
Priscilla looks at every project with a journalist's eye and can help clients with all aspects of their PR and comms needs.
Priscilla is the founder of Top Trick, which is the culmination of years spent in communications and journalism that leaves her quick-thinking, full of ideas, ultra-connected and able to speak the language that each side needs to hear in order to get things moving.
Today, she is relied upon to deliver reputation management for large firms, PR for businesses that can include interior designers, artists, schools, accountants, among many others, and helps everyone find the right kind of PR for them
Ep 189 Crafting tone of voice that sells and inspires with Katie Ramsingh - The Fashion Copywriter
jeudi 22 mai 2025 • Durée 23:18
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 language, and incorporating SEO and AI tools,
Katie provides a expert tips and advice to help you connect, stand out, and drive sales.
Key Topics & Takeaways
What is Tone of Voice, and Why Does it Matter? Katie explains how your brand's tone of voice is the backbone of how you communicate with your customers and present your unique personality.
Defining & Refining Your Brand Voice Learn how to use competitor research, customer reviews, and even Reddit forums to zero in on the language your ideal audience uses and what resonates with them.
Brand Voice vs. Tone of Voice Katie clarifies the distinction: your brand voice is your core personality, while your tone adapts based on context and channel.
Building a Word Bank & Banned Words List Discover why it’s essential to document not just the language you’ll use, but also the words and phrases to avoid for authenticity and consistency.
Sourcing Inspiration Beyond Your Competitors Be inspired by everything from billboards to shampoo bottles — and learn how to borrow elements to create a voice that’s fresh and relatable.
Utilizing AI as a Creative Partner Katie shares how AI can help clarify briefs and spark copywriting ideas, but shouldn’t do the heavy lifting for your final customer-facing content.y.
When to Invest in Professional CopywritingIdeally, before launch, but it’s never too late to redefine your tone of voice and let it influence every element of your messaging—from website to product descriptions.
Ep 188 Turning Personal Frustration Into a Thriving Skincare Brand: Katy Cottam Founder Luna Daily
jeudi 15 mai 2025 • Durée 46:25
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 retail deals, and her passion for changing conversations around women’s health.
Katie also gets candid about what it takes to scale, the importance of building the right team, how authentic influencer relationships powered Luna Daily’s viral moments, and her commitment to fostering a healthy work culture.
Whether you’re launching your own brand or looking for real-world advice on business growth, Katy brings valuable tips, hard-won lessons, and true inspiration.
Katy shares her founder story from the initial investment plan to get the business off the ground to launching in M&S, Sephora and Boots in a record 3 years after Launch.
We chat about
Her funding and investment journey
How she is using influencers to help with the growth of the brand.
Innovation and Product development - focus on improving core products, and continuous innovation on where the gaps are in the industry but still staying true to their core values and mission.
The Retail partnership with Sephora and launching in the US and how that partnership came about.
Why she chose omni channel right from the beginning and how she secured deals with M&S and Boots and how they are building on those partnerships.
Growing the team and her first hires in the business
EP 187 Navigating Anxiety and Overwhelm: Practical Mental Health Tools for Entrepreneurs with Anna Mathur
jeudi 8 mai 2025 • Durée 38:28
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 delayed or avoided difficult conversations on business health. Building esteem around core values to navigate tough situations
Overwhelm and Burnout Among Founders -Recognizing signs of overwhelm Emotional red flags: resentment, snappiness, withdrawing from relationships Practical strategies for managing overwhelm
Addressing Anxiety in Entrepreneurial Life- Relationship between overwhelm and anxiety. Techniques for facing and reducing anxiety
Daily Habits for Mental Health and ResilienceFacing Common Entrepreneurial Fears
Guest Anna Mathur
Psychotherapist and Author
Passionate about taking therapy out of the therapy room Anna Mathur is widely celebrated for her accessible mental health advice and the light- bulb moments which she offers across her platforms.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
- Fulfillment and Logistics Made EasyUS Launchpad provides hands-on, end-to-end support with warehousing, shipping, and even connecting you with US retail buyers—no minimum order volumes needed for US and Europe.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
SEO & AI Optimization musts Get tips on integrating keyword strategy for search engines and AI, avoiding duplicate content, and making each product description unique to boost discoverability and sales.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.
Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.
Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.
At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.
If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck.
Découvrez des podcasts liées à Start Scale Succeed. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !
