In this first episode of Mum Means Business I share why I'm starting this podcast... and yes, I hit record right after putting the dishwasher on, can you tell I'm new to this?!

Motherhood can be a LOT, so why are so many of us also choosing to build businesses?  Yes we're seeking flexibility, but we’re also craving lives filled with passion, purpose and possibility. Let's do that together!

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Life-Friendly Business Mentor, Erin Thomas Wong, shares her journey navigating motherhood and designing a business around family life. In this episode we discuss the challenges mothers face stepping into entrepreneurship, identity shifts, the importance of self-confidence and community, best practices to avoid burnout and redefining success on your own terms.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling the demands of family and business, this episode is for you!

Conversation Highlights: 09:55 Building a Life-Friendly Business 17:53 Empowering Women in Business 25:04 Redefining Success 30:24 Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance 33:25 The Power of CEO Time 46:00 Self-Validation and Personal Growth

About The Guest: Erin Thomas Wong is a Mum of two who has made a name for herself as the Life-Friendly Business Mentor, helping women build business that support the life they want to live. 

Connect with her on instagram @lifefriendlybiz.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Photographer and creative entrepreneur Kate Rossin shares her powerful story of business resilience. From closing her wedding photography business after her mother’s cancer diagnosis to the letting go of two community art spaces, Kate opens up about the challenges of navigating modern motherhood, grief and the emotional toll of fighting for business survival. This is a raw, honest conversation about creativity, loss and the strength it takes to rebuild.

Conversation Highlights: 05:47 Building Confidence in a Competitive Market 15:40 Navigating Self-Promotion in Photography 18:53 Transitioning from Photography to Community Engagement 22:16 The Impact of Personal Loss on Business Decisions 35:47 The Challenges of Running a Hospitality Business 56:56 Transitioning to New Opportunities 01:02:32 Reflections on Success and Failure

About The Guest: Kate Rossin is a Mum of two, photographer and creative founder who has worn many hats in her career, with a passion for making photography and art more accessible and building creative communities.

Connect with her on instagram @depictphoto.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Caroline Cox shares how she launched a marketing agency with three babies to look after just before the pandemic and went on to build her business through connection and community. We talk motherhood, confidence and the power of real relationships in business.

Conversation Highlights: 05:41 Balancing Motherhood and Business: The Early Days 10:56 Building Relationships: The Key to Success 20:44 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Growth 32:06 Teaching Children About Work and Responsibility 42:57 Identifying Market Gaps and Local Business Needs 46:36 The Importance of Local Community and Brand Awareness

About The Guest: Caroline Cox is a Mum of three and the founder of Caroline Cox Marketing, a thriving digital marketing agency in Nottinghamshire.

Connect with her on instagram @carolinecoxmarketing.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Former teacher Amanda Wrigley shares how motherhood inspired her to launch Live the Beat, a social enterprise connecting generations through music. From care homes to nurseries, Amanda’s mission is creating joyful, purposeful experiences for young and old alike. We talk about the power of music, building a values-led business and why connection across generations matters more than ever.

Conversation Highlights: 22:51 The Power of Music in Early Childhood Development 29:15 Connecting Generations Through Music 43:51 The Importance of Connection and Purpose 49:16 The Power of Shared Vision 52:51 A Royal Invitation to Westminster Abbey 55:08 Inspiring Change Through Intergenerational Practice 58:36 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

About The Guest: Amanda Wrigley is a Mum of two and the founder of Live the Beat, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting generations through the power of music and play.

Connect with her on instagram @livethebeatuk.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Melanie Cooke shares how she’s balancing motherhood, DIY home renovation and life as a content creator while pursuing financial freedom and aiming to be mortgage-free by 40. A joyful, grounded episode full of heart, hustle and home truths!

Conversation Highlights: 03:33 The Positive Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 09:49 The Financial Strategy Behind House Renovations 12:28 Building a Community and Sharing Knowledge 14:16 Personal Growth and Life Goals 23:11 Reclaiming Identity: Getting Your Pink Back 25:38 Fitness Journey: Reclaiming the Body 27:43 Breaking Generational Cycles: Financial Empowerment

About The Guest: Melanie Cooke is a Mum of three, an NHS physiotherapist, DIY renovation queen and the creative force behind Banish the Beige.

Connect with her on instagram @thisismelaniecooke.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week I’m joined by Louise Lynch – teacher, cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist, hypnobirthing practitioner and founder of The Relaxed Mama Club.

Louise is passionate about supporting women through pregnancy, birth and beyond with tools that bring confidence, calm and connection. A mum of two herself, she knows first-hand the challenges of modern motherhood: the pressure to do it all, the impact of social media and the lack of the “village” we were told it takes to raise a child.

Through her work, Louise empowers mothers-to-be with knowledge, taking the mystery (and fear) out of childbirth so women can approach it with strength and self-belief. She shares how she built her brand, why personalised support matters, and the lessons she’s learned about balancing motherhood with business ownership.

Conversation Highlights: ✨ The importance of support for new mothers ✨ Demystifying childbirth through hypnobirthing ✨ Countering the “supermum” myth ✨ Creating a calm, nurturing brand ✨ Transformations she’s witnessed in her clients ✨ The mind-body connection in motherhood ✨ Balancing family life with running a business

If you’re preparing for birth, navigating early motherhood, or simply seeking encouragement to find your calm in the chaos, this conversation is full of wisdom and support.

About the Guest: Louise Lynch is the founder of The Relaxed Mama Club, where she combines yoga, hypnobirthing and hypnotherapy to support women in pregnancy and postpartum. Her mission is to empower mothers-to-be with confidence, knowledge and calm so they can enter motherhood feeling prepared and supported.

Follow Louise on Instagram at @relaxed.mama.club.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week I’m joined by Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein, Co-Founder and CEO of Carea, a femtech startup redefining pregnancy and postpartum care with a mental health first approach.

After graduating from Columbia University, Anastasia built a global career in product management and brand marketing with leadership roles at Bayer Consumer Health and Mastercard. But when she faced fertility struggles, IVF and miscarriage, her path took a deeply personal turn.

Determined to create the support she wished she’d had, Anastasia launched the Carea app: a safe, supportive space for women navigating the emotional complexities of pregnancy and beyond. Instead of focusing solely on clinical milestones, the app centres the wellbeing and mental health of the mother.

Email support@careaapp.com referencing "Mum Means Business" to receive 3 months off Carea's Premium offering!

Conversation Highlights: ✨ The cultural taboos surrounding pregnancy loss ✨ The tension between creativity, ambition and traditional maternal roles ✨ Why community and emotional support are so vital for mothers ✨ Building a femtech startup from lived experience ✨ Trusting that your business idea will come when the timing is right

About the Guest: Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein is Co-Founder and CEO of Carea, a femtech startup reimagining pregnancy and postpartum care with a focus on emotional wellbeing. Drawing on her personal journey into motherhood and her global career background, she is committed to creating compassionate, personalised tools to support women through every stage of their maternity journey.

Follow Anastasia on Instagram at @careaapp.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

From the classroom to the world of digital marketing, Emily Hanson’s story is proof that transferable skills can be the key to building your dream business.

A former teacher and mum of two, Emily is now the founder of Emerlilly Digital, an agency specialising in education, family and children’s brands. What began as freelancing soon grew into a thriving business supported by her husband David and a team of fellow educators-turned-marketers.

In this episode of the Mum Means Business Podcast, Emily shares how her teaching background equipped her for entrepreneurship, the challenges and breakthroughs of freelancing, and the importance of finding freedom and balance as a working mum. We also touch on the challenges of becoming a Mum for the first time during the pandemic, mental health and the courage it takes to pivot careers while raising young children.

Emily’s journey shows us that the skills you already have might be all you need to begin.

Conversation Highlights: ✨ Transitioning from teaching to digital marketing ✨ Launching Emerlilly Digital with a family-focused team ✨ Navigating motherhood and mental health during the pandemic ✨ How freelancing shaped Emily's career journey ✨ Empowering other mothers to find fun and freedom in work

About the Guest: Emily Hanson is the Founder and Director of Emerlilly Digital, a marketing agency specialising in education, family and children’s brands. A former teacher and Mum of two, she’s passionate about helping family-focused businesses and education organisations tell their stories while building a business that reflects her values.

Find out more about Emily’s work on the Emerlilly website or connect with her on Linkedin - Emily Hanson.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened to you?

When Megan Tobler unexpectedly found herself unemployed during pregnancy, she realised her “safe” corporate career wasn’t so safe after all. That moment sparked a complete life pivot - leading her to create Self StartHER, a thriving podcast and online community for ambitious women building businesses around their lives.

Listen in as we talk entrepreneurship, motherhood, self-doubt and redefining success on your own terms.

Conversation Highlights:

02:40 The Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 06:52 Navigating Imposter Syndrome 16:01 The Intersection of Motherhood and Ambition 26:46 The Pressure of Perfectionism in Women 30:41 Building a Supportive Community for Moms 32:58 Redefining Success and Work-Life Balance 41:11 The Journey of Authenticity and Connection 52:08 Lessons from Childhood: Embracing Imperfection

About The Guest: Megan is an entrepreneur, podcast host and founder of the Self StartHER community, dedicated to helping women unapologetically pursue their ambitions.

Connect with her on instagram @selfstart.her.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week I’m joined by Louise McGuill, a former teacher and Mum of two who is taking the brave action to leave an 18 year career in education behind, pursue a new venture in email marketing and design a life she loves.

Louise shares the lessons she’s learned about investing in herself and why email is one of the most powerful tools any business owner can master.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make email marketing work for you or you’re looking for encouragement to take the next step in your business, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Conversation Highlights:

03:37 How Maternity Leave Can Be a Catalyst for Change 14:47 Building a Business: The Leap into Freelancing 19:29 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: The Journey to Confidence 26:51 Investing in Yourself: The Key to Growth 29:16 Balancing Self-Investment and Family Time 43:21 Building Trust Through Email Marketing 49:11 Defining Success in Business and Life

About The Guest: Louise is a copywriter and email marketing specialist who helps service-based entrepreneurs simplify their strategy, build genuine relationships and grow their businesses without relying on the algorithm.

Connect with Louise on Linkedin.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week I’m joined by Ruth Edwards, a trauma-informed somatic coach, brainspotting practitioner and certified hypnotherapist, who made the bold decision in her forties to leave behind her corporate career and start again.

As a single mum of two teenagers, Ruth wanted more freedom and flexibility to be present with her children, while building a heart-led business that helps others heal from the inside out. She now supports clients to overcome anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing and emotional trauma by blending neuroscience, nervous system regulation and deep emotional work.

Ruth’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a career that aligns with your purpose and values - and that betting on yourself is always worth it.

Conversation Highlights: 04:16 Reevaluating Life Choices in Your Forties 09:25 Navigating Single Parenthood While Starting a Business 13:09 Understanding Somatic Healing 15:32 Exploring Brainspotting Therapy 21:09 Nervous System Regulation & Triggers 28:44 Navigating Anxiety in Business & Social Media 34:34 The Importance of Community and Support 48:30 Embracing Change & Starting Again in Your Forties

About The Guest: Ruth is a trauma-informed somatic coach, brainspotting practitioner and certified hypnotherapist who helps women and men reconnect with who they truly are by healing what’s been holding them back.

Connect with Ruth on Instagram or visit her website.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week I’m joined by Kate Stirling – a high-performance strategist, mindset coach, actor, host of the Club Thrive podcast and Mum to a little girl.  With over two decades of coaching experience, Kate’s mission is to encourage women to break free from societal conditioning and rediscover who they truly are.

Diagnosed with ADHD in 2024, Kate now works to better support neurodivergent women, particularly mothers, who are navigating extra layers of challenge in their lives and businesses. She’s also a mum herself and understands first-hand the juggle of parenthood and entrepreneurship.

In this conversation, Kate shares openly about identity, motherhood, creativity, mental health, and what it means to thrive in each season of life.

Conversation Highlights: 10:36 Navigating Societal Expectations and Personal Identity 24:48 Rediscovering Self-Identity Post-Motherhood 26:44 The Role of Exercise in Mental Health 30:27 The Impact of Social Media on Motherhood 38:43 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact 41:52 Rejection Sensitivity and Mental Health 45:30 Finding Fulfilment in Work and Life 47:42 Harnessing Neurodiversity for Success 52:23 Support and Guidance After Diagnosis

Listen if you’re: ✨ A mum navigating identity shifts in motherhood ✨ Curious about ADHD and neurodivergence in business ✨ Seeking ways to thrive instead of just survive ✨ Interested in blending creativity, mindset, and self-care

About the Guest: Kate Stirling is a high-performance strategist, mindset coach, actor, and host of the Club Thrive podcast. She blends tools from fitness, NLP, mindset and creativity to support women in rediscovering who they truly are and building lives that allow them to thrive.

Connect with Kate on Instagram at @katestirling_.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

What’s it really like to freelance with kids in the mix?

Graphic designer, community founder and Mum of two, Frankie Tortora reveals the highs, the lows and the lessons learned along the way.

Frankie shares her lived experience navigating time pressures, setting boundaries and balancing work with parenting. She also reflects on emotional wellbeing, the importance of feeling heard and being amongst other supportive parents who are in the same boat as you!

Conversation Highlights: ✨ The practical challenges of freelancing as a parent, from childcare to financial systems ✨ Why emotional support often matters more than solutions ✨ Setting boundaries between work and life while running your own business ✨ Reflections on confidence, societal expectations, and encouraging young girls ✨ Building community and supporting other parents through shared experiences

About the Guest: Frankie Tortora is the Founder of Doing It For The Kids, an online community for freelance parents trying to make flexible working work. DIFTK won’t teach you how to become a ‘successful’ freelancer or how to find ‘balance’ (what does that even mean?!). There’s no course. No coaching.

It is all about CONNECTION - camaraderie, collaboration, virtual high fives and a lorra, lorra laughs!

You'll find Frankie on Linkedin or instagram and to find out more about her community visit the Doing It For The Kids website.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week, I’m joined by Vicki Knights - a personal branding photographer, visibility strategist, positive psychology practitioner and host of the top-rated Showing Up podcast.

After leaving her corporate career in London to start a family, Vicki built a thriving photography business that has evolved beautifully over the past 17 years - adapting to new seasons of motherhood, creativity and purpose. Today, she helps women step confidently into the spotlight and tell their stories with authenticity and joy.

A passionate advocate of gentle marketing, Vicki believes that success doesn’t come from hustle or comparison - but from growing at your own pace, aligning your business with your values, and showing up in a way that feels good.

💡 “Showing up is not showing off.”

Conversation Highlights: ✨ Leaving the corporate world and building a creative career from scratch ✨ The power of evolution - allowing your business to shift with each life season ✨ How to let go for growth and give yourself permission to pivot ✨ Navigating the changing marketing landscape as a modern entrepreneur ✨ Empowering women through photography, mindset and storytelling ✨ Why small, consistent steps towards visibility can change everything

About The Guest: Vicki is a Surrey-based personal branding photographer, visibility strategist and positive psychology practitioner. She inspires female entrepreneurs to build authentic brands, connect confidently with their audience and grow businesses that feel fulfilling and aligned - not overwhelming.

If you'd like to know more be sure to download Vicki's free Visibility Guide!

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️ I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week I’m joined by Krystle Frey, founder of Pivot Ball Change - a full-service podcast editing agency helping female entrepreneurs amplify their voices and reclaim their time.

Based in Wisconsin, Krystle’s story is one of transformation, resilience and creativity. From professional ballerina to dental hygienist to podcast producer and mum of two, she’s no stranger to a pivot. What began as her own podcast for creative mums during the isolation of the pandemic has grown into a thriving production business and media network supporting women across the world to share their stories with confidence.

In this episode, we talk about how motherhood can awaken a deep craving for creativity and how Krystle turned that longing into a purposeful career. She shares how years of ballet training taught her to embrace rejection, build resilience and take brave action - lessons that now shape the way she runs her business and supports her clients.

💡 “ “No” isn’t a dead end - it’s just a chance to reroute.”

Conversation Highlights: ✨ Finding a new creative identity after motherhood ✨ Building resilience through rejection and learning to take rejection as redirection ✨ How dance taught Krystle the discipline to build a business ✨ The power of female connection and storytelling in the early days of motherhood ✨ Why every woman deserves to feel proud of what she’s creating

About The Guest: Krystle Frey is a Wisconsin-based mum of two and founder of Pivot Ball Change, a podcast production agency designed to help busy female entrepreneurs streamline their content creation. A former professional ballerina turned podcast producer, Krystle brings a unique blend of artistry, structure and empathy to her work - empowering women to share their voices with clarity and confidence.

You'll find Krystle on instagram and to find out more about her community visit the Pivot Ball Change website.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall - an Essex-based academic psychologist, speaker, writer and self-described recovering perfectionist whose work explores the real emotional experience of modern motherhood.

Tuesday has built a deeply engaged online audience by choosing honesty over polish in a space where so many mothers feel pressure to curate perfection. Her work brings compassion and depth to feelings women often keep hidden, helping to reshape how we understand - and talk about - maternal mental health.

Drawing on her doctorate in psychology alongside counselling skills, hypnotherapy, hypnobirthing and postnatal mental health training, Tuesday supports women through identity shifts, big transitions and the unraveling and rebuilding that so often comes with motherhood.

In one of her pinned posts she writes, “I don’t feel guilty about working whilst my children are small. I see my work as the creative rest I need to be the best mother I can be.”

When I first read that, I felt seen - and that ability to articulate what so many women feel but struggle to say out loud is very much Tuesday’s superpower.

In this honest and validating conversation, we explore: ✨ Tuesday’s journey from academia into business ✨ The identity shifts that come with motherhood and matrescence ✨ Why perfectionism can quietly keep women playing small ✨ Redefining work, ambition and success as a mother ✨ The role of social media in shaping how we view motherhood ✨ Why connection - not performance - is the real catalyst for growth

About Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall: Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall is an academic psychologist, speaker and writer whose work focuses on the emotional reality of modern motherhood. Through research-informed insight and deeply human storytelling, she helps women navigate identity shifts, perfectionism and the complexities of combining motherhood with meaningful work.

Known online as Dr Tuesday, she shares unfiltered reflections on family life, mental health and ambition, creating spaces where women feel less alone and more understood. Her work challenges the idea that mothers must have it all figured out and instead invites compassion, flexibility and honesty.

You can find Tuesday via her website or on Instagram at @iamdrtuesday.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

As we look ahead to a new year, this week on Mum Means Business I’m joined by Ruth Ashton - founder of RAPT Movement, a personal training business supporting women to rebuild strength and return to exercise safely in the early season of motherhood.

Movement has always been Ruth’s way of managing life’s demands and reconnecting with herself. But after returning to work as a management consultant following the birth of her first baby, she found that exercise no longer felt straightforward. Physical changes, injury and a lack of time made traditional fitness routines feel unrealistic and often unsafe.

Ruth soon realised she wasn’t alone. Many of her friends felt intimidated by gyms and frustrated by fitness messaging that swung between extreme workouts and gentle stretching, with nothing in between. There was a clear gap in support for women navigating postpartum recovery.

In 2024, Ruth qualified as a personal trainer and fitness instructor and began developing a strength-training approach based on what had actually worked for her during her own postpartum running journey. When an opportunity arose to move to Canada with her husband’s job, it felt like the right moment to step away from consultancy and launch RAPT Movement.

Now based in Toronto, Ruth works with women one-to-one both in person and online, offering simple, home-based strength training sessions that fit into real life. Her philosophy is fitness for life - not about getting your pre-baby body back, but about caring for and celebrating the body you’re in right now.

In this thoughtful and practical conversation, we explore: ✨ Ruth’s journey from management consultancy to launching a postpartum-focused fitness business ✨ Moving countries with a young family and starting a business from scratch ✨ Why postpartum fitness advice often feels too generic or unrealistic ✨ The physical realities of pregnancy, birth and recovery that women are rarely prepared for ✨ How strength training supports long-term health, confidence and resilience ✨ The idea of “snack exercises” and how they fit into everyday life with young children

About Ruth Ashton: Ruth Ashton is a personal trainer, fitness instructor and founder of RAPT Movement, a business dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery and beyond. Drawing on her background in management consultancy and organisational change, Ruth applies the same principles to fitness - small, realistic shifts that lead to lasting habits.

Based in Toronto, Ruth works with women one-to-one both in person and online, offering accessible strength training designed to fit into busy lives. Her work focuses on helping women rebuild confidence, strength and trust in their bodies at every stage of motherhood.

You can find Ruth and learn more about working with her on Instagram at @rapt.runs.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week, I’m joined by Pippa Goulden - PR expert, entrepreneur and founder of The PR Set.

After 15 years working in the world of PR, Pippa saw a gap in the market: small business owners wanted to harness the power of publicity but didn’t know where to start. So, she made it her mission to demystify public relations and help founders, entrepreneurs and start-ups get known for what they do - without big agency fees or insider contacts.

Through The PR Set, Pippa now supports hundreds of women to build their brands, land press coverage, and share their stories with confidence. Her DIY PR members and clients have appeared everywhere - from This Morning and Stylist to top podcasts, industry panels and brand collaborations.

💡 “You don’t need a little black book to make big PR moves - just the confidence to send the email.”

In this dynamic and insightful conversation, we explore: ✨ How motherhood inspired Pippa to build a business on her own terms ✨ The mindset shifts needed to pitch yourself and your story ✨ Overcoming fear and rejection in PR and business ✨ Why small businesses have an advantage when it comes to storytelling ✨ How to make PR about your audience, not your ego ✨ Practical ways to start promoting yourself today - without overwhelm

About Pippa Goulden: Pippa is a PR expert and founder of The PR Set - a community and training hub that empowers small business owners to harness the power of PR. A mum of two, she’s passionate about helping women share their stories confidently, connect with their audience and grow their businesses with authenticity.

🎧 Listen to her podcast PR Made Simple for more tips on building visibility and growing your brand.

Exclusive Offer: Mum Means Business listeners can get 50% off their first month in the DIY PR Membership using code MMB50 at checkout via theprset.com

And in this conversation we also mention Liz Mosley and her 'Rejection Challenge' sticker chart, which you can buy here to join in the fun 😃

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week, I’m joined by Helen Buteux - a specialist children’s occupational therapist with over a decade of experience supporting children and their families.

After years working in the NHS, both clinically and in leadership, Helen now combines her deep understanding of early childhood development with her own experience of matrescence - the powerful and often challenging transformation women go through when becoming mothers.

Through her work and social media content, Becoming a Mummy, Helen helps new mums navigate those early, emotional days of motherhood with confidence, compassion, and clarity. She’s passionate about maternal wellbeing and believes that when mothers are cared for, children thrive too.

💡 “Happy mum, happy baby.”

In this honest and insightful conversation, we explore: ✨ What matrescence really means and how it reshapes identity ✨ Why self-care isn’t selfish, but essential for maternal wellbeing ✨ The science behind early childhood development and emotional regulation ✨ Building resilience and confidence in both mothers and children ✨ Creating supportive communities and finding purpose through motherhood ✨ How Helen balances her business, motherhood and mission to help other women

About Helen Buteux: Helen is a specialist children’s occupational therapist and founder of Becoming a Mummy - a supportive space designed to help mothers navigate matrescence with self-compassion and evidence-based guidance. With two preschoolers at home, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, empowering mums to reconnect with themselves and their children.

Connect with Helen on Instagram at @becoming_a_mummy.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

brings honesty and hope to conversations about healing, self-worth and authenticity. Her work centres on supporting women who, as little girls, were made to feel they were too much and who grew up believing they were never enough.

Charlotte knows this story personally. After years of hiding parts of herself to feel worthy, she began addressing the roots of those patterns and found freedom, safety and self-acceptance. Now, she’s deeply committed to helping women - and the little girls watching them - feel safe to be seen, heard and fully themselves.

By exploring people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-sabotage and visibility struggles, Charlotte reminds us that authenticity isn’t about performing confidence. It’s about feeling safe enough to be who we really are.

In this deeply moving and reflective conversation, we explore: ✨ The roots of people-pleasing and where these behaviours really come from ✨ How perfectionism and anxiety often develop as protective strategies ✨ Why we are not our behaviours — and never were ✨ The role of therapy in healing self-worth and identity wounds ✨ How motherhood can accelerate personal growth and emotional awareness ✨ The power of poetry and creative expression in processing and healing

Charlotte also shares a spoken word piece that captures the emotional heart of this episode — a moment that stayed with me long after we stopped recording.

About Charlotte Bailey: Charlotte Bailey is a trauma-informed psychotherapist, speaker and writer who supports women to reconnect with their authentic selves. Through therapy, mentoring, spoken word and her podcast Let’s Talk People Pleasing, Charlotte helps women understand the origins of people-pleasing, perfectionism and self-abandonment.

Her work is rooted in helping women feel safe to be seen, heard and expressed - not only for themselves, but for the children who are watching and learning from them. Charlotte believes that healing ourselves is one of the most powerful gifts we can give the next generation.

Visit charlotte-bailey.com, listen to Let’s Talk People Pleasing wherever you get your podcasts, or connect with Charlotte on Instagram @charlotte_bailey_therapies or LinkedIn.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Rebecca Hogan - a certified life coach who believes that motherhood is feminism’s unfinished business. Through identity-first coaching, Rebecca helps women clarify their values, vision and boundaries so they can evolve through every stage of womanhood with more ease, joy and confidence.

Rebecca has just published her first book, Me to We: How to Rediscover Yourself and Truly Thrive in Motherhood. It guides readers through the profound identity shift of matrescence, inviting mothers to reconnect with who they are as whole, multi-layered women - not just caregivers managing the many demands of modern family life.

Reflecting on the book she writes, “Me to We was born from my own experience of getting swept up in doing all the things for everyone else when I became a mother. I lost my sense of self, which left me feeling stressed, grumpy and at my worst angry and resentful.”

Her work validates the quiet but universal question so many mothers ask: “What about me?” With Christmas around the corner - a season where mums often carry the emotional and logistical load - this conversation arrives at exactly the right moment.

A compassionate reminder that self-abandonment is not a prerequisite of motherhood.

In this grounding and heartfelt conversation, we explore: ✨ Rebecca’s journey from corporate life to motherhood to becoming a coach ✨ Why balancing career and motherhood is less about strategy and more about mindset ✨ The identity shift of early motherhood and the emotional toll it takes ✨ The importance of community, connection and honest conversations between mothers ✨ Understanding matrescence and why it matters so deeply for our wellbeing ✨ What it means to “mother the mother” and how to cultivate self-compassion ✨ The creative and emotional process behind writing Me to We

About Rebecca Hogan, Life Coach and Author: Rebecca Hogan is a certified life coach, writer and mum of two. She specialises in identity-first coaching, supporting women through the emotional and practical transformations of matrescence. Her work focuses on helping mothers rediscover who they are, set healthy boundaries and find more ease, clarity and self-compassion in daily life.

Her first book, Me to We, explores the identity transformation that happens in motherhood and offers practical tools to help women thrive rather than lose themselves in the process.

Connect with Rebecca on Instagram at @rebeccahogan_ and explore her coaching and resources at rebeccahogancoaching.com.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Priya Velusami - founder of Pri Pri, an independent zero-waste brand transforming preloved saris into colourful handmade pieces.

From homeware and fashion accessories to festive decorations, Pri Pri designs are created in partnership with Animedh Charitable Trust, a women’s charity in Mumbai that supports underprivileged women with valuable skills such as sewing.

Rooted in childhood memories of sewing with her sari-clad grandmother during long summers in India, Priya’s work beautifully blends traditional Indian textiles with contemporary western design. As she says, Pri Pri is about “stitching together the two cultures that have made me.”

As a mum of two, Priya believes success isn’t measured in profit alone. Her business is deeply aligned with her values - sustainability, community, creativity and lifting other women as she climbs.

💡 A heartfelt reminder that the story behind a product is often where the real magic lies.

In this rich and uplifting conversation, we explore: ✨ How Pri Pri evolved from a creative hobby into a thriving product-based business ✨ The impact of the pandemic and the moment Priya realised she had something bigger to build ✨ How she formed ethical partnerships with artisans in India ✨ The beauty, history and sustainability of working with preloved saris ✨ Why storytelling is the most powerful PR tool for small product businesses ✨ How creativity helps us stay grounded while navigating motherhood and growth

About Priya Velusami: Priya Velusami is the founder of Pri Pri, a zero-waste brand transforming preloved saris into colourful homeware, accessories and seasonal pieces. By partnering with Animedh Charitable Trust in Mumbai, Priya’s work empowers women with training in tailoring and provides sustainable income opportunities.

Her designs celebrate Indian heritage, slow fashion and the belief that meaningful purchases connect people to powerful stories. She is passionate about sustainability, creativity and women supporting women.

Explore Pri Pri’s collections at pripri.co.uk and connect with Priya on Instagram at @pripri.co.uk.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Jennifer Wood - a digital marketing, communications and social media expert with over 15 years’ experience leading campaigns across multiple industries.

Alongside her corporate career, Jen has always had a creative side. She shares healthy, family-friendly recipes that help busy mums swap ultra-processed meals for simple, “kid-approved” alternatives.

Earlier this year, she launched The Digital Marketing Mum, drawing on her extensive experience to help small businesses grow through smart storytelling supported by meaningful data and analytics. Today she works as a freelance digital marketer, offering consultancy and hands-on support to businesses across the UK.

A mum to one little girl (and one cat!), wife to a tech-sales bike enthusiast and currently writing her first recipe book, Jen is proudly multi-passionate - embracing the different threads of her life and weaving them into a career that feels authentic, energising and full of purpose.

In this vibrant and honest conversation, we explore: ✨ How Jen transitioned from corporate marketing to launching The Digital Marketing Mum ✨ The power of using “Mum” as part of your business identity ✨ Why motherhood gives women unique and highly transferable skills ✨ The motherhood penalty and how it impacts careers and confidence ✨ Building a values-aligned client base you genuinely enjoy working with ✨ Jen’s journey into recipe development, wellness and multi-passionate living ✨ Why storytelling sits at the heart of good marketing ✨ Overcoming the fear of showing up online ✨ Balancing wellbeing, motherhood and business with honesty and self-awareness

About Jennifer Wood: Jennifer Wood is a digital marketing expert, recipe creator and founder of The Digital Marketing Mum. With over 15 years’ experience in digital communications and brand storytelling, she now supports small businesses across the UK with marketing consultancy, social media strategy and hands-on content creation.

Alongside her marketing work, Jen is passionate about women’s wellness and healthy eating. She shares simple, family-friendly recipes that help mums make nutritious food in a realistic, pressure-free way and is currently writing her first recipe book.

Follow Jen on Instagram at @the.digitalmarketingmum for marketing insights, or @thecleanlifemum for healthy family recipes.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Keeley Bolton - jewellery designer and founder of Moon & Dusk, an indie brand creating delicate, celestial-inspired silver pieces designed to help women reconnect with their sparkle.

After years spent raising her two children at home, Keeley found herself slipping into the identity of being “just” a mum. She began craving a creative outlet that belonged solely to her - something that reawakened her sense of self. Working with silver, shaping metal with her hands and bringing beauty to life, became the spark she didn’t realise she’d been missing.

Inspired by the different seasons of life we all move through, Keeley launched Moon & Dusk from her spare room and has grown it into a thriving small business that fits around family life. Today, she’s passionate about showing other women that it is possible to build something meaningful after motherhood, without losing yourself entirely in the role.

A beautiful reminder that creativity can be a lifeline back to yourself.

In this conversation, we explore: ✨ How Keeley rediscovered herself after years of devoted mothering ✨ The overwhelm of early motherhood and the importance of small pockets of creativity ✨ Why embracing imperfection matters in both parenting and making art ✨ The story behind Moon & Dusk and the celestial themes that inspire her jewellery ✨ How she built a flexible business that fits around family life ✨ The transformative power of creativity, beauty and self-expression

About Keeley Bolton: Keeley Bolton is a jewellery designer and founder of Moon & Dusk, an indie brand creating handcrafted, celestial-inspired silver jewellery that celebrates femininity, identity and the changing seasons of life.

After years as a stay-at-home mum, Keeley rediscovered her creativity through silversmithing and turned her passion into a blossoming business that helps women reconnect with their inner light. She shares her journey openly online, inspiring other mothers to explore their creativity and trust that it’s never too late to begin again.

Follow Keeley on Instagram at @moonanddusk to explore her work and join her creative journey.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week I’m joined by Dr. Natasha Wallace - a clinical psychologist with over 20 years’ experience in the NHS, and founder of Revive Psychological Services.

After the birth of her second child in 2021, Natasha experienced burnout and postnatal depression firsthand. That experience sparked a powerful new mission - to support other women through the emotional and mental challenges of motherhood, helping them rediscover calm, balance and good mental health even in the busiest seasons of life.

Through her work, Natasha combines nervous system regulation, mindset tools and evidence-based strategies to help women move from surviving to thriving. Her holistic approach blends science, compassion and lived experience, helping mothers better understand their emotions, manage stress and reconnect with joy in both parenting and work.

💡 “You are not broken. You just need space, support and time to heal.”

In this important and compassionate conversation, we explore: ✨ How Natasha went from NHS clinical psychologist to founder of Revive Psychological Services ✨ Understanding burnout, postnatal depression and the early warning signs ✨ The impact of stress and dysregulation on health, emotions and parenting ✨ What mum guilt really is and how to reframe it through self-compassion ✨ How nervous system regulation supports calmer, more connected parenting ✨ The importance of talking openly about mental health and reaching out for help

About Dr. Natasha Wallace: Dr. Natasha Wallace is a clinical psychologist, mother of two and founder of Revive Psychological Services. After over two decades in the NHS, she transitioned into private practice following her own experience of burnout and postnatal depression.

Today, she helps women navigate the emotional and mental challenges of motherhood, blending the science of nervous system regulation with practical mindset and lifestyle tools. Her work focuses on empowering women to move from survival mode to thriving - creating calm, connection and joy amidst the chaos of modern motherhood.

Learn more about Natasha’s work at Revive Psychological Services and follow her on Instagram at @drtasha_psychologist.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Natalie Webster - photographer, business mentor and course creator helping female entrepreneurs and mum business owners get more visible and create more freedom in their lives.

After becoming a single mum at 18, Natalie was determined to stand on her own two feet and build a life on her terms. She went on to create a six-figure wedding photography business, but it wasn’t until she launched her first online course that she discovered real freedom - breaking away from the time-for-money exchange and building a business that better supports her lifestyle and family.

Earlier this year, Natalie launched The Rich Life Podcast, where she shares practical steps, mindset shifts and stories from women creating success on their own terms.

💡 “You don’t have to trade time for money forever - you can build a business that works for you.”

In this empowering conversation, we explore: ✨ How Natalie went from single motherhood at 18 to building a six-figure business ✨ What it really looks like to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship ✨ The pivotal mindset shifts that helped her overcome imposter syndrome and fear ✨ Why online courses can unlock freedom and flexibility for mums in business ✨ How cultural conditioning around “hard work” can limit our potential ✨ The importance of investing in yourself and embracing abundance

About Natalie Webster: Natalie Webster is a photographer turned business mentor and course creator dedicated to helping women achieve freedom through visibility, mindset and online education. After building a thriving wedding photography business as a single mum, she now mentors other entrepreneurs on how to turn their expertise into scalable income through courses.

She’s also the host of The Rich Life Podcast, where she shares inspiring stories and actionable strategies to help you design a business - and life - you truly love.

Follow Natalie on Instagram and listen to The Rich Life Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Imogen Partridge - a painter, illustrator and creative workshop host on a mission to make creativity both aspirational and accessible.

After more than a decade in interior design, Imogen took a leap of faith in 2024 and turned her side-hustle illustration business into a full-time creative career. Today, her work blends bespoke commissions, brand collaborations and immersive workshops that encourage others to reconnect with their creative instincts.

Through her art and teaching, both online and in person, Imogen champions creativity as a powerful tool for connection, wellbeing and joy. She’s especially passionate about helping mothers who may have lost touch with that part of themselves through the busyness of everyday life.

💡 “Creativity isn’t a luxury. It isn't something that you tick off your to-do list. It's something that slots in to make you better at your to-do list.”

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, we explore: ✨ How Imogen transitioned from a 13-year career in interior design to running her own illustration business ✨ The mindset shifts that came with motherhood and self-employment ✨ Why creativity is one of the most powerful forms of self-care ✨ The importance of nurturing creativity in education and within our homes ✨ How to overcome creative blocks and rediscover joy in making ✨ Why imperfection, not perfection, is where the magic lies

About Imogen Partridge: Imogen Partridge is a watercolour illustrator, creative workshop host and mother of two, based in the southeast of England. After over a decade in interior design, she turned her passion for painting into a thriving creative business in 2024.

Imogen’s work blends personal commissions, brand collaborations and in-person workshops that celebrate connection and self-expression. Her mission is to make creativity both aspirational and accessible while encouraging others to rediscover the joy of creating.

Connect with Imogen via her website or follow her on Instagram at @imogen.partridge for inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her artwork and upcoming workshops.

The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Amy Grilli - former teacher and co-founder of The Five Hour Club, a growing movement challenging the traditional 9–5 workday and advocating for more realistic, family-friendly ways of working.

After taking five years out of paid employment to care for her children, Amy found herself staring at a large gap in her CV and questioning how it would be received. Her instinct was that being a “full-time parent” would be judged, dismissed or even criticised. So she left the gap unexplained and quietly withdrew, feeling insignificant, undervalued and unsure whether she was still welcome in the professional world.

In frustration, Amy shared her experience on LinkedIn in 2024. The post went viral, resonating with tens of thousands of mothers who felt deeply seen. That response became the catalyst for The Five Hour Club - a professional job board promoting five-hour workdays, alongside a podcast of the same name, all designed to help parents maintain and return to meaningful careers after having children.

What began as a personal moment of vulnerability has grown into a powerful movement. As Amy puts it so simply - 9 to 5 doesn’t work for parents.

In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, we explore: ✨ The emotional impact of stepping away from paid work to raise children ✨ Why returning to work after time out can feel so daunting ✨ The hidden struggles of part-time work and so-called “flexibility” ✨ Balancing careers with school hours and school holidays ✨ How rigid working cultures quietly push mothers out of the workforce ✨ Why flexibility must be a two-way conversation between employers and employees ✨ How the five-hour workday could benefit businesses as well as families ✨ The vision behind The Five Hour Club and its growing global impact

About Amy Grilli: Amy Grilli is a former teacher and co-founder of The Five Hour Club, a global job board and podcast promoting five-hour workdays and flexible roles for parents. Her work is driven by a desire to normalise parenthood in the workplace and challenge outdated assumptions about productivity, commitment and success.

After experiencing first-hand the barriers parents face when trying to return to work, Amy now advocates for systemic change that allows families to thrive - without forcing parents to choose between career and caregiving.

You can learn more about The Five Hour Club by visiting their website, following them on LinkedIn and Instagram, or listening to The Five Hour Club podcast.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by my marvellous coach Teresa Heath-Wareing - an international award-winning TEDx speaker, business strategist and host of the #1 rated Your Dream Business podcast.

Teresa is widely known as the go-to expert for launching and scaling online businesses, specialising in practical growth strategies for course creators, membership owners and coaches. With a degree in marketing and over a decade of experience, she began her business in 2013 as a single mum to her four-year-old daughter.

Since then, Teresa’s business - and life - have evolved dramatically. Alongside growing a globally recognised online brand, she has navigated divorce, solo parenting and a profound shift in her relationship with alcohol, a journey she shares openly on her health podcast Losing Part of Me. Today, her daughter is a teenager, she’s gained two grown-up stepchildren and a “handsome husband”.

In 2024, Teresa launched her signature programme 'Grow Launch Sell', bringing together her depth of experience to help entrepreneurs build profitable online businesses in a way that feels aligned, sustainable and human - moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and towards thoughtful, supported growth.

In this open and generous conversation, we explore: ✨ Teresa’s journey from single parent to building a globally recognised online business ✨ Navigating divorce, motherhood and entrepreneurship at the same time ✨ What it really means to “burn the boats” and fully commit to your business ✨ Why success must be defined personally, not dictated by the online space ✨ Balancing ambition, wellbeing and family life ✨ The power of community, honesty and bespoke support in business growth

About Teresa Heath-Wareing: Teresa Heath-Wareing is a business strategist, TEDx speaker and podcast host specialising in online business growth for course creators, coaches and membership owners. Having started her business as a single mum, Teresa is passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow in ways that feel aligned with their values, lives and energy.

She is the host of Your Dream Business podcast and creator of the Grow Launch Sell programme, supporting business owners to build sustainable success without sacrificing themselves in the process.

You can find Teresa via her website, YouTube channel and on Instagram @teresa_heathwareing.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by actor, voice artist and founder Kate Okello Tarrant, also known as Mrs. OT.

A millennial mum of three boys, Kate has appeared on countless stages across the UK and worked with household names including the BBC and Audible. But when the performance industry paused during lockdown, she began documenting her experience of motherhood online and something powerful happened.

Within weeks, her honest reflections reached tens of thousands of women. The conversations that followed led her to train as a breastfeeding consultant, become a pre and postnatal advocate and create The Mum Retreat - a series of nurturing events centred on maternal mental health and wellbeing.

From intimate candlelit evenings to expert-led workshops, Kate now curates powerful spaces where women can gather, speak honestly and feel seen. Her work is rooted in vulnerability, connection and a belief that there is joy to be found in failing publicly.

💡 “We need to dismantle the societal conditioning that other women are a threat.”

In this energising and deeply honest conversation, we explore: ✨ Kate’s journey from actor to founder of The Mum Retreat ✨ The myth of overnight success and what really happens behind the scenes ✨ Navigating imposter syndrome when stepping into leadership ✨ The social conditioning that teaches women to compete rather than connect ✨ Transforming envy into empowerment ✨ The burden of stoicism in motherhood ✨ Embracing vulnerability online and in real life ✨ Why failure can be a powerful catalyst for growth

We also talk about the scarcity mindset that keeps women playing small and what becomes possible when we actively choose connection over competition - in motherhood, in business and in life.

About Kate Okello Tarrant: Kate Okello Tarrant, also known as Mrs. OT, is an actor, voice artist and founder of The Mum Retreat, a series of maternal wellbeing events designed to create safe, supportive spaces for mothers.

After building an engaged online community during lockdown, Kate expanded her work into breastfeeding consultancy, advocacy and in-person gatherings focused on maternal mental health. She was recently recognised as 'Best Maternal Mental Health & Wellbeing Events UK' at the GHP Women’s Health Awards.

Through her retreats, social media presence and public work, Kate is passionate about helping women feel less alone and more connected.

Visit her website or follow her on Instagram @_mrsot to learn more.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Maria Rush - leadership mentor, speaker and host of the Women Don’t Rush podcast.

For the past 15 years Maria has dedicated her time not only to raising her two children, now teenagers, but to promoting self-leadership, emotional intelligence and solution-based communication in entrepreneurial spaces, state organisations and private businesses.

Maria is fascinated by people. Her work explores how we can communicate and connect more deeply with ourselves and others by becoming more authentic and self-aware. She supports capable, high-achieving women and mothers who, despite outward success, often feel tired, overwhelmed and quietly unfulfilled.

Through her calm and thoughtful framework, Maria helps women uncover the missing link between outer achievement and inner fulfilment.

In this reflective and practical conversation, we explore: ✨ Maria’s transition into motherhood and the identity shifts that followed ✨ Why communication begins with self-reflection ✨ Solution-based communication in parenting and partnerships ✨ Why many high-achieving women feel unfulfilled despite external success ✨ The burden of always being the problem-solver ✨ Emotional intelligence and empathy as foundational leadership skills ✨ Connecting with your inner child to better understand present-day reactions

We also talk honestly about early motherhood, uncomfortable self-awareness and the courage it takes to recognise when our own behaviours may be contributing to the challenges we’re facing.

🎁 Exclusive for Mum Means Business listeners: Use code MMB20 to receive 20% off Maria’s April 2026 cohort of The Connected Leadership Programme.

The programme offers a practical introduction to emotional intelligence and compassionate communication in a small group setting - equipping parents, partners and professionals with tools to strengthen their relationship with themselves and enjoy greater calm and connection.

About Maria Rush: Maria Rush is a leadership mentor, speaker and host of the Women Don’t Rush podcast. She specialises in self-leadership, emotional intelligence and solution-based communication, supporting women who want to experience greater calm, clarity and fulfilment in both their professional and personal lives.

Drawing on her experience as a mother, mentor and entrepreneur, Maria guides high-achieving women to bridge the gap between external success and inner alignment. Her work empowers women to communicate more effectively, articulate their needs with confidence and cultivate deeper connections with themselves and others.

You can connect with Maria via her website, on Instagram, LinkedIn or through her podcast.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

My guest this week is Isabelle Pearcey, founder of Izz Whizz VA, where she helps founders, small teams and legal professionals bring structure, calm and confidence to the way they run their business.

With a background in law, executive support and charity governance, Isabelle has spent years as the unflappable right hand to high-level leaders; quietly building effective systems, leading with empathy and keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes.

After navigating long COVID alongside early motherhood, Isabelle made the courageous transition into entrepreneurship. She built a virtual assistant business rooted in her values of kindness, trust and flexibility - and is now growing a small, trusted team of VAs who want meaningful, family-friendly work.

Her approach to business feels like a breath of fresh air: calm rather than chaos, collaboration rather than control and support instead of silent struggle.

In this honest and reassuring conversation, we explore: ✨ Isabelle’s journey from law and charity governance into entrepreneurship ✨ The impact of long COVID and motherhood on career decisions ✨ Breaking free from the super mum complex ✨ What a virtual assistant actually does and how they support business growth ✨ Building trust and strong working relationships in remote teams ✨ How to prepare your business for outsourcing ✨ Empowering women through flexible, values-led work ✨ Supporting maternal mental health alongside business ambitions

We also talk about resilience, identity shifts and what it really means to invite someone into your world to help carry the load.

About Isabelle Pearcey: Isabelle Pearcey is the founder of Izz Whizz VA, supporting founders, legal professionals and small teams with structure, systems and trusted executive support.

With a background in law, executive assistance and charity governance, Isabelle combines professionalism with empathy — helping business owners feel calm and confident as they grow. She is building a team of skilled virtual assistants who want meaningful, flexible work that aligns with family life.

Through her work and charitable involvement, Isabelle is passionate about empowering women at every stage of motherhood and business.

Connect with Isabelle on LinkedIn and Instagram to find out more about how her team could support you.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Ekaterina Ward - mindset coach and founder of Vivacity, a community supporting female founders aged 40 and over to build vibrant, soul-aligned businesses that support the lives they want to lead.

Ekaterina began her career in teaching before moving into corporate financial services. Eleven years ago, she retrained as a coach and has since worked extensively in corporate and executive coaching. Today, her focus is on supporting mothers in business - helping them grow their income, energy and impact without sacrificing themselves in the process.

A mum to an eleven-year-old daughter, Ekaterina is deeply passionate about challenging the societal expectation that women should shrink as they move through midlife. Instead, she invites women to see this season as one of expansion, power and becoming.

Her work explores the patterns that often guide our behaviour. As she recently shared, some of us are led by the heart, others by fire - but many of us are unconsciously addicted to suffering through overworking, people pleasing, control and self-neglect. Ekaterina’s message is clear: we do not need to suffer in order to grow.

💡 “We do not need to suffer to grow.”

In this deep, reflective and quietly powerful conversation, we explore: ✨ Ekaterina’s transition from corporate life into coaching ✨ Why asking for help is a skill many women struggle to practise ✨ Breaking cycles of suffering and self-sabotage ✨ Fear of success and how it shows up for women in business ✨ Creating ease rather than glorifying struggle ✨ Self-regulation, emotional awareness and the window of tolerance ✨ Reframing midlife as the wise woman’s journey ✨ Navigating perimenopause with honesty, compassion and self-advocacy

We also talk about self-enquiry, identity shifts and what it means to truly come home to yourself - as a woman, a mother and a business owner.

About Ekaterina Ward: Ekaterina Ward is a mindset coach and founder of Vivacity, a community supporting female founders aged 40 and over to build soul-aligned businesses and lives. With a background in teaching, corporate financial services and executive coaching, she brings depth, compassion and strategic clarity to her work.

Ekaterina specialises in supporting mothers in business to grow sustainably, without burnout. Her work challenges outdated narratives around midlife and menopause, reframing them as powerful seasons of self-leadership, honesty and renewal.

You can find Ekaterina on Instagram or LinkedIn, and learn more about her work through Vivacity via her website. You can also download her FREE Midlife Mayhem and Magic Workbook!

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Liz Mosley - graphic designer, Adobe Ambassador, podcast host and public speaker on a mission to help small business owners feel more confident about their branding and marketing.

Liz believes that when branding is not only beautiful but also strategic, it can completely transform how business owners show up. Through her design work, she creates bespoke branding and websites that leave her clients feeling excited, empowered and ready to share what they do with the world.

Alongside client work, Liz has recorded over 200 episodes of her podcast Building Your Brand - all within the constraints of the school day. She’s a mum of two and a passionate champion for small businesses navigating visibility, content creation and sustainable growth.

Liz is also well known for her rejection challenge. In 2023, after recognising how much fear of rejection might be limiting her own business growth, she set herself the goal of collecting 100 professional rejections in six months.

Since then, she’s been openly sharing what she’s learned - helping creatives and business owners see that rejection is a normal, unavoidable and often far less scary part of putting yourself out there.

💡 “Rejection is a normal part of being a creative and a business owner.”

In this honest and encouraging conversation, we explore: ✨ Liz’s journey into entrepreneurship and finding her place in the small business world ✨ Why rejection feels so personal and how to reduce its emotional impact ✨ The origins of the 100 rejections challenge and what Liz has learned so far ✨ Navigating identity shifts through motherhood and business growth ✨ The realities of content creation and how it has evolved over time ✨ What happens when your work goes viral and how to manage the aftermath ✨ Why vulnerability and human connection matter more than perfection

We also talk about trusting your instincts, doing work you genuinely enjoy and why consistency becomes far more sustainable when you stop trying to perform and start being yourself. In this episode Liz mentions a Ted Talk by Jia Jiang entitled "What I learned from 100 days of rejection" which you can watch here.

About Liz Mosley: Liz Mosley is a graphic designer, Adobe Ambassador and host of the podcast Building Your Brand. She specialises in creating strategic branding and websites for small business owners who want to feel confident sharing their work and growing their businesses.

Liz is passionate about helping creatives overcome fear of rejection and build resilience through visibility, experimentation and self-trust. She shares practical marketing advice alongside honest reflections on running a business and navigating motherhood.

You can find Liz on Instagram, via her website or by listening to Building Your Brand 🎧

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Rachael Twumasi-Corson - a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, public speaker and non-executive director.

Rachael founded her first company, Afrocenchix, at just 18 years old and scaled it to international success, raising over $2 million in investment before exiting the business in 2023. An advocate for ethical leadership and powerful storytelling in business, she’s delivered talks for global organisations including Google, Meta and HSBC.

Today, Rachael serves on multiple boards, was recently appointed Vice Chair of British Mensa and is on the cusp of launching her new haircare brand Ayaa Botanicals. She lives in London with her husband and four children.

As a busy Mum, Rachael believes work-life balance is a myth. Instead, she champions the idea of work-life harmony - a more compassionate and realistic way of approaching ambition, family life and personal wellbeing.

As she puts it, balance leads to stress and frustration, while harmony creates freedom.

In this rich and practical conversation, we explore: ✨ Rachael’s journey from teenage founder to scaling and exiting Afrocenchix ✨ The realities of building ambitious businesses alongside family life ✨ Why work-life balance doesn’t exist - and what to aim for instead ✨ How health challenges can reshape priorities and redefine success ✨ Navigating public spaces, expectations and pressure as a working mother ✨ The orchestra metaphor - and why harmony needs both mindset and systems ✨ Rachael’s simple 5-4-3-2-1 method for starting the day with intention ✨ How identity evolves through motherhood, exits and new beginnings

Rachael shares both the mindset shifts and the practical tools that have helped her navigate different seasons - reminding us that when family life feels settled, we can go again and when it doesn’t, stepping back is not failure but part of being human.

During our conversation Rachael also recommends a book called "Coherence" which I can confirm is by Dr. Alan Watkins.

About Rachael Twumasi-Corson: Rachael Twumasi-Corson is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and non-executive director. She is the founder of Afrocenchix, a pioneering haircare brand she scaled globally before exiting in 2023.

Her work focuses on ethical leadership, storytelling and helping others build lives and businesses that feel aligned - rather than perfectly balanced.

She lives in London with her husband and four children and continues to explore new ventures inspired by resilience, lived experience and a commitment to long-term impact.

Learn more about Rachael via her website or connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Emma Zangs is a choreographer, movement and communication coach whose work spans public speaking training, fashion show direction, dance workshops and entrepreneurship education.

Born in France and trained at Trinity Laban in London, she now lives in Norwich with her husband and two young children, coaching entrepreneurs, lecturing at Cass Business School and UCL's Entrepreneurship MSc and training founders to pitch on Dragon's Den.

In 2019, she delivered her TEDx talk We Are All Dancers as part of TEDxWomen, sharing her belief that dance has a unique power to repair and reshape our lives beyond the physical.

In this episode, we explore the profound connection between movement, creativity and mental health and what happens when we stop dancing and what it takes to find our way back.

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ Emma's own journey with dance and movement and how it has shaped her identity, her work and her sense of self

✨ How cultural attitudes towards dance and communication differ and what we lose when we disconnect from physical expression

✨ The role of movement in building genuine connection and community beyond the studio or stage

✨ Navigating rejection and resilience while building a creative business and why persistence looks different in the arts

✨ How motherhood prompted a creative reckoning and led Emma to explore new forms of expression including clowning

✨ The unexpected way that clowning helped Emma move through postnatal depression and shift her relationship with societal expectations of motherhood

✨ Why play is not a luxury for parents but a genuine tool for wellbeing and family connection

✨ The story behind The Playtime Project and how it creates space for parents navigating the emotional complexity of early parenthood

✨ The mind body connection and why making time for movement can be a powerful trigger for mental and emotional uplift

✨ The advice Emma would give her younger self and what it reveals about creative courage and self-belief

About the Guest:

Emma Zangs is a choreographer, movement and communication coach based in Norwich. She works with entrepreneurs and organisations to help people move and communicate with greater confidence, and lectures on entrepreneurship programmes at Cass Business School and UCL.

Her TEDx talk "We Are All Dancers" has reached audiences far beyond the stage, and her community project The Playtime Project supports parents of young children through creativity and shared experience. Emma is a mother of two and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of movement in everyday life.

You can connect with Emma via her website, Instagram or LinkedIn.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Rebecca Cracknell is a coach, mentor and mother of three whose work sits at the intersection of ambition, identity and transformation.

Through her podcast 'A Woman's Guide to Starting Fires', her 1:1 mentoring and intimate group programmes, she invites female entrepreneurs to break free from the shoulds that society has imposed upon them and unlock the most unapologetic visions they have for their lives. In this episode, we explore Rebecca's journey from teacher to entrepreneur, the internal work required to untangle the conditioning that keeps so many women playing small, and what it truly means to go all in on a life and business rooted in purpose.

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ How Rebecca transitioned from teaching into coaching and what that journey taught her about reinvention and resilience

✨ Why moving from content creation to coaching required a fundamental shift in how she showed up online and in her work

✨ Reframing social media as a tool for genuine connection rather than performance and what that shift unlocks for entrepreneurs

✨ The slow burn reality of building a business through social media and why consistency and process matter more than overnight results

✨ How internalised stories and shame quietly shape our ambitions and what it takes to bring them into the light

✨ The relationship between women, money and ambition and why challenging the narratives around all three is essential for business growth

✨ What it means to live in your highest purpose and how small, intentional tasks can connect us back to that sense of meaning

✨ The advice Rebecca would give her younger self and why it speaks directly to every woman who has ever felt held back

About the Guest:

Rebecca Cracknell is a coach, mentor and mother of three who works with women ready to build businesses that genuinely change their lives. Through her podcast A Woman's Guide to Starting Fires, her group programmes and deeply personal coaching experiences, she helps women dismantle internalised shame, unlock their ambition and step into their fullest potential. Her approach is honest, direct and rooted in the belief that every woman has a unique purpose she is meant to bring into the world.

You can connect with Rebecca via Instagram and LinkedIn.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Nicky Denson-Elliott is a professional feminist, community builder, writer, podcaster and mother of two whose work sits at the intersection of feminism, creativity and business.

Through The Wilder Collective, her Wilder:LIVE events and her award-winning podcast Women's Business, she supports female founders, creatives and leaders to own their value, unlearn patriarchal conditioning and build businesses that don't just look good on paper but feel good day to day.

In this episode, we explore the messy middle of entrepreneurship, the transformative power of community and the courage it takes to build something that truly aligns with who you are becoming - a conversation that will resonate deeply with any woman navigating motherhood, ambition and identity.

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ The leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship and navigating the uncertainty that comes with it

✨ How motherhood, guilt and mental health intersect with the pressure to succeed in business

✨ The journey of building and eventually stepping away from Wilder Ones clothing brand

✨ Transitioning into podcasting and the freedom that comes from following a new direction

✨ Why embracing failure is essential to business growth and personal evolution

✨ Breaking the silence around money, gender and the conditioning that keeps women small

✨ Reparenting yourself and developing emotional intelligence as an adult

✨ The impact of societal expectations on women's ambition and sense of self-worth

✨ How aging brings wisdom, clarity and permission to prioritise what truly matters

✨ The power of community in moving from floundering to momentum

✨ Aligning past experiences with current goals to create a sense of purpose and direction

About the Guest:

Nicky Denson-Elliott is a community builder, podcaster, founder of The Wilder Collective and all round champion of women.

Through her work, she helps women unlearn the patriarchy's tricks, communicate with purpose and build businesses rooted in fulfilment rather than external validation. Her podcast Women's Business has won awards for its honest, insightful conversations with female founders and creatives. Nicky is a mother of two and believes that happiness and alignment are worthy ambitions in business and in life.

You can follow Nicky and connect with her work on Instagram, Substack and LinkedIn.

About The Host: I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Charlotte Vincent is a branding designer and founder of Rose Studio, a creative studio based in Auckland, New Zealand that helps female-led businesses create premium, strategy-backed brands that attract their dream clients.

What began as early morning design sessions stolen between the demands of family life has grown into a full-scale creative business, built intentionally around motherhood rather than in spite of it.

A mother of three navigating the particular joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability, Charlotte brings both creative expertise and hard-won personal insight to everything she builds. In this episode, we explore her journey from those first quiet hours at the desk to founding Rose Studio, and what it truly means to design a business that supports your life rather than consuming it.

💡 "Once I designed my business to support my life, everything became more sustainable. Motherhood sharpened my decision-making, boundaries and focus. I waste less time and trust myself more." - Charlotte Vincent

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ How Charlotte's business began with early morning design sessions as a busy mother and the slow, intentional journey from those first hours to founding Rose Studio

✨ The decision to start a business and what motherhood clarified about the kind of work she wanted to do and the life she wanted to build around it

✨ Life as a family in Thailand and how that chapter shaped her perspective on flexibility, identity and what it means to build a life outside the familiar

✨ The impact of the pandemic on family dynamics and how navigating that period of upheaval accelerated her transition into entrepreneurship

✨ The honest challenges of returning to work after maternity leave and adjusting to shifting roles between partners as life and business evolve

✨ Why investing in a business coach was a turning point and what that outside perspective unlocked for her clarity, confidence and direction

✨ How caring for a child with a disability has sharpened her decision-making, deepened her boundaries and reshaped her understanding of what really matters in business and in life

✨ The shift from measuring success by external markers to redefining it in her own terms, season by season, as a mother and as a founder

✨ Why giving herself permission to build slowly and sustainably was not a compromise but the foundation everything else was built on

✨ What she would say to any mother at the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey who is wondering whether the timing will ever feel right

About the Guest:

Charlotte Vincent is a branding designer and the founder of Rose Studio, a creative studio based in Auckland, New Zealand. She works with female-led businesses to create premium, strategy-backed brands that are built to attract dream clients and support long term growth.

A mother of three, Charlotte has built her business slowly and intentionally around family life, including the particular joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability. Her story is one of patience, clarity and the quiet power of building something sustainable.

You can connect with Charlotte via Instagram or the Rose Studio website.

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Fiorenza Rossini is a coach, founder of INNOW and host of The Belonging Project podcast.

Having begun building her coaching practice in 2016 alongside a career in investment banking, the birth of her first child brought the clarity she needed to make a change. Today she supports driven professional women who find themselves at a similar pivot point in early motherhood — helping them navigate change, redefine ambition and make sense of a season of life in which their capacity looks genuinely different.

In this episode, we explore the identity shift that motherhood brings, the quiet but powerful feeling of no longer belonging in the world you once inhabited and what it takes to find your place again. It is a conversation about coaching, community and the transformative power of putting yourself in rooms with people who truly understand.

💡 "There is no shame in asking for help. Put yourself in rooms with other people who have travelled or are travelling the same path as you." - Fiorenza Rossini

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ Fiorenza's journey from investment banking to coaching and the moment the birth of her first child made the path forward undeniable

✨ The identity shift of early motherhood and the disorienting sense that the world is carrying on without you while you nest at home with your baby

✨ How belonging — or the absence of it — shapes the experience of new motherhood and why so many women feel lost at this particular pivot point

✨ The pandemic as a catalyst for change and how it accelerated Fiorenza's clarity about the work she was meant to do and the women she was meant to support

✨ Finding her niche in coaching parents through the transition between early parenthood and returning to work and why that specific season matters so much

✨ What coaching actually is, why it is so often misunderstood and the very real value it can add when you are trying to get clear on what you want and what comes next

✨ The challenges faced by new mothers returning to work and how systems that were not designed with them in mind make an already complex transition even harder

✨ The Belonging Project podcast and why Fiorenza felt called to explore identity and belonging in life and work through long form conversation

✨ Why asking for help and putting yourself in rooms with people who truly understand your experience is one of the most powerful things you can do in this season

✨ Reflections on childhood, curiosity and what revisiting our earliest selves can reveal about who we are and what we are here to do

About the Guest:

Fiorenza Rossini is the founder of INNOW and a coach for driven professional women navigating the identity shifts and ambition recalibration that come with early motherhood. With a background in investment banking and almost a decade of coaching experience, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work supporting parents as they find their place between the worlds of family and work.

She is also the host of The Belonging Project podcast, which explores identity and what it means to belong in life and work. Fiorenza is a mother of two, raising her children in a cross-cultural family.

You can connect with Fiorenza via the INNOW website, on Instagram or Linkedin.

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Kristin Longacre is a Meta Ads Expert and Facebook Blueprint Certified strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, the last decade of which has been laser-focused on Facebook and Instagram advertising.

Having managed six figure ad budgets for everyone from Fortune 500 companies to small business owners running their very first campaigns, she knows just about everything there is to know inside Ads Manager. But it was the small business owners getting lost in the shuffle that ultimately changed the direction of her work.

In this episode, Kristin shares her journey from corporate digital marketing to small business coaching and makes a compelling case for why Meta ads are far more accessible than most people think and why growing your email list while you are on the school run is not just possible, it is entirely within reach.

💡 "We can always make more money, but we cannot make more time with our kids!" - Kristin Longacre

Sign up for Kristin's next Facebook Ad Basics: The Beginner Bootcamp!

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ How Kristin made the shift from managing large corporate ad budgets to working with female small business owners and what that transition revealed about where the real need lay

✨ Why Meta ads are far more accessible and cost effective for small businesses than most people realise and what holds so many owners back from giving them a try

✨ The tech overwhelm that stops small business owners in their tracks and how Kristin's Power Hour approach demystifies the process step by step

✨ How automation through Meta ads supports busy mothers in business by generating leads and growing email lists without requiring constant hands-on time and energy

✨ Using the data from paid ads to inform and sharpen your organic content strategy and why the two work better together than most people think

✨ The importance of consistent ad spend for giving Meta's algorithm enough information to learn, optimise and deliver better results over time

✨ Why testing different creatives and hooks matters and the surprising discovery that simple, unpolished ads often outperform highly produced ones

✨ The pivoting point of running a gluten-free business and what that unexpected chapter taught Kristin about trusting her gut and knowing when to change direction

✨ How pausing and reflecting in business - rather than constantly pushing forward - can be the most clarifying and productive move you make

✨ Kristin's practical advice for small business owners who are curious about Meta ads but have no idea where to begin

About the Guest:

Kristin Longacre is a Meta Ads Expert and Facebook Blueprint Certified strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital marketing.

Through her Meta Ads Power Hour programme, she works with female small business owners in the UK to help them run simple, effective ad campaigns without needing a large budget or a technical background. A mum of two, Kristin is passionate about helping women grow their businesses in a way that works around their lives rather than consuming them.

You can connect with Kristin via the No Fuss Ads website or on Instagram.

Sign up for Kristin's next Facebook Ad Basics: The Beginner Bootcamp!

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Rebecca Taylor is the co-founder of Mums Who Build, a growing community on a mission to close the gender wealth gap that widens even further in motherhood.

Known affectionately as the MOB, the community helps ambitious mothers take charge of their finances, grow their wealth and design a life that allows them to mother exactly as they choose.

Together with her co-founder Georgie, Bex brings her own story to the movement they are building - one shaped by the moments that made clear just how important financial independence is for women and for mothers in particular.

In this episode, we explore what motivated Bex to co-found the MOB, the reality of navigating identity, ambition and money anxiety in motherhood and why getting in the arena - even with just £5 a week - might be the most powerful move a mother in business can make.

💡 "Motherhood is the time to own your ambition, invest in your growth, thrive in your business and design a life that means you can parent as you want to."

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ The story behind Mums Who Build, what motivated Bex and Georgie to create the MOB and the gap in the market they were determined to fill

✨ How motherhood reshapes identity, ambition and relationship with work, and why navigating those shifts in isolation makes them so much harder

✨ Why community and peer support are not nice-to-haves but genuine accelerators for mothers figuring out their next move in business and in life

✨ The gender wealth gap and why it widens specifically in motherhood, and what women can do to start closing it for themselves

✨ Moving from a time for money model to building sustainable income and the mindset shifts required to make that transition

✨ The gender investment gap, the barriers that keep women on the sidelines of investing and why starting small — even just £5 a week — is enough to begin building financial confidence

✨ How societal expectations and the politics of parenting quietly shape the financial decisions mothers make and the ambitions they allow themselves to hold

✨ Why financial independence matters more than ever when you are a mother and what it makes possible beyond the bank balance

✨ Rediscovering self-worth after the identity upheaval of motherhood and how the MOB creates space for that process to unfold in community

✨ The advice Bex would give her younger self and what it reveals about money, ambition and the importance of getting in the arena sooner

About the Guest:

Rebecca Taylor is the co-founder of Mums Who Build, a community and movement dedicated to closing the gender wealth gap in motherhood.

Known as the MOB, the community connects ambitious mothers with the tools, resources and peer support they need to take charge of their finances and grow their wealth. Alongside her co-founder Georgie, Bex is building a space where mothers can align their work, their wellbeing and their money in a way that truly supports the life they want to live. The MOB App launched earlier this year, bringing that mission directly to the women who need it most.

You can find Bex and the Mums Who Build community via their website and Instagram or connect with her on Linkedin.

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Kasia Bromley is the co-founder and brand director of ACAI Outdoorwear, a performance-led, style-driven brand redefining the outdoor experience for women.

Her path to building a multi-million pound global brand began in the rarefied world of high fashion, where she hand-crafted the iconic Butterfly Dress at Alexander McQueen. But it was designing for real women, not runways, that truly captured her imagination.

Frustrated by the outdoor industry's habit of simply shrinking and pinking women's gear, she and her husband Joe invested their house deposit to co-found ACAI in 2016 — five months pregnant and facing financial uncertainty.

In this episode, Kasia shares the story behind that leap, what it has taken to scale a business while raising three children and why finding a purpose that fuels you is the most important foundation any business can be built on.

💡 "Find a purpose that fuels you and build a business that you love living in. If you love it you'll never struggle with motivation." — Kasia Bromley

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ Kasia's journey from hand-crafting couture at Alexander McQueen to co-founding a brand built by women, for women, and the realisation that ignited the shift

✨ The frustration with the outdoor industry's approach to women's clothing and how that frustration became the creative and commercial foundation of ACAI

✨ How Kasia and her husband Joe launched the brand five months into her pregnancy, investing their house deposit and backing themselves when the stakes could not have been higher

✨ The story of the Skinny Outdoor Trouser, why it resonated so deeply with women and what its success revealed about a gap the industry had long ignored

✨ The reality of navigating early motherhood alongside the demands of a rapidly scaling business and the honest cost that places on sleep, rest and the nervous system

✨ Why Kasia chose to view entrepreneurship not as a sacrifice but as a necessity, and how that reframe sustained her through the hardest seasons of growth

✨ The impact of building a business on her children and why modelling purpose, passion and resilience is one of the most valuable gifts a mother can give

✨ How she approaches building confidence in her children through the same values that have shaped her business: curiosity, persistence and a willingness to learn from mistakes

✨ The question she returns to again and again when the hours are long and progress feels slow: am I enjoying this, is this still fun?

About the Guest:

Kasia Bromley is the co-founder and brand director of ACAI Outdoorwear, a multi-million pound global brand making the outdoors more inclusive, representative and boldly female.

With a background in high fashion and a career that began at Alexander McQueen, she brings a rare combination of creative vision and commercial drive to everything she builds.

A mother of three, Kasia is as passionate about reshaping outdoor culture as she is about raising children who are curious, confident and unafraid to take up space.

You can find Kasia at @kasiabromley on Instagram or explore the full collection at acaioutdoorwear.com.

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Barbara Nixon is a success coach, award-winning speaker, author and leadership consultant with over 30 years of experience in people development.

As the founder of Smash Your Own Ceiling, she works with ambitious business owners to help them remove the internal blocks holding them back - self-doubt, fear of failure, imposter syndrome and the habit of saying yes when every instinct is telling them to say no.

In this episode, we explore Barbara's own journey from employee to entrepreneur, the unlearning that came with it and the powerful practice of pausing and playing your way through uncertainty. It is a conversation about intuition, self-leadership and what it truly means to create space for yourself as a leader, a mother and a woman in business.

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ Barbara's journey into entrepreneurship and the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose

✨ The transition from employee to business owner and the professional norms she had to unlearn before she could truly find her way

✨ How she navigated the tension between building a business and being present as a parent and what she discovered along the way

✨ Why pausing is not a sign of weakness but one of the most powerful and strategic things a business owner can do

✨ The year of yes - how saying yes to joy, exploration and curiosity became the unexpected path back to clarity and direction

✨ How trusting your intuition and following what lights you up can quietly realign you with your purpose when logic alone cannot

✨ The concept of creating a pocket of air and why carving out genuine space for yourself is not a luxury but a leadership essential

✨ Why putting yourself at the top of the list as a leader is not selfish but sensible, strategic and deeply necessary

✨ How play and experimentation can dissolve the paralysis of not knowing what comes next and open unexpected doors

✨ What redefining leadership looks like for women and why the most powerful version of it is rooted in compassion, presence and self-knowledge

About the Guest:

Barbara Nixon is a success coach, award-winning speaker, author and leadership consultant with over 30 years of experience in people development.

She works with ambitious business owners to help them remove the internal blocks holding them back and step into the leaders they are meant to be. She is also host of the 'Smash Your Own Ceiling' podcast, co-owner of a Yorkshire coffee roastery, a wife, a mum and stepmum to four grown up children and proud owner of a dog called Nellie.

You can connect with Barbara via her website, LinkedIn or Instagram.

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Yinka Ewuola is a multi-award winning business strategist, mindset coach, TEDx speaker and founder of Calla Success Systems. A mother of three who exited the corporate world at the start of her motherhood journey, she helps ambitious women create wealth both within and through their businesses by concentrating on what matters most: cashflow and strategy for the business, and mindset and habits for the business owner.

In this episode, we explore the true nature of money, the layers of patriarchal and societal conditioning that keep women financially small and why making an audacious amount of money is not just a personal ambition but a powerful act of service. It is a conversation about identity, pricing, permission and the decision that changes everything.

💡 "My business is successful because I am a mother, not in spite of motherhood." — Yinka Ewuola

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ Yinka's annus horribilis — the year that brought grief, redundancy, her mother's cancer diagnosis and the birth of her first child — and how that season of challenge forged the foundations of everything she has built since

✨ Why money is only 5% financial and 95% story, belief, energy, emotion, identity and relationship, and what that means for women who have been told they are not good with numbers

✨ The layers of patriarchal, religious and societal conditioning that have deliberately shrouded the true nature of money from women and why dismantling those layers is an act of personal and collective power

✨ Why women are whole-brained and collaborative by nature and how that positions them to be extraordinary with money once they understand what money actually is

✨ The problem with charging your worth and why anchoring your prices to the transformation your offer creates — rather than your fluctuating sense of self — is the shift that changes everything

✨ How Yinka built a seven figure business without a website and what that reveals about the difference between creating genuine cashflow and performing legitimacy

✨ Why underpricing is not humility but a decision to ask your children to pay instead of your clients, and the moment that reframing changed everything

✨ The three pillars of sustainable change in business and in life: mindset, skillset and habits, and why you cannot out-mindset a lack of skillset

✨ What her eight year old self taught her about stubbornness, perfectionism and the superpowers hidden inside the traits we were told off for as children

About the Guest:

Yinka Ewuola is a multi-award winning business strategist, mindset coach and TEDx speaker and the founder of Calla Success Systems. With a background in investment banking and economics, she spent years unlearning what finance had taught her and rebuilding her relationship with money from the ground up. She now works with ambitious women to help them create wealth through a combination of cashflow strategy, identity work and habit design. A mother of three, Yinka is on a mission to put more money into the hands of more women - because when women have more money, the world gets better for everyone.

Connect with Yinka via LinkedIn or Instagram and be sure to watch her TEDx talk: Power, Lies & The Truth About Love.

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Sarah Collins is a media trainer and communication coach with two decades of experience in television production, including roles at ITV Daytime and ITN. Having spent her career shaping stories and crafting interviews that connected with millions, she retrained as a coach and discovered a striking gap on the other side of the fence - thought leaders and business owners with brilliant ideas and fascinating stories were shrinking in the spotlight, held back by mindset blocks, perfectionist tendencies and a fear of being seen.

In this episode, we explore why clarity comes before confidence, how to overcome the visibility fears that keep so many women from sharing their message and what it truly takes to find your voice as a business owner and mother. Sarah has offered Mum Means Business listeners a Free 5-Minute Camera Confidence Audio to listen to next time you're about to speak about who you are and what you do.

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ Sarah's two decades in television production and what working at ITV Daytime and ITN taught her about the power of story and authentic communication

✨ The missing piece she discovered when she retrained as a coach and why so many brilliant business owners struggle to translate their expertise into confident, clear moments in the spotlight

✨ Why clarity comes before confidence and how getting clear on your story and your value is the essential first step to speaking with impact

✨ The mindset blocks, perfectionist tendencies and visibility fears that hold women back from sharing their message and how to begin dismantling them

✨ How to answer the question "what do you do?" with confidence and why this seemingly simple moment is where so many business owners stumble

✨ The role of practice in building communication confidence and why stumbling is not failure but an essential part of the process

✨ What media training actually involves and how it translates beyond television interviews into everyday visibility as an entrepreneur

✨ Sarah's own journey from profound shyness to media trainer and the self-belief it took to claim that transformation as part of her story

About the Guest:

Sarah Collins is a media trainer and communication coach who helps ambitious female business owners overcome visibility fears and speak with confidence and impact. Drawing on twenty years of experience in television production at ITV Daytime and ITN, she brings a rare blend of media insight and coaching expertise to her work. Sarah is a mother of two and a living example that shyness is not a fixed identity but a starting point from which extraordinary things can grow.

You can connect with Sarah via her website or Instagram.

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Katie Elliott, known professionally as HR Katie, is a human resources expert supporting startups and scale-ups with the people side of running a business.

With over 15 years of HR experience and 11 years of motherhood behind her, she has come to understand that leading a team and raising small humans have more in common than most people expect.

In this episode, we explore the human side of HR, the surprising parallels between parenting and people management and what it really means to show up as a whole person in business, even when life feels hard. It's a conversation about instinct, resilience, financial independence and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when professional and personal worlds collide.

In this conversation, we explore:

✨ How Katie took the leap from employment to entrepreneurship without a business plan and built a thriving practice by trusting her instincts and listening to her clients

✨ The specific HR challenges that small businesses and one-woman bands face when they begin to grow and why specialist support can make all the difference

✨ Why personal connection is at the heart of effective HR and how that sets small business support apart from the corporate model

✨ Navigating conflict resolution in small teams and the delicate balance between professional boundaries and human understanding

✨ The striking overlaps between parenting and managing employees and what each teaches us about the other

✨ What to consider before hiring your first employee and why onboarding is one of the most important investments a growing business can make

✨ The relationship between financial independence, financial literacy and the confidence to keep going when life gets hard

✨ Why life and business are not separate entities for mothers and how drawing strength from both can carry us through our most challenging seasons

About the Guest:

Katie Elliott is an HR specialist and founder of HR Katie, supporting startups and scale-ups with practical, honest people management advice. With over 15 years of experience in human resources, she helps business owners navigate team growth, conflict resolution, onboarding and the everyday complexity of leading people well. A mother of two, Katie brings both professional expertise and genuine warmth to her work and is a passionate advocate for showing up as a whole person in business.

You can connect with Katie via her website, Instagram or LinkedIn.

About The Host:

I’m Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, analogue family photographer, personal brand photographer, educator, charity co-founder, marketer and now podcaster! 🎙️

I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!

I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.

Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoriaphippsmbe or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.

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