Explore every episode of the podcast Perls of Wisdom

Most business stories skip the part that actually matters.

You hear about the exits, the millions, and the overnight success moments. 

What you rarely hear about is everything in between. The mistakes, the setbacks and the moments where you question whether you can keep going.

This is that part.

In this solo episode, I share the real story behind building my skincare brand from £1,000 and an idea during lockdown to a seven-figure business. Not just the wins, but the messy middle that shaped everything.

I talk about:

•  Losing my corporate job and starting from scratch 
•  Building a brand from my parents’ kitchen 
•  The mistakes I made early on (and what they taught me) 
•  Legal challenges and lessons I learned the hard way 
•  Pop-ups that did not go to plan 
•  The rebrand that forced me to rethink everything 
•  The unexpected opportunities that came from building a personal brand 
•  Why resilience matters more than talent 
•  The mindset that helped me keep going when things felt hard 

This episode is also the introduction to The Messy Middle season, where I will be speaking to founders who are in the thick of building their businesses. Not the ones who already made it, but the ones figuring it out in real time.

Because that is where the real lessons live.

If you are building something of your own, feeling behind, or wondering if you are doing it right, this episode is for you.

Because the truth is: you are probably closer than you think.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you follow Perls of Wisdom, so you never miss a conversation about what it really takes to build a business.

This podcast is all about the messy middle. The part nobody talks about. The lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs that happen while you are still figuring it out.

If this episode helped you, I would love it if you could share it with a founder friend or tag me on social media so I can see you are listening.

You can find me here:
 Instagram: @itsisobelperl
LinkedIn: Isobel Perl
YouTube: Isobel Perl
Website: perlsinbusiness.com

If there is a founder you would love me to interview, or a topic you want covered, send me a message. I read more than you would think.

And remember:

You do not need to feel ready; you just need to decide to start.

Love Isobel x