Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Obsessed View, hosted by Charlotte Carter, your go-to resource for product-based business insights. In this episode, Charlotte dives into her personal journey of launching and growing a product-based business, Carter Bags, and provides actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

This podcast is perfect for anyone looking to:

• Launch a product or brand.
• Navigate the complexities of manufacturing and sourcing.
• Build and grow an e-commerce or retail business.

1. Things to consider when starting a product based business
   • Transforming an idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
   • The importance of finding the right people, like designers and sourcing agents.
   • Budgeting realistically: why you should triple your initial cost estimates.
2. Getting your product based business going
   • The significance of marketing ecosystems: from SEO to email automation.
   • Leveraging tools like ChatGPT for planning, research, and strategy.
   • Building your website and attracting traffic through organic and paid methods.
3. How to grow your product based business
   • Why paid advertising (Google Ads, Meta Ads) is essential for scaling.
   • Enhancing customer lifetime value through email automation and upselling.
   • Learning from setbacks and continuously innovating.

4. Charlotte’s Personal Insights:

   • Challenges faced in manufacturing, from sourcing ethical suppliers to handling minimum order quantities.
   • The emotional and professional growth from running a product-based business.
   • How SEO and optimising for terms like “laptop tote bag” transformed Carter Bags' sales.

• Katherine Jones, ThinKWine: Discussing product sourcing and overcoming business challenges.
• Ilya from Codu: Building a product-based business in Ukraine and launching a second successful brand.
• Simon Whitaker, Master Debonair: Balancing online and physical retail stores.
• Bruce Watson, Hoot Sauce: Why he paused a high-sales-volume business.
• Carter Bags Investor: Insights into strategic investments and scaling through smaller production runs.
• Kathryn, Export Specialist: Logistics and launching products in new markets.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Constant Contact, an all-in-one platform for social media scheduling, email marketing, and SEO tools. Perfect for small businesses looking to save time and scale effectively.

In this episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter sits down with Ilya, co-founder of Codu and European Cabinetry, to discuss his journey from launching luxury homeware to creating bespoke flat-pack furniture.

Discover how Ilya and his business partner Marcus:

• Started their ventures with personal savings and a lot of determination
• Navigated the challenges of manufacturing in Ukraine during geopolitical uncertainty
• Balanced wholesale and direct-to-consumer strategies to grow their brands
• Took risks to stand out in competitive markets with unique, high-quality products

Ilya also shares a surprise announcement about his next passion project!

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact.

In the second episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter sits down with Kath Jones, founder of Think Wine, to discuss her incredible entrepreneurial journey. Kath shares her experiences of transitioning from running a service-based business to launching her product-based brand in the competitive wine industry. From navigating sourcing complexities to managing mental health as a business owner, this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

This episode is perfect for anyone looking to:

• Understand the challenges of starting a product-based business in a niche market.
• Learn about the unique hurdles in sourcing and producing in the wine industry.
• Discover effective marketing strategies, including influencer collaborations.
• Gain valuable tips on team management and leadership.

Key Takeaways from Episode 2:

• Kath’s early journey: Starting her first business, Social Nation, at 26 and later launching Think Wine.
• The complexity of sourcing and producing a low-sugar wine that stands out in the market.
• Regrets and lessons learned from launching a product-based business.
• Why mental stability is crucial for entrepreneurs.
• Marketing strategies, from organic growth to leveraging influencer marketing.
• Managing a team with fairness, emotional regulation, and support systems.
• The role of technology in business operations and how Kath relies on her team for tech support.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Personal Touches
• 00:07 – The Journey of Business Ownership
• 03:47 – Challenges of Product-Based Businesses
• 06:34 – Creating Think Wine: The Concept and Market Differentiation
• 09:25 – Sourcing and Production Journey
• 14:43 – Advice for Aspiring Product-Based Entrepreneurs
• 18:44 – Marketing Strategies and Challenges
• 21:50 – Team Management and Leadership
• 31:24 – Tech and Tools for Business Management
• 46:12 – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Constant Contact, the all-in-one platform for social media scheduling, email marketing, and SEO tools. Perfect for small businesses aiming to scale effectively while saving time.

In this episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter speaks with Gurd Singh, founder of the sustainable children’s brand My Little Monsters. Gurd shares his inspiring journey from the world of advertising to becoming a purpose-driven entrepreneur, designing organic children’s products that put the planet — and our kids — first.

From launching during lockdown to fulfilling orders from his loft, Gurd talks candidly about the realities of building a brand rooted in sustainability, without compromising on quality or style. We dive into the challenges of bootstrapping, educating consumers, the pitfalls of marketing budgets, and the mental toll of solo entrepreneurship. But above all, this is a conversation about vision, values, and using business as a force for good.

We also discuss the importance of transparency, packaging innovation, and why Constant Contact’s AI-powered marketing tools are a game-changer for founders like Gurd.

🎙️ Whether you’re a parent, a product-based business owner, or just someone who cares about the future of our planet, this one’s a must-listen.

Big thanks to our sponsor Constant Contact, who make it easy for small businesses to market with confidence. Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk

In this inspiring episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter welcomes back Simon Whitaker, founder of Master Debonair, to reveal his exciting new venture—The Fuelled, a lifestyle-driven specialty coffee brand designed for adventurers, fitness lovers, and anyone fuelled by passion and espresso.

Simon opens up about how his love for coffee, movement, and building authentic brands led him to launch from scratch, using everything from AI tools to smart collaborations to shape his vision. From designing the perfect packaging to setting up subscription models and planning mobile activations, this episode is a deep dive into launching a product that genuinely reflects your lifestyle.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Simon used AI and creative collaboration to build his brand identity

• Why aligning your business with your lifestyle creates long-term resilience

• The importance of starting small, staying lean, and focusing on repeat customers

• Lessons from building Master Debonair and what he’s doing differently this time

• How events, community and content will drive The Fuelled forward

If you're dreaming of launching your own product-based business—or ready for your next chapter—this episode will leave you feeling inspired, energised, and ready to build.

🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact – the all-in-one marketing platform helping small businesses grow with expert tools for email, social, automation and more.

In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter sits down with Simon Whitaker, the founder of Master Debonair, to explore the journey of transforming a passion for men’s styling into a thriving high-street and e-commerce brand.

💡 Key topics covered:

• How Simon’s personal story and family legacy inspired Master Debonair
• The challenges of growing a high-street presence in a tough retail environment
• Crafting an exceptional in-store and online customer experience
• Lessons in leadership, resilience, and adapting to industry changes

Whether you’re in retail, e-commerce, or simply love hearing about unique entrepreneurial journeys, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses thrive with smarter marketing tools.

In this special holiday edition of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter chats with Erika Robinson, UK General Manager of Constant Contact and a successful small business owner. Erika shares her journey of leading the UK launch of Constant Contact while managing her own thriving children’s play centre.

💡 Key takeaways from this episode:

• The unique challenges of running a small business alongside a leadership role
• How Constant Contact supports small businesses with tools like AI-driven marketing and unlimited helpline support
• Tips for delegating and building a strong team to sustain growth
• How customer feedback drives innovation at Constant Contact

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur looking for inspiration and practical advice, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen now: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses thrive with smarter marketing tools.

In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter is joined by international export expert Kathryn Read to delve into the challenges and opportunities of taking your business global.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• How to assess if your business is ready for international exports
• The importance of strategic planning, from budgeting to selecting the right markets
• Key insights into navigating logistics, fulfillment, and marketing localisation
• How to avoid costly mistakes when entering new markets

Whether you’re considering exporting your products overseas or looking to refine your current export strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you succeed globally.

🎧 Listen now to turn your export ambitions into reality: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.

In one of the most powerful episodes of The Obsessed View to date, Charlotte Carter sits down with Connie Hunter, founder of Cinnarollz, for a raw and unfiltered conversation on resilience, rebuilding, and how she turned a creative outlet into a profitable bakery AND just two months after launching.

Connie shares her deeply personal story of growing up in the care system, battling postnatal depression, living with ADHD and dyspraxia, and raising two boys while pursuing education and professional roles against all odds. Now, she’s channelled that journey into Cinnarollz, her growing cinnamon roll brand that’s turning heads (and tempting taste buds).

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Connie launched Cinnarollz and broke even in just 8 weeks

• What motivated her to leave teaching and bet on herself

• How baking became both therapy and a thriving business

• The role of branding, consistency, and authenticity in growing a loyal customer base

• Why showing up—even on the hard days—is the key to small business success

Whether you’re building a brand from scratch or navigating personal hurdles while chasing your goals, Connie’s story is an inspiring reminder that your past doesn’t define your future.

🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk

🎯 This episode is proudly sponsored by Constant Contact – the ultimate all-in-one marketing platform built for small businesses.

From powerful email automation and list segmentation to easy social media scheduling and built-in design tools like Canva, Constant Contact makes professional marketing simple, effective, and affordable. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, it’s like having your own marketing department in your pocket.

💥 Smarter campaigns. Stronger connections. Real results. Start your free trial today: www.constantcontact.com

In this deeply honest episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter is joined by Gareth Jones, founder of Oak Hill Embroidery, who shares his raw and relatable journey of building a business from scratch—and getting it wrong before getting it right.

From the early days of buying printers and vinyl cutters without a plan, to facing family pressure to “get a proper job,” Gareth opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. His turning point came with one embroidery machine, a well-timed acquisition, and a bold no-money-down business deal that saved everything.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why sometimes your first business model isn’t the right one—and how to pivot

• How Gareth used a creative financing strategy to acquire a competitor and 2,000+ customers

• The importance of human connection and customer service in a tech-heavy world

• Real talk on burnout, self-doubt, resilience, and building a life you’re proud of

Whether you’re running a product-based business, thinking about buying one, or just need a reminder that growth takes time, this episode is full of grounded wisdom and inspiration.

🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk Sponsored by Constant Contact – your one-stop marketing platform for small businesses.

In this powerful episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter sits down with Steve Farrell, founder of SYLKA Carpets, the world’s leading faux silk luxury carpet brand.

Steve shares his extraordinary journey—from leaving school at 13 and working labour jobs, to becoming a pioneer in the high-end interiors industry. With clients ranging from Harrods to luxury yachts, Steve has built a global empire rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and relentless work ethic.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Steve turned a hands-on trade into a luxury global business

• Why he developed SYLKA fibre as a sustainable, high-performance alternative to silk and viscose

• What it takes to build long-term relationships with premium interior designers

• How his eco-silk innovation is shaping the future of sustainable luxury

This conversation is a must-listen for product-based business owners, luxury brand builders, and anyone who believes that traditional education isn’t the only path to success.

🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact – your one-stop shop for smarter small business marketing.

The Obsessed View is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs, product-based business owners, and brand builders looking for real, unfiltered conversations about business success, challenges, and reinvention. Hosted by Charlotte Carter, founder of Carter Bags, this show dives into the highs and lows of launching, scaling, and even closing a business—because the reality of entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line.

Each episode features honest conversations with industry leaders, founders, and creatives, sharing the lessons they’ve learned from building brands, navigating setbacks, and finding new opportunities.

In this series, Charlotte speaks with inspiring guests like Dan Plesko, founder of Yr Pod, who shares his raw and personal story of building a successful business, facing unexpected challenges, and ultimately having to make the difficult decision to close his company. Dan’s insights on resilience, business identity, and moving forward after closure offer invaluable takeaways for anyone navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How to successfully launch and grow a product-based business
• Strategies for marketing, lead generation, and brand positioning
• The truth about business closures, resilience, and reinvention
• Lessons from founders who have built (and rebuilt) their businesses from the ground up

🎧 Tune in for no-nonsense advice, inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, and actionable insights to help you build and grow your business. Listen now at TheObsessedView.co.uk.

Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses simplify and scale their marketing with powerful tools.

What happens when you exit a business after nearly 20 years and suddenly have to start over? In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter speaks with Jo Stimson, former Managing Director of Heatmat UK, about her journey from growing and selling a seven-figure business to navigating a completely new career path.

💡 What’s inside this episode:

• How Jo built Heatmat UK into a leading product-based business
• The challenges of selling a company you’ve dedicated decades to
• The reality of starting fresh (and why her first post-exit business didn’t work out)
• Lessons on reinvention, resilience, and rebuilding confidence
• Why she’s now helping other business owners scale and exit successfully

Jo’s honesty about the highs and lows of business ownership is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, product-based business owners, and anyone thinking about exiting their company.

🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.

In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter sits down with copywriting expert Claire Parsons to dive into the real strategy behind launching successful digital products. Claire has built a thriving business over seven years, offering not just copywriting services but also digital resources and courses that have been a massive hit.

💡 Key takeaways from this episode: ✔️ How to research and validate your product idea before launching ✔️ Why your marketing strategy matters just as much as the product itself ✔️ How to segment your email list to target the right audience (and not annoy the rest!) ✔️ The importance of consistency—why one post isn’t enough to make sales

Whether you’re creating an online course, a guide, or any other digital product, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice on how to ensure your launch is a success.

🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses simplify and scale their marketing with powerful tools.

In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter chats with Claire, founder of AJ Activewear (formerly Amazing Jane), about the brand’s inspiring evolution. Claire shares how AJ Activewear has doubled its growth year after year by focusing on customer feedback, product testing, and a mission to empower women in fitness.

💡 Key topics include:

• How AJ Activewear’s testing strategy helped them identify best-selling products like their signature Solsoft leggings
• The shift in women’s fitness habits and its impact on activewear trends
• Lessons learned from scaling production and managing a fast-growing business
• Why empowering women is central to AJ Activewear’s success

Whether you’re in the fitness world or looking to grow a product-based business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.

In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter sits down with Bruce Watson, founder of Feast Alba and the creator of Hoot Sauce, to discuss his journey from premium fire chef to product-based business owner.

Bruce shares the lessons he’s learned in creating a values-driven hot sauce brand, including:

🔥 Why he turned down big contracts with major retailers

💡 How to balance ethical production with profitability

🧠 The importance of testing, scaling smartly, and staying true to your brand’s vision

If you’re a small business owner or thinking about starting a product-based business, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, sustainable growth, and how to turn lessons into future success.

🎧 Listen now: TheObsessedView.co.uk

Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.