HOW TO START UP by FF&M

Samantha Cusick is one of the most recognisable voices in hair & uses podcasting to deepen brand trust, create community, as well as accidentally open doors commercially & position herself as an authority in a crowded market. In this episode, we unpack what podcasting really does for you as an entrepreneur once the mic is live: how it supports the brand, drives opportunity, builds long-term equity & ultimately makes you feel less lonely as a founder.   Keep listening to hear how to use podcasting as a growth lever, not a distraction and what founders should think about before they press record. This conversation explores:  Why Samantha started a podcast despite running multiple salons How long-form podcasting creates deeper connection than short-form social media The realities of podcast growth, sponsorship, and production How podcasting has strengthened her broader business ecosystem Overcoming imposter syndrome as a founder The importance of understanding your numbers and planning properly when starting a business Why founders should “just start” - even without certainty FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

In today’s episode of How To Start Up, I’m joined by Marie du Petit Thouars and Matthew Berkson - the founders and partners behind Maison Louis Marie, the clean luxury fragrance house that blends centuries-old botanical heritage with modern consciousness. We discuss how they turned a personal passion into a global brand while learning to start, scale and stay married along the way. Matt & Marie's advice:  Divide by strength, not ego Respect work ethic above all Align on values and definition of success Create physical and psychological boundaries Trust is the operating system Let go before you burn out Protect the relationship deliberately Say no as you grow FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Today on How To Start Up, I’m joined by Sophie Paterson, founder of the internationally recognised design studio Sophie Paterson Interiors. Since launching her studio in 2008, Sophie has completed over 80 luxury projects worldwide  but it’s her strategic use of social media that transformed her business into the global brand it is today. With more than 1,000,000 followers across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, Sophie has built a loyal international audience, opened doors to collaborations, and attracted clients around the world. Today, she shares how founders can use social platforms not just to showcase their work, but to grow a business, build credibility and reach global customers. In this episode, we cover: When using social media, it’s all about building a community It’s a good idea to share the process - whatever you are producing Be consistent about what you share - so your followers know what to expect Sharing builds trust Be honest: your personal brand is your brand A social media manager will enable you to produce more content and reach more platforms No need to be too polished; be genuine and don’t over-curate Sometimes reveal the bad as well as the good Don’t allow negative content from others to touch you If you’re building a business and questioning how visible you really need to be, this conversation offers reassurance, clarity and practical insight from someone who’s built scale without losing herself in the process. Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Today on How To Start Up, I’m joined by Rhian Stephenson, nutritionist, naturopath and founder of ARTAH, the practitioner-led supplement brand built around a core belief: performance starts with your health. In this episode, Rhian shares the realities of building a company in the wellness space, how to stay healthy while navigating the pressures of entrepreneurship and why understanding your physiology is one of the most powerful business tools you have. Rhian’s advice: Think of yourself as your business’s most important asset Your performance will affect the whole team Your health is vital: try keeping a one-month food/energy log Know that protein is fuel Understand your needs and proactively manage your mind/food/exercise Prioritise and be disciplined about doing what you can in these areas Try having a mentor, like a sports coach, to help you keep improving Being self-employed is both the hardest the most rewarding way of working Fibre (we should all be having 30 gm a day) affects mood, energy and immune systems Female founders have to accept they are cyclical, and that ageing affects oestrogen levels If in any doubt have your hormone levels checked Magnesium aids good sleep Try to speak to other founders Know that constant comparison via social media is simply destructive - try breaks from it Rhian has seen first-hand, both in clinical practice and as a founder herself, how many people push themselves to the point of burnout while building businesses. Her mission with ARTAH is not only to create targeted, science-backed supplements but also to empower people, especially entrepreneurs, to protect their minds and bodies as they grow their careers. FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices. Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Andy Varley started Insanity at just 17 years old & has since grown it into a multifaceted business spanning artist management, brand partnerships, music publishing and content production. Stay tuned to hear Andy’s journey from teenage entrepreneur to leading one of the UK’s most respected entertainment companies. We talk about how to find support when you’re starting out & the lessons he’s learned about staying relevant in an ever-changing media and cultural landscape. FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2026, MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.   Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy found that 96% of UK entrepreneurs admit to ‘bottling up’ the stress of running their business.  So, I wanted to hear from a founder who has cracked the code of productivity. Emily Austen is the founder of leading PR agency EMERGE and the author of SMARTER: 10 lessons for a more productive and less-stressed life, publishing this autumn. Having founded EMERGE in 2012, Emily has navigated entrepreneurship and discovered a tried and tested formula for avoiding unproductive busyness.  Keep listening to hear Emily’s advice on how founders can avoid becoming busy yet unproductive and why tracking your energy rather than your time can help unlock your productivity.  FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Le’Nise Brothers is a leading nutritionist & yoga teacher specialising in women’s health, hormones and the menstrual cycle. Le’Nise’s first book, You Can Have A Better Period, was released in March 2022 and she also hosts the Period Story podcast, breaking taboos around menstrual health, hormones, perimenopause, menopause and beyond.  In today’s episode, Le’Nise shares her advice on working to the rhythms of your body and harnessing the power of the four stages of the menstrual cycle to benefit you both professionally and personally. FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Rachel Harris is passionate about financial well-being & running values-led businesses. Rachel has created a modern, cloud‑focused accountancy & tax advisory firm for both businesses and individuals alongside a platform for business owners to find accessible, consumable, financial education.  Stay tuned to hear Rachel’s advice on the highs and lows of running a business. Why loneliness is something that you should not ignore, what you should ask an accountant when you are vetting your first one, how they can become your business partner, how to manage people within the business...& so much more. FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Daisy Bird, founder of BIRD PR, leads with a deep belief in the power of culture, emotional intelligence & building a people-first business. After 15 years in business, Daisy is cognisant of the investment this takes as well as the invisible skills a founder has to have to make a business succeed with a happy team as well. Stay tuned to hear Daisy’s insights on the emotional undercurrent of running a business, why understanding personalities is non-negotiable in service industries, how she interviews, the value of psychometric testing and why investing in people is the best way to future proof your business. FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Eshita Kabra-Davies is the founder & CEO of By Rotation. Eshita founded the platform in 2019 to challenge the notion that ownership was not the only way to consume and enjoy fashion. Since then, she has successfully built a very strong personal/professional profile internationally alongside her business.  Keep listening to hear Eshita’s advice on why to question what to put out there in terms of professional and personal self, and why it is important to consider the platform context. FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience & the Head of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford as well as the author of Life Time explains why a good night’s sleep is so important, as well as what ‘good’ means to an individual, plus how to balance your sleep schedule with building your business.  FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, we hear from physio, Tim Blakey, creator of PRIME BODY.  Born from his own health and fitness challenges and overcoming training injuries, Tim combines corrective work with strength training to optimise body composition and combat body betrayal.  Tim shares his perspective on why founder mobility is so important to incorporate from the beginning, why to prioritise resistance training over cardio and why it can actually be a great investment in your overall business to look after your mobility. FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Jenna Hope, registered nutritionist and founder of Jenna Hope Nutrition helps implement beneficial nutrition strategies, through a combination of talks, presentations and workshops, to improve people’s well being, productivity, sleep, stress management and mental health.  FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Jamie Clements, founder of The Breath Space: using breathing techniques to overcome anxiety and panic attacks, Jamie discovered the extensive benefits of breathwork for improving physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.  FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

As a workplace stress and burnout prevention consultant, Nina Nesdoly, Nina shares her advice on maintaining a work/life balance, identifying stress triggers and techniques for relieving stress.  If you’d like to contact Nina, you can reach her at contact@workplaceclarity.com FF&M enables you to own your own PR & podcasts.  Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 Fallow, Field & Mason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link  Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, I’m joined by Broadcaster & Mental Health Ambassador, Matt Johnson for a grounded, practical conversation about letting go of archetypes and expectations and instead getting honest about who you are, where your patterns come from, and how to forgive yourself and start again with intention.  We talk about purpose, motivation and self-doubt, why kindness to yourself is not optional, and how - particularly if you’re self-employed - you can create your own validation. Matt shares practical ways to regulate your mental health, from journalling and movement to breathwork, meditation, nature and switching off screens, and why being proactive with these tools doesn’t just prevent burnout, but makes life easier and happier overall. Matt's advice:  Don’t be concerned with archetypes, be what you want to be Face up to what you are - and work out why, where things come from Then forgive yourself Start again: what do you want? Try to be more purposeful, better motivated Ignore the self-doubts and be kind to yourself If you’re self-employed (no appraisal, no Christmas party) try to find substitutes for these things Provide your own validation, remind yourself of your own worth When things don’t work out, don’t always blame yourself Find out how to regulate your mental health, what works for you (journalling/yoga/breathwork/meditation/nature/no screens) Be proactive about using these coping mechanisms Impose boundaries and stick to them (especially with social media) This will a) prevent burnout and b) make life easier and happier! FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Hamish Mackay-Lewis shares his advice on how to understand your imposter syndrome, explains why it is actually an experience rather than a syndrome and some simple things you as a founder can do to manage those sometimes sabotaging thoughts that can come into your head when going out on your own.  Hamish’s advice:  Impostor experience is very common: feelings of inadequacy which can come and go One advantage of these feelings is that you will prepare thoroughly and be highly motivated The disadvantage however can be feeling constantly anxious, doubting yourself It’s important to celebrate yourself, not to constantly compare yourself with others Don’t set yourself unreasonable goals Observe your thoughts; if you are noticing self-doubt, check in with others to get an  objective opinion about your achievements - and trust their opinions Recognise where this self-doubt stems from (often from childhood) and come to terms with this Don’t bury the sadness / frustration / nerves; learn to accept and understand these uncomfortable feelings.  Face up to what is causing them Consciously choose your response to life; practise daily to be in the moment Understand what is important about your business, its bigger purpose, quite apart from any financial rewards Keep a diary to record your satisfactions and frustrations and be attentive to what gives you energy and joy Be kind to yourself; remembering you are not alone with these feelings can give you resilience Accept that you will always have nagging doubts and may never feel good enough; and at the same time recognise that you are, of course, perfectly good enough! If you'd like to contact Hamish you can reach him via hamish@hamishmackaylewis.com FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

As the year draws to a close, many founders feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and stretched thin - while being told to relax, be festive, and switch off, but it isn't always possible.  This trailer introduces How To Start Up’s 12 Days of Christmas mini-series: a calm, practical collection of short episodes designed to support founder health during one of the hardest times of the year. With insights drawn from four years of conversations and over 140 guests, this special edit brings together expert guidance to help founders rest, reset and regain perspective. What this series covers: Imposter syndrome and how to work with it, not against it — with coach Hamish Mackay-Lewis Founder mental health and self-reflection — with Matt Johnson Stress prevention and burnout — with Nina Nesdoly Using breath to regulate your nervous system — with Jamie Clements Nutrition and energy for founders — with Jenna Hope  Mobility, posture, and physical resilience — with Tim Blakey Sleep - with Professor Russell Foster Personal branding boundaries and social media pressure — with Eshita Kabra-Davies Building emotionally intelligent teams — with Daisy Bird Money, cash flow, and the emotional weight of finances — with Rachel Harris Female founder health and working with your cycle — with LeNise Brothers Productivity culture and redefining success — with Emily Austen Each episode is 30 minutes, designed to be easy to take in - whether you’re lying on the sofa, heading out for a quiet walk, or simply needing space to breathe. This is not hustle content. It’s thoughtful, practical support for founders who need care, clarity, and steadiness as 2026 comes into view. 🎧 The 12 Days of Christmas from How To Start Up begins on Christmas Day. Normal programming resumes in January 2026. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, www.fallowfieldmason.com 2025  If you enjoy the series, please rate and review the podcast — it makes a meaningful difference to the show being discovered and helps support its future. Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Today’s episode of How To Start Up dives into the reality of building a business from the ground up or bootstrap, so without investors, without a big marketing budget, and without a safety net. Joining us is Aimee Connolly, Founder and CEO of Sculpted by Aimee and Sculpted: The Academy, the global beauty brand she launched at just 23 in 2016 using the €10,000 she saved from her part-time job. Less than a decade later, Sculpted is a multi-award-winning brand with over 140 products, stocked in nine countries and shipped to 68 markets worldwide - all built from a bootstrapped beginning. In this episode, Aimee shares what it really takes to fund your own idea, stay lean while scaling, and build a global brand by relying on resourcefulness, grit, and an unshakeable belief in your vision. Aimee’s advice: Grasp opportunities when they present themselves When starting up, take each task one at a time and don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by considering the enormity of the whole project Think ahead about a year so that you have resources Be patient, things may grow slowly Always have a grasp of the finances and don’t be afraid to confront the realities of demanding payment Play on your special strengths Show your authenticity by telling your own story Applaud yourself for each win Customer feedback is essential; cultivate a community in your customers (social media/direct messaging) which will help you move forward constructively Take care of yourself: sleep, exercise, diet all support you mentally Aim to have a support network where you can find advice The pros of being boot-strapped are that you are in charge, not just financially But the cons could be that you have fewer contacts and less flexibility financially Take care when picking partners, as although this could be a huge asset, if it were to go wrong it could be very damaging FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices. Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

Today we’re joined by the brilliant Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk, founder of The Women’s Chapter, the UK’s first network for women in business to achieve B Corp certification. Michelle’s journey is an extraordinary example of how a passion project, started on a shoestring as a side hustle, can evolve into a thriving, impact-led portfolio career.  Since launching in 2014, The Women’s Chapter has reached more than 30,000 women through events, thought leadership, membership and pro bono initiatives. Michelle also champions women and girls beyond the community through her work as an ambassador for The King’s Trust Women Supporting Women, a UN Women UK delegate and a council member for Founders4Schools and Maths4Girls. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why a portfolio career is an asset, not a failing, and how to recognise the skills you’ve built across different areas of work  • How to decide whether your passion project should stay a passion or become a commercial venture  • Why community isn’t a “nice to have” but a biological, emotional and strategic necessity  • How small businesses can use sustainability frameworks to drive meaningful impact, even without formal certification  • What Michelle learned from becoming unexpectedly financially exposed and how founders can protect themselves  • Practical ways to combat imposter syndrome using evidence-based techniques  • Why connection lowers cortisol, boosts leadership ability and helps founders make better decisions  • How niching down and staying in your lane creates focus, momentum and clarity  • The role of conversation as a catalyst for collaboration and change  • Networking is a form of self care FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices. Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show