In this eighteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Kate Parslow; a warm, thoughtful interior designer based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Kate’s journey into business is rooted in a lifelong love of creating spaces that feel personal and full of soul. It all started with a doll’s house her dad made her when she was ten — a moment that sparked her obsession with homes that truly reflect the people who live in them.

After a detour in her twenties, it was a conversation with a friend at forty that gave her the final nudge to pursue interior design for real. Since then, Kate has built a business grounded in curiosity, kindness, and creativity — blending vintage, inherited and new pieces to create homes that aren’t about perfection, but about personality.

In this gentle, reflective episode, Kate talks about building a business later in life, navigating imposter syndrome, and the real power of our environments to impact how we feel day to day. She also shares honest advice for anyone wanting to make a change — no matter what age or stage you’re at.

We chat about letting go of pressure, trusting your instincts, and creating a business that truly feels like your kind of success.

If you’ve ever felt behind, questioned your path, or needed a reminder that there’s no deadline on following your passion — this episode is for you.

00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:15 – Childhood inspirations: the dollhouse story 05:30 – Overcoming doubts and training in interior design 10:45 – The turning point at 40 15:00 – Starting her business and juggling family life 20:30 – A transformative client story 30:00 – How home design can support wellbeing 35:45 – Managing imposter syndrome 40:00 – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 45:30 – What “my kind of business” means to Kate

✦ The story behind a creative career change at 40 ✦ How childhood passions can shape your future ✦ The emotional impact of thoughtful home design ✦ Honest talk about imposter syndrome and self-trust ✦ Encouragement to start, no matter where you’re at

🌐 Website: @kparslowinteriors

📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this seventeenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Elena – a creative and multi-passionate business owner who runs not one but two unique businesses: a keepsake sewing business and a candy floss venture.

Elena’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t planned – in fact, she calls herself an accidental business owner. After working night shifts in police custody and navigating life as a busy mum, she began sewing meaningful keepsakes for her children and friends. What started as a creative outlet soon grew into a word-of-mouth business. Then came her second venture – a colourful, joy-filled candy floss business inspired by her own sweet tooth and love of celebration.

In this honest and down-to-earth chat, Elena shares what it’s really like to manage multiple businesses while also prioritising rest, growth and family. She talks about the joy of building something her way, the importance of personal development, and why she’s learning to say “no” in order to protect her energy.

We chat about the mindset shifts needed to grow as a business owner, the power of building slowly, and how letting go of pressure can be the best business move you ever make.

If you’re multi-passionate, managing lots of moving parts, or dreaming of starting something of your own, this episode is full of gentle encouragement, creative inspiration and practical wisdom.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction 01:07 – Eleanor’s early career in police custody 02:00 – How her sewing business began by accident 03:45 – Starting her candy floss business 05:30 – Balancing both businesses 07:15 – How personal growth supports business growth 09:00 – Challenges and learning to outsource 11:00 – Finding work-life balance and protecting energy 12:30 – Advice for those thinking of starting a business

What to Expect

✦ A creative and unfiltered look at juggling two small businesses ✦ The value of starting small and growing through word of mouth ✦ Honest insights into boundaries, burnout and business evolution ✦ Tips on time management, outsourcing and staying grounded ✦ Why it’s okay (and necessary) to do things differently

Connect with Eleanor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaterialgirl_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaterialG/?locale=en_GB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candycloudsfloss/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candycloudscart?locale=en_GB

Connect with Alex 📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this sixteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Helen Scotchford, Founder of The Face Therapist – an advanced skincare clinic based in Marston Moretaine, Central Bedfordshire.

Helen’s journey into entrepreneurship started after years of struggling with her own skin issues and a deep passion for skincare. While still working in her corporate job she began studying skincare and slowly built the foundations of her business.

Her decision to step into business came during a huge life shift - becoming a mother - and since then she’s been navigating the ever-evolving balance of growing a business and raising her young family.

In this honest conversation Helen shares the highs and lows of building her business from scratch. She reflects on leaving the security of employment, working through her inner critic, and staying focused on her purpose - helping others regain their confidence through skincare.

We chat about the behind-the-scenes of running a service-led business, the reality of slow, steady growth, and why connection and trust are the heart of everything Helen does. She also opens up about motherhood, boundaries and the courage it takes to back yourself through every season of life.

If you’ve ever felt the pull towards starting something of your own, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom and gentle encouragement.

00:00 – How Helen’s passion for skincare began 08:30 – Transitioning from corporate to business ownership 17:05 – Balancing business with motherhood 23:59 – Challenges, self-doubt, and the inner critic 29:00 – Advice for those considering starting a business

✦ A down-to-earth look at starting a service-based business ✦ The power of passion and purpose in shaping your work ✦ Honest reflections on motherhood and entrepreneurship ✦ Tips on building confidence and trusting yourself ✦ How slow, steady growth can lead to deep fulfilment

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefacetherapistuk/

Website: https://www.thefacetherapistuk.com/

Bookings: https://www.fresha.com/a/the-face-therapist-marston-moretaine-uk-reynes-close-wsntamjh/booking?menu=true

📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com