Lounging with The Lasses

Sadly we lost this amazing woman recently after her incredible fight against stage 4 bowel cancer. This is our tribute to you Paula from all the lasses in the lounge.

Today I am lounging with the very uplifting lady that is Paula Fowler. Paula and I met a long time ago as colleagues at a corporate bank in a fast paced call centre environment. We chat today about how our lives have completely changed directions and how we are now living our reasons for being here. Paula has an open and honest outlook on how she is currently living with stage 4 bowel cancer. The way she talks about the importance of time and how she is carefully making plans to leave legacy being for her family is truly inspirational. From walks on the beach to chats about the afterlife and beyond, come and listen to Paula's story.

I now believe 100% that RESILIENCE is one of the most important factors to build into your self development to help you be successful in business.

Listen to why and how I am often called out as being resilient and then listen to how I went into absolute shock at the weekend because of my daft bengal cat!

Today I am lounging with the beautiful soul Nicki Barron owner of Pretty Busy Blooms a creative floral business in Chester-Le-Street.

I absolutely loved this interview with Nicki as its filled with wise words, essential life experiences and all the realness we all love about the Northern Lass Lounge.

I'm sure many of you will resonate with this episode as Nicki talks about her packed household of 4 kids, hubby and new puppy and it absolutely showcases everything we all go through as small business owners.

At the end of the day we all have one common goal - working towards achieving true happiness!

Listen out for when Nicki has an epiphany about her Toppa Token - it's mint

Lasses you CANNOT be everywhere at once on social media. I have tried it and failed many many times. My businesses are probably still split a bit more than I would deem as 'manageable'....HOWEVER (and this is mega important) I have a team of 11 which I have built up and trusted and grown for 3 years.

Today I'm lounging with Sarah Dibb owner of Noah's Art a beautiful small craft business born from a passion to start crafting during an extremely anxious time when her unborn child was diagnosed with Zellwegger syndrome.

Having made the tough decision to carry on with the pregnancy after nurses advised against it Sarah started to make things to 'keep her sane'

10yrs on Noah's Art is a successful small business and Sarah is the proud mam of two perfectly healthy boys!

Having also being diagnosed with fibromyalgia Sarah has gone on to create a chronic pain support group for her local area where she has successfully been awarded funding for her community project.

Quite simply lasses.... could you run your business with your other half?

For you singletons out there - have you ever ran a business with your other half or experienced working with them?

Listen to why I am leaning towards the CONS when it comes to attempting to work with Gaz Dicko my fella.... and how he tried to apologise by wearing a ghillie suit

Let me know in the Q&A your thoughts!

I'd love to hear how small gestures of kindness have made an impact on you.

Yesterday I didn't realise how much a small act of giving can make a whole lot of difference to people.

Let me know in the Q&A how a small kind gesture has made the biggest impact on you or someone else in the workplace.

Out NOW Brand New episode of Lounging with the Lasses podcast with Naomi White owner of Bee Gifted a craft and gift business in Manchester

Go back and catch up on over 150 episodes with our incredible female business owners being interviewed by Kylie Dixon founder of The Northern Lass Lounge Female Business Support Community on Facebook

Today I'm lounging with Naomi White owner of Bee Gifted a personalised gift and craft business grown from her little Hive studio in the back garden of her home in the heart of Manchester

After a terrible accident in 2019 which left Naomi with a crushed ankle she used her love of craft to settle her mind during her recovery whilst wondering how she was ever going to go back to child minding.

Fast forward 12 months after trying out every craft imaginable alongside learning to walk again Naomi was in a position to set up her business.

Naomi has invested so much time and energy into developing not only her business but herself, and her story today is a prime example of how working on your confidence will have incredible impacts on your success.

Iv just whacked Lewis Capaldi's Scottish heed on my vision board and removed Sara Davies! ...ooops

In today's miniSode I'm celebrating all the lasses who have joined us in various vision board workshops around our key cities. We have had such a hoot and it has been inspiring to see you all visualise your dreams.

Out NOW Brand New episode of Lounging with the Lasses podcast with Carrie McGovern author of the 'Hello' series of contemporary romance books.

Go back and catch up on over 150 episodes with our incredible female business owners being interviewed by Kylie Dixon founder of The Northern Lass Lounge Female Business Support Community on Facebook

Today I'm lounging with Carrie McGovern author of the 'Hello' contemporary romance series set in the North of England.

Carrie chats with Kylie today about her surprisingly recent foray into writing and becoming a published author after she finally found a way to escape the personal anxieties she was dealing with. Trying her best to be the most supportive mam for her son during a difficult time at school Carrie went on to write her first novel Hello Happiness, speedily followed by Hello Mr Beckett and soon to be released Hello Handsome.

Carrie's books have become fast firm favourites of the lounge lasses with their ease, simplistic realism and of course a little bit of filth thrown in!

Stop apologising for the state of your house lasses!

In today's miniSode I'm choosing fun over house renovations and me and Gaz have decided that the windows can be replaced when they are physically falling out.

And a new door is NOT going on my vision board.

Out NOW Brand New episode of Lounging with the Lasses podcast with Laura Brunton founder of Totally You and THE business coach for vibrant women

Go back and catch up on over 150 episodes with our incredible female business owners being interviewed by Kylie Dixon founder of The Northern Lass Lounge Female Business Support Community on Facebook

Today I am lounging with Laura Brunton and absolute legend who is the founder of Totally You and is known on LinkedIn as THE business coach for vibrant women growing businesses they love.

Laura was one of the first people who took a chance on my 'winging it' ways when I first started dabbling on LinkedIn. With over 10,000 followers and a bad ass presence like nothing I have seen I was blown away at how authentically Laura went out of her way to connect with me on a social media platform.

After a few conversations and an invite to one of her incredible Super-Connector sessions we quickly realised we were from very similar backgrounds, had similar stories and being from the same area in the Northeast of England have actually been out for a pint together!

Laura is an absolute force to be reckoned with and shouts loudly and proudly about the power of bringing incredible women together. With her no bullshit approach I instantly warmed to her voice of passion you simply cannot turn away from.

Buckle up lasses cos this is a smasher!

Welcome to the first MiniSode of Season 5! This is where I share the weekly crazy life behind the scenes of me, the Lounge & my magical authory life.....as well as the mad craic that goes on in the Dicko household!

Today I am sharing the power of trusting your gut, manifestation and surrounding yourself with the right people to bring more joy to your life and as many others as you can.

Lasses we made it again and after 3 years of lounging with us we have reached season 5 of our amazing podcast Lounging with the Lasses!

I want to thank all of our listeners who have been with us from day one and who continue to support these amazing business owners on their journey through self employment, self belief and confidence building.

This platform was created for lasses like YOU who want to turn their little idea into a viable business and bring in the income to help you look after your families.

Born from our amazing facebook community The Northern Lass Lounge we are so proud of everything we have achieved in the 3 short years to get to this point. This episode dives straight in as always covering some of the milestones and dizzy heights we have reached in 2023 as well as how I have personally struggled with some changes in my own health and mindset, become so much more self aware and continue to throw in some mad ideas that we seem to pull of every single time.

If Lounging with the Lasses makes you feel like you can really make a go of this idea you have had sitting about for a while then thats my job done. You can go back and binge over 150 episodes NOW

'There's power in connecting with people who are going through similar things.'

After experiencing her own issues with women's health needs after a hysterectomy, Suzanne struggled to find relevant support - so she became it!

Still continuing to find a gaps in support for women, Suzanne evolves her skillset and her business to ensure women are not left alone with their real and valid needs.

However, working from home was often isolating - especially after doing a full time job.

Enter The Northern Lass Lounge.

With a need to face her own fears, come hear how 'Kylie's energy' and the support of the lasses who 'keep you going' help Suzanne thrive in herself as she supports other women in a variety of ways.

Find Suzanne here:

https://www.facebook.com/suzannebarbour75

https://www.instagram.com/barbourcoaching

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196966466282871/

In this special 'bookysode' Lozza interviews fellow Lounge Legend, Angela 'Lavericko' Laverick.

Angela discusses her confidence growth and the importance of making connections - no matter who you are or what type of business you have.

Never mind wearing pink on Wednesdays, every day we wear burgundy as Angela tells us "the Lounge is the opposite of Mean Girls" and thats how the confidence and connections within the Lounge thrive!

Come and hear how Angela has used all of her previous experiences to create a business she loves - and is loved by others - and how finding the Lounge has inspired her to inspire others, as they face their fears and develop their confidences together.

Listen to Angela here:

Find a right way for you… if you know your stuff, you’ll do it

After working for high end salons in her ‘dream job’ of hairdressing, Dawn Newton knew she wanted to work freelance with her own hair dressing business and it all clicked in to place when she found that one significant piece of equipment…. and the Northern Lass Lounge. 

Describing the Lounge as ‘unbelievable’ with a group of lasses who have ‘got your back’ in this bookysode, Dawn shares how she now manages TWO successful, vastly different businesses and family life - still with time to look quirky and fabulous - and shares how the Lounge and the Next Level Training Suite have equipped her with skills and validated her daily actions for success. 

Think you can’t start and be successful in your own business? Come and hear Dawn tell you how you can!

'The Northern Lass Lounge is like a giant blanket around your shoulders that comforts you’

This is how Paula Fowler describes the Lounge and if anyone could be excused for getting under a blanket and staying there, it’d be her. That’s not how Paula rolls and with the help of #LassesWhoLounge, she found a new purpose in the face of adversity. 

Listen to how Paula went from high flying team leader in a bank to author and more all whilst living day to day with illness.

From Starbucks barista to queen of her own publishing empire, Alexa Whitten got out of her own way to carve her career with purpose.

Single with a small child, Alexa bet on herself when she decided to walk away from a steady income and start her own business. 

How? By being the best Starbucks barista anyone has ever seen!

This one’s about coffee and books so cozy up and listen to Alexa’s story, advice and how this could be you too! 

Burned out, no passion for what she was doing and trying to please everyone Jo knew something had to change. 

Propelled into the Lounge during a break, Jo found her people and her fire reignited. 

With determination making up for a lack of confidence, Jo faked it until she made it - and made it she has! 

A walking epitome of what it means to be a member of the Northern Lass Lounge - when Jo says ‘the lounge is part of her’ she means it. 

Listen to her story and how the Lounge has changed everything for Jo in this latest bookysode… and find out what had the Lounge Ledges blubbering!

From being unable to read a book and listen to the radio, to a successful business woman, author and live radio guest!

Come hear how Sarah re-wrote her story and became a lass who did and now DOES!

Lins Nicholson is the lass who will never know how good she is because it doesn’t matter… she never stops learning and growing and showing up for herself, her family and her community.

Is it always the easy? Absolutely not! 

Is it worth it? Lins will tell you herself, it really, really is! 

Juggling social anxiety, a dependent son and a baking business that she’s taken from her kitchen to her very own cafe, listen how Lins had used the Northern Lass Lounge to not only survive, but thrive!

In our first ever Bookysode of this special edition series of Lounging with the Lasses podcast I interview The Gaffer AKA Kylie Dixon the lass who set this lounge up!

As well as finding out today how this incredible support community for female business women was created we also chat about the challenges Kylie goes through on a daily basis which we can all relate to.

There are some JUICY top tips about marketing yourself online, not taking yourself too seriously and the absolute MUST DO's for anyone starting out in business online.

Woah lasses what is going on here! Well we thought why the heck don't we bring an extra special series of Lounging with the lasses over to the podcast! Lauran Maclennan here AKA Lozza Mac and I have decided to bring you all the first ever Northern Lass Lounge Book! This is something I have been planning for some time and now I am ready to bring this to the world with the help of you lushies!

Every week I will be interviewing one of our lounge lasses, delving into why they do what they do, what makes them tick and the ups and downs of running a small business. These inspirational stories will then be taken into book format, meaning the lounge can bring you THE business book for lasses like us.

So come and join me as I work through the process of finding the most inspiring lasses to have some craic with! I am literally buzzing for this because being so far away in Qatar with my family, I rarely get a chance to sit and chat with any of you. This is now my time to get to know you all on a deeper level and help bring everyone the JUICE from your amazing stories.

Tune in every Sunday if podcasting is your choice of learning, listening or watching when a new episode will drop at 6pm

OUT NOW Brand New episode of Lounging with the Lasses podcast with Nicola Jayne Little from MINT Business Club

Go back and catch up on over 100 episodes with our incredible female business owners all with inspiring stories to tell

Lasses we end this season with an epic finale for you all! If you want to learn what it takes to grow your business for longevity then THIS is the episode for you.....

Because today I am lounging with local business legend Nicola Jayne Little - it's that MINT wifey, founder and owner of MINT Business Club. YES! you heard it 2 lasses who 'should' be complete rivals, in the same room chatting community, collaboration and our views on a competitor mindset and how it can seriously hold you back.

Nic has an incredible business background and every answer today is packed with experience, support, wisdom, motivation and passion.

We chat about challenges in running memberships, taking a giant leap into setting up a premises and a very important discussion about neurodiverse ways of thinking including Nic's own personal story of being diagnosed with ADHD. 

Today's mini episode topic is all about whether we lose our confidence or sense of 'daring' the older we get. Kylie chats about having to have a beer to get on a ferris wheel, clinging on for dear life as a passenger driver AND how legendary her mam is at going on rollercoasters.

OUT NOW Brand New episode of Lounging with the Lasses podcast with Suzanne Barbour Menopause Mentor

Go back and catch up on over 100 episodes with our incredible female business owners all with inspiring stories to tell

Today I'm lounging with my very own fanjita fairy Godmother Suzanne Barbour. I gave her this title after she swept into my life and got me on the path of understanding what on earth was going on with my body that was effecting me in ways I had never experienced.

Hello peri-menopause!

As the owner of Suzanne Barbour Coaching, Suzanne has been the catalyst for lots of menopause and hormone success stories in the lounge and is an advocate of demonstrating how talking openly and honestly about menopause MUST continue to happen.

After being diagnosed with cervical cancer Suzanne was forced into early menopause which pushed her to make some significant lifestyle changes alongside the challenges of a divorce. From all of these lived experiences a real passion was born.

Suzanne Barbour tells us how she mastered her menopause and so can you!

OUT NOW Brand New episode of Lounging with the Lasses podcast with Janine Carden owner of Cheshire Bath Boutique

Go back and catch up on over 100 episodes with our incredible female business owners all with inspiring stories to tell

Today I'm lounging with Janine Carden owner of Cheshire Bath Boutique a small business specialising in funky and quirky bath and shower products. Since taking a huge leap of faith from her role in the 999 fire service Janine has created something truly unique and special which captures every part of her fun and energetic personality.

The moment you see Cheshire Bath on your socials it instantly pops from the page in a splash of colour and vibrancy which attracts fun loving families and children. In her own words Janine 'Get's kids to wash' and we chat today about her journey into transitioning from a full time secure job on the frontline to the uncertain world of self employment.

The important message from Janine's interview today is how she is now experiencing the satisfaction of realising how living each day to the fullest without having to chase a dream is actually all we may every need.

Hoe do you feel when you hear someone say 'Well isn't it about time you got a REAL job?' Listen to Kylie today as she talks about a recent family challenge which has set the tongues wagging again.

Remember to join in with the Q&A which you will find in the show notes of Spotify. Kylie and the team enjoy using your answers for stories, content and a bit of craic!

Hot of the press! - we are now looking for your stories to share on our podcast episodes so please email Kylie at northernlasslounge@gmail.com with any situations or stories you have encountered which you feel are worth a bit a juicy mention. The team will be discussing your stories on various platforms so look out for the following:

OUT NOW Brand New episode of Lounging with the Lasses podcast with Heather Harker-Smith owner of Alice Elizabeth Bridal

Go back and catch up on over 100 episodes with our incredible female business owners all with inspiring stories to tell

Today I am lounging with Heather Harker-Smith owner of Alice Elizabeth Bridal, a bridal boutique based in Coxhoe Durham. From chatting about how she was awe struck when she first set eyes on Princess Diana's wedding dress in real life to how her own life experiences have shaped who she is today, you are going to love Heather for her straight talking no nonsense approach. From sadly losing her beloved Dad, dealing with a marriage breakdown and being left alone with 4 children to more recently managing and understanding her ADHD diagnosis, Heather is able to articulate all of this trauma in a way which will inspire anyone who listens. Heather is a beautiful down to earth soul and I cannot wait for you to hear how she has been knocked down time and time again but gotten back up stronger and more driven each time. We talk about how she has shaped her life into exactly what she wants it to be through the ups and the downs and you may just find out about an exciting new adventure she is about to embark on as a life coach.

It has been an eventful week and it has made me think about how we all decide whether we have a day off to rest or not! - please join in with the Q&A and discuss!

OUT NOW Brand New episode of Lounging with the Lasses podcast with Amber Lea Watt Independent Scenty Consultant and manager of Watt's Whiff's

Go back and catch up on over 90 episodes with our incredible female business owners all with inspiring stories to tell

Today I am lounging with Amber Lea Watt and this was a toughy! You will sense how much I get lost in my train of thought at the beginning when Amber Lea starts to share some of the most traumatic family experiences anyone could go through and quite frankly I didn't know how to respond. Because no words can describe how Amber Lea is the person she is today and is one of the most resilient lasses I have interviewed on the podcast to date. Finding the strength to go on to become an absolute legendary mam to her kids whilst juggling everything, overcoming self-doubt and now bossing life as the fun, confident and driven independent Scentsy consultant & manager of Watt's Whiff's. This episode has it all so grab a cuppa and buckle up!

Today Social Media WINS! - Find out how this incredible act of kindness came from facebook and literally bowled me over.

We have also bee nominated for the Listeners Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards. It would mean the absolute world if you could spare 30 seconds to click on the link and vote for us. Simply add in your email address and search for 'Lounging with the Lasses' and hit VOTE.