Pocket Mentors Podcast

Just a couple of weeks before Lauren's law school exams, she was diagnosed with a life threatening case of leukemia.  Despite just a 20% survival rate, Lauren made a full recovery through chemotherapy and a life saving Stem Cell transplant from her sister, Sarah.  That's not all Sarah helped with.  Lauren asked her sister for help with her skin; as a result of the therapy it was very reactive and extremely sensitive so Sarah took to work creating an amazing plant oil based range of products that Lauren could use daily.  That was decade ago, and it wasn't until 5 years later that together they would make the decision to launch a brand... it was at that stage 'By Sarah London' was born. 

This really is an incredible journey into the power of the human mind and a physical journey across continents.  It's one which will undoubtedly inspire.  

You'll hear of isolation, the power of visualization, the positive effect your surroundings can have on you, the huge impact words and self talk can have on yourself.  Nowadays, the terms, journaling, manifesting, and affirmations are commonplace, but in this instance this all came from within.  This really is a story of radical acceptance and the phenomenal result of such practice. 

Lauren and Sarah are now going from strength to strength with their 'digital first' skincare brand and built and incredible community with an ever growing following of 'Super Fans' which are so important and highly valued.  With both Lauren and Sarah having a complimentary skill set, they continue to manage the business together and have since become a Certified B Corp business.  

You can reach out to Lauren and Sarah and find out more about 'by Sarah London' on the following pages; 

Website: https://bysarahlondon.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bysarahlondon

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/by-sarah-london/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-murrell

I really hope you enjoy this episode. 

Thanks for listening

Dan 

Produced by OREAN. Beauty Built Better. 

From an early age Mark admired his father and what he had created; with that in mind, he knew that business was always going to be for him.   His latter years in education had a focus on Business Studies and culminated in a degree at Loughborough University and a years placement with Vauxhall.  It was here he really nurtured his love for Marketing.     After a few years working within telecoms and creating value adding offers for consumers, he was offered the opportunity to join his father and brother at Sampling Innovations.  A business at the time which provided sampling solutions to brands and retailers by forming partnerships and subcontracting with 3rd party manufacturers.    Now a 2nd Generation business, family members are still firmly involved in the business; however, he's since joined forces with a partner from Spain to create Sampling Innovations Europe and provide it's own manufacturing capabilities.    I talk with Mark about this journey, the ups and downs, we discuss sampling options available, sustainability and the challenges and opportunities that Brexit has presented.     Sampling Innovations Europe deliver full service sampling solutions for fragrance, beauty and personal care brands. With offices in London, Barcelona and Paris, their professional and pro-active team of experts ensure brands gain maximum return on investment from any sampling campaign.  Their wide range of sampling formats include sachets, vials, fragrance & make-up labels, miniature tubes and bottles.  All options customized to suit any brand, their ethos and values, their product, target audience and budget!

For years, Jo Chidley searched for beauty products that were effective, natural and sustainable.  Jo also wanted the brand itself to run it's business in an ethical way.  Unfortunately, Jo could just not find what she was looking for and took matters into her own hands.  So began the journey with her husband and Co-Founder Stuart Chidley - The Birth of Beauty Kitchen.

Jo is Beauty Kitchen’s toughest critic, inspecting everything from the efficacy of the products, to the way the ingredients are sourced, right down to the packaging sustainability for each product. Sustainability in packaging is a subject that is close to her heart and inspired Beauty Kitchen’s RETURN • REFILL • REPEAT program which was created after reading and being inspired the book Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough & Michael Braungart.   In a world where the emphasis is predominantly focused on us to reduce and recycle, the big focus of Beauty Kitchen is RE-USE.  

Jo and Beauty Kitchen have won industry awards, including being voted in the Top 5 of ‘Who’s Who in Natural Beauty’ 3 years in a row and business awards such as ‘Scale Up Entrepreneur of the Year’. 

Jo features in national and international press and is regularly invited to speak at global sustainability events, to share her ideas and knowledge on how all of us can develop new ways to build a more sustainable future.

Jo and Beauty Kitchen can both be found on social media at the links below:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jochidley/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beauty-kitchen-ltd/

Instagram:

@beautykitchen

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/beautykitchen/

In 2007, Millie was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours for her contribution to the cosmetics industry.  Fast forward to 2020 and Millie's voice couldn't be any louder and has used her status to great affect.  Millie's been one of the most influential voices throughout the COVID-19 Pandeminc lockdown, fighting tirelessly to ensure that a £28.4 billion industry is heard and supported.  For that alone, and I know I speak on behalf of thousands of others, I'm extremely grateful for. 

This is a fascinating insight into a hugely influential figure in the Beauty Industry.  The story begins in London in 70's, but quickly switches to LA where Millie's father had his own Salon, before Millie headed back to London as a teenager and began work at Toni & Guy in Mayfair.  Millie admits hairdressing was not her calling and was much more mathematical than artistic.  

It was product that lit Millie up and it's this passion that has shaped her story so far. 

Millie introduced Shu Uemura to the European market, launched Aveda in 1997.

While at Shu Uemura she worked very closely with Mr Shu Uemura himself and she describes him as her "greatest mentor".  Mr Shu Uemura encouraged Millie's radical and maverick style and provided her with a safe and supported environment to flourish.  

Alongside make-up artist Ruby Hammer, Millie launched Ruby & Millie in 1998 in Harvey Nichols then Selfridges and retailing in Boots.

On Millie's return to London, she reconnected with Anna-Marie Solowij, the former Beauty Editor of British Vogue.  Millie and Anna-Marie partnered to launch the first beauty boutique in store and online, BeautyMART.

The story doesn't end there... as a devoted mum of two, Millie still finds the time to carve and shape the industry and help support and mentor many other brands.  Millie has a clear, yet adaptable vision of what she still wants to achieve and I for what am very excited to be part of this amazing industry. 

 

Antony Hawman is Co-founder & CPO of TheIndustry.fashion having partnered with Co-founder, Editor in chief & CEO Lauretta Roberts on the acquisition of the business in July 2015.  Prior to this he was brand director at beauty e-tailer Birchbox and before that brand partnerships director at My-wardrobe.com.  He and Lauretta previously worked together at fashion industry bible Drapers and Haymarket Publishing.  It was at Haymarket where Antony’s story began. Antony was shocked at how corporate the world of B2B Publishing was, but was lucky enough to be in a creative role. In Julie Moore he had a phenomenal mentor who’s bluesky and out of the box thinking was inspiring and encouraged Antony to do the same.  The grounding at Haymarket and their level of investment in their employees helped Antony build an incredible foundation.  When Antony left Haymarket it was then, when his journey into fashion began. This is an energetic and engaging story with Antony who has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Antony not only opens up about the challenges he's faced, but we also chat about his optimistic and unwavering approach to grab opportunities with both hands and then.  This is another unique and inspiring story and one I'm delighted Antony was willing to share. 

...and that's not all.  

In this inspiring and honest story from Katie, we chat about overcoming adversity and using it as a driver to become the person she is today.  From leaving school at 13, to entering the world of modelling, becoming an agent at 19 and creating her own studio.  From their Katie talks about her willingness to adapt quickly when opportunities present themselves, a skill that is invaluable at this specific moment we're in.  

Katie is self taught and hugely driven.  As an owner founder of a Salon, Katie has since expanded and created her own Training Academy for other Salon Owners around the country.  With an ever growing Social Media presence and Podcast, Katie has built a tribe and loyal community that now look to her for coaching, mentoring and support.  

As part of the Training Academy, Katie also realised the importance of having your own product line and has now created a multi award winning brand. 

With Google as her best friend, Katie has a desire for learning and has picked up everything along the way.  We talk about the importance of coaches and mentors and how it's only possible to accomplish what she does with structure.... at least Monday to Friday. 

As a mum to Lola, 5, we also talk about balance and how her own actions are inspiring her daughter. 

We really do cover a lot throughout this episode and I can't wait to speak to Katie as there's so much more I want to talk about. 

Katie has also released a free e-book that can be found here: https://bit.ly/33BG4Mb

Links to Katy are below: 

Instagram - @kgsalon

Instagram - @kgprofessional

Website - www.kgprofessional.com

That's not a bad headline for anyone's resumé! 

Natarsha has an amazing journey that originated on the other side of the globe as did her passion and success in sales.  

Sales comes naturally to Natarsha and she understands that her success is all down to her customers; however, as you will hear, they're so much more than customers.  Natarsha has worked tirelessly to build a community.  They feel part of something greater than just the kit they put on.  It's an identity and one that helps break down barriers and helps forge relationships. 

We talk about the importance of authenticity, building the community, using the right social media platforms to talk to the community you're nurturing and how you involve them and take them on your journey.  They have a sense of belonging. 

This collaboration is fundamental the success of Stomp The Pedal, but it's not alone.  Natarsha knows where her strengths and weaknesses lie and identifies and surrounds herself with the right people to whose strengths feel these gaps.  

What's even more incredible is that Natarsha has built this business around her consultancy business and is currently on contract as Project Consultant at EFG bank.  This role further testament to Natarsha's networking, time management and project management skills as she brings teams together to achieve incredible results.  

You can find Natarsha on line at: 

Instagram: @stompthepedal & @tarshwendt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irontarshlifestyletriathlete

Twitter: @stompthepedal & @Supergal007

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarsha-wendt-04a4988

Pintrest: ha ha - listen to the show and you'll see why. 

This chat with Stirling is a must listen.

From the moment he stepped into his first role he's never had that dreaded Sunday/Monday feeling and he puts this down to working within an industry he loves and is passion about. 

Since joining the beauty industry Stirling has never looked back.  His experience includes UK and International Board roles with Rimmel, Lauder and Bourjois.  He's floated a business on AIM and completed a multi-million aquisition.

Stirling is a former guest lecturer in Marketing at the London College of Fashion and past member of the it's Industry Advisory Panel.  He's also the found of The Beauty Symposium, a fast moving seminar bringing "Fresh Thinking to the Beauty Business" with an eclectic and highly experienced mix of speakers.  

With more that 35 years of experience of building business and brands in the global beauty industry, Stirling went on to create The Red Tree, a leading international beauty brand consultancy.  As CEO and Founder, Stirling now works with a wide range of international businesses and provides solutions in creating and implementing long term strategy and vision, getting brands 'RaceFit' for market, developing new products, international expansion, and brand and marketing strategies. 

Stirling doesn't believe in the hard sell.  He's about helping people where he believes he can add value.  Building and nurturing relationships and knowing your own worth.  He's a firm believer in trusting your gut and truly listening to what it has to say.  

Come and listen to this incredible journey  

You can contact Stirling in the following ways: 

LinkedIn - Stirling Murray

Twitter - @TheRedTreeTRT & @stirlingmurray

Email - info@theredtree.co.uk

Website - www.theredtree.co.uk

Not all recruiters are created equally. 

Christoper is a values driven and ever evolving business founder and recruiter to both start up and scale ups.  

I loved speaking to Chris on this episode and his refreshing view and outlook will resonate with so many people too.   Chris is also a passionate gamer and believes that so many skills can he learnt and developed by using this immersive platform.  

I hope you enjoy it too. 

 

Since we recorded this episode, Susan is now a member of the council for the Society of Cosmetic Sciences (SCS) and joins me on this weeks episode together with her colleague Carys Smith.  Congratulations, Susan. 

Susan studied beauty therapy and when graduated started her interesting career as a teacher/lecturer at several colleges before moving into the world of audits and bureaucracy.  Susan then went on to work within a prison where the audit strengths and skills really paid off.  In this environment, Susan developed more and more skills and has used them throughout her career to date; these skills include, resilience and humour and how watching episodes of 'Porridge' helped in this all male environment. 

Susan then went on to create an incredible and leading Consumer Study business in Ayton Global Research. 

Susan is joined by Carys Smith; Carys studied performing arts and dance and talks about how her passion for studies, research and investigations have complemented Ayton Research.  Carys finds her role to be creative and talks her about her love for defining the research and the methodology and how this passion really drives her.  We also discuss Carys' background in performing and how this provided a great foundation and platform to meet and speak with some big, big names from an early age.  

This tag team talk was really enjoyable and I am sure you will find this enjoyable too. 

Wizz is super passionate about the beauty industry and goal driven and adaptive.

From an early age she had a dream and unwavering desire to become a buyer. Despite a number of challenges, Wizz secured a role at Selfridges and with one foot in the door she worked relentlessly to not only achieve the goal of becoming a buyer at Selfridges, Wizz then went on to manage the buying team within the beauty category.

From there Wizz went on to Soho House and used all the skills and knowledge gathered as a buyer, sat on the other side of the table and successfully launched several brands and ranges in to some top retailers.

Wizz then moved into the competitive world of consulting, putting all her experience, relationships and abilities to good use, helping brand owners and businesses achieve their dreams and goals in a crowded market place.

Wizz talks about the challenges she’s faced with time management, putting a value on your work, identifying the right clients and getting noticed.

A positive and confident public speaker, Wizz is a serial networker and talks about the importance of meeting people and learning from others.

I am sure you will enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed talking to Wizz.

We are all familiar with the concept of installing software updates on our mobile devices and laptops, right?  Jane helps us update our own internal software to ensure we perform at our very best in all situations whether this be in our professional or personal life.

Jane is an incredible coach and therapist with a wealth of experience.  Jane has spent a number of years working on herself, building up an array of tools and techniques to help people and businesses achieve their full potential. 

Jane is fascinated with the internal and intrinsic motivators that drive us and appreciates that we're all individuals and have to be treated that way.  There is not a cookie cutter solution.  We're all unique and one of a kind. 

It's an Inside Job

Jane's focus is on inner work with clients; recognising patterns of behaviour, thought patterns, limiting beliefs, conditioning, stressors, motivators, improving communication skills, and learning how to reconnect with your passion and purpose.  Jane looks at retraining the mind to give you new perspective and clarity - when the mind is relaxed everything else is relaxed.

From humble beginnings in Engineering, to a FTSE £2bn business; Gary is a born leader, motivator and mentor and successfully transformed every business and department he was involved with.   Gary then knew what he really wanted to do and what ignited him and ventured out alone. 

Gary has now built up, and continues to run, 3 successful business as well as being a key member of Mentoring Group, ABM: The Association of Business Mentors.  

Listen to my incredible chat with Gary.  I personally found this interview with Gary to be one of my favorite I've recorded.  It's so inspiring and informative and feel Gary is very well placed to help so many of the listeners.  

Hear more about Tendo here: https://youtu.be/R15ZDGJgeD4  

Gary's very authentic and really wants to help support business owners during these challenges times and help people future proof their businesses for whatever the future may bring.   

Please do visit the following sites to see more: 

Tendo - https://www.tendo-uk.com 

ABM - https://www.associationofbusinessmentors.org/

In episode #3 I have an amazing chat with Steve Shortland. After stumbling into the world of design and packaging, he quickly realised he had a passion for the industry, but also for selling. Steve finally decided to throw caution to the wind and set up his own packaging business, New Vision Packaging @nvplovesboxes. After working for a couple of different businesses in the industry, he knew he didn’t have to reinvent the wheel, he just needed to do it better. Similar to Uber and AirB&B, Steve doesn’t own a single factory; however he still has global brands as clients and heavily relies on his contacts and relationships to mix it with some of the biggest names in his industry. At the end of the show Steve gives a recommendation for two other podcasts and a great book. Links to which will follow on Social Media @pocket_mentors. Thanks for listening. Please do subscribe and share

Mark's open and honest conversation tells his story from Virologist, to Science Teacher, how he dropped on to a Graduate Scheme with MARS before becoming a Senior Buyer at BOOTS.  He then took the plunge in to the Entrepreneurial pool... and failed.  He talks about how he took the learnings from all the failures along the way to go again.  He explains how he kept his options open and how he's completely unemployable.  Mark is building something very exciting with The INKEY LIST.  One things for sure, he is resilient.

Contact Mark or Colette via the following methods; 

LinkedIn - Mark Curry OR Colette Laxton

Instagram - @mark_curry OR @Colette_x_ OR theinkeylist

https://www.theinkeylist.com