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What does it really take to turn a fashion brand into one of the biggest names in UK fashion? And what happens when you acquire a business that needs fixing, rather than building one from scratch? In this episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with sisters Holly Beadle and Georgia Streeton, the CEO and CBO behind HERA, to discuss the realities of acquiring, rebuilding and scaling a fashion brand. After acquiring HERA in October 2021, the sisters stepped into a business with existing customers, stock, suppliers and problems to solve. With just six weeks until Black Friday, they had to learn quickly, rebuild customer trust and create stronger foundations before they could focus on growing the brand. Holly and Georgia share what it’s really like to run a business with your sister and dad, how their different skills complement each other, and why acquiring a business can be very different from starting one yourself. From learning to manage a team and making difficult decisions to dealing with failure, trusting their instincts and developing the resilience needed to lead, they’re honest about the lessons that only come with experience. But this episode isn’t just about business growth. The sisters also reveal one of the most shocking experiences they’ve faced as business owners: an arson attack on their offices. They talk about the chaos of that period, the challenges of running a business while raising children, and why success now means building a profitable, sustainable company rather than chasing external recognition. If you’re an entrepreneur, fashion founder, small business owner or someone thinking about buying an existing business, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes of building a successful brand. In this episode, we cover: How Holly and Georgia grew up in an entrepreneurial familyThe difference between founding a business and acquiring oneWhy they acquired HERA in 2021 and what they inheritedRebuilding customer trust and fixing business foundationsLearning from mistakes and becoming more resilient as foundersHow to divide responsibilities when working with your sisterManaging teams, leadership and difficult conversationsGrowing a fashion brand while protecting its identityThe reality of an arson attack on their officesBalancing motherhood, family life and running a businessWhy sustainable profits matter more than external validationTheir advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: start slowly and trust your gutHolly and Georgia prove that building a successful business isn’t always about having the perfect idea. Sometimes it’s about being willing to fix what isn’t working, learn as you go and keep showing up when things get difficult. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating, subscribe and share it with another business owner who needs a reminder that the journey behind a successful brand is rarely straightforward. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this episode of Business Class, I’m sharing some of the most personal news of my life… I’m pregnant!  If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind a pregnancy announcement, this episode is for you. I’m opening up about my journey to becoming a mum, from trying to conceive and experiencing pregnancy loss to finally getting that positive test and navigating a first trimester that was far from what I expected. I’ve always wanted to be a mum, but getting pregnant wasn’t as straightforward as I imagined. I’m talking honestly about the heartbreak of negative tests, the grief of losing our first pregnancy, and the anxiety that came with finding out I was pregnant again. I’m also getting into the realities of pregnancy that people don’t always talk about, including debilitating nausea and sickness, food aversions, medical anxiety, pregnancy scans after loss, and the guilt that can come with not enjoying a pregnancy you’ve wanted for so long. And, of course, there’s the exciting news that we’re having a BOY! 💙 As a business owner, I’m also sharing how pregnancy has affected my work, the pressure of trying to keep everything running while feeling so unwell, and how I’m preparing my business for motherhood. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m figuring it out as I go. This episode is for anyone trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy after loss, currently pregnant, thinking about having children one day, or simply curious about the realities of pregnancy beyond the announcement photos. My hope is that by being open about the highs, lows and unexpected emotions, we can make conversations around pregnancy feel a little less isolating. In this episode: My journey to becoming a mum and deciding when the time was rightTrying to conceive and dealing with negative pregnancy testsExperiencing pregnancy loss and navigating the heartbreakGetting a positive pregnancy test after lossFirst-trimester sickness, nausea and food aversionsPregnancy anxiety, scans and fear of childbirthWhy pregnancy medication made such a difference to meFinding out we’re having a baby boyHow pregnancy has affected my business and work lifePreparing for motherhood when you’re self-employedWhy every pregnancy journey is differentThis is a very personal episode, and it includes discussion of pregnancy loss, fertility struggles, sickness and medical anxiety. Please take care of yourself while listening if any of these topics feel difficult. Thank you for all the love and kind messages since sharing my news. 🤍 Welcome aboard to Business Class. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating, subscribe and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Follow Business Class for more honest conversations about business, life, success and everything in between. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

What does it really take to build a global business? This week on Business Class, Vicky is joined by Colette Laxton, co-founder of The INKEY List, for one of the most honest conversations yet about what happens behind the scenes of building a huge business. Colette shares how The INKEY List went from an idea between two people to a global skincare brand, launching in 2018 and rapidly expanding into retailers including Sephora, Boots and Cult Beauty. But this isn't a polished founder success story. Colette opens up about the realities of scaling incredibly quickly, cash-flow problems, having to raise investment, the pressure of running a business across multiple countries and the decisions that nearly overwhelmed the company. She also talks candidly about COVID, when The INKEY List had hundreds of thousands of pounds tied up in Sephora stores just as they closed globally and how the company went from fearing it might not survive to tripling its growth during lockdown. The conversation then gets into the realities of leading a 100+ person team, making difficult decisions about employees, company culture, people-pleasing, being underestimated as a woman in business and learning to trust your own judgement. Colette also shares her experience of burnout, the pressure of constant growth and how her definition of success has completely changed. Instead of chasing bigger and bigger numbers, she now talks about sustainable growth, balance and actually enjoying the business she has built. If you're a founder, entrepreneur or business owner who has ever wondered whether everyone else has it more together than you do, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode: • How The INKEY List was created • Turning a clear business “why” into a global brand • Going from idea to launch in just 18 weeks • The reality of scaling too quickly • Cash flow and the hidden costs of rapid growth • What COVID really looked like behind the scenes • How The INKEY List survived and then grew during lockdown • Building and managing a 100+ person team • Leadership mistakes and lessons • Company culture and understanding what employees actually value • Being a woman in business and feeling underestimated • Imposter syndrome and learning to trust yourself • Burnout and the pressure of constant growth • Redefining what success means • Why sustainable growth matters more than endless growth This episode is kindly sponsored by Omnisend. Omnisend is an email marketing platform used by Vicky in her own business. If you've outgrown your current email marketing tools but the thought of migrating feels overwhelming, Omnisend handles the migration for you. Use code VICKY for 30% off your first three months. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

How do you actually get your business back on track when you’ve lost a bit of momentum? In this episode of Business Class, Vicky is getting brutally honest about how to lock the f**k in for the rest of 2026 and taking you through the exact business reset she’s using to get herself, her team and her business focused again. From setting SMART goals and auditing your business to reviewing your finances, productivity, sales, ideal customer profile and personal life, this episode is essentially a full end-of-year business audit you can do alongside her. Vicky shares the questions she asks herself (and her team) to work out what’s going well, what isn’t, what’s been put off and what needs to change, plus plenty of honest admissions about her own productivity, finances, competitors, sales process and business blind spots. Inside the episode: • How to set SMART goals for the final three months of the year • Why you keep putting things off and how to create your own leverage • How to do a bird’s-eye-view audit of your entire business • The importance of reviewing your finances, team and offers • How to create a bank of testimonials and positive customer feedback • The seven areas of life every business owner should assess • Productivity tips including time blocking, traffic-light lists and the Circle Method • How to identify your ideal customer profile (ICP) • Questions to ask about your offer, competitors, pain points and positioning • How to review your current sales systems and customer acquisition • Why your first DM or email can make or break an outreach opportunity • Using the AIDA framework for better sales and outreach • How to build a database of people you meet and potential leads • Why stepping back and auditing your business can reignite motivation Plus, Vicky talks about recovering from the intensity of preparing for her TED Talk, her recent Forbes 30 Under 30 achievement, the realities of running a growing business, and why sometimes being too comfortable can actually leave you feeling stuck. This is your sign to stop winging it, grab a notebook and spend a few hours properly looking at where your business is right now and where you want it to go next. This episode is sponsored by Omnisend. Vicky uses Omnisend for email marketing, and in this episode she talks about making the switch easier by letting Omnisend handle the migration process.  Use code VICKY for 30% off your first three months. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, freelancer or ambitious professional who needs a reset before the end of the year, this one is for you. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

What happens when ambition, business and everyday stress start taking a toll on your health? In this episode of Business Class, we’re joined by Zoe Jane Hindle, functional wellness coach, practitioner, speaker and hormone educator, for a honest and practical conversation about burnout, women’s health, hormones, cortisol, fertility, gut health and nervous system regulation. Zoe shares her own journey from a demanding corporate career and severe burnout to building a business helping women better understand and support their health. We explore why so many ambitious women and business owners feel constantly exhausted, overwhelmed and stuck in survival mode, and what we can realistically do about it. We chat about: The early warning signs of burnout that business owners shouldn’t ignoreHow chronic stress and cortisol can affect the bodyWhy you can feel calm mentally but still have a physical stress responseNervous system regulation and simple ways to feel more groundedWomen’s hormones, PMDD, menstrual cycles and fertilityWhy stress can affect energy, periods, gut health and overall wellbeingSupplements, minerals, B vitamins and why they aren’t a replacement for the basicsUltra-processed food, blood sugar and making healthier choices when you’re busySmall, realistic habits that support your health without adding more pressureWhy successful businesses can still come with overwhelming stressProtecting your energy, setting boundaries and avoiding “busy girl syndrome”How to stay ambitious without sacrificing your healthThis episode is for anyone who feels like they’re constantly running on empty, especially female business owners, founders, entrepreneurs and ambitious women trying to balance work, health and everyday life. Expect honest conversations, practical advice and plenty of reminders that you don’t have to do everything all at once. Please note: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Find Zoe @zoejanehindle  Find Vicky @vickyowens  Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

What if the biggest thing holding you back in business isn't your business at all… but your own mind? In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky shares some of the biggest lessons she's been learning through therapy and mindset training, from dealing with other people's opinions and the pressure of being perceived, to managing anxiety, people-pleasing and the stories we create in our own heads. Vicky talks about why your brain isn't always telling you the truth, how to tell the difference between anxiety and your internal alarm system, and why sometimes you have to go through fear rather than around it. She also explores the idea of becoming your own safe space, separating fact from fiction, understanding your values, and the difference between making decisions for your ego versus making decisions for your soul. It's a very honest, very Vicky episode packed with the mindset lessons and practical techniques she's been using in her own life and the things she's finding genuinely helpful as a business owner. If you're a recovering people pleaser, an over thinker, someone who struggles with anxiety, or simply someone who puts far too much pressure on themselves, this one's for you. Because ultimately, the question isn't "What does everyone else think of me?" It's "Who am I when nobody else is watching?" Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

How do you take a business from an idea to a brand stocked internationally, with thousands of customers and a growing team? This week on Business Class, Vicky sits down with Suzanne Cooper, founder of Glowwa, for an incredibly honest conversation about what really happens when your business starts to grow. Suzanne shares the journey behind building her supplement brand, from creating the idea after struggling with her own hair and skin concerns to developing a product, launching the business and scaling it far beyond those early days. But this episode isn't just about the success. They talk about the pressure that comes with growth, building and managing a bigger team, stepping outside of your comfort zone, comparing yourself to other people and navigating the parts of business that don't always look as glamorous from the outside. If you're in the middle of building something, dreaming of scaling or wondering whether success actually makes business easier, this is a refreshingly honest conversation you won't want to miss. Follow Business Class for more honest conversations with the people behind brilliant businesses. Sharing the ups, the downs and everything in between. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

What does it actually look like to build a business from scratch? In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky takes you through the real story of building her business from the very beginning starting in 2021 charging just £100 a month for social media management, to building a team, landing huge clients, going viral, growing her personal brand to 250,000+ followers and becoming a professional speaker. But this isn't a highlight reel. Vicky talks honestly about the mistakes, difficult clients, lack of boundaries, hiring and firing, burnout, business growth, money, friendship breakdowns, legal issues and the realities of managing a growing team. She shares what she learned at each stage of the journey, what she would do differently now, and why success isn't always as straightforward as it looks from the outside. If you're starting a business, growing a team, freelancing, building a personal brand or simply feeling like you're nowhere near where you "should" be yet, this one's for you. Because five years can change everything. 🎧 Listen now and follow Business Class for more honest conversations about business, money, ambition and everything in between. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

What does it really take to build a successful career and how do you know when it's time to make a change? In this episode of Business Class, Vicky is joined by Isobelle Panton, career strategist, speaker, content creator and commercial lead at The Overlap, where she works alongside Gary Neville. Isobelle has built an incredible career across sales, commercial leadership and business, while also growing an online community of more than 200,000 people through her honest, straight-talking career advice.  Vicky and Isobelle get into the realities of career progression, leadership, networking, personal branding, goal setting and finding work that actually aligns with your purpose. They also have a very honest conversation about motherhood, ambition and balancing a successful career with having a life outside of work. Isabel shares how her early experiences — from working in a shoe shop and even working as a stable hand in exchange for riding lessons — shaped the person and professional she became. She also talks about working incredibly hard early in her career, moving between industries and learning the importance of backing yourself.  In this episode, Vicky and Isabel discuss: • Career progression and how to move forward in your career • Leadership and managing people • Finding your purpose at work • The importance of networking and building relationships • Personal branding and becoming known for what you do • Goal setting and ambition • Backing yourself and taking opportunities • Navigating different industries and career changes • Motherhood and career ambition • Work-life balance • The pressure to constantly achieve • Lessons from early career mistakes • Building a personal brand alongside your career • How to create opportunities for yourself If you're building your career, considering a career change, stepping into leadership, growing your personal brand or simply questioning what you actually want from work, this is an episode you'll want to listen to. 🎧 Listen to Business Class now. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

What happens when your dream client turns into a nightmare? In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens dives into the anonymous client, customer and business horror stories that prove one thing: if you own a business, at some point, something will go spectacularly wrong. From difficult clients and unpaid invoices to legal disputes, employee theft, shoplifting, dodgy collaborations and some truly unbelievable customer behaviour, this episode is packed with the kind of business stories that will make you laugh, cringe and probably check your contracts twice. Vicky also shares some of her own experiences, including dealing with difficult clients, being burned by people she trusted and the importance of keeping a paper trail in business. Plus, she discusses some seriously worrying business scams, including an entrepreneur who lost over £20,000 after scammers impersonated a supplier, how AI-generated images are being used to fake damaged products, and why changing bank details should always be verified directly. In this episode: • Anonymous client and customer horror stories • How to deal with difficult clients • Business scams and supplier fraud • Losing £20,000 to a sophisticated scam • Why business owners need strong cybersecurity • Legal disputes and the importance of contracts • Keeping evidence and paper trails in business • Employee theft and broken trust • Shoplifting and protecting a retail business • AI-generated images and fake product damage claims • The problems with “collaboration” and working for free • Crazy customer complaints and unrealistic expectations • Why Google reviews can tell you more than website testimonials • Setting boundaries with clients and customers • Knowing when to slow down and say no in business And, of course, there are some stories that are so ridiculous you genuinely have to question whether they're real — including the customer who claimed she could detect dairy in coffee “by the energy” and left a one-star review because the coffee's aura was disappointing. If you're a business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, creator or anyone who works with clients or customers, this episode will probably feel far too relatable. 🎧 Listen to Business Class for honest conversations about entrepreneurship, running a business, growing a personal brand, business mistakes, mindset, success and everything in between. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Giselle Boxer, founder of East Healing, the award-winning wellness brand that's become one of the UK's fastest-growing holistic businesses, selling a product every few minutes and making history on Dragon's Den by receiving six offers from the Dragons. Giselle shares the incredible story behind East Healing, how severe burnout changed the direction of her life, and why protecting your nervous system is one of the biggest competitive advantages any entrepreneur can have. You'll also hear practical techniques that business owners can implement immediately to reduce stress, improve focus, and create long-term sustainable success—without sacrificing your wellbeing. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, creative or small business owner, this conversation is packed with practical advice on balancing ambition with health. In this episode we discuss: • Giselle Boxer's journey from burnout to building East Healing • What really happened behind the scenes on Dragon's Den • The importance of nervous system regulation for entrepreneurs • Simple daily wellness habits that actually work • Managing stress whilst growing a successful business • Avoiding burnout without slowing your business growth • Building a purpose-led brand • Sustainable success and entrepreneurship If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow Business Class, leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear it. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares exactly what to do when your business hits a quiet period and how to turn slower months into your biggest opportunities for growth. Whether you've lost clients, sales have slowed down or you're simply experiencing the natural highs and lows of running a business, Vicky reveals the practical strategies she's personally used to turn quieter months into record-breaking ones. From creating new revenue streams and improving outreach to building a stronger sales pipeline and generating quick cash flow, this episode is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs, founders and business owners who want to future-proof their business. In this episode, Vicky discusses: Why every business experiences quiet periods (and why it's completely normal)How to generate cash quickly when sales slow downBuilding multiple revenue streams to protect your businessCreating an ecosystem that makes your business more resilientOutreach strategies that win new clientsUsing LinkedIn and networking to generate leadsThe power of digital products and low-ticket offersUpselling existing clients and increasing customer lifetime valueHow to use email marketing to generate consistent salesReferral schemes that bring in new businessCreating opportunities instead of waiting for themThe mindset shifts that help founders navigate uncertaintyIf you're feeling anxious about a quieter season in your business, this episode is the reminder that every successful entrepreneur faces setbacks—and that sometimes your biggest breakthroughs come after your toughest months. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly episodes covering entrepreneurship, marketing, social media, leadership and business growth. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Maddie Borge, founder of Pastael, the travel accessories brand that's redefining the way we travel. What started as a simple idea to solve a common travel problem has grown into a thriving e-commerce business, with Maddie building a loyal community through social media, smart branding and a relentless focus on creating products people genuinely love. In this episode, Maddie shares the reality of launching a product-based business, building a brand from scratch and turning an idea into a fast-growing company. Together, Vicky and Maddie discuss: How Maddy founded PastaelTurning an everyday problem into a successful businessBuilding a product-based brand from scratchGrowing an e-commerce business through social mediaProduct development and bringing ideas to lifeThe power of branding and customer experienceManufacturing, logistics and scaling a businessLessons from entrepreneurship and startup lifeOvercoming challenges as a founderCreating a loyal community around your brandThe realities of running an online businessAdvice for aspiring entrepreneursWhether you're launching a product, building an e-commerce business or dreaming of becoming a founder, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice from someone who's built a brand with purpose. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, creators and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares the honest lessons she's learned from building and managing a growing team. From hiring your very first employee to leading a larger business, Vicky opens up about the mistakes she's made, the challenges of managing people in your twenties, and the leadership lessons she wishes she'd known from day one. Managing a team isn't something anyone teaches you. Whether it's setting boundaries, building company culture, giving feedback or learning to lead with confidence, Vicky shares the real experiences behind growing a business and the people within it.  In this episode, Vicky discusses: Hiring your first employee and growing a teamThe biggest mistakes first-time managers makeLeading a business in your twentiesSetting boundaries without losing approachabilityBuilding a positive company cultureManaging difficult conversations with confidenceDelegating effectively as a founderWhy making leadership mistakes is part of the journeyCreating a team that supports business growthLearning to become a better leader every dayBalancing empathy with accountabilityScaling your business without losing your cultureWhether you're hiring your first employee, growing a startup or leading an established team, this episode is packed with practical leadership advice and honest reflections from a founder who's learning in real time. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit that helps you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and sell products, services and digital downloads, all from one platform. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, marketing, leadership and business growth. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Delphi and David, the husband and wife founders behind By Teddy, one of the UK's fastest growing pet lifestyle brands. In just a few short years, By Teddy has grown from an idea into a nationally recognised business, securing partnerships with major retailers including John Lewis, Pets at Home, Pets Corner and Very. But behind the growth is a story of persistence, strategic networking, bold decision-making and building a brand customers genuinely love. In this episode, Delphi and David share the realities of scaling a product-based business, navigating cash flow challenges, securing retail partnerships and growing a brand in a highly competitive market. Together, Vicky, Delphi and David discuss: • How By Teddy went from startup to stocked in major retailers • Building a business with your partner • The challenges of scaling a fast-growing e-commerce brand • How to get your products into major retailers • The power of networking and relationship building • Why persistence is one of the most underrated business skills • Cash flow, inventory management and growth challenges • Leveraging TikTok Shop and social media for business growth • Brand collaborations and creating standout marketing moments • Building a premium brand in a crowded market • Lessons learned from rapid business growth • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and founders Whether you're launching a product-based business, building an e-commerce brand or looking to scale your company, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable advice from two founders who are doing exactly that. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business online. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk