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In this powerful episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter sits down with Steve Farrell, founder of SYLKA Carpets, the worldâs leading faux silk luxury carpet brand.
Steve shares his extraordinary journeyâfrom leaving school at 13 and working labour jobs, to becoming a pioneer in the high-end interiors industry. With clients ranging from Harrods to luxury yachts, Steve has built a global empire rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and relentless work ethic.
đĄ In this episode, youâll learn:
How Steve turned a hands-on trade into a luxury global business
Why he developed SYLKA fibre as a sustainable, high-performance alternative to silk and viscose
What it takes to build long-term relationships with premium interior designers
How his eco-silk innovation is shaping the future of sustainable luxury
This conversation is a must-listen for product-based business owners, luxury brand builders, and anyone who believes that traditional education isnât the only path to success.
đ§ Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contact â your one-stop shop for smarter small business marketing.
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The Obsessed View is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs, product-based business owners, and brand builders looking for real, unfiltered conversations about business success, challenges, and reinvention. Hosted by Charlotte Carter, founder of Carter Bags, this show dives into the highs and lows of launching, scaling, and even closing a businessâbecause the reality of entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line.
Each episode features honest conversations with industry leaders, founders, and creatives, sharing the lessons theyâve learned from building brands, navigating setbacks, and finding new opportunities.
In this series, Charlotte speaks with inspiring guests like Dan Plesko, founder of Yr Pod, who shares his raw and personal story of building a successful business, facing unexpected challenges, and ultimately having to make the difficult decision to close his company. Danâs insights on resilience, business identity, and moving forward after closure offer invaluable takeaways for anyone navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.
đĄ What Youâll Learn:
How to successfully launch and grow a product-based businessStrategies for marketing, lead generation, and brand positioningThe truth about business closures, resilience, and reinventionLessons from founders who have built (and rebuilt) their businesses from the ground upđ§ Tune in for no-nonsense advice, inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, and actionable insights to help you build and grow your business. Listen now at TheObsessedView.co.uk.
Sponsored by Constant Contactâhelping small businesses simplify and scale their marketing with powerful tools.
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Fehlende Folgen?
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What happens when you exit a business after nearly 20 years and suddenly have to start over? In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter speaks with Jo Stimson, former Managing Director of Heatmat UK, about her journey from growing and selling a seven-figure business to navigating a completely new career path.
đĄ Whatâs inside this episode:
How Jo built Heatmat UK into a leading product-based businessThe challenges of selling a company youâve dedicated decades toThe reality of starting fresh (and why her first post-exit business didnât work out)Lessons on reinvention, resilience, and rebuilding confidenceWhy sheâs now helping other business owners scale and exit successfullyJoâs honesty about the highs and lows of business ownership is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, product-based business owners, and anyone thinking about exiting their company.
đ§ Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contactâhelping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.
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In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter sits down with copywriting expert Claire Parsons to dive into the real strategy behind launching successful digital products. Claire has built a thriving business over seven years, offering not just copywriting services but also digital resources and courses that have been a massive hit.
đĄ Key takeaways from this episode:âïž How to research and validate your product idea before launchingâïž Why your marketing strategy matters just as much as the product itselfâïž How to segment your email list to target the right audience (and not annoy the rest!)âïž The importance of consistencyâwhy one post isnât enough to make sales
Whether youâre creating an online course, a guide, or any other digital product, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice on how to ensure your launch is a success.
đ§ Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contactâhelping small businesses simplify and scale their marketing with powerful tools.
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In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter chats with Claire, founder of AJ Activewear (formerly Amazing Jane), about the brandâs inspiring evolution. Claire shares how AJ Activewear has doubled its growth year after year by focusing on customer feedback, product testing, and a mission to empower women in fitness.
đĄ Key topics include:
How AJ Activewearâs testing strategy helped them identify best-selling products like their signature Solsoft leggingsThe shift in womenâs fitness habits and its impact on activewear trendsLessons learned from scaling production and managing a fast-growing businessWhy empowering women is central to AJ Activewearâs successWhether youâre in the fitness world or looking to grow a product-based business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
đ§ Tune in now: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contactâhelping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.
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In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter sits down with Bruce Watson, founder of Feast Alba and the creator of Hoot Sauce, to discuss his journey from premium fire chef to product-based business owner.
Bruce shares the lessons heâs learned in creating a values-driven hot sauce brand, including:
đ„ Why he turned down big contracts with major retailers
đĄ How to balance ethical production with profitability
đ§ The importance of testing, scaling smartly, and staying true to your brandâs vision
If youâre a small business owner or thinking about starting a product-based business, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, sustainable growth, and how to turn lessons into future success.
đ§ Listen now: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contactâhelping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.
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In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter sits down with Simon Whitaker, the founder of Master Debonair, to explore the journey of transforming a passion for menâs styling into a thriving high-street and e-commerce brand.
đĄ Key topics covered:
How Simonâs personal story and family legacy inspired Master DebonairThe challenges of growing a high-street presence in a tough retail environmentCrafting an exceptional in-store and online customer experienceLessons in leadership, resilience, and adapting to industry changesWhether youâre in retail, e-commerce, or simply love hearing about unique entrepreneurial journeys, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
đ§ Tune in now: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contactâhelping small businesses thrive with smarter marketing tools.
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In this special holiday edition of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter chats with Erika Robinson, UK General Manager of Constant Contact and a successful small business owner. Erika shares her journey of leading the UK launch of Constant Contact while managing her own thriving childrenâs play centre.
đĄ Key takeaways from this episode:
The unique challenges of running a small business alongside a leadership roleHow Constant Contact supports small businesses with tools like AI-driven marketing and unlimited helpline supportTips for delegating and building a strong team to sustain growthHow customer feedback drives innovation at Constant ContactIf youâre a small business owner or entrepreneur looking for inspiration and practical advice, this episode is for you!
đ§ Listen now: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contactâhelping small businesses thrive with smarter marketing tools.
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In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter is joined by international export expert Kathryn Read to delve into the challenges and opportunities of taking your business global.
đĄ What youâll learn:
How to assess if your business is ready for international exportsThe importance of strategic planning, from budgeting to selecting the right marketsKey insights into navigating logistics, fulfillment, and marketing localisationHow to avoid costly mistakes when entering new marketsWhether youâre considering exporting your products overseas or looking to refine your current export strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you succeed globally.
đ§ Listen now to turn your export ambitions into reality: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contactâhelping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.
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In this episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter sits down with Ilya, co-founder of Codu and European Cabinetry, to discuss his journey from launching luxury homeware to creating bespoke flat-pack furniture.
Discover how Ilya and his business partner Marcus:
Started their ventures with personal savings and a lot of determinationNavigated the challenges of manufacturing in Ukraine during geopolitical uncertaintyBalanced wholesale and direct-to-consumer strategies to grow their brandsTook risks to stand out in competitive markets with unique, high-quality productsIlya also shares a surprise announcement about his next passion project!
đ§ Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contact.
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In the second episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter sits down with Kath Jones, founder of Think Wine, to discuss her incredible entrepreneurial journey. Kath shares her experiences of transitioning from running a service-based business to launching her product-based brand in the competitive wine industry. From navigating sourcing complexities to managing mental health as a business owner, this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
This episode is perfect for anyone looking to:
Understand the challenges of starting a product-based business in a niche market.Learn about the unique hurdles in sourcing and producing in the wine industry.Discover effective marketing strategies, including influencer collaborations.Gain valuable tips on team management and leadership.Key Takeaways from Episode 2:
Kathâs early journey: Starting her first business, Social Nation, at 26 and later launching Think Wine.The complexity of sourcing and producing a low-sugar wine that stands out in the market.Regrets and lessons learned from launching a product-based business.Why mental stability is crucial for entrepreneurs.Marketing strategies, from organic growth to leveraging influencer marketing.Managing a team with fairness, emotional regulation, and support systems.The role of technology in business operations and how Kath relies on her team for tech support.Chapters:
00:00 â Introduction and Personal Touches00:07 â The Journey of Business Ownership03:47 â Challenges of Product-Based Businesses06:34 â Creating Think Wine: The Concept and Market Differentiation09:25 â Sourcing and Production Journey14:43 â Advice for Aspiring Product-Based Entrepreneurs18:44 â Marketing Strategies and Challenges21:50 â Team Management and Leadership31:24 â Tech and Tools for Business Management46:12 â Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpSponsor: This episode is brought to you by Constant Contact, the all-in-one platform for social media scheduling, email marketing, and SEO tools. Perfect for small businesses aiming to scale effectively while saving time.
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Your Product Based Business Podcast
Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Obsessed View, hosted by Charlotte Carter, your go-to resource for product-based business insights. In this episode, Charlotte dives into her personal journey of launching and growing a product-based business, Carter Bags, and provides actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
This podcast is perfect for anyone looking to:
Launch a product or brand.Navigate the complexities of manufacturing and sourcing.Build and grow an e-commerce or retail business.Key Takeaways from Episode 1:Things to consider when starting a product based businessTransforming an idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).The importance of finding the right people, like designers and sourcing agents.Budgeting realistically: why you should triple your initial cost estimates.Getting your product based business goingThe significance of marketing ecosystems: from SEO to email automation.Leveraging tools like ChatGPT for planning, research, and strategy.Building your website and attracting traffic through organic and paid methods.How to grow your product based businessWhy paid advertising (Google Ads, Meta Ads) is essential for scaling.Enhancing customer lifetime value through email automation and upselling.Learning from setbacks and continuously innovating.Charlotteâs Personal Insights:
Challenges faced in manufacturing, from sourcing ethical suppliers to handling minimum order quantities.The emotional and professional growth from running a product-based business.How SEO and optimising for terms like âlaptop tote bagâ transformed Carter Bags' sales.Guest Line-Up for Future Episodes:Katherine Jones, ThinKWine: Discussing product sourcing and overcoming business challenges.Ilya from Codu: Building a product-based business in Ukraine and launching a second successful brand.Simon Whitaker, Master Debonair: Balancing online and physical retail stores.Bruce Watson, Hoot Sauce: Why he paused a high-sales-volume business.Carter Bags Investor: Insights into strategic investments and scaling through smaller production runs.Kathryn, Export Specialist: Logistics and launching products in new markets.Sponsor:This episode is proudly sponsored by Constant Contact, an all-in-one platform for social media scheduling, email marketing, and SEO tools. Perfect for small businesses looking to save time and scale effectively.
