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  • 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 culture

    Whether 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

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  • In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens answers your biggest questions about building a personal brand, growing on social media and turning your online presence into real business opportunities.

    From whether founders should show up on camera, to balancing entertaining content with credibility, avoiding burnout and building an audience that actually converts into customers, Vicky shares the honest advice she gives clients every day.

    If you're an entrepreneur, founder, creator or business owner looking to grow your personal brand in 2026, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

    In this episode, Vicky discusses:

    • Whether every founder needs a personal brand
    • Founder-led content vs faceless business content
    • Building trust and authority on social media
    • How to grow without chasing every trend
    • Why respect is more valuable than viral views
    • Creating content that attracts customers, not just followers
    • Managing social media burnout
    • Building a sustainable content strategy
    • Outsourcing your marketing effectively
    • Balancing business growth with your personal life
    • The mindset required to build a successful personal brand

    Whether you're just starting your business or looking to take your content strategy to the next level, this episode will help you build a brand that creates long-term opportunities, not just short-term attention.

    🎉 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 and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, marketing, social media 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 entrepreneur, author and founder of the global movement F*ck Being Humble, Stefanie Sword Williams.

    Known for helping people build confidence, advocate for themselves and stop playing small, Stefanie has spent the last eight years challenging the way we think about self-promotion, personal branding and career growth. In this powerful conversation, she shares what it really takes to build a movement that lasts, stand out in a crowded market and create meaningful impact through your work.

    Together, Vicky and Stephanie discuss:

    • How to build a personal brand people remember
    • Why most businesses focus on trends instead of solving real problems
    • Creating a movement instead of just creating content
    • The power of bold messaging and strong positioning
    • Confidence, self-promotion and overcoming self-doubt
    • Dealing with criticism and fear of judgement online
    • Why authenticity matters more than ever
    • The difference between vulnerability and oversharing
    • Building a brand with purpose and longevity
    • How to stop gatekeeping your brilliance
    • Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them
    • The mindset shifts that help founders grow

    Stefanie also shares her personal journey, the challenges she's faced behind the scenes, and the lessons she's learned from building one of the UK's most recognisable personal development brands.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, founder or professional looking to build confidence and visibility, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful insights.

    🎉 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, creators and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares her complete blueprint for building a successful personal brand in 2026.

    After growing an audience of over 250,000 followers, building a thriving marketing agency, launching a podcast, securing major brand partnerships and creating multiple income streams, Vicky breaks down exactly what she's learned about personal branding, networking, visibility and creating opportunities that can transform your career.

    This isn't just about growing followers on social media. It's about building a personal brand that opens doors, creates opportunities and helps you build a business beyond the algorithm.

    In this episode, Vicky discusses:

    • The biggest opportunities that have come from building a personal brand
    • Why followers open doors in business
    • How to create opportunities instead of waiting for them
    • Building authority and trust online
    • Networking strategies that actually work
    • Growing your personal brand beyond social media
    • Creating multiple income streams from your expertise
    • The power of podcasting and long-form content
    • Building meaningful relationships and industry connections
    • Working with brands authentically
    • How to monetise your audience without losing trust
    • The mistakes Vicky has made building her personal brand

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, freelancer, consultant or aspiring founder, this episode is packed with practical advice on building visibility, credibility and influence in today's digital world.

    🎉 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 online business.

    👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan.

    Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, social media, personal branding 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 creator, investor and personal finance educator Mia McGrath live from SXSW for an honest conversation about building a personal brand in the modern creator economy.

    After growing her audience to nearly one million followers in under a year, Mia shares the reality behind rapid growth, content creation, personal branding, social media strategy and turning a passion project into a full-time business.

    Together, Vicky and Mia discuss:

    • How Mia grew her audience from zero to almost one million followers
    • The content strategy behind consistent growth
    • Finding your niche in a crowded market
    • Building a personal brand people actually remember
    • Handling criticism, scrutiny and online hate
    • Balancing authenticity with privacy online
    • Creator burnout, social media breaks and staying creative
    • Working with brands and monetising content effectively
    • Why storytelling matters more than information alone
    • Outsourcing, scaling and running a creator-led business

    Whether you're a founder, creator, freelancer or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights on growing an audience, building authority and creating content that converts.

    Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, creators and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success.

    This episode of Business Class is sponsored by Plannerly, the all-in-one social media planning and content management platform trusted by creators and business owners. If you're looking to stay consistent on social media, organise your content calendar and grow your online presence, use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • This week on Business Class, Vicky Owens tackles real business dilemmas submitted by listeners and shares honest advice on everything from difficult clients and influencer marketing disasters to team management, leadership, founder wellbeing, and personal branding.

    Fresh from hosting her first Business Class Founders Dinner, Vicky opens up about the realities of running a business, managing stress, regulating your nervous system, and why success doesn't always feel as glamorous as it looks online.

    In this episode:

    • Handling difficult clients and setting better boundaries
    • Managing employees and navigating team dynamics
    • Asking for a pay rise and knowing your worth
    • Influencer marketing mistakes and expensive business lessons
    • What to do when a campaign goes viral for the wrong reasons
    • Founder burnout, anxiety, and decision fatigue
    • Growing a personal brand that creates opportunities
    • Leadership lessons every business owner needs to hear

    Whether you're running a startup, scaling a business, building a personal brand, or simply trying to survive the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and real-world business insights.

    So take your seat, strap in, and welcome aboard Business Class.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome aboard to Business Class — the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators and ambitious minds building success from the ground up, hosted by Vicky Owens. This honest and inspiring business podcast dives into the highs, lows and everything in between when it comes to running a business, building a brand and chasing big goals.

    In this incredibly value-packed episode, Vicky sits down with entrepreneur and TikTok expert Matthew Bellingham for his very first podcast interview — and trust us, you’ll want your notes app open for this one.

    At just 20 years old, Matthew has already built and scaled multiple successful businesses. From growing up in the care system and launching a TikTok agency at only 16 years old, to building a million-pound valuation business before burnout forced him to reassess everything, his story is nothing short of inspiring. Matthew now helps lead Kansan Skincare, a fast-growing beauty brand stocked in Boots, Holland & Barrett and LOOKFANTASTIC, while also becoming one of the leading voices in TikTok Shop strategy and social commerce.

    In this episode, Vicky and Matthew discuss:

    Building a successful business at a young ageGrowing up in the care system and overcoming adversityThe reality of burnout, stress and entrepreneurshipBuilding and managing a teamHow TikTok Shop really works behind the scenesTikTok marketing strategies for brands in 2026Affiliate marketing and going viral on TikTokBusiness mindset, confidence and imposter syndromeScaling brands through social media and live sellingWhy authenticity wins in content creation

    This episode is packed with actionable business advice, social media marketing insights, entrepreneurship lessons and honest conversations about what it really takes to build a successful brand online.

    Sponsored by Planoly ✈️
    Planoly is the ultimate creator toolkit for planning, scheduling and growing your social media with ease. From content scheduling and link-in-bio tools to built-in storefronts and digital product selling, it helps creators and business owners stay consistent without juggling multiple platforms.
    Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Planoly plan.

    If you enjoyed this episode of Business Class, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with a fellow entrepreneur or business bestie.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome aboard to Business Class - the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators and ambitious business owners navigating the journey to success. In this solo episode, Vicky Owens opens up about the reality of running a fast-growing business, managing a team, building a personal brand and trying to stay organised when every week looks completely different.

    After what felt like a complete disaster month in April, Vicky shares the honest behind-the-scenes of what forced her to rethink productivity, time management, boundaries and business organisation. From feeling overwhelmed and overstretched to creating a “Tetris-style” calendar system that actually works, this episode is packed with relatable advice for entrepreneurs trying to juggle everything at once.

    Vicky talks about:

    •Productivity tips for business owners
    •Time management and organisation hacks
    •How to structure your week as an entrepreneur
    •Creating boundaries in business
    •Using AI tools like ChatGPT and Opus Clip to save time
    •Managing a growing team and avoiding burnout
    •Personal branding and content creation strategies
    •Why business owners feel overwhelmed
    •The importance of business development days
    •How to stop overbooking yourself
    •Creating realistic routines that actually fit your lifestyle

    She also shares how she uses voice notes, journalling, alarms, AI automation and weekly audits to better understand where her time is going — plus why she believes no entrepreneur truly has it all figured out.

    If you’re a business owner, freelancer, content creator or anyone trying to balance ambition with real life, this episode will make you feel far less alone.

    This episode is sponsored by [Planoly](https://www.planoly.co...) — the all-in-one social media planning tool Vicky has used for years to schedule content, organise campaigns and manage both her own platforms and client accounts. Use code Vicky10 for 10% off your Planoly plan.

    Don’t forget to rate, follow and share the podcast if you enjoyed the episode, and welcome aboard to Business Class.

    Produced by TAEPodcast - www.taepodcast.co.uk

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome aboard to Business Class - the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and ambitious people building success in real time.

    In this solo episode, Vicky Owens gets brutally honest about the realities of entrepreneurship, burnout, anxiety, leadership, and building a successful social media strategy from scratch. After a chaotic week of cancelled guests, business pressure, and overwhelming schedules, Vicky decided to sit down solo and answer one of the most requested topics from listeners: how to actually create a social media strategy that grows your brand, audience, and business.

    From defining your content pillars and understanding your target audience, to creating viral TikTok and Instagram content, building a powerful personal brand, increasing engagement, and using AI tools to simplify your workflow - this episode is packed with actionable advice for business owners, creators, influencers, and anyone trying to grow online in 2026.

    Vicky also opens up about the emotional side of running a business, including rebuilding confidence as a leader, navigating anxiety and panic attacks, balancing work and personal life, and the pressure that comes with constantly chasing growth and success as a first-time entrepreneur.

    If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to stay consistent on social media, struggled to grow your audience, or wondered why your content isn’t converting into sales, this episode will completely change the way you approach your online strategy.

    Topics covered in this episode:

    How to build a successful social media strategyGrowing on TikTok and Instagram in 2026Content pillars and audience targetingBuilding a personal brand onlineSocial media marketing tips for entrepreneursHow to create viral content consistentlyContent batching and repurposing strategiesUsing AI and automation for social media growthLeadership lessons as a first-time business ownerEntrepreneurship, burnout, and anxietyGrowing a podcast and online communityWhy consistency matters more than perfectionHow social media can create business opportunitiesOvercoming fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism online

    Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, content creator, coach, or someone trying to grow a brand online, this episode is your reminder that success on social media isn’t luck - it’s strategy, consistency, and showing up even when it feels uncomfortable.

    So take your seats, strap in, and welcome aboard to Business Class.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • This week on Business Class Podcast, Vicky Owens opens up about the reality of rejection, failure, jealousy, and the messy middle of building success. From being turned down for dream jobs and missing out on opportunities like Forbes 30 Under 30 and major TV shows, to failed business ideas, podcast rejections, and moments that completely knocked her confidence - this is an honest conversation about what really happens behind the highlight reel.

    Vicky shares the emotional side of entrepreneurship that people rarely talk about: the comparison, the setbacks, the self-doubt, and the pressure of watching other people achieve the things you desperately want for yourself. But more importantly, she explains how every rejection ultimately redirected her towards something bigger, better, and more aligned.

    Celebrating one full year of Business Class and over 100,000 podcast listeners, Vicky reflects on the lessons she’s learned as a first-time business owner, podcast host, and entrepreneur navigating success in real time. She also shares powerful insights on manifestation, resilience, podcasting consistency, building a personal brand, social media marketing, entrepreneurship in your 20s, and why failing faster is often the secret to winning bigger.

    If you’ve ever felt behind in life, struggled with rejection, questioned your progress, or wondered when your breakthrough moment will come, this episode is the reminder you need that success rarely happens in a straight line.

    Topics covered in this episode:

    * Dealing with rejection in business and life
    * Forbes 30 Under 30 rejection and success story
    * Failed business ideas and lessons learned
    * Entrepreneurship in your 20s
    * Manifestation and mindset
    * Starting and growing a podcast
    * Social media agency growth
    * The realities of building a business
    * Confidence, comparison, and jealousy
    * Why consistency matters in podcasting and content creation
    * Learning from failure and setbacks
    * Building resilience as an entrepreneur

    Whether you're a business owner, content creator, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply trying to navigate your next chapter, this episode will leave you feeling motivated, understood, and ready to keep going.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome aboard Business Class - the ultimate podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and ambitious women on the journey to success. This is your go-to destination for real, unfiltered conversations about business growth, mindset, scaling, and everything in between.

    In this powerful episode, I’m joined by the incredible Maxine Laceby - founder of Absolute Collagen - who built a £30 million business from scratch in her 50s. Yes, you read that right.

    We dive deep into Maxine’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from being a full-time mum to launching a global collagen brand, scaling a team of 80+ employees, and disrupting the beauty and wellness industry.

    Inside this episode, we cover:

    Starting a business later in life and why it’s never too lateBuilding and scaling a multi-million pound brandThe realities of entrepreneurship vs. the “Instagram version”Managing teams, leadership challenges, and setting boundariesHandling bad reviews, criticism, and online negativityOvercoming imposter syndrome and self-doubtThe truth about the supplement industry and what to watch out forWhy mindset is everything when growing a business

    This is an honest, insightful, and empowering conversation packed with real-life lessons, practical advice, and no-BS truths about what it really takes to succeed in business.

    If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or dreaming of starting your own venture, this episode is a must-listen.

    🎧 Grab a notebook - you’re going to want to take notes.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • This week on Business Class, Vicky Owens shares a HUGE milestone... making the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list! She breaks down what it really takes to reach that level in business.

    From manifestation and mindset to burnout and balance, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the journey most people don’t see.

    Plus, we’re diving into real listener dilemmas, including:

    Knowing when to pivot your business offerWhy your content gets views but no salesFixing a disengaged or low-energy teamOvercoming fear of showing up onlineSetting boundaries with clientsHandling clients who refuse to pay

    If you're building a business, growing a personal brand, or trying to turn content into income, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and a reality check (in the best way).

    New episodes every Monday ✈️

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome aboard Business Class - the go-to podcast for ambitious founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone building something from the ground up. This is where we share the real journey to success: the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

    In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Sophia Panoir - founder of Under, the lingerie subscription brand that scaled to seven figures in just two years. Named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Sophia has built a community of over 300,000 followers and reached millions through viral social media content - all while navigating the realities of startup life.

    But this isn’t your typical “overnight success” story.

    This is one of the most raw, honest conversations I’ve had on the podcast. We dive deep into:

    The truth behind scaling a business fast (and what no one tells you)Going viral on social media and turning views into paying customersThe pressure of cash flow, stock mistakes, and financial stressBuilding and managing a team as a first-time founderLeaving a 9–5 career to start a business (law to lingerie!)The reality of burnout, imposter syndrome, and mental health in entrepreneurship

    Sophia also shares her blueprint for creating a subscription-based brand, building a loyal customer base, and standing out in a crowded market by redefining what lingerie means — focusing on confidence, self-care, and empowerment.

    If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or dreaming of starting your own brand, this episode is packed with real talk, lessons, and insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

    Get your notebook ready - this one is full of value.

    🎧 Topics covered:
    entrepreneurship, startup growth, social media marketing, going viral, female founders, subscription business model, scaling a brand, business mindset, cash flow management, team building, founder life, online business

    Strap in… you’re now flying Business Class ✈️

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome back to Business Class ✈️

    This week’s episode is a little bit different. We’re diving into something I’ve avoided talking about for a long time - mindset, confidence, and learning not to care what people think… even when you’re still figuring it out.

    After investing over £100,000 into business coaches, mentors, therapy, and personal development, I’m breaking down the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far -not from a place of “I’ve mastered it”, but from being right in the middle of it.

    In this episode, we cover:

    Why success comes down to consistency, not skillThe real reason you struggle to stay disciplined in businessHow to deal with jealousy, comparison, and people acting weird around your growthWhy people fall out of your life when you start levelling upThe truth about being a business owner and how it changes youWhy discomfort is the currency of successHow to actually make things happen in business (even when you don’t feel ready)Protecting your energy, your mindset, and your identity as a founder

    I also share some personal experiences around burnout, feeling “comfortable” in business, and what happens when you realise your next level requires a completely different version of you.

    ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is based on my personal experiences, opinions, and lessons as a business owner - take what resonates and leave the rest.

    If you’re in that phase where you’re growing, evolving, and questioning everything… this one’s for you.

    Take your seat, and let’s get into it ✈️

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • In today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Javeno McLean and trust me, this is a conversation you need to hear.


    We dive deep into the reality behind success the failures, the loneliness, the discipline, and the mindset it really takes to build something meaningful. Javeno shares his journey from humble beginnings to creating a community that’s changing lives every single day, including opening a free gym for those who need it most.

    But this episode goes far beyond business…

    We talk about:
    ✨ What success actually looks like behind the scenes
    ✨ Dealing with setbacks, rejection & self-doubt
    ✨ The power of gratitude (and why most people get it wrong)
    ✨ Staying disciplined when motivation isn’t there
    ✨ Building a business with purpose, not just profit
    ✨ Why not everyone will understand your journey and why that’s okay

    This is one of those conversations that will shift your perspective, challenge your mindset, and remind you what really matters.

    If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or questioned whether you’re on the right path, this episode is for you.

    🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe for more real, honest conversations around business, mindset, and growth.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • This week on Business Class, Vicky Owens is back with a dilemmas episode, answering real questions from listeners and tackling the day to day challenges that come with running a business.

    From difficult clients and boundary setting to managing team dynamics and handling employees who overstep the mark, this episode dives into the situations founders don’t always talk about. Vicky shares honest, practical advice on what to do when clients become too demanding, when team culture starts to slip, and how to approach those uncomfortable but necessary conversations.

    She also covers ethical dilemmas in business, the reality behind high social media engagement with low sales, and the pressure of trying to do everything at once as a growing business owner.

    If you’re navigating tricky decisions, questioning your next move, or just need reassurance that you’re not the only one figuring it out as you go, this episode is packed with relatable struggles and straight-talking advice to help you move forward with confidence.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome back to Business Class - the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of what it really takes to build a successful business ✈️

    In this episode, host Vicky Owens is joined by the powerhouse couple behind My Kit Co - James Malloy and Alex Thompson.

    From meeting years ago to building one of the UK’s leading beauty brands, this episode is a true full-circle moment. The pair share how they went from living and working in Hong Kong to launching a global makeup brand that quickly secured a spot in Selfridges within just a few months.

    James, a world-renowned makeup artist who has worked with A-list names like Hailee Steinfeld, Jennifer Coolidge and Rose Byrne, opens up about how industry experience and relationships helped shape the brand - while Alex shares the reality of building the business behind the scenes.

    This episode covers:

    How My Kit Co was built from the ground upThe realities of running a business as a coupleThe highs, lows, and pressures of scaling a brandDealing with competition, copycats, and setbacksWhy mindset is everything in entrepreneurshipThe difference between building a brand vs a business

    Honest, insightful, and full of real talk - this conversation highlights the true journey behind building a successful brand, from the outside wins to the behind-the-scenes challenges.

    🎧 A must-listen for anyone navigating business, creativity, or the reality of building something from scratch.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome back to Business Class with your host Vicky Owens.

    In this honest solo episode, Vicky shares the biggest mistakes she’s made as a business owner and the lessons that completely changed how she runs her company. From bad advice and poor financial habits to leadership challenges and mindset shifts, this episode is all about the things entrepreneurs often learn the hard way.

    After building her business in her early twenties, Vicky opens up about the realities of growing a company without having all the answers. She talks about blindly following business mentors, misunderstanding titles like CEO, failing to set boundaries with employees and clients, and learning why paper trails, policies, and financial awareness are essential for protecting your business.

    This episode is packed with practical lessons for entrepreneurs, founders, small business owners, and anyone starting a business who wants to avoid common startup mistakes and build a stronger, more sustainable company.

    Vicky also shares personal updates, including coming off antidepressants after years of managing anxiety and panic attacks, and how that experience has affected her mindset, emotions, and personal growth as a business owner.

    In this episode you’ll learn:
    • The biggest mistakes first-time business owners make
    • Why blindly following business advice can backfire
    • The truth about calling yourself a CEO too early
    • Why getting everything in writing protects your business
    • Leadership mistakes when managing a team
    • How boundaries and accountability improve company culture
    • Why being “too available” can damage your perceived value
    • The importance of business insurance, policies, and financial planning
    • How learning from mistakes helps you grow faster in business

    If you’re building a business, scaling a startup, managing a team, or trying to become a more confident leader, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and rethink how you approach entrepreneurship.

    Subscribe to Business Class for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, business growth, mindset, leadership, social media, and building a successful company from scratch.

    Send us Fan Mail

    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

  • Welcome back to Business Class with your host Vicky Owens.
    In this episode, Vicky sits down with sisters Sam and Steph, co-founders of Pretty Lavish, the womenswear label that grew from a £3,000 side hustle into a multi-million pound fashion brand stocked in Selfridges and ASOS.

    What started in their living room while working full-time jobs has evolved into a globally recognised brand known for occasionwear, bridesmaid dresses and elevated everyday fashion. But this conversation goes far deeper than the highlight reel.

    Sam and Steph share the raw truth behind scaling a fashion business -including working unpaid for years, designing without formal training, navigating manufacturer betrayal, handling copycat products, managing high return rates, and learning how to lead a growing team while becoming mothers.

    In this episode, we cover:
    • How to start a fashion brand with low investment
    • The reality of “overnight success” (it took 4 years before they paid themselves)
    • Transitioning from startup founders to CEOs
    • Building a strong team culture and being nominated as a best place to work
    • Hybrid working, leadership lessons and managing a team as women in business
    • Handling negative reviews and protecting brand reputation
    • Dealing with product failures, supplier issues and freight delays
    • Removing Klarna to increase profitability (even if it reduced sales)
    • Why chasing viral moments isn’t sustainable growth
    • Working with influencers authentically and building long-term brand ambassadors
    • Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
    • Why resilience is a business superpower

    They also open up about losing their dad as teenagers, how that shaped their resilience, and how their personal “why” continues to drive the brand forward.

    This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about ecommerce growth, fashion entrepreneurship, female founders, leadership, community building and long-term brand strategy.

    If you’re building a fashion brand, scaling an online business, leading a team, or navigating motherhood while growing a company - this episode is packed with insight, practical lessons and reassurance that sustainable success takes time.

    Follow Pretty Lavish on Instagram at @prettylavishuk and tune in for new product launches, bridal collections and behind-the-scenes brand storytelling.

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    Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk