In this sixteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Helen Scotchford, Founder of The Face Therapist – an advanced skincare clinic based in Marston Moretaine, Central Bedfordshire.

Helen’s journey into entrepreneurship started after years of struggling with her own skin issues and a deep passion for skincare. While still working in her corporate job she began studying skincare and slowly built the foundations of her business.

Her decision to step into business came during a huge life shift - becoming a mother - and since then she’s been navigating the ever-evolving balance of growing a business and raising her young family.

In this honest conversation Helen shares the highs and lows of building her business from scratch. She reflects on leaving the security of employment, working through her inner critic, and staying focused on her purpose - helping others regain their confidence through skincare.

We chat about the behind-the-scenes of running a service-led business, the reality of slow, steady growth, and why connection and trust are the heart of everything Helen does. She also opens up about motherhood, boundaries and the courage it takes to back yourself through every season of life.

If you’ve ever felt the pull towards starting something of your own, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom and gentle encouragement.

00:00 – How Helen’s passion for skincare began 08:30 – Transitioning from corporate to business ownership 17:05 – Balancing business with motherhood 23:59 – Challenges, self-doubt, and the inner critic 29:00 – Advice for those considering starting a business

✦ A down-to-earth look at starting a service-based business ✦ The power of passion and purpose in shaping your work ✦ Honest reflections on motherhood and entrepreneurship ✦ Tips on building confidence and trusting yourself ✦ How slow, steady growth can lead to deep fulfilment

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

Website: https://www.thefacetherapistuk.com/

Bookings: https://www.fresha.com/a/the-face-therapist-marston-moretaine-uk-reynes-close-wsntamjh/booking?menu=true

📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this fifteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex shares some honest reflections and practical strategies for when business feels hard. Whether you're in a dip, feeling low on motivation, or just questioning what you're doing it all for, this episode is here to help you reset.

Alex explores how to manage your energy, reconnect with what matters, and shift your focus back to creating rather than consuming. You'll hear ways to rebuild momentum (without forcing it), take the pressure off yourself, and keep going in a way that actually feels sustainable.

If you've been feeling stuck, tired, or out of sorts in your work — this episode is a reminder that you're not alone, and things can feel better again.

00:00 – Navigating Tough Times in Business A real look at the emotional and practical challenges of running a business when things feel heavy.

03:31 – Energy Management Strategies How to reduce noise, set boundaries, and focus on what actually moves you forward.

05:32 – Creation Before Consumption Why switching off the scroll and getting back to creating can shift everything.

07:25 – Building a Sustainable Business Mindset Looking after yourself, protecting your time, and making space for what matters.

• Give yourself space to acknowledge how you feel.

• Reconnect with your purpose to get clear on your next step.

• Speak your goals in the present tense to bring them closer.

• Boundaries protect your focus and energy.

• Creating before consuming helps build momentum.

• Motivation isn’t the starting point — action often comes first.

• Rest is productive. Stillness is allowed.

• You’re not behind — you’re building something that fits.

• Business can be shaped to work with your life, not against it.

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Instagram @alexmccarthycoaching

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/alexmccarthycoaching

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In this fourteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Nicole Bilham – founder of Wild Bird Marketing, a strategic marketing and sales agency for heart-led founders.

After 13 years working in the commercial team at ITV, Nicole decided to leave corporate life behind and build something of her own. She launched her business in early 2019 with a clear intention: to create a business that gave her freedom, flexibility, and space to do work that truly mattered.

Since then, she’s grown Wild Bird Marketing while navigating the challenges of motherhood, including two pregnancies during turbulent times, a pandemic and the constant juggle that comes with raising a young family while building a business from scratch.

Nicole shares her honest and powerful story — from the early hustle, moments of self-doubt, and lessons in resilience, to the mindset shifts that shaped her journey. She talks about the emotional side of leaving a ‘successful’ career, the impact of stepping into a new identity, and what she’s learned about backing herself even when the path isn’t clear.

We explore the importance of community, navigating business while parenting, and the pressure many women feel to do it all — often without a roadmap. Nicole also reflects on the advice she’d give her past self, and the quote that gave her the courage to take the leap and build her wings on the way down.

Whether you’re starting out, considering a pivot, or simply craving a more human, heart-led way to grow your business — this episode is a must-listen.

00:00 – Nicole’s early career and creative spark 05:40 – Entering the media industry and building confidence 09:00 – Taking risks and learning through uncertainty 14:00 – Leaving ITV and choosing to start Wild Bird Marketing 20:00 – Launching a business while planning for motherhood 25:00 – Navigating the newborn phase in lockdown 28:30 – Why she didn’t lean on her old network (and what changed) 32:00 – Business, identity and rebuilding after baby 36:00 – The inner conflict of doing it all 40:00 – Advice for others thinking about taking the leap 43:00 – Nicole’s definition of her kind of business

✦ An honest look at leaving a long-term career to start a business ✦ Why backing yourself matters — even before you feel ready ✦ The tension between motherhood, ambition and identity ✦ The lessons she’d share with anyone starting out ✦ What it means to run a business through big life changes ✦ A powerful reminder that it’s okay not to have it all figured out

Instagram: @wildbirdmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bilham-16b24514/

📅 Book a free Business Connection Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com