In this seventeenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Elena – a creative and multi-passionate business owner who runs not one but two unique businesses: a keepsake sewing business and a candy floss venture.

Elena’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t planned – in fact, she calls herself an accidental business owner. After working night shifts in police custody and navigating life as a busy mum, she began sewing meaningful keepsakes for her children and friends. What started as a creative outlet soon grew into a word-of-mouth business. Then came her second venture – a colourful, joy-filled candy floss business inspired by her own sweet tooth and love of celebration.

In this honest and down-to-earth chat, Elena shares what it’s really like to manage multiple businesses while also prioritising rest, growth and family. She talks about the joy of building something her way, the importance of personal development, and why she’s learning to say “no” in order to protect her energy.

We chat about the mindset shifts needed to grow as a business owner, the power of building slowly, and how letting go of pressure can be the best business move you ever make.

If you’re multi-passionate, managing lots of moving parts, or dreaming of starting something of your own, this episode is full of gentle encouragement, creative inspiration and practical wisdom.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction 01:07 – Eleanor’s early career in police custody 02:00 – How her sewing business began by accident 03:45 – Starting her candy floss business 05:30 – Balancing both businesses 07:15 – How personal growth supports business growth 09:00 – Challenges and learning to outsource 11:00 – Finding work-life balance and protecting energy 12:30 – Advice for those thinking of starting a business

What to Expect

✦ A creative and unfiltered look at juggling two small businesses ✦ The value of starting small and growing through word of mouth ✦ Honest insights into boundaries, burnout and business evolution ✦ Tips on time management, outsourcing and staying grounded ✦ Why it’s okay (and necessary) to do things differently

Connect with Eleanor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaterialgirl_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaterialG/?locale=en_GB

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candycloudscart?locale=en_GB

Connect with Alex 📅 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 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.

Business Connection Sessions alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions

Instagram @alexmccarthycoaching

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/alexmccarthycoaching

Website alexmccarthycoaching.com