PODCAST · business
Start Scale Succeed
by Nicole Higgins
Want to start, scale and succeed in your product business? Buying & retail expert Nicole Higgins spent the last 18 years working for companies such as Primark, M&S, Debenhams and Asda, building strategies for blue chip businesses, and increasing bottom line sales and profit. In this weekly business podcast, Nicole is here to empower you to "start, scale and succeed" by providing you with inspiration, motivation and insight from entrepreneurs and experts to help you in the retail industry.This podcast includes tips, tactics and conversations that you can learn from and implement into your own business, from start up entrepreneurs that have just launched to multi million pound businesses. With tips from experts and how to’s to help your business grow to enable you to live the life you crave. From side hustle to stock market and everything in between.Start listening and subscribe now
Episodes
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Ep 199 A New Kind of Paradise: Jules Von Hepp on Exit, Identity and What Comes Next
From Spray Tanner to Global Beauty Brand: Jules Von Hepp on Building Isle of Paradise, Showing Up and Knowing When to Leave Jules Von Hep spent 10 years as a celebrity spray tanner. His clients included Strictly Come Dancing, the red carpet and Vogue. Then he spotted a gap no one was filling. The...
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Ep 198 Stopping the scroll and making the sale with ads, AI, email and more
It’s one of the most crowded times of the year, and your customers are more distracted than ever. So how do you get them to stop scrolling and actually buy? In this live recording of Start, Scale, Succeed, I’m joined by two paid media experts. Aggie Moroney is founder of White bee Digital, a paid...
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Ep 197 Mastering Stock and Cashflow in your product Business
How much stock should you actually be holding? With Anna Youngson of Majury Merchandising Stock and cash flow can catch out any product business, whether you're turning over £100k or £1m. This week I'm joined by Anna Youngson, merchandising and retail consultant and founder of Majury…
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Christmas 2026 what's trending and how to turn it into sales with Hannah Bartlett
In this episode, Nicole and Hannah discuss the evolving trends in Christmas marketing, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior and emotional connections to the holiday season. They explore how retailers can leverage nostalgia, storytelling, and immersive experiences to…
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Ep 195 Scaling A Global Beauty And Wellness Brand, How Popmask grew 500% in one year
On this episode of Start Scale Succeed, Nicole chats with Louisa Booth, the inspiring founder behind Pop Mask and Blushing LA. Louisa shares her entrepreneurial journey from investment banking to bootstrapping and building a global beauty and wellness brand, now found in over 35,000 retail doors...
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Ep 194 Ways To Use AI In Your Product Business With Dean Johnston
In this value-packed episode, Nicole Higgins sits down with Dean Johnson—AI consultant, and experienced product business founder—to dive into the game-changing ways artificial intelligence is transforming product businesses. Whether you're a founder at the start of your journey or running an...
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EP 193 Launching with Intention: Moonbow’s Journey from Idea to Indie Brand with founders Heather & Dr Felice Chan
When should I start talking about my brand on socials? How soon should I build a community? These are questions I'm often asked by brands that are starting and in EP 193 I'm chatting with Heather Chan co-founder of new brand Moonbow (where Traditional Chinese Medicine meets modern skincare) The...
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Ep 192 The Easy Way To Launch Into The US Market With Lauren Orlicky
Welcome to another episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast with your host, Nicole Higgins, the Buyer and Retail Coach. In this episode, Nicole is joined by Lauren Orlicky , co-founder of US Launchpad about the practicalities of launching your brand in the United States and how to do it the…
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Ep 191 The Path To Profit with Petite Fashion Brand The Shortlist founder Laura Derricourt
In this weeks episode, Nicole brings back Laura, founder of The Shortlist—a premium petite fashion brand—for her third appearance on the podcast. Having followed Laura’s journey from launch to becoming a profitable business, Nicole dives deep into the milestones, challenges, and evolutionary…
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Ep 190 Is PR over with journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara Live episode from Top Drawer
Is conventional PR over? In this weeks episode of start scale succeed we are live from the retail revealed stage of the Top Drawer Trade Fair I’m joined by Journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara and here are some of the key areas we chat about How PR has evolved (and what actually...
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Ep 189 Crafting tone of voice that sells and inspires with Katie Ramsingh - The Fashion Copywriter
Nicole sits down with expert fashion copywriter Katie Ramsingh to dive deep into the art and strategy of creating compelling copy and developing a distinctive tone of voice for your brand. With over 10 years’ experience writing for brands like Louis Vuitton, John Lewis, and Farfetch, Katie shares...
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Ep 188 Turning Personal Frustration Into a Thriving Skincare Brand: Katy Cottam Founder Luna Daily
On this episode of Start Scale Succeed,Nicole Higgins sits down with Katy Cottam, the founder of Luna Daily—a body care brand redefining skincare for women at every age and life stage. Katy opens up about her journey from a personal struggle with thrush and sensitive skin to launching and leading…
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EP 187 Navigating Anxiety and Overwhelm: Practical Mental Health Tools for Entrepreneurs with Anna Mathur
37% of entrepreneurs suffer from Anxiety and in this weeks Episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole chats with Psychotherapist and Author Anna Mathur we talk about Anxiety, overwhelm and mental health as an entrepreneur Highlights include Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurs - accepting...
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Ep 186 Packaging and Branding tips for product business with Claudia Costa- Rowse
Claudia shares her journey from marketing to design, the challenges early-stage brands face with packaging, and her expert advice on how founders can communicate their brand’s personality, maximize every inch of packaging real estate, and strike the right balance between standing out and fitting…
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Ep 185 Trade show Lessons, exhibiting at Top Drawer for the First time with Imogen Partridge
Join us as Imogen shares her journey from interior designer to creative business owner, revealing why she chose to make wholesale and trade shows a new focus, the realities of prepping for her debut trade show at Top Drawer, a UK trade show and the practical lessons she learned along the way....
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Ep 184 Sourcing products from India the how and the what with Sara Collins Ethical production consultant
This episode is packed with practical advice for founders and brand owners looking to start or scale their product-based businesses—especially those considering India for production. You’ll learn about the best product categories to source from India, key cultural and communication…
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EP 183 How Passion and Perseverance Shaped 20 Years of Retail Success for Deryane Tadd founder of The Dressing Room
Nicole and Deryane delve into the reality of competing in a discount-driven market, strategies for driving sales, and the importance of focusing on exceptional customer service. For those considering starting a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce business, Deryane’s advice is invaluable. Deryane…
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Ep 182 Going for the Gut :Naked Biotics founders leanne and Amy chat about their start up journey so far and expanding into wholesale
This weeks episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole is joined by Leanne and Amy, the dynamic co-founders of Naked Biotics. They delve into the journey of launching and scaling their probiotic brand amidst challenges like the COVID-19 lockdowns. Inspired by personal experiences and the power of gut...
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Ep 181 Balancing Personal Boundaries and Brand Authenticity with Becci Mcevoy
In this episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, Nicole is joined by Becci McAvoy, founder of Be Heard Socials, to discuss the importance of authenticity in social media, particularly for brand founders. They delve into the challenges and fears of showing true selves online, tips to overcome...
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Ep 180 Essential PR Strategies for Small Business Growth and Visibilitywith Pippa Goulden
Pippa Goulden joins the Start Scale Succeed podcast to chat all thing PR for your small business and how you can DIY it and the steps you need to take to increase the visibility of you and your brand. Highlights include 🎙️ Personal Branding Power: Learn how to weave your personal story into your...
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Ep 179 Overcoming retail challenges with Acorn & Pip Founder Lucy Haslam
In this episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, We delve into the world of entrepreneurship with the inspiring story of Lucy, the founder of Acorn and Pip. Lucy has successfully run her family concept store, navigating the complexities of retail in challenging times. With nearly 100,000...
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Ep 178 Masters of the Market, Elevating Small Businesses with Salad Days Market founders Daisy & Liv Tinker
Ep 178 Masters of the Market, Elevating Small Businesses with Salad Days Market founders Daisy & Liv Tinker In this week's episode of Start Scale Succeed I chat with Liv & Daisy, the innovative founders behind Salad Days Market, a vibrant pop-up market showcasing the best of small businesses in...
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Ep 177 From Crisis to Growth: How Live Shopping Reshaped a Multi-Million Pound Business with Stephanie Weightman
I'm all for anything that is going to make you more money in your business and connecting with your customers in an authentic way. Live shopping ticks those two boxes. In todays episode of Start Scale Succeed I'm joined by Stephanie Weightman the founder of highlight crafts who started to…
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ep 176 Building a successful subscription box business with Lauren Prentice
Subscription box businesses are worth 1.8 billion in the UK and it's a growing market. So if you are considering starting one, adding one to your current business or need advice on how to make your existing one more profitable then listen to this weeks episode 176 of start scale succeed . Where...
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Ep 175 How your style can create your success with Samantha Harman The Style Editor
EP 175 How your style can create your success with Samantha Harman Listen to this week's episode to understand how your wardrobe choices influence your business success "Your wardrobe isn't clothes. It is the physical manifestation of your beliefs, your hopes, your fears, your dreams, all of the...
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Ep 174 Beyond the highlight reel - The True Story of closing a brand and liquidation with Katie Brandon Bryne Lil & Izzy Founder
In this raw and honest episode, Katie Brandon Byrne shares the emotional journey of closing her award-winning children's wear brand, Lil and Izzy. From its successful beginnings to the final decision to liquidate, Katie discusses: The warning signs that led to closure The impact of rising costs…
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Ep 173 Aligning Mind, Body, and Skin: The Vision Behind eyeam Skincare with co- founder Roxy Marrone
Join me as I chat with co- founder Roxy Marrone where she shares how her own skincare journey with hormonal acne led to the creation of the brand. eyeam is a community-driven wellness destination on a mission to align your skin with your mind, body, and spirit. Their mission is to bring healing...
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Ep 172 Building Faace, From Global Expansion to Dragons Den to selling the business with Founder Jasmine Wicks Stephens
Join Jasmine & Nicole for an open and honest conversation about starting and growing a brand, securing investment and the process of finding a buyer for the business. In Ep 171 of Start Scale Succeed Jasmine Wicks-Stephens shares the story behind the brand and how it's rapid expansion and success...
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Ep 171 Starting & Growing on Etsy with Etsy Expert Dylan Jahraus
Etsy has over 6 Million sellers and about 400 million visitors to the platform each month So as a seller how do you get started and how do you get seen. These are just some of the topics I’m going to be talking about with my guest Dylan Jahraus on todays episode of start scale succeed You can…
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Ep 170 Building your Brand visibility strategies with Anna Jones
"Building Your Brand: Visibility Strategies with Anna Jones What's your why? sometimes this can be a difficult question to answer but one I think is key to understand before you start showing up as the face of your brand. My guest this week Anna Jones - Visibility expert helped make this more...
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Ep 169 Revitalising the UK knitwear industry with Brand Founder and Designer Genevieve Sweeney
Todays episode of start scale succeed Nicole is Joined by UK knitwear designer and brand founder Genevieve Sweeney Some of the areas we chat about are Challenges of UK Manufacturing in an industry that is disappearing & her dreams and plans of revitalising the UK knitwear industry. What Genevieve...
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Ep 168. From Kickstarter Launch to UK Retail Giants with Ruby Raut founder of period pant brand WUKA
Innovating Period Care with Ruby Raut of Wuka In this inspiring episode, Nicole Higgins sits down with Ruby Raut, the founder of Wuka, a sustainable period product brand on a mission to eradicate period shame and combat period poverty. Join us as Ruby shares her journey from a small village in...
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Ep 167 Navigating ADHD: Tips and Strategies for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Lauren Breese
Approximately 29% of entrepreneurs are neurodivergent, revealing a strong link between neurodiversity and entrepreneurial drive. In Ep 167 Nicole Chats with Dr Lauren Breese experienced Clinical Psychologist and founder of & Psychology and Co-founder of The neurodiversity practice along with…
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Episode 166 - Mastering Your Black Friday Ad Strategy
With Black Friday just around the corner, I know you're probably gearing up for one of the biggest shopping events of the year. To help you navigate this competitive landscape, I'm chatting with Anna Frapwell founder of Neon Digital Clicks and sponsor of the podcast. Whether you’re a seasoned pro...
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Ep 165 Boost your retail business with Live Shopping
Live shopping is set to hit £5 billion in the UK by 2025 with fashion and beauty being the key categories. But what converts and why should it be part of your marketing strategy. In todays episode of Podcast Start Scale Succeed I'm joined by Macdara Duncan International Director of Live Shopping...
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Ep 164 - Black Friday checklist - Before, during & After
Ultimate Black Friday Strategy: How Brands Can Maximize Sales Before, During, and After First off I want to say participating in Black Friday may not be right for you, you might not have enough margin or stock or it may not sit right from a sustainability or mass consumption point of view but if...
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Ep 163 - Simplifying your Marketing Strategy with Alice Benham
I'm all for advice that is easy to understand and implement and was delighted to chat with Alice Benham author of the recently released The Digital Marketing Handbook for this weeks podcast Some of the areas we chat about Why Marketing Strategies Often Feel Overwhelming (00:03:16): The pitfalls…
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Ep 162 Growing Your Brand on Instagram Live Recording with Martha Keith
How about growing to 50K followers in 6 months, well that's just what this weeks guest did Martha Keith Founder of stationery brand Martha Brook London and her new account Business Secrets Club where Martha shares great tips and advice for small businesses particularly focusing on social media. I...
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Ep 161 Navigating Self Doubt & Lack of Confidence with Holly Matthews
Anxiety, Self-doubt and lack of confidence are all things as business founders we can experience. Today’s episode of start scale succeed I chat with Life Coach, published Author & NLP Practitioner Holly Matthews about Finding your Confidence. Holly has just released her new book Find your...
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Ep 160 - Optimizing Your q4 email Campaigns for Maximum Impact with Hannah Spicer
If you are a product business up to 70% of your yearly turnover can come during Q4, I chat with previous Guest Hannah Spicer on how you can ensure you are getting the most out of your emails to drive your sales. Areas we chat about Approaching Black Friday and deciding on your sales & promotional...
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Ep 159 Using chat funnels to grow your product business
Removing friction and making it easier for your customers to buy is key if you have a product business. This weeks episode I chat with Mel Eilers a Many chat expert where we talk about Chat funnels and why you should be using them and how they can benefit your business Benefits of Using Manychat…
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Ep 158 - How to crowdfund for your business with Danielle Wallington
Today's episode of start scale succeed delves into the intriguing world of crowdfunding with our special guest, Danielle Wallington, the visionary founder of Flock here, Join us as Danielle reveals her journey of raising over £20,000 in just over 30 days through crowdfunding. Discover how she...
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Ep 157 - How to Build a Successful Candle Brand with Samantha Johnson Pintail Candles and Avalon Home
With a low barrier to entry candle brands are an easy product to get started with as a business, but should you? and what do you need to make it a success, I chat with Samantha Johnson who tells it how it is in the candle industry what works and what doesn't and what you need to know. We chat…
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Ep 156 - Planning Q4 & Xmas for your retail business
Depending on your product type between 25-50% of your turnover can come from Q4 (Oct- Dec) and I want you to have the best sales this year and to help get you more organised and reduce the overwhelm I've created a helpful guide and a detailed podcast taking you through steps that I would have…
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Ep 155 - Summer Sales Strategies for your Ecommerce Brand
In this conversation, I chat with Elle Williamson, a Shopify and Klaviyo expert, about how to keep sales coming in over the summer. We discuss the myth that summer is a downtime for sales and emphasize the importance of not stopping marketing efforts during this time. Elle advises planning ahead,...
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Ep 154 - Building a Gifting Business with Don't Buy Her Flowers
Steph Douglas is the founder of personalised gifting company Don't Buy Her Flowers. Established in 2014 initially to cater to new mums the brand grew beyond it's initial idea and now creates thoughtful gifting for all occasions. Steph chats about her journey as a business owner from first hires…
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Ep 153 - What Suppliers Need from Start-Up Brands with Sheradene Rose
When you are approaching suppliers for your product business what do they want from you. What are the red flags when deciding which suppliers to work with for your fashion brand or product start up. We answer these and much more in Ep 153 of start scale succeed I chat with Sheredene Rose Ex head…
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Ep 152 - Unlock the Potential of LinkedIn with Laurie MacPherson
I get it, as a product business owner Linked In may be the last plate you want to spin so it’s potentially not really on your to do list, but this weeks episode of Start scale succeed I chat with Laurie Macpherson on how you can unlock it’s potential and reach your ideal clients and market…
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Ep 151 - Creating a Product Business Around Your Lifestyle with Ode & Ray Founder Renee Milner
Renee created a bootstrapped business with just £2500 which has grown into a renowned swimwear brand If you had said that you wanted to create a business that gave you the freedom to travel and create a nomadic lifestyle, a product business wouldn’t have been the top of my list but Renee has just...
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E150 Mastering Brand partnerships & collaborations With Natalia Chappel
We all saw the numerous collaborations Barbie did before the movie launch from make up to Airbnb But many of you don’t have the Barbie budget or the clout of a million dollar movie behind you so how can you make a partnership work for you, why should you do a collab and how do you pitch to the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Want to start, scale and succeed in your product business? Buying & retail expert Nicole Higgins spent the last 18 years working for companies such as Primark, M&S, Debenhams and Asda, building strategies for blue chip businesses, and increasing bottom line sales and profit. In this weekly business podcast, Nicole is here to empower you to "start, scale and succeed" by providing you with inspiration, motivation and insight from entrepreneurs and experts to help you in the retail industry.This podcast includes tips, tactics and conversations that you can learn from and implement into your own business, from start up entrepreneurs that have just launched to multi million pound businesses. With tips from experts and how to’s to help your business grow to enable you to live the life you crave. From side hustle to stock market and everything in between.Start listening and subscribe now
HOSTED BY
Nicole Higgins
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