The Countrywoman’s Guide to Work, Life & You…

IntroductionOne of the great things about hosting a podcast is that you get to chat to lots of people! I’m always curious to hear how people came to be doing what they do and it seems that serendipity often plays a big part in shaping careers!Timmy is no exception to this and becoming a multi-disciplined therapist happened organically after she qualified as a sports therapist. She then went on to gain her equine and canine qualifications and is currently studying for a further qualification - she is one busy lady!Our Discussion covers…* Career Path* Business Development* Work Philosophy* Challenges of Self-Employment* Social Media and Branding* Professional Community* Personal Well-being* Advice & ReflectionsKey Thoughts Shared * Authenticity builds trust: Clients appreciate clear, jargon-free communication and a human approach.* Community over competition: Building relationships with peers strengthens the industry and personal confidence.* Social media ≠ success: Real business growth comes from word of mouth and consistent service, not follower counts.* Work-life balance: Recognizing personal limits and seasonal priorities prevents burnout.Thanks so much to Timmy for being so generous with her experience and wisdom.As always thank you for listening. Please do like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the podcast.You can find Timmy on instagram hereThanks for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life! Please subscribe to receive our updates to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

So, it was an absolute treat to have an hour with him as part of my recent stint as a Do Radio presenter.David builds brands from nothing with next to nothing. Having spent a decade of his early years at Saatchi & Saatchi, he left to build his own brands.He was one of the founders of Howies in the 1990’s, which he exited via a trade sale to Timberland in the mid-2000’s.In 2008, he and Claire started the Do Lectures. The idea was a simple one. Gather together the world’s leading DOers, disruptors and changemakers, have them share their hearts and stories, and encourage others to DO amazing things too. There are now over 400 lectures available free online to watch, and the latest innovation of the Do Team is Do Radio In 2011, he took up the manufacturing mantle again, with his wife Claire, in the form of Hiut Ltd, determined to revive jeans manufacture in the town of Cardigan. In its heyday, Dewhirst, one of the Cardigan based factories used to produce 35,000 pairs of jeans a week, employing 400 people, but closed in 2002. The skills were all there and Hiut became known for handcrafting high-quality, sustainable jeans, often referred to as "slow fashion". Their commitment to craftsmanship, the "Do One Thing Well" philosophy, and the re-employing of local "Grand Masters", jean makers who lost their jobs in 2002 became hallmarks of the Hiut brand.David and Claire sold Hiut in 2025 to concentrate on the Do Lectures.All of David’s businesses are strong on brand and storytelling and his innovative thinking inspires many.David’s idea of success is:- Being in charge of your time.- Not worrying about money.- Do work that matters with people you like. And help others.I think that’s a pretty good success philosophy to have.In this episode, we talk about story, purpose, community, and why understanding the why of your business gives it wind in its sails.If you’re building something thoughtful and long-term — this conversation will stay with you.🎧 Listen now on Countrywoman’s Guide.Thanks for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life - please subscribe and be part of our Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

In this episode, Sue Pryke shares her inspiring journey through ceramics, from learning how to cut leeks to prescribed lengths for supermarkets in her father’s business as a youngster, to working at Wedgwood and subsequently establishing her own design studio. She explores the importance of heritage craft skills, balancing industry with handmade quality, and how her upbringing influenced her meticulous approach and love for design and the ability to produce beautifully designed and ergonomic pieces at scale.Key Topics:* Sue’s early passion for pottery sparked by A-level coursework in the 1980s* The influence of Lincolnshire’s landscape on her appreciation for precision and uniformity* Transition from craft-based work to design at Leicester, including her degree in Design for Manufacture* Her experience at Wedgwood and involvement in traditional model and mold making and the challenges faced in preserving heritage skills* Moving into her own business and collaborations with IKEA* The significance of mindful, detail-oriented craftsmanship* The role of failure and iteration in creative development* Reflections on parenting, balancing family life, and fostering entrepreneurial instincts* Participation in The Great Pottery Throw Down and media influence on ceramics* Future projects involving creamware molds and a return to studio practice* Embracing change, re-evaluating life phases, and the importance of adaptability“Understated, afford-able, functional and elegant. Sounds easy but is very hard to achieve. Designs that fit in rather than stand out, a true test of excellence. ” — Barbara Chandler, The Evening StandardThis podcast was originally recorded for Do Radio, so huge thanks to them for letting me share this episode with you.Connect with Sue Pryke:* Instagram* WebsiteResources & Links:* Oliver Burkman’s 4000 Weeks – on managing time and life priorities* The Great Pottery Throw Down Series 3– TV Show promoting awareness of ceramics* Royal College of Art – The home of ideas* Wedgwood Official Site – Historic ceramic manufacturer* Royal Society of Arts Awards – Recognition in ceramic design* Prince’s Youth Business Trust – (Now the King’s Trust) business support and fundingThank you for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life - please subscribe to receive our updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

I’ve known Dan Kieran for a little while now and first came across him when I read his book Do Start - How to Create and Run a Business (that doesn’t run you). It’s a great read and I loved the way he talked about his journey through starting and running a business.Dan is a seasoned entrepreneur and author. We’re both members of the Do Lectures community and connected on Linkedin, but our conversations started after I watched a presentation that Dan gave about his thoughts on Leadership.In it, he discussed how leadership isn’t just about hierarchy, control, or endless grind, it’s about fluidity, connection, and understanding the natural currents within your business and yourself. So, when I was recording the Do Radio interviews, Dan was on my list of people I wanted to interview.In this captivating episode, Dan shares his transformative insights inspired by ancient rivers and hunter-gatherer societies that thrived through cooperation and adaptability. He reveals how adopting a “river-like” mindset can empower you to guide your organization with strength and grace, no matter the turbulence.Dan candidly discusses the mental toll of scaling, the loneliness at the top, and how shifting to a flow-based leadership style can restore joy, resilience, and sustainable success. We break down his powerful analogy of leading like a river, emphasizing the importance of context, collaboration, and trusting the natural course of growth. You’ll discover how ancient societal structures and natural laws hold the key to modern leadership practices that actually work - and you all know how important our connection to the countryside is!We explore:* How the word “lead” originally meant “flow” and why understanding this can revolutionize your leadership approach.* Practical strategies for navigating entrepreneurial transitions, from burnout to renewal.* The importance of vulnerability, community, and mentorship in driving lasting success.* The critical role of nurturing feminine qualities like intuition, empathy, and psychological safety in today’s business landscape.* How to craft your personal origin story to rewire limiting beliefs and unlock your full potential.But don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to be an entrepreneur to benefit from hearing Dan’s take on life - his curiosity and way of connecting history to how we live our life today is both enlightening and fascinating.NB: This episode was originally recorded for my Making Stuff Up show on Do Radio, which they are kindly letting me share with the CWG audience.As always, thank you for reading and thank you for listening.Guest Dan Kieran is a prolific entrepreneur, writer, and advocate for human-centered leadership, known for building Unbound, a pioneering crowdfunding platform, and his passionate work on the future of business and feminine leadership.Thanks for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

This episode was one I originally recorded for Do Radio, who have very kindly said I can also share the podcasts with you.As with the other ‘Do’ conversations, the interviews are so rich with honesty about the entrepreneurial journey and so rich with wisdom and experience that they match up really well with the things that we talk about on our CWG podcasts.I am so pleased to introduce you to Mandy Powell, who started The Goodwash Company at her farm kitchen table in 2018, creating an ethical Welsh skincare brand for humans and dogs.Goodwash is an ethical skincare brand and Mandy’s guiding lights are her values and the changes that she wants to see in the world.As her website proudly states, “Wales has the best natural larder in the world and we wanted to create the finest ethical skincare from as much of our natural environment as possible. Combining the best products with a genuine social and environmental conscience.”The Goodwash range of skin and haircare products are beautifully packaged, ethically made and absolutely lovely to use.From the very beginning, Mandy was determined to support her local area, Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales and the wider Welsh Community, so that “each time you wash good things happen for the people and communities of Wales”As well as the products working for humans, Mandy wanted them to also work for her dogs. Her two original fur founders: Maisy (a gorgeous Westie with sensitive skin) and Duffle (a gorgeous Labradoodle) were the inspiration behind the legendary and much loved natural Fur range.Dilys is now her fellow ffwr director and you can check out Dilys' daily work adventures on her Instagram hereThis is a humble, reflective and honest conversation from a genuine, kind and brilliant entrepreneur - and if you’re wondering what Mandy did with her fledgling business after the feedback from the London Media agency, she does reveal all in the podcast.There are also some reflections from me at the end about the first 4 episodes of my Do Radio season. Next week we’ll take a break from the Do Radio podcasts with a podcast I recently recorded and then we’ll do another batch of 4 of the programmes.PS: If you think you might know the name, Goodwash products were featured in the 2024 Gavin and Stacey Christmas special (in Gwen’s kitchen and behind Smithy having a bath.PPS: You can catch all the current Do Radio programmes by listening live here or by downloading the App and listening to the Archive here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Kresse Wesling, CBE, is a multi-award winning environmental entrepreneur. After first meeting the London Fire Brigade in 2005, Kresse launched Elvis & Kresse, which rescues and transforms decommissioned fire hose into innovative lifestyle products and returns 50% of profits to the Fire Fighters Charity.The company now collects 12 different waste streams and has several charitable partnerships and collaborations across industries. In 2021, Kresse and Elvis, her business and life partner, also took on a farm in order to establish a regenerative agriculture project, generate their own renewables and implement a host of environmental initiatives.Talking to Kresse was a real insight into founding and running a business with a social purpose, initially doing everything themselves to move the business forward and learning and growing as they progressed.Elvis & Kresse’s dedication to reducing waste, and always challenging themselves to do more is second-to-none.Kresse reminds us that kindness is embedded in our humanity and also that there is no perfect company, we can always learn more.PS : I purchased a desk tidy from Elvis & Kresse, part of their collaboration with Burberry and it really is gorgeous.PPS: My grateful thanks go to Janet Hitchen who was my Do Radio Channel Producer. You can catch all the current Do Radio programmes by listening live here or by downloading the App and listening to the Archive here.Thank you for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to living life well and doing business better. Please join us by subscribing for free below This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur scaling your business or you’re feeling stuck and can’t quite see where to go, then this interview with Les McKeown that I originally recorded for Do Radio should be on your list of things to listen to this week.Les developed his own trademark @predictablesuccess model and has worked with thousands of people running businesses over the years, so his insights are profound.As Les himself says, “if you truly want to not just grow, but scale your organization, then I can help you achieve, accelerate and sustain that growth.”Whatever size business you run, Les has identified the stagesyou will go through and explains how to navigate them to achieve Predictable Success.if you’re at an early stage in your business, forewarned is forearmed and you’ll learn about some of the decision points that will come up at some point for you.Take a listen - I’ve never nodded so much during an interview -Les’s advice is absolutely golden.PS: You can catch all the current Do Radio programmes by listening live here or by downloading the App and listening to the Archive here. Our grateful thanks to them for allowing me to share this on CWG. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

I’ve known Lara for a few years now. She first popped up on my radar when she approached me to ask for advice about running her holiday let business at Combe Head House because she’d seen Dimpsey and knew that we were nearby. We met up and have become friends, chatting about business and life in general when we see each other.With three generations living together, two small children, properties to renovate and a holiday let business to build - Lara is a very busy lady and, like many of our interviewees, her instagram is absolutely dreamy and would have you believe that her life is all about choosing paint colours and styling interiors with the occasional trip to see her gorgeous sheep, goats and chickens.However, the reality is that, as always, there is huge amounts going on behind the scenes to make it look that easy and more often than not when I pop to see Lara, she emerges from a dusty corner with a broom or a paintbrush in her hand.In our chat, Lara shares how important the local Community has been to her, providing support and knowledge - and how a wide range of local women-led businesses have been her salvation through the times when it all seemed a bit too much.If you’ve ever wanted to renovate a house, or running your own business at the same time as having a family feels totally bonkers, Lara’s insights will most definitely be of interest.Outside of the above, it’s a great chat about women helping women and the countryside community being such a strong support.I’ve scheduled this one to go out on International Women’s Day as I think it exemplifies the Give to Gain ethos that is already part of the countryside community.Other Podcast listens that we mention during the episode :Maddie Beaumont - Redefining Hospitality for 2026 and beyondKate Cullen of Fablefaine - Connecting brands with powerful rural properties Kate Cullen Tamsyn Froom Architecture - Designing spaces that work for your lifeAs always - thank you for reading and thank you for listening. Please do like and comment if you enjoy the interview as it does help us to be seen by more people. Thank you for being part of our Countrywoman’s Guide Community. Subscribe for free below to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Over Winter 2025, I hosted the Making Stuff Up Channel on Do Radio for 12 episodes, Do Radio is a new initiative which was the brainchild of David Hieatt and a fabulous team of people who came together to make it happen.Do Radio is a radio station for people who believe in the power of doing something. Featuring thought-provoking shows from inspiring minds, over the eight channels there is always a show to listen to throughout the day and night.It’s been an absolute privilege being an early part of the team and I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing really inspiring entrepreneurs and hearing their take on the entrepreneurial journey.Now you know that one of our key beliefs at Countrywoman’s Guide is that through sharing our journey, warts and all, we can help others feel less alone and inspire them that they too can get through whatever they are struggling with.So, I’m going to share the interviews with you over the next few weeks in batches of 4 episodes, as the nuggets of wisdom that are shared by our interviewees are too good to miss.This first episode was to introduce me to the audience, as I was taking over from another presenter. So the tables were turned and I became the interviewee with Janet Hitchen, who produces the Making Stuff Up channel interviewing me about my life and what brought me to this point.Janet is a very wise Corporate Communications professional and she and I had an absolute ball working together, and our behind the scenes conversations were wide-ranging. I learnt so much from Janet and she has become a firm friend, you’ll hear me talking about serendipity in the interview and I am so glad that fate brought us together.Anyway, I’m going to hand you over to the podcast now, I hope you enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Lucy Scudamore is one busy lady!I first came across Lucy on her Defender Deli instagram, on a reel talking through a veritable feast of delicacies that she was serving from the back of her specially converted Landrover Defender.Coronation pheasant, pheasant and stuffing sausage rolls, sticky mustard sausages - just her descriptions made me want to go and make some for my lunch!Plus being a Landrover and picnic fan myself, I loved the fact that this wasn’t just a couple of picnic baskets in the back of the Landrover - this was a fully bespoke interior giving Lucy the ability to lay out her field snacks beautifully.Landrover and food envy in one reel - I absolutely knew that we had to chat to Lucy on the podcast!So tune in to get to know Lucy better. We talk job juggling, dog training, business growing and of course, food comes into the conversation.These conversations always inspire me, I’m in awe of all the female-led country businesses that are out there and their openness to sharing their journey helps us to help you.So please do like and share this podcast with someone else if this one lands with you - together we can all help each other to grow.Thanks for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

I met Sam Cooper-Gray last year at an event for the launch of the HSBC Fearless and Thriving report about midlife female entrepreneurs, which was researched by Eleanor Mills from Noon.Sam was so passionate about raising both the profile of, and access to funding for, female entrepreneurs and the words that she spoke to the assembled room stuck with me for many weeks afterwards.Shortly after we met, Sam made the transition from 25 years in the banking world and became an entrepreneur, establishing her own business, The Wisdom Studio, which was a big change in her life. A chance comment about putting a phrase on a T-shirt also led to the establishment of Sam’s Women are Good Business Campaign which is now a rallying cry for women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and allies who understand that supporting women-led businesses is not about charity — it's about economics.The statistics that Sam shared with me on the level of equity funding that goes to female entrepreneurs were really quite shocking, and for this reason our conversation most definitely emphasises the need for women to amplify their voices in the business world and the importance of understanding your relationship with money.This is true, regardless of the size of business you run or the size of your aspiration for your business - getting a better grip on the money side of things will always stand you in good stead.With also being the host of The Beginner's Guide to Being a Grown-Up, a podcast mixing wit, wisdom, and real-world insight for navigating life's big questions and the Chair of the Gender Index, Sam is one busy lady. Her work as the Chair of the Gender Index, leading the Conditions to Scale workstream for the UK Government's Invest in Women Taskforce, positions her at the heart of policy-making that will shape the future of female entrepreneurship.So if you’ve ever wondered about making a big change in your life, or thought that everyone else steps into things and it all happens easily for them, this podcast is a must listen for you.It’s also a great one to listen to if you want to understand more about how to run a business, both in terms of understanding your finances and for some insight into the types of things a bank might expect to see if you are going in to see them. Sam also shares insights on navigating business growth, the significance of mentorship, and the personal growth that comes from overcoming adversity. We’d love to know what you think - please do comment below with questions for Sam or me or let us know what in the interview really made a difference for you.As always, thank you for listening, we really appreciate it and please do like and share if you feel it’s appropriate to, it really helps us to connect with other readers.PS : A little glossary for you in case it’s helpful, as we mention these in the programme:B2B means Business to Business, where one business sells to another businessB2C means Business to Consumer, where the business sells to an individual consumerIf you like our work, please subscribe for free below to receive our articles straight to your inbox.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sam Cooper-Gray05:51 Career Journey and Transition to Entrepreneurship12:55 Challenges for Women in Business20:52 The Importance of Experience and Mentorship25:45 Embracing Autonomy in Entrepreneurship27:14 Navigating the Emotional Journey of Entrepreneurship30:03 Finding Balance: Money and Joy in Business32:58 The Reality of Passion Projects and Viability36:12 The Impact of Social Media on Business Perception38:24 Understanding Financial Needs for Business Growth45:10 Embracing Your Money Archetype46:54 Life Lessons: The Importance of Authenticity50:23 Daily Actions and Their Impact on Success This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

🌿 Discover the beauty of rural creativity with Kate Cullen.I finally met Kate at an event run by Charlie Dobbs and Matilda Carr earlier this year, having followed her on instagram for some time. We only had time for a brief chat but just before Christmas, Kate came down to Dimpsey in Somerset and took some beautiful photos for Dimpsey and Fablefaine, her location listing website.After we finished the shoot, Kate sat down with me for a mug of tea and a chat for the CWG podcast.Kate’s journey has been an interesting one - from archaeology to entrepreneurship. We also chat all things balancing family and business. Kate shares her insights on the importance of personal connections and integrity in building a successful rural business. Her ventures, including Fablefaine and Poetica Lane are centred around rural locations, friends and family, offering unique opportunities for photo shoots, retreats, and workshops.Tune in to this podcast episode for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the beauty of rural life. Thanks for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life!  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Georgia Tanner (who edits our articles and does a lot of our social media) and I had a meeting this week to discuss upcoming content for CWG.As part of that meeting, we were talking about the CWG lunch we held recently and all that we have learnt over the past year of working together. CWG has changed during that time, and to set us up ready for next year Georgia asked me if I could note down what CWG is to me and some of our values and how I see them working together.I was about to write her one of my wordy lists and then I thought about all of you, and how important you are to us.So I decided to pull the headlines together in notes and then to record it as a podcast, together with some anecdotal advice as we go. That way, Georgia gets the information she asked for and as a billy bonus, I can bring you behind the scenes to hear some of our thinking.You see, we’re growing too and I’d love you to come on that journey with us, your feedback helps us to shape where we go in the future, so please do comment or direct message us with your thoughts and ideas.As always, thank you for reading and thank you for listening.Emma Photo credit : Rachel Collins: Lens & Pen Thank you for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work, Life and You, please subscribe to be the first to receive our notes from the field. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

I used to suffer from this too…And it took me a lot of years to get the past tense into the above statement!* When I was in the corner at a family function, on the phone, frantically gesticulating that I would be done soon - my heart was torn in two. I felt I was being ‘less than’ at doing my job, because I wasn’t fully present, I felt I was being ‘less than’ at being a family member, because I wasn’t fully present.I’d look around the room at everyone else and wish that I too could be like them, and not be the bonkers entrepreneur in the corner. I felt well and truly judged by them and found wanting.* When I was in a Board Meeting and my phone rang with a school call - my heart was torn in two. I felt I was being ‘less than’ at doing my job, because I wasn’t fully present. I felt I was being ‘less than’ at being a Mum because I wasn’t fully present.I’d look around the room at everyone else and wish that I too could be like them, and not be the bonkers Mother in the room. I felt well and truly judged by them and found wanting.* When I was taking some time out for myself, maybe reading a magazine with a cup of tea, and someone walked in, I felt guilty. I invariably jumped up and moved ‘do something’, I felt I was being ‘less than’ in my household. I wasn’t busy doing something to add value to my day. I felt like I was skiving and needed to justify taking some time out. I felt well and truly judged by them and found wanting.* When I was…I’ll stop here with the scenarios, I could go on adding to this list for you, because, believe me, there were many of them. I also think that you probably recognise yourselves in my story and that you too could add even more instances of feeling pulled in many directions at once to my list. I couldn’t work it out, I couldn’t see what I was doing to myself, I had silently bought into the myth that I had to do it all, somehow be omnipresent and that the success of many elements of my life solely depended on me.I could feel myself getting more and more frustrated by this, and also more and more run down. I was taking on too much and as our lives changed and my work responsibilities grew, I was still trying to do it all.Having lost my father in my late 20’s, I absolutely knew that work shouldn’t be the be all and end all.Having had pleurisy in my early 30’s and ending up off work for 8 weeks, because I pushed on through in the early stages of it I absolutely knew that work shouldn’t be the be all and end all.But despite the above, I still believed I had to be it all…Gradually, as life continued to layer in its lessons along the way, and I learnt more about me and how I tick, I started to realise that I was in an absolute ‘emperor has no clothes situation.’Yes absolutely, in any of the situations I had been in and found myself wanting, someone in that room may well have been judging me, many of us have opinions about what someone is doing.But I have no control over that, I don’t know what’s gone on in their life to lead them to have that opinion, but in reality it was probably nothing to do with anything that I was doing. In fact, in most cases I actually had no clue about what they were thinking - in reality, the judge and jury in the room was me, and only me.And I was judging myself harshly, I was speaking to myself in a way that I would never speak to anyone else…The defining moment for me, was when my husband, affectionately known in my online musings as Mr W, held both my hands, looked me straight in the eye and told me, ‘You are enough…’Don’t ask me why, but this particular time, it really landed with me and I realised that he was absolutely right.I put my objective head on and stood back from my own situation and realised that I needed to change my habits if I wanted to remove this limitation that I was putting on myself.I talked to my mentor, friends and Mr W, found positive role models to follow and over time, these became my new mantras…* The only person you have control of is yourself and the only thoughts you really know about are yours. So you should stop worrying about what people think, as in reality you do not know what they are thinking. * Only worry about things that you have control of.* You are enough! If you’re doing your best and with good intention, you need to give yourself a break and know that you are enough.* Congratulate yourself about what you are doing, rather than booting yourself about what you’re not doing.* Family first, book in to take breaks together, prioritise getting to important events, but don’t worry if that involves some compromising between your conflicting priorities.* You matter! Look after yourself because you are a precious resource.* And finally, you can have it all, just not all at once. This last one was an absolute game changer for me. It’s like when you’ve got shopping in the car and in reality, it’s a bit more than you can carry but you try and make it into the house in one trip. Invariably, a bag handle breaks and you end up chasing oranges around the drive and it’s just a bit of disaster!That’s what happens when you are trying to excel in all the areas of your life at once, you just can’t carry it all - so choose carefully what you want to carry and when.So for me, my family and my career are both important to me and to be my best in both those capacities, I have to make sure that I make time for me too. So I choose to not care what my house looks like too much and to only say yes to going to things that I really want to do.I don’t need to be superwoman in all the areas of my life and neither do you.And when I know something is going to be really busy in one area of my life, I try my best to organise ahead and cut some myself some slack in the other areas.It is possible to be a Mum, have a career and enjoy both elements, and I’m stating this here because I know that many women that I speak to feel it has to be an either/or choice.In fact, I’m saying it’s possible to be what you want to be, in whatever form makes you happy.I’m not saying it’s perfect and I have it all worked out - I still have Mum guilt, business guilt, you name it guilt occasionally - but that’s OK, I’m human. The fact that I don’t let the guilt consume me any more makes a huge difference.For me, starting Countrywoman’s Guide, provided an opportunity for us all to share stories, to throw light into the shadows and to inspire others through difficult patches because you can see that you’re not alone in not having all the answers.So that you can see that you too are enough.You’ve shared some amazing stories over the past couple of years, and I know from the comments we get, just how helpful our community have found hearing other people’s journey.So if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, I’d encourage you to take a breath and create your own version of my list above and then start out on the journey of changing your approach. It won’t be overnight and you will have stops and starts along the way. But keep reminding yourself about your list and what you want to achieve and you can keep yourself on the path.Then start believing that it’s true - you are enough…Thank you for reading - if there’s someone in your life you feel would benefit from reading (or listening to) this too - please do share with them using the button below.Please subscribe to receive future posts by email. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

I’ve got to be completely honest with you and say that when I started doing the podcast I wasn’t sure exactly how many episodes there would be.* Would I find enough people to talk to?* Would you be interested enough to listen?* Could I handle doing the tech side of things?Well, happily none of the above provided to be a problem, our interviewees have been unfailingly generous in sharing their experience and knowledge and the CWG podcasts have become one of my very favourite things to do, so we have lots more to come!Plus I have to say a big thank you to all of you for your support - your comments, your messages and just the fact that you take the time to read our articles and listen to our podcasts are very much appreciated.So this episode is an overview of where we’ve got to and the things we’re thinking about going forward, as well as a little bit of life advice from me.Please do comment or message me with any ideas you have about what you’d like to see - or if you have a moment we’d love it if you would fill in the very short survey below to let us know your views. We have a lovely prize of some Rock and Ruby socks and some Dimpsey chocolates made by Cathy’s Chocolates to give away to one lucky winner - to be drawn from the list of the names of people who complete the survey by Sunday 14th September 2025.As always, thank you for reading and thank you for listening, your support really does mean the world to us.And for more conversations like this one, please do make sure you’re subscribed to Countrywoman’s Guide - bringing stories from countryside businesses straight to your inbox This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

I first came across Rock and Ruby socks when Ruby approached me about a collaboration with Dimpsey, my shepherd hut stay business.I took a look at Ruby’s website and loved her whole British-made ethos and the fact that her strapline talks about them being designed to last and to bring little moments of joy to the everyday.Socks for those who live thoughtfully…Handcrafted cotton and wool socks designed to last and bring little moments of joy to the everyday.As an entrepreneur myself, I love looking at brands and how they position themselves, and as a storyteller, I love it when their brand story is part of their DNA - so I was intrigued and wanted to learn more.Rock and Ruby was established by Ruby Chahal in 2021 during lockdown. With a background as a Creative Director in fashion, a love of walking in the countryside and inspiration from the home-knitted socks her mother made her - all the pieces were there to feed her growing realisation that she wanted to do something new with her life.So she stepped out boldly and took the plunge, visiting manufacturers in Britain with the intention to create a beautiful sock range that was both made sustainably and durable to wear. But she also wanted the socks to be part of the decision making about your outfit, not just whatever you happened to pull out of the drawer. So with her background in fashion, she focused on the little details as well as the materials used to make them and the result genuinely is a sock that you want to show off!So please do take a listen to our podcast, we hear all about Ruby’s founder story, the ups and downs of her journey, how she named her business developed her products and where she’s headed to next.You can find Rock and Ruby on instagram here You can find Anne Sophie Heist hereYou can find Rachel Collins Photography here And for more conversations like this one, please do make sure you’re subscribed to Countrywoman’s Guide - bringing stories from countryside businesses straight to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down in a hand-built bow-top caravan with Sophie Allen - boatbuilder, wool-spinner, lambing shed assistant, cyclist, and explorer of paths less trodden. She’s also my goddaughter, so I’ve had the joy of watching her journey unfold from the very beginning.Sophie’s story winds from a geography degree at Bristol to a stable graduate role in the Civil Service - and the moment she realised that comfortable wasn’t the same as aligned. What followed was a brave leap into a life built around curiosity, craft, and connection.“I was learning a huge amount… financially getting by… and I was really happy and really well.”We talk about her two years of moving from project to project - lambing in the Borders, timber-framing camps in France, cycling across Europe - and how those uncomfortable moments ‘in-between’ projects actually became fertile ground for creativity and unexpected kindness.“Those quieter moments… are also the moments where creativity can show up and surprise you.”Sophie shares how she found the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, where she discovered a deep love for sail-making, rigging, and working with natural fibres - and, with the other students, built Jolly Winds, a traditional clinker sailing dinghy made from timber sustainably sourced from a friend in Scotland. It’s a story of heritage craft, collaboration, and the quiet pride of seeing your work afloat.“It always surprises me… I think I’m leaving something behind, and then somehow the thread comes through and I realise it’s still part of the picture.”If you’ve ever wondered whether you could leave the safe route for the right route for you, Sophie’s journey will inspire you to trust the thread that’s yours alone to follow.🎧 Listen now and let Sophie remind you that the path doesn’t have to be fully formed - you can weave it as you go.Usually we put links to our guest’s social media here, but Sophie is delightfully unconnected from social media, so please leave any comments for her below and we will pass them on.You can find our more about the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy here The very talented Sarah from Paint Your Wagon painted the Jolly Winds name.And for more conversations like this one, make sure you’re subscribed to Countrywoman’s Guide - bringing stories from the countryside, straight to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

I’m Tanya Lynch, a mother, a ridgeback owner and the founder of Ease Retreats. I love what I do, collaborating with authors and creatives, hosting retreats in beautiful venues across the UK. Most recently I launched The Bibliotherapists podcast with my co-host Toni Jones. I’m also a therapeutic journalling coach and through my programme ‘Rage on a Page’, I help midlife women channel their emotions into something more positive and creative in less than 60 days. Each Thursday I host an online journaling club ‘Journal with Ease’ If you have any questions about the benefits of therapeutic journalling, please reach out and connect. I’m usually on a beach walking the dogs, hosting retreats, writing in my journal or hanging out on Substack.For Tanya Lynch - founder of Ease Retreats, therapeutic journaling coach and host of the Bibliotherapist podcast - running a business has never been about chasing the shiny stuff.Instead, her focus is on connection: meaningful, lasting, and gently woven into every cup of tea poured, every early-morning sea swim led, and every softly held space at one of her West Wales retreats.“I wanted to do something I loved rather than something just to earn money... I thrive off being a host.”And she really does. From the way she talks about her guests to the attention to detail she brings to each retreat (we’re talking welcome cuppas before you’ve even unpacked your bag), Tanya has that rare gift of making it all feel effortless. But as anyone who’s ever tried to host a gathering knows, making it look easy is the hardest part.Tanya's background is in the media - radio, newspapers, magazines - and it shows in the way she communicates with warmth and clarity. She started Ease Retreats in 2016, originally under the name “Hygge Retreats,” which - as she laughs - was a bit Marmite.“People were like, ‘What is this? Huggy retreats?’ because they couldn’t pronounce it.”Post-pandemic, the name changed, the format evolved, and Tanya leaned fully into the kind of intuitive, personal hosting that had always been her strength.But like many founders, the journey has had its stumbles.“During COVID my business just broke. There were no events, no in-person retreats... You can either pivot or cry and feel sorry for yourself.”Spoiler alert: she pivoted. And in doing so, found a way to make things even more aligned with her values.Tanya is candid about the reality of self-employment - financial unknowns, imposter syndrome, all the hats. But what’s clear is that behind the scenes, there’s as much intention as there is instinct.“Even though I sometimes think ‘how am I going to do the next one?’, I just get on and do. Because I care so much about making people feel welcome and cared for.”She grew up in a family that hosted students in a B&B - her first brush with the magic of the guestbook and the endless curiosity of who might arrive next. That same curiosity and warmth now shapes the rhythm of Ease Retreats.“No retreat is ever the same. You never get the same women twice. The stories that are woven, the giggles, the phone numbers exchanged... that for me was gold.”And it’s that gold that keeps people coming back—whether they’re first-timers nervously arriving late or seasoned guests who know to bring slippers and a good pen.Alongside hosting, Tanya is passionate about journaling - both as a business tool and as a quiet form of everyday therapy. She runs online sessions and encourages people to begin with what feels possible.“My journal has been both my therapist and my business mentor.”She shares how journaling doesn’t need to be complicated or lengthy. In fact, it’s better if it’s not.“Rather than morning pages, I started doing one word a day. And what I found was once you open the notebook and give yourself that minute... the words start flowing.”Her philosophy is grounded and practical, and her advice to new journalers? Don’t overthink it. Just write like nobody’s reading.“We spend so much time editing ourselves in daily life. The journal can be one place where you just don’t.”Perhaps the most powerful thing Tanya brings to her retreats is something many of us crave: to be seen and cared for, quietly and without fanfare.“They arrive as strangers, and they leave as friends.”Her approach to hosting is intuitive and subtle - no big welcome speeches, no performance. Just the right question at the right moment, or a hand-delivered cup of tea when you didn’t even realise you needed one.It’s service that, as Tanya says, “goes beyond obligation.” And it’s rare.“Luxury is achieved when service is intuitive... and it doesn’t have to be loud. You don’t even have to notice it, but you feel it.” At Countrywoman’s Guide, we’re passionate about sharing stories like Tanya’s. Stories that show business doesn’t have to be bold and brash to be successful - it can be thoughtful, slow, meaningful.Because when women come together to share ideas, experiences and encouragement - whether around a retreat table or a journal page - that’s when the real magic happens.If you’d like to find out more about Tanya’s retreats or therapeutic journaling sessions, you can find her here or tune in to the Bibliotherapist podcast.And for more conversations like this one, make sure you’re subscribed to Countrywoman’s Guide - bringing stories from the countryside, straight to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Eva Humphries is a Nottingham-based nutritionist (BANT-registered and CNHC-accredited) with over nine years of clinical experience and an MSc in Clinical Nutrition. After switching careers from IT, she founded Wholefood Warrior to champion a down-to-earth, science-backed approach to healthy eating. Eva specialises in metabolic health, including type 2 diabetes and geriatric nutrition, and works across the UK delivering personalised consultations, corporate wellness programmes, and sector-specific nutrition support. She’s a regular contributor to national publications and food events, blending evidence with humour to make nutrition accessible. Her recipes, retreats, and demos all share the same message: more nutrients, fewer gimmicks. This year, Eva will be bringing her experiences and skills to the BASC Wild Food Kitchen Theatre sponsored by Global Knives stage at The Game Fair 2025. You can find the timetable for all the events taking place in this theatre at The Game Fair here. So we were delighted to have the chance to chat to her before The Game Fair to learn a bit more about why she does what she does, and what she will be doing in her sessions at The Game Fair.As well as making a difference to the lives of her clinical patients, and raising awareness of nutrition eating through her social media and public appearances, Eva is also consulting with clients in the Care Sector about the nutrient levels in their meals. In turn, this has led her to doing research with a leading University to understand more about the nutrients that game meat provides. As a little extra for our CWG audience, Eva has very kindly allowed us to share her Venison Ragu recipe with you.Eva says, “It’s a beautifully tasty dish that scores very high on the chart of essential nutrients. If you enjoy “spag bol”, then trust me, you will likely get on with this recipe too.”Eva’s Venison RaguEva describes this as a rich, elevated twist on a classic. This hearty recipe brings together deep, savoury flavours and a focus on nutrient density, transforming a humble ragu into a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.Ingredients (makes 4 portions)300g wild venison mince1 organic chicken liver, 30g - 40g approximately1 medium carrot1 medium onion1 stick of celery1 clove of garlic 400g passata or chopped tomatoes 1 sprig of fresh rosemary1 sprig of fresh oregano2 sprigs of fresh thyme Good quality extra virgin olive oil (I used Positively Good For You’s EVOO) Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper To serve: A handful of fresh basil leaves Parmesan cheese (optional) 350g of pasta, cooked al denteThe story about how Eva came to develop this recipe is fascinating, so head over to her website here to learn all about it and for the rest of the recipe instructions.You can also learn more about what Eve does over on her website and on her Wholefood Warrior instagram account here.As always, thank you for reading and thank you for listening to the podcast. If you enjoy it, we’d love it if you would leave us a review on Apple or Spotify please as it really helps us to reach more people.If you’re going to be at The Game Fair, please do let us know in the comments below and we’ll hope to see you there. (Photo credit : Ralph Barklam 2025)Thanks for reading! This post is public so please do feel free to share it with other people. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

For our 21st episode, we thought that it would be nice to go behind the scenes and get two of the team chatting together about our recent lunch, and a topic that it seems, strikes fear into the heart of many people - facing that camera and smiling while the shutter clicks away.First off, at the end of June we held our inaugral CWG lunch. It’s really important to us that we’re bringing you content that you want to see, so we invited a few of our local readers to come and have lunch with us at the lovely Cotley Inn to chat to them about what about what the CWG community means to them, what’s important to them and what their real-life issues look like.In our small group we had business owners, content creators, Mums and people who have a job but dream of pursuing their own thing in their spare time - so it was a good cross section of our listeners.We’ll do a separate post about the feedback, but in this podcast Emma and Rachel chat about what the key thoughts on the day were. If you would like to join in with feedback, we’d absolutely love it if you’d fill in our survey here so we can take your views into account.Then we were on to the indisputable fact that if we’re being honest, most of us hate having our photo taken, and that's exactly why Emma sat down with our photographer Rachel Collins, to talk about what makes people feel so uncomfortable being photographed, and why building trust is at the heart of what she does. Rachel has photographed all of the CWG team (yes, eyes closed and all!) many times now, and each time has felt easier and more authentic, thanks to her calming presence and deep understanding of how unnerving it can be to be “seen.” Her approach is gentle, intuitive and rooted in the belief that photography should tell the real story of who you are - not just how you look in a perfectly posed image. The key, she says, is reassuring people that those nerves are normal. Just hearing “that’s totally okay” often brings visible relief to her clients. From there, she focuses on making them feel at ease, moving the attention away from the lens and into the moment.As Rachel points out, working with a photographer is a bit like working with a counsellor. You need to feel safe, open, and understood. A good shoot requires collaboration - clear briefings, shared goals, and, most importantly, mutual trust. Not every photographer will be the right fit, and that’s okay! Rachel encourages people to look for someone whose style speaks to them, and to be upfront about what they need, what they’re nervous about, and what they definitely don’t want from the shoot.Whether you're a small business owner trying to build your brand or just someone trying to get over the fear of being in front of the camera, Rachel's advice is simple and refreshing: be yourself. The most powerful photographs come from showing up as your real, everyday self - and a good photographer will help you feel comfortable enough to do just that.You can find more of Rachel’s thoughtful, reassuring work on Instagram and also here on Substack at @rachelcollinsphoto, where she regularly shares insights, tips, and examples of her signature candid style. You can also head over to her website www.rachelcollinsphotography.co.uk.Don’t forget to subscribe to join the Countrywoman’s Guide community, and be the first to receive our emails This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Chloe Fuller always thought her life would follow a seemingly perfect script: she was sporty, social, and academically gifted. But everything changed in 2011, when a seemingly minor infection left her severely ill and never fully recovering. At just 13, Chloe faced a reality in stark contrast to her dreams: she lost her friends, her ability to attend school, and the independence that teens typically gain at that age.Suddenly having to get to grips with the idea that her life was not going to be as she’d imagined, she felt isolated, grieving the version of herself she’d lost. But then Chloe found hope in the most unexpected place - watching Crufts on TV. There, she saw a person with an assistance dog and immediately knew: “That’s it. That’s my way out of this.”With no funds for formal training and a three-year wait for a charity-provided dog, Chloe did what few would dare: she trained her own assistance dog from scratch. After researching breeds and methods, she found Mr. Ted - a puppy who had been too sick to be sold with his litter, but whom Chloe describes as “born for it.”Their bond was instant. Mr. Ted, her fated companion, gave Chloe not just help, but hope. "My dog makes it so that I’m less disabled,” she explains, “and suddenly I had something to be proud of again.”But the road was still rocky. A life-threatening flare-up in 2018 became a turning point, and after a harrowing hospital stay, Chloe emerged with clarity and determination: “I just needed to grab the bull by the bloody horns.” Chloe’s tenacity paid off. What started as a three-minute conversation with Clare Balding at Crufts became Chloe’s unexpected debut as a TV presenter. Later, a chance encounter at DogFest - the first public event she attended as a disabled person - led to her signing with an agent and landing regular TV work, and becoming the Features Manager at DogFest itself. Chloe now uses her platform to advocate for disabled voices, tell stories through her dog performances, and show what assistance dogs can truly do. Her story is a raw, inspiring reminder of the power of grief, growth, grit - and a good dog named Mr. Ted, with his sidekick Mr Cinnamon.Chloe and Mr. Ted are gearing up for the next stop on their DogFest journey at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire on the 7th and 8th of June, followed by a summer tour across the UK, including Tatton Park in Cheshire, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Ashton Court in Bristol, Howard House in Leeds, and Loseley Park in Surrey. DogFest celebrates everything we love about dogs - with agility courses, expert training sessions, fun dog shows, and plenty of opportunities to bond with your furry friend. With live music, family entertainment, artisan food and craft stalls, and a bustling marketplace, it’s the ultimate destination for a joyful, feel-good day out! You can follow along on the tour on Chloe’s instagram @thesuperspaniels and get tickets for DogFest here.Thank you for reading. Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Nestled in the scenic northeast of Scotland, countryside influencer Ginny Mills is redefining what authenticity looks like in the digital age. With a warm presence and a passion for both rural living and body positivity, Ginny’s content offers a refreshing glimpse into her everyday life - one that includes muddy boots, supermarket fashion hauls, and a growing young horse named Remi.Though her full-time job is in healthcare, Ginny has steadily built a loyal online following over the past decade, particularly in the last few years. Her Instagram platforms each offer a unique window into her world. Through her new instagram platform, @countrycurvestyle, Ginny is carving out space for women who rarely see themselves represented in traditional fashion marketing. The response has been overwhelming - from women thanking her for showing how certain pieces look on a size 18 body, to others inspired to embrace their shape more confidently.“I don’t believe in faking it for the feed,” Ginny says. “Social media can be a really fake place. I’m just showing real life - the good, the bad, the muddy.”Her commitment to authenticity has earned her collaborations with brands she genuinely supports, from well-known countryside retailers to emerging clothing lines. She’s especially passionate about working with brands that serve a diverse range of body types - an effort that recently saw her team up with newcomer Gunnar and Hound to showcase their expanded sizing.When asked what advice she’d give to other women navigating life in the countryside or the social media world, Ginny’s answer is simple but powerful: “Be yourself. You can’t fail at being authentically you.” You can find Ginny on Instagram @ginneyymills, @countrycurvestyle, and @thepatchyprince. Thank you for reading. Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

In this powerful 30-minute interview, Emma speaks with Suzanne Alderson - author, speaker, and founder of the award-winning charity Parenting Mental Health. With raw honesty and a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, Suzanne shares her personal journey through trauma, crisis, and healing, and how it led her to build a lifeline for tens of thousands of parents navigating the complexities of adolescent mental health. Suzanne’s story began with an experience no parent expects: her 14-year-old daughter, Izzy, attempted to take her own life after facing relentless bullying. In the midst of her own shock, grief, and confusion, Suzanne found herself utterly alone in the waiting rooms of mental health services, surrounded by silent, downcast parents—each isolated by shame and fear. What she needed didn't exist: a space for parents to come together, to be seen, supported, and empowered. So she created one. What began as a Facebook group has since grown into a charity supporting over 50,000 parents navigating the mental health challenges of their children. But Suzanne’s mission goes beyond support—it’s about transformation. She believes adversity, while painful and often overwhelming, can also be a portal to growth, connection, and deep personal change.In our conversation, Suzanne speaks candidly about her own history of abuse, homelessness, and the deep isolation she felt before realizing she wasn’t alone. She reflects on how those experiences shaped her instinct to help others, and how the crisis with her daughter compelled her to confront her own past and start anew—not just for Izzy, but for herself. She speaks powerfully about the transformative potential of adversity, the importance of self-responsibility, and the need for compassionate, safe spaces where parents can find community and strength.We discuss the myths around parenting and perfection, the quiet shame many parents carry, and the critical importance of self-compassion and personal responsibility. Suzanne introduces the concept of “partnering, not parenting”—a philosophy rooted in presence, respect, and emotional safety rather than control or fixing. It’s a powerful reframe for anyone raising children, especially in the context of mental health struggles.Suzanne also speaks to the cost of caregiving—the toll of vicarious trauma, and the need to be honest about how we support those doing good work. She emphasizes that transformation starts within, and that healing requires a commitment to showing up authentically, day by day. “If I haven’t done the work myself,” she says, “then I’m still in the same place, no matter how many people I help.”This interview is filled with insight, heart, and hope. It’s not just for parents, but for anyone who has faced hardship, who’s searching for meaning in their struggle, or who wants to better understand how community and compassion can be lifelines in times of darkness. Suzanne reminds us that while we cannot always shield our children from hardship, we can walk beside them—and in doing so, we often find our own path to healing.To learn more about Suzanne’s work, visit suzannealderson.com, parentingmentalhealth.org, or join the supportive community on Facebook. Her book, Never Let Go, How to Parent Your Child Through Mental Illness is available at all major retailers.Thank you for reading. Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Emma Fuerbringer’s journey to ranch life in Canada wasn’t a straight line. Originally from the UK, she trained in law and fully expected to remain in England. But a twist of fate during her travels brought her to Western Canada, where she met her husband Peter. What started as a brief North American adventure turned into a 26-year love story with Alberta’s sweeping landscapes and tight-knit communities as the backdrop.Although Bluerock Ranch has only been in operation for two and a half years, the dream behind it has been long in the making. Emma and her family spent the early years of their life in Alberta, but it wasn’t until a move to Vancouver Island that their rural lifestyle - with horses at its center - truly took shape. What began as a family saying - “Is this a hill to die on?” - evolved into a powerful value system. The phrase, once used to keep day-to-day drama in check, took on new significance when the Fuerbringer daughters declared their own hill to die on: the chance to own and care for horses during their formative teenage years. That pivotal moment became the catalyst for a new chapter.Rather than simply granting the wish, Emma and Peter gave their daughters a budget, using it as a teaching tool to instill financial responsibility, communication skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. This practical life lesson laid the groundwork for something bigger. Over time, their equestrian lifestyle deepened, and as the girls grew, so did the family’s vision. Eventually, the call of Alberta’s foothills became impossible to ignore. Emma and Peter began searching for land with a view of the Rockies - somewhere that could offer not just space for trail riding, but a place to anchor their values. Today, Bluerock Ranch is more than a home; it's a carefully cultivated legacy. With its blend of horsemanship, Airbnb hosting, and an intern program, the ranch is becoming a gathering place that celebrates the Western lifestyle in a way that’s intentional, inclusive, and deeply rooted in stewardship.At the heart of Emma’s approach to life - and to Bluerock Ranch - is a deep belief in the power of a growth mindset. Rather than waiting to “have it all figured out,” Emma embraces the idea that learning is lifelong, and progress is built not on perfection, but on persistence.This attitude infuses every corner of the ranch. Whether it's building new systems, deepening their horsemanship philosophy, or growing their community impact, Emma and her family lead with curiosity. Mistakes aren’t setbacks - they’re stepping stones.It’s clear that what started as the simple idea of an intern program has grown into something far more meaningful - for both the interns and the ranch itself.The original idea was to invite young travellers to live and work on the ranch in exchange for hands-on experience with horses, and while Emma and Pete had imagined a mutually beneficial exchange, they hadn’t fully anticipated how transformational it would become.The program has now expanded - both in scale and in scope. After Pete posted a simple job listing early in the year, over 500 applicants poured in from around the world, including university students in Europe seeking internships as part of agricultural degree programs.And the future of the program? Emma sees it extending far beyond the ranch gates. There are dreams of interns helping local cattle ranchers monitor predator interactions, supporting conservation efforts on horseback, and contributing to a larger ecological vision.With plans for more accommodations, a growing breeding program, and perhaps even returning alumni, Bluerock Ranch is proving that with enough heart and a little flexibility, you can build something far bigger than you imagined.You can find Emma on instagram here and Bluerock Ranch website here.Subscribe to receive new articles straight to your inbox. Thank you for your support. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

When our very own Georgia suggested that we should interview Jessy Palmer, we took a look at her instagram page and thought that hers is a story that many of you would find inspiring.Raised on her family farm, it’s clear that Jessy has a strong sense of her family roots, but from a very young age, her interest lay in raising animals rather than following the existing family farm model.Apart from a herd of cows that her Grandmother had many years ago, raising livestock wasn’t part of the existing farm business, but Jessy has been working away and establishing herself a reputation for high welfare meat production. Starting with pigs, and then moving on to add sheep and beef cattle to her repertoire, Jessy manages and oversees the whole production of her meat produce, even learning to butcher so that she could oversee the quality right to the very end of the cycle.We talk about how Jessy established the business, the highs and lows of farming and how she keeps herself moving forward. Farming is never an easy life, but it’s clear how much she loves what she does and has a vision for where she wants the business to go.In a time where the provenance of our food has never been more important, Jessy has established a business which incorporates all the best elements of traditional farming and takes into account what today’s customers need. She’s a very tenacious and inspiring lady!You can find Jessy on instagram hereThanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Alice Plunkett is known to many of us through her role as a Racing Journalist, currently for ITV Racing and also out and about on the Eventing Circuit with her husband, William Fox-Pitt.Never one to shy away from a challenge, when Alice spotted the potential to create a co-working space on the Hinton St Mary Estate, she was keen to ensure that the end result would be somewhere inspiring, as well as a community hub for her local Dorset working professionals.The Hinton Workspace building was the old carpenters workshop for the Hinton St Mary estate. Originally built around 1880 it was a classic Victorian industrial design using wood from the farm for projects around the estate, but had lain derelict since the departure of the last tenant in 2015.Alice’s renovation honoured the style of the original building and the result has a really cool office loft feel to it, peppered with touches like branded Cornishware workspace mugs (and a cookie jar) that make it a real home-from-home.With a communal working space, private offices, meeting rooms and a kitchen on one of the floors, Hinton Workspace is already a buzzing hub of people dropping in for a few hours or a full day, meetings going on and the usual kitchen chat as people make their beverage of choice.Emma chatted to Alice about the renovation project and her aims for the community, the changes she and her family have been going through over the past year following William’s retirement from 5* Eventing and how she fits it all in.A great chat with a very inspiring lady who generously shared her thoughts and wisdom with us.Thank you for listening and if you’re in the Hinton St Mary area, don’t forget to check out Hinton Workspace!Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

One of the lovely things about being in our younger years is that we are not yet burdened with experience. Experience is a wonderful thing, but sometimes it can fill us full of warnings about things we’re considering doing.But without that filter, we absolutely believe that anything is possible, so when 21 year old Maddie Beaumont and her relatively new partner, Ben Porter, were presented with the opportunity to take on the lease of a local pub, they were instantly interested.They’d both worked in pubs previously, they knew they were hard workers and, unburdened by the knowledge of what lay ahead of them, they really couldn’t see a reason not to give it a go. It was a huge decision for them both, and it’s most definitely not been an easy ride.But taking that leap and believing in themselves, has led to being in a career they absolutely love and, 6 years later, The Cotley Inn is now a foodie destination for customers from all over the country, having won prestigious awards like the Visit England Pub of the Year, Trencherman Award listings, AA Rosettes and a prestigious Michelin Guide listing.Chatting to Maddie about her journey was so interesting, she’s a very perceptive lady who loves to reflect and learn, so the philosophies that she shared as we chatted provide really useful life and work advice.If you’re in South Somerset any time, please do make sure you pay The Cotley a visit, it will absolutely be worth the trip and if you over-indulge, you can always choose to stay in one of the four beautiful boutique bedrooms at the pub. 0.00 Introduction and Maddie’s hospitality journey6.30 There’s no overnight success!9.30 Diversification and expansion12.30 Balancing food and drink15.30 Hospitality as a career24.30 Awards and amazing team27:30 Navigating challenges and enjoying successThank you for listening!Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Bianca Barrett is a writer, a journalist and an editor as well as the founder of The Scoop: a membership site offering a journalist’s insider secrets on getting you and your brand featured in the media.As a writer for VOGUE, Courier, The Sunday Times, Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, BBC and the Evening Standard as well as a Senior Contributor to Forbes, Bianca has seen many business pitches for coverage, many of which failed to grab her attention.Seeing a need to help businesses sharpen their skills and reach journalists without the need to always spend money on external professionals, she founded The Scoop, so that entrepreneurs, VAs and even PR professionals could learn from the professionals - journalist, editors and trained PRs - about exactly what they need to do to put themselves in the best place to get coverage from major media outlets, so that they can build their profile and ultimately earn more profits from their business.In addition, by teaming up with Grace Ekenimoh, a professional PR, with over a decade of experience on the PR side of the fence, their combined insider insights provide a unique perspective that has resulted in a practical methodology that is easy to follow and steps you through to success with journalists.With a suite of self-study courses, a members monthly insider chat with a journalist and a members monthly call with Grace to chat through any issues, their support is outstanding and the answers are all there. Imagine hearing the journalist you’d like to get a piece with telling you themselves exactly how to get their attention and stand out from the crowd - priceless!We chatted to Bianca about her journey to her current career, the ups and downs along the way and how she finds little pockets of countryside time, even though she lives in London.This is a really interesting interview and not to be missed if you’re looking for a few insider media coverage tips along the way.You can find It’s the Scoop on instagram hereThanks for reading Countrywoman’s Guide! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Harriet Willis runs Flora Percival, a Somerset-based, UK made, knitwear brand, established in 2023.Interviewing Harriet was such an archetypal Countrywoman’s Guide interview that I’ll describe where we were as we chatted. We were sitting at Harriet’s kitchen table, in her country cottage with a mug of tea poured from a teapot and a pile of gorgeous jumpers in front of us.As I talked to Harriet about her business journey, I could tell that Flora Percival has been very much created based on her values and a strong need to be making a product that is sustainable and supporting British agriculture. At one point she says, “a good knitted jumper will last your whole adult life,” and when you combine that statement with her timeless classic designs, you can see the sense in what Harriet’s saying.With a supportive husband and two young children, as well as a full-time job, we also discussed how Harriet fits it all in - like many people it’s a juggle, but where there’s a will, there’s a way and her determination to create a business that matters, making things that she loves shines through everything she says.As always, please do like and share and help us to shine a light onto these amazing country businesses, it really does make a difference - thank you!Podcast Timeline:0.00 Introductions and start-up story.6.00 Thrifting and passing clothes around within the family and how that inspired Harriet’s business values.9.00 Natural fibres and wearing them every day, UK made.12.30 Deciding on your market and what they want, the customer feedback loop.15.00 Farming and the countryside.17.30 Starting out on the Show circuit.20.00 Harriet’s business journey and the need to be seasonal.24.00 Business and family - how they co-exist, managing time.30.00 2025 plans and Harriet’s advice for others.You can find Harriet’s gorgeous jumpers on her Flora Percival website here and on Instagram here.Thank you for reading Countrywoman’s Guide. Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Spotting a gap in the market is always a good place for a business idea to germinate and for Hannah King, attending the Game Fair in 2018, revealed one of those elusive white spaces.As she wandered around, she gradually realised that, despite there being many clothing stands, there wasn’t actually much on offer that was specifically made for women living a country lifestyle. Most of the offerings available were an altered version of a men’s item of clothing.Hannah set out then and there to design a capsule collection of stylish, comfortable and pretty country wear pieces under The Finer Horse Brand name and the business flourished.Then, along came lockdown and Hannah, along with many other businesses very reluctantly came to the decision that she couldn’t continue under the regime of lockdown uncertainty.But, roll forward to 2023, and that entrepreneurial bug just wouldn’t go away! So Hannah launched King & Carr with a vision to bring intentionally designed classic pieces with a twist to her customers, providing UK made, beautiful and practical clothing.It was such a treat to chat to Hannah - her enthusiasm for her business and her customers is infectious and it’s obvious that their feedback and needs are always front of mind as she develops her business.Podcast Timeline0.00 Introductions2.45 Inspiration and manufacturing ethos8.00 Start-up marketing10.00 Finding Customers15.00 Sustainable fashion20.00 The realities of the entrepreneurial journey30.00 The importance of the countryside35.00 Hannah’s favourite piece of advice37.50 EndsYou can find King & Carr here and on instagram hereAs always, thank you for listening. Please do like and share, it genuinely is a great way to help your favourite businesses along on their journey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

How are we already on Podcast 10?!I’m very conscious that I’ve spent the last 9 episodes of the podcast and many more written interviews before that interviewing people and asking them to share their experience with you all.But some of you probably don’t know much about who I am and what makes me tick and how I got to where I am now. So it only seems fair that I put my hat into the ring as well, and my book coach, Lisa Bean, was the person who kept saying, ‘you need to be interviewed too Emma” and volunteered to interview me, so I put my big girl pants on and we recorded an interview.I know it seems odd for me to say that I had to put my big girl pants on, but I’m usually pretty good at ducking out of the focus being on me. I can honestly say that I will be squirming in my seat for the next few days knowing that you’re all listening to this…Now, I need to prewarn you, when Lisa and I get chatting, it’s hard to stop. In this interview we cover a lot of ground and Lisa has very neatly managed to extract a lot of my philosophies about work and life as we go through. But that’s taken more time than our normal podcast length, so if you don’t have just over an hour to spare, you might want to listen to it in a couple of chunks.0.00 Introduction3.00 Why Emma and Holly set up Countrywoman’s Guide8.30 Entrepreneurial traits - what’s important?10.00 How country ways make for better business and why business doesn’t always have to be a hustle20.00 The increasing need for values led businesses and customer expectations25.00 Seeing the future and holding a vision28.00. The volatility of businesses, especially farming ones and the growth in rural start-ups33.00 Emma’s businesses - Hiho Silver and Dimpsey38.00 Coping with change in your life44.00 The one thing that can help make your business more successful50.00 Does work/life balance actually exist?60.00. Future predictions65.00 Emma’s aspirations for Countrywoman’s GuideYou can find Lisa Bean on her website here and on instagram hereYou can find Emma on instagram here and her businesses are listed in her profileA huge thank you to Lisa for taking the time out to interview me.As always, a huge thank you to you for reading/listening.Thanks for reading Countrywoman’s Guide! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Mathilda Allison started her social media accounts as a lockdown project and it’s just snowballed from there.Based in The Angus Glens, Mathilda posts about her day-to-day life with her partner, Teifion, and her 7 month old daughter, Mabel. She’s keen to share the realities of their day-to-day life and she’s about to take that one step further with the launch of her new podcast, Tilly Talks.Her podcast is going to follow the young family as they build their business and their family life, at the same time as raising and training 19 dogs, it’s a busy life and Mathilda has aptly sub-titled the podcast - ‘Country Life and everything in between! The realities of rural living and family life!’Join us as we chat about Mathilda’s journey on social media and her thoughts on managing being in the public eye. We also talk about the constant juggle of being a Mum, a partner and a businesswoman - and lastly of course we ask Tilly about the one thing she wouldn’t be without and what one piece of advice she would hand on to all of you.We hope you enjoy our chat - please do like and share and help us build our Community.You can find Tilly on Instagram here on TikTok here and on her Tilly Talks Podcast here.Podcast Timeline :0.00 Introductions3.21 Tilly talks about her life in Scotland and her dogs9.05 Balancing work, family and parenthood17.29 Authenticity and social media27.04 Embracing opportunitiesThanks for reading Countrywoman’s Guide! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Evie Fox-Read is a lady on a mission to grow her interior fragrance brand and have fun doing it.Fox Cub & Co is an interior fragrance company with every product being produced by Evie and her team in Cheshire. The business launched with just six candle fragrances in March 2021 and now has a wide range of soy wax candles, diffusers, wax melts and more recently, handwash and hand lotions.Using the finest ingredients and materials from UK-based businesses to make their products, Evie loves to support other small businesses and is passionate about ensuring that Fox Cub & Co adheres to the highest of standards.Starting a business is never easy and there’s always lots to learn, much of it on the job and in a bit of a whirlwind!Emma talks to Evie about where her business idea came from, setting it all up, starting to do shows, working with her husband and just generally coping with the sheer workload involving in doing it all.You can find Evie’s website here and on instagram here.You can listen to the podcast on Substack, Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts.Podcast Timeline:0.00 Welcome & Introduction4.12 Wax choices and aesthetics7.56 Adaptability and resilience12.47 Big growth & relocation18.20 Overcoming challenges25.52 Product improvements30.31 First Show33.38 Pricing39.44 Self-care47.26 EndsAs always thank you for reading and thank you for listening.Thanks for reading Countrywoman’s Guide! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

This episode is an audio post originally written for the Countrywoman’s Guide Substack, where we’re building a community that supports rural and business women through the sharing of stories and wisdom, reminding us all that we’re not alone in our endeavours.In it, our Founder, Emma, talks about how the lack of a jar of pickled walnuts came to remind her how much quiet support there is around her.A surprising connection to make maybe, but sometimes the simplest of things provide insights that we overlook in everyday life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

I’m going to head this up with a trigger warning as this episode talks about death and grief. We also have some resources listed at the bottom of the article should you need them.Shock, horror, grief, disbelief, realisation - there are so many adjectives for all the emotions that hit you following the loss of a loved one, and there’s no guidebook for your own journey through the void. There are no words that can salve the wound and only time, and lots of it, can bring a little respite to your thoughts.But there’s also often a strong pull to do something to commemorate the person you have lost, and when Jo Williams’ sister, 5* Event Rider Georgie Campbell, tragically lost her life in a Cross Country fall at an event in May this year, Jo and her family, along with Georgie’s husband, Jesse, wanted to do something to honour Georgie’s legacy.The public outpouring of support after Georgie’s death was almost overwhelming, and so many people wanted to help out in some way. As Jo says in our interview, “We've been offered some really amazing money can't buy experiences.”So the idea of the Georgie Campbell Foundation was formed with the intent that The Georgie Campbell Foundation 💜🤍 will support young riders in establishing their eventing businesses in loving memory of Georgie.Their watchwords throughout establishing the Foundation have been, “What would have helped young Georgie with her career?”The introduction of good business, horse welfare and safety skills early in a young eventer’s journey will help them to navigate some of the things that crop up as they go through their career - and it’s this gap that the Georgie Campbell Foundation is aiming to fill.They will support young event riders with establishing and running their eventing businesses, by providing bursary support and mentoring on areas including financial management, and attracting and retaining staff, owners, and sponsors.Fund-raising has already started, with the Foundation’s first Ball under their belt and two exciting jewellery collaborations with Hiho Silver and Coco & Jane LovesI found talking to Jo incredibly moving, as well as really inspiring, she’s an amazing lady who is determined (alongside Georgie’s family and friends) to ensure that her sister’s legacy will continue long into the future and be a real force for good.We’re wishing them all the very best with their endeavour.Podcast Timeline0.00 Intro & Welcome3.00 Honouring Georgie’s legacy8.29 Establishing the Foundation17.46 Fund-raising events21.40 Georgie’s Twig story25.04 Collaborating with Hiho Silver & Coco Jane Loves27.42 Establishing a Charitable Foundation31.31 Memories of London Horseshow (Formerly Olympia)36.04 Memories41.28 CloseJo’s instagram is hereYou can find the Georgie Campbell Foundation hereResources:Rural Support - Bereavement and LossMind - Signposting support and self-care for bereavementMarie Curie - Signposting bereavement support This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Grace Alexander is a lady who wears many hats; she’s a seed merchant, a writer with a full-time job as a clinical psychologist, as well as being a wife and a dog mum.Based in Somerset, she has accumulated quite a following for her business, Grace Alexander Flowers and Gather, her online membership community.We sat and shared tea and conversation around Grace’s kitchen table, with a dog snoring quietly on the settee and two more slumbering upstairs - my favourite style of interviewing!We delve into her journey of transforming a scrubby field into a flourishing flower and seed business; her primary career as a Clinical Psychologist, the fact that she designs and produces all of her seed packets herself (they are beautiful) and how she works with her membership.In common, with many busy people, Grace’s schedule is absolutely packed and she has to be organised to fit everything in, so we also talk about her techniques for managing conflicting priorities.Every time I talk to Grace, I always come away inspired, so I hope you also enjoy and, are similarly inspired, after you’ve listened to our chat.Podcast timeline00:00 Introduction to Grace Alexander00:37 Grace's Journey: From Psychologist to Seed Merchant03:31 The Birth of Malus Farm and Flower Growing06:15 The Evolution of Grace's Seed Business12:34 Balancing Psychology and Entrepreneurship26:14 The Therapeutic Power of Gardening and Walking29:18 Final Thoughts and AdviceThank you so much to Grace for spending time with me.You can find her in these places:-Grace’s websiteGrace’s instagram feedGrace’s podcast with Becca from Garden Gate FlowersGrace and Becca’s podcast instagram Grace recommended a restaurant - Briar Restaurant in Bruton, SomersetThanks for reading Countrywoman’s Guide! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Cornish farmer Maria Warne-Elston is creating waves at the age of just 22 years old. She packs an impressive punch; running a farm with her family, looking after a lively 2 year old and winning Young Farmer of the Year at the recent South West Farmer Awards.I could have talked to her for hours but in this podcast we talk all things farming, juggling farm and family life and of course, the impacts of the changes to inheritance and business tax which are about to be implemented, which could have a devastating effect on Maria, her family and many others like them.Be sure to take a listen, and please do comment, like and share.You can find Maria at the places below :-Instagram TikTok YouTubeClick here to watch Maria’s TikTok which explains the issues that the new inheritance tax rules are causing for farmersRead more about the Southwest Farmers Young Farmer of the YearMaria is an Ambassador for Farm Safety FoundationFor free, confidential advice RABIThanks for reading Countrywoman’s Guide! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Sarah Orchard is an award-winning marketing strategist, #1 best-selling author and glamping business owner, who helps fellow hosts confidently move from being invisible online to maximum visibility to increase their direct bookings. I also have to thank Sarah for being one of the interviews that inspired me to finally launch the podcast. I actually recorded this interview a few months ago as a zoom and at the end, I commented that it might actually be my first podcast. But procrastination and that confidence gremlin telling me I couldn’t be a podcaster crept in…I then went on to interview Gemma at Gattertop Drinks and again, considered that the interview would make a good podcast, but this time, I finally actually did something about it and stumbled my way through working out how to publish a podcast.And here we are…Now as Sarah launches her own podcast (details below), it’s time to put our interview out into the world. I really enjoyed our chat, as a fellow corporate escapee, I totally empathised with feeling that need to make a change - but being full of trepidation about actually doing it!Sarah talks us through making the jumping from corporate life into becoming a hospitality owner, what brought that about and how she and her husband then went on to launch an award-winning treehouse hospitality business.Sarah’s marketing background ensured that they achieved some fabulous coverage, including Sandi Toskvig’sIn turn, this inspired her to subsequently set up Get Fully Booked, helping other owners to market and achieve direct bookings for their hospitality business.Podcast timeline -0:30 Sarah and her story 6:12 Coping with hospitality in a pandemic 9:15 Shifting from corporate to self-employed 17:05 Sarah’s switch off20:20 Some final thoughts with SarahFind Sarah in these places -Hudnall’s Hideout InstagramGet Fully Booked InstagramHudnall’s Hideout websiteGet Fully Booked WebsiteGet Fully Booked PodcastFind Sarah on LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Here at Countrywoman’s Guide, we are absolutely over the moon for Holly Thomson who has Volume 2 of In the Country Magazine (ITC) published this month AND her first published novel hitting the shelves!As with any entrepreneurial venture, it’s been a real journey for Holly and not always an easy one, but as she recounts in our interview, she has learnt a lot along the way.The relaunch of In the Country brings with it a renewed focus and a determination to bring a magazine to the market that isn’t just a ‘me too’ product.In addition, Holly has covered subjects that she herself is passionate about; Country pursuits, travelling and Western Style - which always makes for compelling reading.Supporting charity has always been close to Holly’s heart and £1 from every copy sold is being donated to Free Wild Horses, an American Wild Horse Conservation Charity.As always, we wanted to give you the Behind The Scenes lowdown, so Emma and Holly caught up for a chat. In true Countrywoman’s Guide style, Holly was at her livery yard and Emma was flitting between meetings, but that’s situation normal for these two, so please do take a listen.To buy the magazine please pop over to www.inthecountrymagazine.com to and please do share and tag @inthecountrymagg on instagram when you receive your copy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Welcome to our second podcast interview. A few weeks ago, I interviewed Tamsyn Froom and I’m delighted to be sharing our chat with you now.Tamsyn has been working on a project for us at our house and having heard that she juggles her own business, the family farm, and building projects alongside being a mum, wife and friend. I wanted to know more about how she makes it all work.Tamsyn shared some great life hacks with me and I loved her answer to my “what one piece of advice would you share with the CWG Community” question - listen to the end for that one!You can find Tamsyn at www.tamsynfroomarchitecture.com(PS : Bear with me as there’s a couple of coughs in the soundtrack. I’ve had this pesky persistent cough that’s going round - we managed to edit out the two big coughing fits, but a couple of small coughs remain!)0:20 Tamsyn introduces herself 5:00 Making the own business leap, the drivers and how to manage it8:00 Noticing the need for change and managing stress 9:38 The relationship between business and children 12:50 Mental Wellbeing and the countryside 15:30 Balancing family life and your business17:08 Building a business 21:26 The role of countryside values in business 25:32 What is next for Tamsyn 29:50 Some final thoughts from Tamsyn Thank you for reading and thank you for listening!Thanks for reading Countrywoman’s Guide Subscribe for free to receive new posts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

A few weeks ago, Emma interviewed the very lovely Gemma Standeven from Gattertop Drinks Co.Gatttertop Drinks was established in by Gemma in 2020 and has most definitely been making waves in the drinks world, taking three Silver medals at the Vodka Masters Awards and also recently becoming a B Corp organisation.Emma and Gemma chatted about how Gattertop Drinks came about, how Gemma made the jump from her corporate career and all the heart-searching that went with that decision, as well as what it’s like to run a rapidly growing business with big ambitions.Usually, Emma writes up an article following an interview but you’ve been asking for some longer audio files and Gemma’s story is so interesting that this seemed like a great one to share in full as an audio file for you.Episode Notes0.48 Gemma Interview begins 1:00 Gemma Introduces herself and Gattertop 2:35 Gattertop and the seasons 3:55 How Gattertop began 6:25 The challenges Gemma faced when she began Gattertop10:40 ‘The Leap!”14:50 What Gattertop looks like now, growth and the Team20:00 Gemma’s Ambitions, Gattertop’s Future23:08 Gemma’s take on business and skills 25:10 Some final thoughts with Gemma Huge thanks to Coate PR for introducing us to Gemma and to Gemma and the Gattertop team for their help with the interview, we hope you enjoy it.Find Gemma at www.gattertopdrinks.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

Countrywoman’s Guide aims to share the stories of the countryside, providing both inspiration and insights into the lives of the people that live there. You can call it insta reality, or simply a down-to-earth version of what it’s really like to run a business and/or a farm and maybe look after a family at the same time.We want to build a community of people who get that life’s not always easy, sometimes it delights and other times it’s an absolute pain - but you do get through it and learn as you go. That hindsight wisdom is what we want to share with you, from people across all walks of life, in the hope that it makes your journey easier as you travel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com