The Creative Conversation: The Start Up Series

In this episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, we’re joined by Katie, CEO of WRASAC Dundee and Angus a charity supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse.This is a slightly different episode to our usual business-focused conversations, but an incredibly important one.Katie shares her journey into the third sector, what it really means to lead an organisation supporting survivors, and the emotional weight that comes with the role. We also talk about the realities behind the scenes — from funding challenges and team wellbeing, to the importance of raising awareness and changing societal perceptions.Since working with WRASAC as a client, I’ve seen first-hand the impact of shining a spotlight on their work — and why more people need to know these services exist.In this episode, we cover: What sexual violence support services actually do  Common misconceptions about getting support  The reality of working in the third sector  Leadership in emotionally demanding roles  Why awareness and education matter more than ever Whether you’re interested in charity work, leadership, or simply want to better understand how to support others, this is a conversation everyone should hear.If you or someone you know may need support, WRASAC offers free, confidential services.Learn more about WRASAC: https://www.wrasac.org.uk/Follow for awareness & updates: Instagram - @wrasac TikTok - @wrasacdundee Donate to WRASAC - https://www.justgiving.com/charity/wrsac-dundeeThe Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, I’m joined by someone very special my best friend, Fern, founder of Pallas Beauty.Fern opened Pallas Beauty in 2018, but her journey started long before that - doing treatments from home, building a loyal client base, and eventually taking the leap into her own salon on Dundee’s Perth Road.This episode is a full circle moment, because Pallas Beauty was actually the very first client of Greene Creatives, before Greene Creatives was even really a business. What started as helping Fern with price lists, a website and social media became the foundation of everything I’ve built since.We talk about: how Fern built Pallas Beauty from the ground up  the reality of opening and running a salon  juggling clients, stock, staff and admin behind the scenes  the pressure of self-employment in the beauty industry  what lockdown taught her about business  why resilience matters so much as a salon owner If you run a service-based business, dream of opening your own salon, or want a real conversation about what it takes to grow something from scratch, this episode is for you.CONNECT WITH FERNInstagram - @pallas.beautyWebsite - https://pallasbeauty.com/The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, I’m joined by Karyn, founder of EverOrganised a professional organiser and admin specialist who helps busy business owners bring calm to chaos.Karyn’s journey into self-employment didn’t come from always knowing she wanted to run a business. After years working in retail, studying marketing and PR, and then spending 16 years in banking, she was made redundant, and decided to take the leap into building something of her own.We talk about:being made redundant and using that moment to start a businessleaving the corporate world behindbuilding EverOrganised from one client and word of mouthmanaging business and motherhoodthe freedom and pressure that come with working for yourselfwhy being organised can completely change how you show up in your businessIf you’ve ever wondered whether redundancy, burnout or feeling stuck in the wrong job could actually be the push you need, this episode will really resonate.CONNECT WITH KARYN:Instagram @everorganisedLinkTree - linktr.ee/everorganisedThe Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, I’m joined by Susie from Bird & Emmy, a marketing strategist originally from Cape Town who has spent over 20 years working in the industry across agencies, in-house roles and now running her own business.We talk about what it really looks like to build a marketing business from redundancy and taking the leap into freelancing, to managing clients, setting boundaries and navigating the ever-changing world of marketing.Susie shares insights from working across multiple industries (including oil & gas), how she built her business from scratch while raising her daughter, and the lessons she’s learned over a decade of running Bird & Emmy.If you work in marketing, run a business, or want to understand the strategy behind effective marketing, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.In this episode we discuss:• Starting a marketing business after redundancy • The reality of freelancing and finding your first clients • Working across different industries as a marketer • Why strategy matters more than just posting on social media • Setting boundaries with clients • Managing work, life and running your own businessCONNECT WITH SUZ:Instagram - @suzabirdWebsite - https://birdandemmy.co.uk/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suz-bird/The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

This is one of the most personal episodes of The Creative Conversation so far.Today I’m joined by Kay, founder of Kay Meach Artistry, salon owner, makeup artist and someone I’ve worked alongside for nearly eight years.But this conversation isn’t just about beauty or business.At 35, Kay was diagnosed with combined type ADHD and suspected level 1 autism after years of burnout, overwhelm and questioning why things felt harder than they “should.”We talk about: – Growing up feeling like you wouldn’t amount to much – Masking, people-pleasing and perfectionism – Burnout while still showing up for clients – Late diagnosis in women – Running a business with a neurodivergent brain – Imposter syndrome, validation and identity shifts – Building a life that supports you, not one you have to surviveKay shares what burnout really looked like behind the scenes, how diagnosis reframed her self-worth, and why understanding her brain has made her a stronger businesswoman not a weaker one.If you’re creative, self-employed, neurodivergent, or simply trying to build a life that works for you rather than against you — this episode will resonate deeply.This one is raw, and it matters.CONNECT WITH KAY:Instagram - @kaymeachartistryTikTok - @kaymeachartistryWebsite - https://www.kaymeachartistry.co.uk/The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, I’m joined by Amy from Mango & Wild, a freelance marketer and fellow small-business founder who’s built a business around helping brands grow with clarity, confidence and creativity.Amy’s journey will feel so relatable: she went from corporate marketing to building something on her own terms, after first helping friends during lockdown. But what makes this conversation especially real is that Amy is also a new mum, and she shares what it’s actually like balancing business and motherhood when you’re self-employed… including the fact she was back at her laptop after just two weeks.We talk about:Building a marketing business from a “side project” to full-timeThe mindset shift of taking the leap when you’ve got a mortgage and billsWhy boundaries are everything (and why they’re so hard)The pressure of being the default parent when you’re self-employedThe realities of switching off when you genuinely love what you doMarketing in 2026: keeping up with constant change, SEO, ads and AIIf you’re building a business while juggling life changes, family, or simply trying to keep your head above water, you’ll take a lot from this one.Connect with Amy / Mango & Wild: Instagram: @amy_mangoandwildmarketingWebsite: https://mangoandwild.com/The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

Launching a podcast wasn’t about being perfect, it was about creating space for business owners who are still building. In this episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, I’m sharing five things I’ve learned since launching the podcast, from the behind-the-scenes realities to the unexpected lessons that came with it.We talk about why sometimes you just need to hit publish and figure it out as you go, why this podcast felt needed in the small business space, the importance of backing everything up, how hard audio actually is to get right without a studio, and the biggest surprise of all, realising that people genuinely care.This episode is for anyone sitting on an idea, overthinking the launch, or feeling held back by things not being “perfect yet.” If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start, this might be it.Thank you to everyone who has listened, shared, messaged, and supported this podcast so far. There are many more creative conversations to come.The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this solo episode of The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series, I’m sharing the five biggest mistakes I’ve made while building Greene Creatives, and the lessons that came from them.From not prioritising my own business, to lacking systems, setting weak boundaries, taking things personally, and not fully understanding contracts, these are the things I wish someone had been honest with me about at the very start.If you’re building a business right now, especially in the early stages, this episode is here to help you skip a few of the bumps, save yourself time, and feel less alone in the messy middle.Mistakes are inevitable. Learning from them is what shapes the business you’re building.If this resonates, the previous episode on 5 Things I’ve Learned in Business pairs perfectly with this one.The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

As Greene Creatives turns five, in this solo episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on what I’ve really learned along the way.From cash flow worries that never fully disappear, to trusting your gut with clients, outsourcing before burnout hits, learning that rest is productive, and why showing up as yourself is still the strongest marketing strategy there is... this episode is an honest look at the realities of running a business beyond the highlight reel.If you’re a business owner, freelancer, or thinking about starting something of your own, this episode is for you. Not polished advice just real lessons shaped by five years of building, juggling, doubting, growing, and figuring it out as I go.Listen in, take what resonates, and remember: you’re doing better than you think.The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, the mic is turned around as Danni Greene, founder of Greene Creatives, steps into the guest seat. Interviewed by GC team member Amy, Danni shares the real story behind building Greene Creatives from its beginnings as a side hustle to becoming a growing agency rooted in community, creativity, and connection.We talk honestly about:Leaving employment and making the leap into self-employmentThe messy middle no one talks aboutBuilding systems, a team, and long-term client relationshipsBurnout, boundaries, and learning to switch offWhat it really feels like to be the one building the brandThis episode kicks off Series 2 with more solo conversations from me, diving into the realities, lessons, and behind-the-scenes of building a business.The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this special episode, I sit down with my husband Chris for a different kind of Creative Conversation. We talk about what it’s really like to live with — and love — someone who runs their own business. From late nights and stress to pride and support, we share the highs, lows, and honest moments behind the scenes.Connect with us:Website: www.greenecreatives.co.ukInstagram: @greenecreativesTikTok: @greenecreativesYouTube: @greenecreativesCreative Conversations: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives.ss. From late nights and stress to pride and support, we share the highs, lows, and honest moments behind the scenes.The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, Erin founder of Occhiali Bespoke Eyewear Boutique, shares her journey of building a unique eyewear brand. From the inspiration behind launching a boutique to the challenges of retail, client care, and staying true to her vision, Erin opens up about the realities of running a business in the fashion eyewear world.CONNECT WITH ERIN & OCCHIALIWebsite: occhialibespokeeyewearboutique.co.ukInstagram: @occhiali_bespoke The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up SeriesHosted by Danni, founder of Greene Creatives an agency supporting women in business with social media and marketing.Connect with us:Website: www.greenecreatives.co.ukInstagram: @greenecreativesTikTok: @greenecreativesYouTube: @greenecreativesThe Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, Zoei — founder of Dancilicious Dance Company — shares her journey of building a fun, friendly, and non-competitive dance brand in Dundee. From starting out with a passion for dance to creating a community where confidence shines and every dancer belongs, Zoei opens up about the lessons learned, the messy middle, juggling being a mum of twins, and the joy of watching her students grow.Connect with Zoei & Dancilicious:Website: danciliciousdancecompany.comInstagram: @dancilicious_dance_studio The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up SeriesHosted by Danni, founder of Greene Creatives an agency supporting women in business with social media and marketing.Connect with us:Website: www.greenecreatives.co.ukInstagram: @greenecreativesTikTok: @greenecreativesYouTube: @greenecreativesThe Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

In this episode, Kerrie Alexander, founder and designer behind KerrieALDO,  shares the real story of building a slow-fashion brand in Dundee. From selling her first handmade coat to launching a website, juggling motherhood, and protecting the craft behind every piece, we talk about the messy middle, boundaries, and making clothes that lasts.Connect with Kerrie:Website: www.kerriealdo.comInstagram: @kerriealdo TheCreative Conversation: The Start-Up Series Hosted by Danni, founder of Greene Creatives an agency supporting women in business with social media and marketing.Connect with us:Website: www.greenecreatives.co.uk Instagram: @greenecreativesTikTok: @greenecreativesYouTube: @greenecreativesThe Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives

I’m Danni, founder of Greene Creatives, and this podcast is all about real talk with small business founders who are still in the trenches of building their dreams.Most business podcasts wait until you’ve “made it” to hand you the mic, but this show is different. Here, we’re sharing the messy middles, the side hustles, the quiet wins, and the raw realities of growing a business from the ground up.This trailer is just a taste of what’s to come. Hit follow and join the conversation,  new episodes dropping soon.The Creative Conversation: The Start-Up Series is produced by Greene Creatives. Connect with us: www.greenecreatives.co.uk | Instagram: @greenecreatives