Karen became self employed 2.5 years ago, having previously worked for 12 years at a content creation company in a senior role. Her time running Goodness Marketing has been challenging, but she's thoroughly enjoying doing 'good' in the world which is a key value of hers. Apart from making an impact in her work, she is very involved in community events, political protests, panels etc.  Her energy, commitment & enthusiasm are inspiring.

Lou Chudley became an Instagram trainer in January 2019.  It's been a full on and successful year for Lou.  She's managed to raise her profile and build a great reputation in a very short space of time.  This has required bravery, entrepreneurialism and resilience.  We reflect on what a confidence boost it's been for Lou to step so far out of her comfort zone in running her own business.  And of course we have a good old natter about Instagram.

Lewis Herridge has spent his career working in the outdoors activities industry.  He's lead many expeditions overseas to places like Kenya, Peru and Ecuador.  And when at home in the UK he taught outdoor pursuits and Bushcraft skills. Three years ago he had a daughter and he choose to take 'indoor' work. This wasn't an easy transition for him. We talk about why interaction with nature is crucial for human beings and Lewis's ambitious plans to reconnect with nature again.

Elizabeth Morgan recently opened The Norah Store in Stockport.  It's a vintage/sustainable clothing shop with the most beautifully curated selection of fashion. It's a joy to go into her fabulously styled place. Elizabeth talks about how a combination of boredom and excitement helped her to overcome fear and open a shop last year.  She is a big believer in collaborations, creating a strong community around her shop and shouting out good female business women and artists.

Fresh Walks is networking whilst walking. Founder Michael Di Paola stumbled upon this fantastic idea in 2014.  He tried it out on a whim and soon became fascinated by the positive and life enriching effects it had on both himself and other attendees. We talk about all the many benefits of walking, including the spirituality that being outside in nature evokes in people. It's changed Michael's life for the better and he's been keen to share the magic of walking with as many people as possible.

Cath Brown is a trainer and coach, which is a whole different world to when she was working 80 hours a week as a barrister. We talk about Cath's various creative pursuits (including ballet), her travels, her love of 'netwalking' with Fresh Walks and her work with a refugee charity. And we discuss Cath's 2020 resolution to have more fun and her belief that anyone can redesign their life at any age.

Kimo Morrison is the Comms and Engagement Lead at Northern Roots, an urban farm and eco park in Oldham. We talk about what it was like to leave the BBC after working there for over ten years, which was a cliff that Kimo was ready to jump from. And what extraordinary joy she has experienced as a result of making that leap. We also discuss creativity, nature and the importance of embracing failure and that there is no such thing as making a mistake.

In this episode we talk about Katy's recent move from the Peak District to the island of Anglesey, her wild swimming adventures in Snowdownia and her obsession with Paul Jarvis. We also discuss how Katy's relationship with being 'eco' has evolved over the years to a more positive, happy place.

Camilla is an eco stylist - she's worked in retail for many years - including for brands like Cos, Prada and Chanel.  So she knows her stuff when it comes to offering styling advice. But her Wardrobe Wellbeing styling service is about so much more than looking good.  It's about making sure you feel supported emotionally in the choices you make about your clothes, but also so those clothes support you in what you are doing. Camilla has so much insight on the subject.

I invited my friend Karen Webber, of Goodness Marketing to interview me about self-employed life as an Instagram Trainer. We talk about the community of awesome creatives I've built around me and why that means everything to me.  And of course we chat about the highs and lows of working for yourself.