Mum Means Business

18. Reclaiming Creativity in Motherhood with Imogen Partridge

This week on Mum Means Business, I’m joined by Imogen Partridge - a painter, illustrator and creative workshop host on a mission to make creativity both aspirational and accessible.
After more than a decade in interior design, Imogen took a leap of faith in 2024 and turned her side-hustle illustration business into a full-time creative career. Today, her work blends bespoke commissions, brand collaborations and immersive workshops that encourage others to reconnect with their creative instincts.
Through her art and teaching, both online and in person, Imogen champions creativity as a powerful tool for connection, wellbeing and joy. She’s especially passionate about helping mothers who may have lost touch with that part of themselves through the busyness of everyday life.
💡 “Creativity isn’t a luxury. It isn't something that you tick off your to-do list. It's something that slots in to make you better at your to-do list.”
In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, we explore:✨ How Imogen transitioned from a 13-year career in interior design to running her own illustration business✨ The mindset shifts that came with motherhood and self-employment✨ Why creativity is one of the most powerful forms of self-care✨ The importance of nurturing creativity in education and within our homes✨ How to overcome creative blocks and rediscover joy in making✨ Why imperfection, not perfection, is where the magic lies
About Imogen Partridge:Imogen Partridge is a watercolour illustrator, creative workshop host and mother of two, based in the southeast of England. After over a decade in interior design, she turned her passion for painting into a thriving creative business in 2024.
Imogen’s work blends personal commissions, brand collaborations and in-person workshops that celebrate connection and self-expression. Her mission is to make creativity both aspirational and accessible while encouraging others to rediscover the joy of creating.
Connect with Imogen via her website or follow her on Instagram at @imogen.partridge for inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her artwork and upcoming workshops.
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
 
 

17: Demystifying PR for Small Business Owners with Pippa Goulden

This week, I’m joined by Pippa Goulden - PR expert, entrepreneur and founder of The PR Set.
After 15 years working in the world of PR, Pippa saw a gap in the market: small business owners wanted to harness the power of publicity but didn’t know where to start. So, she made it her mission to demystify public relations and help founders, entrepreneurs and start-ups get known for what they do - without big agency fees or insider contacts.
Through The PR Set, Pippa now supports hundreds of women to build their brands, land press coverage, and share their stories with confidence. Her DIY PR members and clients have appeared everywhere - from This Morning and Stylist to top podcasts, industry panels and brand collaborations.
💡 “You don’t need a little black book to make big PR moves - just the confidence to send the email.”
In this dynamic and insightful conversation, we explore:✨ How motherhood inspired Pippa to build a business on her own terms✨ The mindset shifts needed to pitch yourself and your story✨ Overcoming fear and rejection in PR and business✨ Why small businesses have an advantage when it comes to storytelling✨ How to make PR about your audience, not your ego✨ Practical ways to start promoting yourself today - without overwhelm
About Pippa Goulden:Pippa is a PR expert and founder of The PR Set - a community and training hub that empowers small business owners to harness the power of PR. A mum of two, she’s passionate about helping women share their stories confidently, connect with their audience and grow their businesses with authenticity.
🎧 Listen to her podcast PR Made Simple for more tips on building visibility and growing your brand.
Exclusive Offer: Mum Means Business listeners can get 50% off their first month in the DIY PR Membership using code MMB50 at checkout via theprset.com
And in this conversation we also mention Liz Mosley and her 'Rejection Challenge' sticker chart, which you can buy here to join in the fun 😃
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
 

16: Navigating Matrescence and Maternal Wellbeing with Helen Buteux

This week, I’m joined by Helen Buteux - a specialist children’s occupational therapist with over a decade of experience supporting children and their families.
After years working in the NHS, both clinically and in leadership, Helen now combines her deep understanding of early childhood development with her own experience of matrescence - the powerful and often challenging transformation women go through when becoming mothers.
Through her work and social media content, Becoming a Mummy, Helen helps new mums navigate those early, emotional days of motherhood with confidence, compassion, and clarity. She’s passionate about maternal wellbeing and believes that when mothers are cared for, children thrive too.
💡 “Happy mum, happy baby.”
In this honest and insightful conversation, we explore:✨ What matrescence really means and how it reshapes identity✨ Why self-care isn’t selfish, but essential for maternal wellbeing✨ The science behind early childhood development and emotional regulation✨ Building resilience and confidence in both mothers and children✨ Creating supportive communities and finding purpose through motherhood✨ How Helen balances her business, motherhood and mission to help other women
About Helen Buteux:Helen is a specialist children’s occupational therapist and founder of Becoming a Mummy - a supportive space designed to help mothers navigate matrescence with self-compassion and evidence-based guidance. With two preschoolers at home, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, empowering mums to reconnect with themselves and their children.
Connect with Helen on Instagram at @becoming_a_mummy.
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
 

15. Showing Up Authentically in Every Season of Business with Vicki Knights

This week, I’m joined by Vicki Knights - a personal branding photographer, visibility strategist, positive psychology practitioner and host of the top-rated Showing Up podcast.
After leaving her corporate career in London to start a family, Vicki built a thriving photography business that has evolved beautifully over the past 17 years - adapting to new seasons of motherhood, creativity and purpose. Today, she helps women step confidently into the spotlight and tell their stories with authenticity and joy.
A passionate advocate of gentle marketing, Vicki believes that success doesn’t come from hustle or comparison - but from growing at your own pace, aligning your business with your values, and showing up in a way that feels good.
💡 “Showing up is not showing off.”
Conversation Highlights:✨ Leaving the corporate world and building a creative career from scratch✨ The power of evolution - allowing your business to shift with each life season✨ How to let go for growth and give yourself permission to pivot✨ Navigating the changing marketing landscape as a modern entrepreneur✨ Empowering women through photography, mindset and storytelling✨ Why small, consistent steps towards visibility can change everything
About The Guest:Vicki is a Surrey-based personal branding photographer, visibility strategist and positive psychology practitioner. She inspires female entrepreneurs to build authentic brands, connect confidently with their audience and grow businesses that feel fulfilling and aligned - not overwhelming.
If you'd like to know more be sure to download Vicki's free Visibility Guide!
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps – a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @victoria_phipps or @mummeansbusinesspodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!
 

14: From Ballet to Business; The Power of Pivoting with Krystle Frey

This week I’m joined by Krystle Frey, founder of Pivot Ball Change - a full-service podcast editing agency helping female entrepreneurs amplify their voices and reclaim their time.
Based in Wisconsin, Krystle’s story is one of transformation, resilience and creativity. From professional ballerina to dental hygienist to podcast producer and mum of two, she’s no stranger to a pivot. What began as her own podcast for creative mums during the isolation of the pandemic has grown into a thriving production business and media network supporting women across the world to share their stories with confidence.
In this episode, we talk about how motherhood can awaken a deep craving for creativity and how Krystle turned that longing into a purposeful career. She shares how years of ballet training taught her to embrace rejection, build resilience and take brave action - lessons that now shape the way she runs her business and supports her clients.
💡 “ “No” isn’t a dead end - it’s just a chance to reroute.”
Conversation Highlights:✨ Finding a new creative identity after motherhood✨ Building resilience through rejection and learning to take rejection as redirection✨ How dance taught Krystle the discipline to build a business✨ The power of female connection and storytelling in the early days of motherhood✨ Why every woman deserves to feel proud of what she’s creating
About The Guest:Krystle Frey is a Wisconsin-based mum of two and founder of Pivot Ball Change, a podcast production agency designed to help busy female entrepreneurs streamline their content creation. A former professional ballerina turned podcast producer, Krystle brings a unique blend of artistry, structure and empathy to her work - empowering women to share their voices with clarity and confidence.
You'll find Krystle on instagram and to find out more about her community visit the Pivot Ball Change website.
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps - a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️
I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌victoria_phipps or @‌mummeansbusinesspodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!
 

13: Freelance Parenting and The Power of Community with Frankie Tortora

What’s it really like to freelance with kids in the mix?
Graphic designer, community founder and Mum of two, Frankie Tortora reveals the highs, the lows and the lessons learned along the way.
Frankie shares her lived experience navigating time pressures, setting boundaries and balancing work with parenting. She also reflects on emotional wellbeing, the importance of feeling heard and being amongst other supportive parents who are in the same boat as you!
Conversation Highlights:✨ The practical challenges of freelancing as a parent, from childcare to financial systems✨ Why emotional support often matters more than solutions✨ Setting boundaries between work and life while running your own business✨ Reflections on confidence, societal expectations, and encouraging young girls✨ Building community and supporting other parents through shared experiences
About the Guest:Frankie Tortora is the Founder of Doing It For The Kids, an online community for freelance parents trying to make flexible working work. DIFTK won’t teach you how to become a ‘successful’ freelancer or how to find ‘balance’ (what does that even mean?!). There’s no course. No coaching.
It is all about CONNECTION - camaraderie, collaboration, virtual high fives and a lorra, lorra laughs!
You'll find Frankie on Linkedin or instagram and to find out more about her community visit the Doing It For The Kids website.
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps - a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️
I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌victoria_phipps or @‌mummeansbusinesspodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

12: Emily Hanson on Harnessing Transferable Skills to Build Your Dream Business

From the classroom to the world of digital marketing, Emily Hanson’s story is proof that transferable skills can be the key to building your dream business.
A former teacher and mum of two, Emily is now the founder of Emerlilly Digital, an agency specialising in education, family and children’s brands. What began as freelancing soon grew into a thriving business supported by her husband David and a team of fellow educators-turned-marketers.
In this episode of the Mum Means Business Podcast, Emily shares how her teaching background equipped her for entrepreneurship, the challenges and breakthroughs of freelancing, and the importance of finding freedom and balance as a working mum. We also touch on the challenges of becoming a Mum for the first time during the pandemic, mental health and the courage it takes to pivot careers while raising young children.
Emily’s journey shows us that the skills you already have might be all you need to begin.
Conversation Highlights:✨ Transitioning from teaching to digital marketing✨ Launching Emerlilly Digital with a family-focused team✨ Navigating motherhood and mental health during the pandemic✨ How freelancing shaped Emily's career journey✨ Empowering other mothers to find fun and freedom in work
About the Guest:Emily Hanson is the Founder and Director of Emerlilly Digital, a marketing agency specialising in education, family and children’s brands. A former teacher and Mum of two, she’s passionate about helping family-focused businesses and education organisations tell their stories while building a business that reflects her values.
Find out more about Emily’s work on the Emerlilly website or connect with her on Linkedin - Emily Hanson.
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps - a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️
I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌victoria_phipps or @‌mummeansbusinesspodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

11. Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein on Redefining Maternal Care with Femtech Startup Carea

This week I’m joined by Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein, Co-Founder and CEO of Carea, a femtech startup redefining pregnancy and postpartum care with a mental health first approach.
After graduating from Columbia University, Anastasia built a global career in product management and brand marketing with leadership roles at Bayer Consumer Health and Mastercard. But when she faced fertility struggles, IVF and miscarriage, her path took a deeply personal turn.
Determined to create the support she wished she’d had, Anastasia launched the Carea app: a safe, supportive space for women navigating the emotional complexities of pregnancy and beyond. Instead of focusing solely on clinical milestones, the app centres the wellbeing and mental health of the mother.
Email support@careaapp.com referencing "Mum Means Business" to receive 3 months off Carea's Premium offering!
Conversation Highlights:✨ The cultural taboos surrounding pregnancy loss✨ The tension between creativity, ambition and traditional maternal roles✨ Why community and emotional support are so vital for mothers✨ Building a femtech startup from lived experience✨ Trusting that your business idea will come when the timing is right
About the Guest:Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein is Co-Founder and CEO of Carea, a femtech startup reimagining pregnancy and postpartum care with a focus on emotional wellbeing. Drawing on her personal journey into motherhood and her global career background, she is committed to creating compassionate, personalised tools to support women through every stage of their maternity journey.
Follow Anastasia on Instagram at @careaapp.
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps - a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️
I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌victoria_phipps or @‌mummeansbusinesspodcast.
if you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

10: Slowing Down and Rejecting the "Super Mum" Myth with Louise Lynch

This week I’m joined by Louise Lynch – teacher, cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist, hypnobirthing practitioner and founder of The Relaxed Mama Club.
Louise is passionate about supporting women through pregnancy, birth and beyond with tools that bring confidence, calm and connection. A mum of two herself, she knows first-hand the challenges of modern motherhood: the pressure to do it all, the impact of social media and the lack of the “village” we were told it takes to raise a child.
Through her work, Louise empowers mothers-to-be with knowledge, taking the mystery (and fear) out of childbirth so women can approach it with strength and self-belief. She shares how she built her brand, why personalised support matters, and the lessons she’s learned about balancing motherhood with business ownership.
Conversation Highlights:✨ The importance of support for new mothers✨ Demystifying childbirth through hypnobirthing✨ Countering the “supermum” myth✨ Creating a calm, nurturing brand✨ Transformations she’s witnessed in her clients✨ The mind-body connection in motherhood✨ Balancing family life with running a business
If you’re preparing for birth, navigating early motherhood, or simply seeking encouragement to find your calm in the chaos, this conversation is full of wisdom and support.
About the Guest:Louise Lynch is the founder of The Relaxed Mama Club, where she combines yoga, hypnobirthing and hypnotherapy to support women in pregnancy and postpartum. Her mission is to empower mothers-to-be with confidence, knowledge and calm so they can enter motherhood feeling prepared and supported.
Follow Louise on Instagram at @relaxed.mama.club.
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps - a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️
I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌victoria_phipps or @‌mummeansbusinesspodcast.
if you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

9: Kate Stirling on Finding Your Own Path and Thriving with ADHD

This week I’m joined by Kate Stirling – a high-performance strategist, mindset coach, actor, host of the Club Thrive podcast and Mum to a little girl.  With over two decades of coaching experience, Kate’s mission is to encourage women to break free from societal conditioning and rediscover who they truly are.
Diagnosed with ADHD in 2024, Kate now works to better support neurodivergent women, particularly mothers, who are navigating extra layers of challenge in their lives and businesses. She’s also a mum herself and understands first-hand the juggle of parenthood and entrepreneurship.
In this conversation, Kate shares openly about identity, motherhood, creativity, mental health, and what it means to thrive in each season of life.
Conversation Highlights:10:36 Navigating Societal Expectations and Personal Identity24:48 Rediscovering Self-Identity Post-Motherhood26:44 The Role of Exercise in Mental Health30:27 The Impact of Social Media on Motherhood38:43 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact41:52 Rejection Sensitivity and Mental Health45:30 Finding Fulfilment in Work and Life47:42 Harnessing Neurodiversity for Success52:23 Support and Guidance After Diagnosis
Listen if you’re:✨ A mum navigating identity shifts in motherhood✨ Curious about ADHD and neurodivergence in business✨ Seeking ways to thrive instead of just survive✨ Interested in blending creativity, mindset, and self-care
About the Guest:Kate Stirling is a high-performance strategist, mindset coach, actor, and host of the Club Thrive podcast. She blends tools from fitness, NLP, mindset and creativity to support women in rediscovering who they truly are and building lives that allow them to thrive.
Connect with Kate on Instagram at @katestirling_.
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps - a Mum of two, family photographer, charity co-founder, marketing person and now podcaster! 🎙️
I was raised by a nurturing Mother and an entrepreneurial Father and have inherited traits from both, so the tension between ambition and motherhood is one I grapple with on a daily basis!
I’m fascinated to hear the stories of other women on a similar path, who are striving to build thriving businesses whilst being present for their children. It's a tough juggle, but I hope the conversations shared on this podcast help Mums in business feel less alone and inspired to keep going in pursuit of their dreams.
Head to the Mum Means Business Podcast website for full show notes.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed in this conversation, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌victoria_phipps or @‌mummeansbusinesspodcast.
if you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!