Mum Means Business

8. Ruth Edwards on Somatic Healing And Starting Over in Your Forties

This week I’m joined by Ruth Edwards, a trauma-informed somatic coach, brainspotting practitioner and certified hypnotherapist, who made the bold decision in her forties to leave behind her corporate career and start again.
As a single mum of two teenagers, Ruth wanted more freedom and flexibility to be present with her children, while building a heart-led business that helps others heal from the inside out. She now supports clients to overcome anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing and emotional trauma by blending neuroscience, nervous system regulation and deep emotional work.
Ruth’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a career that aligns with your purpose and values - and that betting on yourself is always worth it.
Conversation Highlights:04:16 Reevaluating Life Choices in Your Forties09:25 Navigating Single Parenthood While Starting a Business13:09 Understanding Somatic Healing15:32 Exploring Brainspotting Therapy21:09 Nervous System Regulation & Triggers28:44 Navigating Anxiety in Business & Social Media34:34 The Importance of Community and Support48:30 Embracing Change & Starting Again in Your Forties
About The Guest:Ruth is a trauma-informed somatic coach, brainspotting practitioner and certified hypnotherapist who helps women and men reconnect with who they truly are by healing what’s been holding them back.
Connect with Ruth on Instagram or visit her 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!

7: Louise McGuill on Email Marketing, Investing in Yourself and Taking Action

This week I’m joined by Louise McGuill, a former teacher and Mum of two who is taking the brave action to leave an 18 year career in education behind, pursue a new venture in email marketing and design a life she loves.
Louise shares the lessons she’s learned about investing in herself and why email is one of the most powerful tools any business owner can master.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make email marketing work for you or you’re looking for encouragement to take the next step in your business, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.
Conversation Highlights:
03:37 How Maternity Leave Can Be a Catalyst for Change14:47 Building a Business: The Leap into Freelancing19:29 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: The Journey to Confidence26:51 Investing in Yourself: The Key to Growth29:16 Balancing Self-Investment and Family Time43:21 Building Trust Through Email Marketing49:11 Defining Success in Business and Life
About The Guest:Louise is a copywriter and email marketing specialist who helps service-based entrepreneurs simplify their strategy, build genuine relationships and grow their businesses without relying on the algorithm.
Connect with Louise on Linkedin.
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!

6: Podcasting, Imposter Syndrome and Community with Megan Tobler

What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened to you?
When Megan Tobler unexpectedly found herself unemployed during pregnancy, she realised her “safe” corporate career wasn’t so safe after all. That moment sparked a complete life pivot - leading her to create Self StartHER, a thriving podcast and online community for ambitious women building businesses around their lives.
Listen in as we talk entrepreneurship, motherhood, self-doubt and redefining success on your own terms.
Conversation Highlights:
02:40 The Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship06:52 Navigating Imposter Syndrome16:01 The Intersection of Motherhood and Ambition26:46 The Pressure of Perfectionism in Women30:41 Building a Supportive Community for Moms32:58 Redefining Success and Work-Life Balance41:11 The Journey of Authenticity and Connection52:08 Lessons from Childhood: Embracing Imperfection
About The Guest:Megan is an entrepreneur, podcast host and founder of the Self StartHER community, dedicated to helping women unapologetically pursue their ambitions.
Connect with her on instagram @selfstart.her.
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!

5: Melanie Cooke on Community, Financial Freedom and "Getting Your Pink Back"

Melanie Cooke shares how she’s balancing motherhood, DIY home renovation and life as a content creator while pursuing financial freedom and aiming to be mortgage-free by 40. A joyful, grounded episode full of heart, hustle and home truths!
Conversation Highlights:03:33 The Positive Impact of Social Media on Mental Health09:49 The Financial Strategy Behind House Renovations12:28 Building a Community and Sharing Knowledge14:16 Personal Growth and Life Goals23:11 Reclaiming Identity: Getting Your Pink Back25:38 Fitness Journey: Reclaiming the Body27:43 Breaking Generational Cycles: Financial Empowerment
About The Guest:Melanie Cooke is a Mum of three, an NHS physiotherapist, DIY renovation queen and the creative force behind Banish the Beige.
Connect with her on instagram @thisismelaniecooke.
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!

4. Amanda Wrigley on Intergenerational Impact, Music & Making a Difference

Former teacher Amanda Wrigley shares how motherhood inspired her to launch Live the Beat, a social enterprise connecting generations through music. From care homes to nurseries, Amanda’s mission is creating joyful, purposeful experiences for young and old alike. We talk about the power of music, building a values-led business and why connection across generations matters more than ever.
Conversation Highlights:22:51 The Power of Music in Early Childhood Development29:15 Connecting Generations Through Music43:51 The Importance of Connection and Purpose49:16 The Power of Shared Vision52:51 A Royal Invitation to Westminster Abbey55:08 Inspiring Change Through Intergenerational Practice58:36 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
About The Guest:Amanda Wrigley is a Mum of two and the founder of Live the Beat, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting generations through the power of music and play.
Connect with her on instagram @livethebeatuk.
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!

3. Marketing, Motherhood & Making It Work with Caroline Cox

Caroline Cox shares how she launched a marketing agency with three babies to look after just before the pandemic and went on to build her business through connection and community. We talk motherhood, confidence and the power of real relationships in business.
Conversation Highlights:05:41 Balancing Motherhood and Business: The Early Days10:56 Building Relationships: The Key to Success20:44 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Growth32:06 Teaching Children About Work and Responsibility42:57 Identifying Market Gaps and Local Business Needs46:36 The Importance of Local Community and Brand Awareness
About The Guest:Caroline Cox is a Mum of three and the founder of Caroline Cox Marketing, a thriving digital marketing agency in Nottinghamshire.
Connect with her on instagram @carolinecoxmarketing.
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!

2. Kate Rossin on Resilience, Motherhood and Letting Go of a Business Dream

Photographer and creative entrepreneur Kate Rossin shares her powerful story of business resilience. From closing her wedding photography business after her mother’s cancer diagnosis to the letting go of two community art spaces, Kate opens up about the challenges of navigating modern motherhood, grief and the emotional toll of fighting for business survival. This is a raw, honest conversation about creativity, loss and the strength it takes to rebuild.
Conversation Highlights:05:47 Building Confidence in a Competitive Market15:40 Navigating Self-Promotion in Photography18:53 Transitioning from Photography to Community Engagement22:16 The Impact of Personal Loss on Business Decisions35:47 The Challenges of Running a Hospitality Business56:56 Transitioning to New Opportunities01:02:32 Reflections on Success and Failure
About The Guest:Kate Rossin is a Mum of two, photographer and creative founder who has worn many hats in her career, with a passion for making photography and art more accessible and building creative communities.
Connect with her on instagram @depictphoto.
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!

1. Building a Life-Friendly Business with Erin Thomas Wong

Life-Friendly Business Mentor, Erin Thomas Wong, shares her journey navigating motherhood and designing a business around family life. In this episode we discuss the challenges mothers face stepping into entrepreneurship, identity shifts, the importance of self-confidence and community, best practices to avoid burnout and redefining success on your own terms.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling the demands of family and business, this episode is for you!
Conversation Highlights:09:55 Building a Life-Friendly Business17:53 Empowering Women in Business25:04 Redefining Success30:24 Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance33:25 The Power of CEO Time46:00 Self-Validation and Personal Growth
About The Guest:Erin Thomas Wong is a Mum of two who has made a name for herself as the Life-Friendly Business Mentor, helping women build business that support the life they want to live. 
Connect with her on instagram @lifefriendlybiz.
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!

Mum Means Business Podcast Trailer

In this first episode of Mum Means Business I share why I'm starting this podcast... and yes, I hit record right after putting the dishwasher on, can you tell I'm new to this?!
Motherhood can be a LOT, so why are so many of us also choosing to build businesses?  Yes we're seeking flexibility, but we’re also craving lives filled with passion, purpose and possibility. Let's do that together!
About The Host:I'm Victoria Phipps - a Mum of two, analogue 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!