In this thirty-sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Sue Chalmers – founder of Willow & Hen and former motor industry professional turned lifestyle store owner.

After years working in the motor industry, Sue reached a point where she knew she wanted to build something more aligned with who she was. That intention led her to open Willow & Hen – the calm, community-focused lifestyle store she’d dreamed about since she was young.

Sue’s journey is a beautiful example of following your interests, trusting your timing and allowing your business to evolve naturally. She speaks openly about what it was really like to step out of a fast-paced, male-dominated industry into the world of mindful retail, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the joy of building a business that feels purposeful and personal.

In this conversation, Alex and Sue explore:

• transitioning from the motor industry to running a lifestyle store

• the early influences that shaped her entrepreneurial path

• creating a business rooted in community and connection

• sourcing products locally and working with purpose

• the evolution of Willow & Hen over time

• navigating change with resilience and curiosity

• building a business that feels calm, intentional and aligned

• what it really takes to follow a long-held dream

Whether you’re thinking about a career shift, dreaming of a more creative path, or wanting to build a business that feels like you, Sue’s story is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to create something meaningful.

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Sue [02:10] From the motor industry to mindful retail [06:45] The early influences behind Willow & Hen [11:20] Creating community through a lifestyle store [16:00] Sourcing locally and working with purpose [21:05] Building a business that evolves with you [26:30] Lessons learned from navigating major career change [31:40] What alignment and fulfilment look like in business [35:20] Sue’s hopes and plans for the future of Willow & Hen

• Following your long-held interests even when the path looks unexpected

• Shifting from a fast-paced corporate environment into intentional entrepreneurship

• Building a community-focused business rooted in connection

• Supporting local makers and choosing products with purpose

• Navigating big career changes with courage and curiosity

• Allowing your business to grow and evolve season by season

• Creating a work life that feels calm, aligned and meaningful

Instagram: @willowandhen Website: willowandhen.co.uk

Connect with Alex

In this thirty-fifth episode of My Kind of Business Business Coach Alex McCarthy invites you to slow down, breathe and take an honest look back at 2025 so far - the wins, the wobbles, the surprises and the spaces where you grew without even noticing.

Alex shares her own reflections from this year, including the fears she faced when launching this very podcast, the moments of doubt that nearly stopped her, and the unexpected confidence that came from simply taking the next brave step. With warmth and realness, she reminds you that self-reflection isn’t just a ‘nice to do’ - it’s one of the most powerful tools you have for building a business (and life) that actually feels good.

You’ll be guided through intentional questions, simple mindset shifts, and a visualisation exercise to help you reconnect with your future self; the version of you who already knows what you want next. Whether you’re craving momentum, clarity, expansion, or even a gentler pace, this episode will help you reconnect with what matters and build the confidence to act on it.

Alex closes the episode with an invitation to her upcoming 2026 Business Planning Workshop - a supportive, energising space to turn your ideas, visions, and goals into a plan you’ll actually follow through on.

This episode is perfect for business owners, creatives, freelancers, and anyone ready to step into the next chapter with more intention, courage, and clarity.

• Why reflecting on your 2025 achievements (and challenges) creates momentum for your next chapter

• How self-reflection becomes a practical tool for business clarity and long-term growth

• Simple questions to ask yourself to understand what’s working — and what isn’t

• How visualising your future self builds direction, focus, and inner confidence

• Why bold actions often bring rewards you couldn’t plan for

• What Alex learned about fear, visibility, and starting before you feel “ready”

• How to anchor your goals with mindset so you stay committed throughout 2026

• Why your vision is valid, important, and absolutely worth pursuing

• A gentle reminder that you are ready, capable, and more equipped than you think

• How the 2026 Business Planning Workshop can support you to turn ideas into real, sustainable action

https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessplanning2026

• Explore 1:1 business coaching (online or in person)

• Join a monthly Business Connection Session for networking and support

• Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

• Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching

Self-reflection is one of the most underrated tools for business growth. When you pause long enough to see what you’ve achieved, what you’ve survived, and who you’re becoming, you make space for a braver, clearer, more aligned future. This episode will help you reconnect with your vision, honour your progress, and step into 2026 with confidence, clarity, and intention.

In this thirty-fourth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex McCarthy speaks with Sareena and Nim, sisters and co-founders of Serene Baby, a Bedford-based business supporting parents and babies through baby massage, yoga and wellbeing classes.

What began as Sareena teaching baby massage from her living room has grown into a thriving community-led business helping families across Bedfordshire feel more connected, calm and confident. Joined later by her sister Nim, who brought her passion for mental health and parent wellbeing, together they’ve built a business grounded in care, connection and community.

In this heart-centred episode, Sareena and Nim open up about the realities of starting a small business, navigating challenges, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship and the power of word-of-mouth marketing and community support in growing Serene Baby.

This conversation is a must-listen for female founders, Bedfordshire business owners and anyone building a purpose-driven business that aligns with their values and lifestyle.

• The story behind Serene Baby and how it began with baby massage

• Building a Bedford community business from scratch

• The importance of creativity, flexibility, and perseverance in business

• How word of mouth and community support fuel growth

• Balancing motherhood, family life, and entrepreneurship

• Adapting during COVID-19 and finding resilience through challenges

• Running a business that supports parents’ wellbeing and connection

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Sareena & Nim [02:15] The beginnings of Serene Baby and early challenges [06:40] From baby massage classes to a Bedford community hub [11:20] Growing through word of mouth and connection [15:45] Navigating COVID-19 and business adaptation [20:30] Balancing motherhood and running a business [25:00] Lessons in creativity, flexibility, and perseverance [30:10] Community impact and what’s next for Serene Baby

• Turning a passion for baby massage into a thriving business

• Building a community-focused business in Bedford

• How flexibility supports long-term business sustainability

• The power of authentic relationships and community impact

• Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship with intention

• Why purpose-driven businesses create the biggest impact

🌐 www.serene-baby.com 📸 @serenebabyuk

📅 Book a 2026 Business Planning Workshop: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/2026businessplanning 📸 @alexmccarthycoaching 🌐 alexmccarthycoaching.com