Building Sideways: How Emma Brown Rebuilt Her Brand and Herself

In this, the first official episode of Notes from the Not There Yet, Beth sits down with Emma Brown — a finance professional, mum, and co-founder of Elena Apparel, the activewear brand born from authenticity, community, and courage.

Emma’s story is one of balance and rebuilding — of learning that success doesn’t always look like scaling up. Sometimes it looks like slowing down, shifting focus, and finding yourself again in the process.

Together, we talk about:

• Building a business sideways, not skyward — and why that’s okay
• The impact of motherhood on identity, creativity, and confidence
• Learning to pause and rebrand when your work no longer feels like you
• The power of community, collaboration, and female partnership
• Protecting your peace, your income, and your purpose

It’s an honest conversation about letting go of perfection and choosing presence over pace.

• Growth doesn’t have to mean scaling up — you can build sideways.
• Motherhood shifts everything — identity, pace, priorities.
• A pause isn’t failure; it’s space to realign.
• Letting go can create room for what’s next.
• Collaboration fuels clarity and momentum.
• Community is your brand’s strongest asset.
• Protect your peace — and your paycheque.
• Confidence comes from showing up, not perfection.
• Slow growth is still growth.
• You can start again without starting over.

Links referenced in this episode:

• elenaraparell.com
• nottheryetproject.co.uk
• contentaura.com
• depop.com