In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo welcomes Sophie Fawcett, a brand strategist, cancer survivor, and the founder of TONIC, pioneering medical apparel. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from shaping major UK fashion brands, to founding TONIC after experiencing the inadequacies of traditional hospital wear through her own shoulder surgery. With sustainability and thoughtful design at its core, TONIC aims to provide dignity and empathy to patients during their most vulnerable times. Sophie discusses how her personal battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma solidified her mission, transforming her from a founder into a user of her own innovative garments in chemotherapy wards. Listen as she delves into the creation process, the challenges faced, and her future aspirations for TONIC, truly making health and recovery more humane through stylish, functional medical wear.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Meet Sophie Fawcett: Brand Strategist and Cancer Survivor

00:37 The Birth of TONIC: Redefining Patient Wear

01:05 Sophie’s Personal Journey with Cancer

01:24 The Emotional Impact of TONIC’s Mission

01:38 Welcome Sophie to the Podcast

01:50 Sophie’s Journey Through Chemotherapy

02:40 The Inspiration Behind TONIC

04:30 Challenges with Traditional Medical Apparel

05:23 The Development of TONIC’s Product Line

05:46 The Importance of Dignity in Patient Care

06:32 TONIC’s Unique Approach to Medical Apparel

08:54 The Role of Design in Medical Apparel

13:24 Building the Business: From Idea to Reality

19:37 The Investment Journey and Future Plans

25:08 Passion for the Business

26:04 Challenges of Running a Business

26:54 Innovative Medical Solutions

29:07 Patient Experience and Research

32:34 Marketing and Sales Strategies

34:57 Reflections and Future Goals

39:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

46:37 Gratitude and Support

48:19 Conclusion and Farewell

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Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith
Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com