Samantha Cusick is one of the most recognisable voices in hair & uses podcasting to deepen brand trust, create community, as well as accidentally open doors commercially & position herself as an authority in a crowded market.

In this episode, we unpack what podcasting really does for you as an entrepreneur once the mic is live: how it supports the brand, drives opportunity, builds long-term equity & ultimately makes you feel less lonely as a founder.

Keep listening to hear how to use podcasting as a growth lever, not a distraction and what founders should think about before they press record.

This conversation explores:

• Why Samantha started a podcast despite running multiple salons
• How long-form podcasting creates deeper connection than short-form social media
• The realities of podcast growth, sponsorship, and production
• How podcasting has strengthened her broader business ecosystem
• Overcoming imposter syndrome as a founder
• The importance of understanding your numbers and planning properly when starting a business
• Why founders should “just start” - even without certainty

FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.

MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

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In today’s episode of How To Start Up, I’m joined by Marie du Petit Thouars and Matthew Berkson - the founders and partners behind Maison Louis Marie, the clean luxury fragrance house that blends centuries-old botanical heritage with modern consciousness. We discuss how they turned a personal passion into a global brand while learning to start, scale and stay married along the way.

Matt & Marie's advice:

• Divide by strength, not ego
• Respect work ethic above all
• Align on values and definition of success
• Create physical and psychological boundaries
• Trust is the operating system
• Let go before you burn out
• Protect the relationship deliberately
• Say no as you grow

FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.

MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

Today on How To Start Up, I’m joined by Sophie Paterson, founder of the internationally recognised design studio Sophie Paterson Interiors. Since launching her studio in 2008, Sophie has completed over 80 luxury projects worldwide but it’s her strategic use of social media that transformed her business into the global brand it is today.

With more than 1,000,000 followers across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, Sophie has built a loyal international audience, opened doors to collaborations, and attracted clients around the world. Today, she shares how founders can use social platforms not just to showcase their work, but to grow a business, build credibility and reach global customers.

In this episode, we cover:

• When using social media, it’s all about building a community
• It’s a good idea to share the process - whatever you are producing
• Be consistent about what you share - so your followers know what to expect
• Sharing builds trust
• Be honest: your personal brand is your brand
• A social media manager will enable you to produce more content and reach more platforms
• No need to be too polished; be genuine and don’t over-curate
• Sometimes reveal the bad as well as the good
• Don’t allow negative content from others to touch you

If you’re building a business and questioning how visible you really need to be, this conversation offers reassurance, clarity and practical insight from someone who’s built scale without losing herself in the process.

FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.

MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show