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

Support the show

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

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo interviews Louise Webster, a communication specialist and founder of Beyond the School Run, an award-winning platform dedicated to empowering mothers by utilising their skills and talents. Louise shares her inspiring journey from working in PR with major brands to addressing the barriers mothers face in the workforce. She details the evolution of Beyond the School Run, the challenges she faced, and her dedication to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Tune in to learn about her journey, her advice for balancing motherhood and career, and her vision for creating inclusive workplaces through We are Beyond Global consultancy. The episode concludes with Louise's '3, 2, 1' list: three valuable investments, two things she wishes she could have done differently, and one person she'd like to thank.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:27 Meet Louise Webster: From PR to Empowering Mothers

00:49 The Birth of Beyond the School Run

01:32 Challenges and Realizations

02:39 Building a Purpose-Driven Platform

03:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery

04:24 The Role of Parenting in Personal Growth

06:03 Expanding Beyond the School Run

08:12 Navigating Career Transitions and Societal Expectations

13:29 Monetizing the Mission

21:49 Reshaping the Platform and VC Journey

22:07 Building the MVP Model

22:22 Combining Work and Personal Growth

23:11 Purpose-Driven Business Insights

24:48 Launching Community Events

26:16 Developing the B2B Platform

28:50 Final Reflections and Advice

Support the show

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

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo interviews Hansine Johnston, the founder and creative director of Hansine, a resort wear brand known for its sophisticated silhouettes and modern bohemian aesthetic. Hansine shares insights into her multicultural upbringing, her pivot from a career in fashion sales with Valentino and Armani to launching her brand at 45. She discusses how a chance encounter with Kate Moss boosted her brand's profile, the importance of timelessness and sustainability in her designs, and the challenges and triumphs of building a business. The episode concludes with a special segment where Hansine lists three worthwhile investments, two things she would do differently, and someone she'd like to thank for their support.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Meet Hansine Johnston: Founder of Hansine Resort Wear

00:35 The Journey from Fashion Sales to Radio Show Host

00:46 Launching Hansine: A Brand Inspired by Global Adventures

01:51 Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth

04:41 Design Philosophy: Timelessness and Wearability

08:00 The Pivot to Creating a Fashion Brand

12:09 Building a Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Brand

20:19 Navigating Challenges and Customer Feedback

25:49 Passion for the Brand

26:15 Challenges in Administration and Production

27:19 Wholesale and Resort Market

28:36 Team Dynamics and Lean Operations

29:40 Navigating the Fashion Industry

31:18 Customer Stories and Brand Loyalty

32:25 Future Plans: Swimwear and Accessories

34:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

34:54 Top Investments and Lessons Learned

43:51 Gratitude and Final Thoughts

Support the show

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