From Retail Success to Real Support: Helen’s Founder Shift

From Retail Success to Real Support: Helen’s Founder Shift

What happens after you build and sell a successful retail business? In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess sits down with Helen, a founder who grew and exited a major retail business, then rebuilt her career around supporting other women in business. Work with us. [https://alchemybranding.studio/contact/] 00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:30 Growing Up in Family Business 03:20 From Property to Flying Tiger 09:50 Starting the Retail Venture 17:10 Fast Growth and Hard Lessons 20:50 Becoming Someone Else to Lead 26:00 Fertility, Burnout and Business Pressure 32:00 Moving Into Coaching and Support 35:20 Why Female Founders Lose Confidence 44:50 Building She Thrives Collective 52:50 What’s Next for Helen 56:00 Helen’s Personal Formula for Success Helen shares the real story behind her entrepreneurial journey, from working on her parents’ market stall in Cardiff to helping launch and grow Flying Tiger Copenhagen across Wales and Bristol. She talks openly about ambition, burnout, fertility struggles, confidence, identity, and what it really takes to build a business without losing yourself in the process. This is a powerful conversation about what success looks like after the exit, and why support, boundaries and self-awareness matter just as much as strategy. In this episode, Helen talks about: * Growing up around family business and market trading * Launching and scaling a retail business in Wales * Building Flying Tiger Copenhagen through a joint venture model * The pressure of fast growth and leadership * Burnout, fertility struggles and running a business through hard seasons * Why confidence drops for many female founders * The importance of boundaries, rest and real support * Creating She Thrives Collective to support women in business * Why what is missing matters more than what looks broken * How to build a business that actually fits your life If you are a founder, entrepreneur, business owner or ambitious woman building something of your own, this episode will give you honest insight and practical perspective. This is a conversation about growth, identity, business support and creating success on your own terms. Connect With Us YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@alchemybrandingstudio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alchemybrandingstudio/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AlchemyBrandingStudio/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alchemy-branding-studio/] Website [https://alchemybranding.studio/]

From One-Man Band to £20M Business: Jay’s Scale Strategy

From One-Man Band to £20M Business: Jay’s Scale Strategy What does it really take to scale from a one-man operation to a £20M tech business in under four years? In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek [https://www.flotek.io/], shares the real story behind building and exiting his first company, retiring at 35, then returning to build something even bigger. This is not overnight success. This is disciplined growth, bold acquisitions and relentless focus. Jay talks openly about: * Growing organically versus growing through acquisition * The mindset shift from solo founder to board-led CEO * Raising debt to scale faster * Integrating 14 acquisitions while protecting culture * Why most businesses misunderstand AI * Leading by example and staying grounded Flotek has grown from zero to nearly £20M in revenue in just three and a half years. Much of that growth has come through acquisition. But behind the numbers is a clear strategy, strong financial discipline and a deep commitment to people. Jay also shares: * Why he failed at retirement * The difference between an entrepreneur and a business owner * How AI should actually be used inside SMEs * What small businesses must understand about cybersecurity * Why leadership is learned but instinct cannot be taught If you are a founder, CEO or ambitious business leader looking to scale properly, this episode is packed with practical insight. This is growth done with intention. 🔗 Connect With Us Website [https://alchemybranding.studio/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alchemy-branding-studio/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@alchemybrandingstudio] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alchemybrandingstudio/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AlchemyBrandingStudio/] 🎧 Listen on Your Favourite Platform Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3tikq4wYgLsNYw0d44u32k] Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/brand-to-scale/id1814805914] Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4263866d-8779-4eb2-ba68-2177f3f6d7ad]

From Grind to Growth: Hannah’s Path to Purpose

Work with Alchemy - https://alchemybranding.studio/contact/ Welcome to Brand to Scale, where I explore the real stories behind visionary leaders who turn ambition into action. Today's guest has a truly unique journey from launching one of Wales' most successful independent brewery, now helping build the next new ventures. Join us for inspiration and a deep dive into entrepreneurship, exploring the path to success stories. 00:00:00 Welcome & Intro   00:00:13 Early Entrepreneurial Journey   00:05:23 Building Tiny Rebel   00:11:31 Leading Through Crisis   00:17:27 Redefining Success   00:24:03 Leaving the Family Business   00:29:59 Starting a New Chapter   00:38:01 Supporting Women in Business   00:46:51 Embracing AI & Innovation   01:07:12 Final Reflections & Wisdom

From Vision to Values: Anthony on Building with Integrity

From Vision to Values: Anthony on Building with Integrity In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Anthony Levy, a founder who has spent nearly two decades building a business with long-term thinking and values at its core. Anthony shares how his journey evolved from a commercially driven vision into one built on integrity, resilience, and purpose. This is a powerful conversation for founders, leaders, and anyone looking to grow a business without losing sight of what matters. In this episode: * How Anthony built a company over 17 years * Moving from short-term wins to long-term value * Why integrity is a non-negotiable in leadership * Lessons learned from early struggles and self-reflection * The emotional cost of growing fast without alignment * Advice for founders on staying grounded and building sustainably Whether you're starting out or scaling up, Anthony’s story will help you pause and rethink what growth really means.

From Consulting to Culture: Toby’s Leap into Leadership

From Consulting to Culture: Toby’s Leap into Leadership In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Toby Henry, a former consultant who made the leap into business ownership. Toby shares why he stepped away from the corporate world, how he bought a business, and what it really means to lead with people at the centre. This episode is full of real insights on leadership, building culture, and staying true to your values while growing a business. In this episode: * Why Toby left consulting to run a business * What people-first leadership looks like * How to rebuild company culture after an acquisition * The right way to hire for values and fit * Balancing commercial success with long-term purpose If you care about growing a business the right way, this is an episode you won't want to miss. #BrandToScale #TobyHenry #Leadership #PeopleFirst #BusinessGrowth #CultureDrivenLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PurposeLedBusiness