Conversations of Inspiration

Purpose and building a brand with integrity is at the very heart of this inspiring conversation with renowned designer Wayne Hemingway. A true example of creativity supporting and championing the strong values and vision that Wayne holds for the future. Born in the seaside town of Morecambe, Wayne shares his story from the early days selling second hand clothes at Camden Market to building a renowned fashion label that did things differently. We also discuss the valuable work Wayne does with Hemingway Design, and his focus on affordable and social design and the regeneration of British seaside towns all whilst putting community at the heart of every project. Wayne share’s insights into his attitude and approach, one that actively seeks change rather than waiting for it to happen, all with the mantra that we should use our relatively short time on this earth to make a positive impact. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Named one of Britain's most influential female designers, Annie has always been passionate about art and creativity. Annie shares her colourful life, starring in a successful girl band, before becoming a mother and reviving her love of creativity and art. It was when working as an artist and feeling frustrated by the paint that was readily available, Annie started making paint from home with ingredients found around the house, before a chance meeting led her to a factory that would help her to develop and launch her iconic Chalk Paint. With a mission to help others find their own creativity, to be adventurous with colour and technique, Annie has created a community of like minded people that all share her passion for decorative painting. In this episode we talk about the core values that are at the heart of Annie's company, the balance of building a business with a young family and her endless enthusiasm for the independents up and down the country. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How do you navigate being diagnosed with incurable cancer aged just 23? And not just navigate it, but take control of your future and build a legacy... This is Kris’ story, but instead of being defeated by such devastating news, Kris began working tirelessly to create a movement for change. We follow Kris’ journey from her own diagnosis through to building Coppafeel!, her incredible charity built for young women by young women as well as putting cancer on the curriculum for the first time. Kris’ passion, determination and belief that a small group of committed people really can change the world is testament to the remarkable woman that she is. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Is it really possible to carve a new genre within a sector dominated by huge brands? Well, Taymoor Atighetchi proves it is. Coming from a long line of antique dealers, Taymoor shares his story, from a teenager selling his wares at Portobello Market to building a digital business that would redefine the stationary sector. Successfully blending the worlds of art and technology, Papier’s luxury personalised stationery connects with every important milestone of a customer's life. From discussing Taymoor’s vision and his view on creative partnerships to how he has disrupted an industry, Taymoor share’s insightful lessons as he navigates his own journey as he continues to grow Papier. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

What is the secret to entrepreneurial success after success - ‘failure’ says Marcia.   From growing up in Canada and losing her father at just 11 years old, Marcia Kilgore talks to Holly about her journey to becoming a serial entrepreneur. Hailed by Oprah as one of the most inspiring women she has ever met, this episode follows Marcia’s incredible story. Arriving in New York aged just 18, a twist of fate led to her building her first business Bliss, a celebrity soaked spa. But Marcia didn’t stop there and has gone on to become one of the most successful female entrepreneurs of our time. Building five hugely successful companies, including FitFlop and Beauty Pie, in just two decades, Marcia’s drive, vision and innovation have delivered products that women had an instant affinity with and that have changed the face of the beauty industry forever. Challenging the status quo, democratising beauty and a personal heroine for Holly, this conversation is truly inspiring. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Hawksmoor is a restaurant built on strong values but how do you experience fast growth and retain those values as you scale? Described by critics and customers alike as world-class and the best in London, Hawksmoor was founded in 2006 by Will Beckett and Huw Gott with the brilliant philosophy that steak isn’t a dish, it’s an institution! Right from the start their vision was to offer a superior dining experience in beautifully relaxed surroundings and how an obsessive eye for detail and commitment to their core values has helped build an ethical brand to be truly proud of. In this episode we discuss building a strong company culture that allows the individuals to shine, the rocky path to success as well as the vital ingredient to any brand - detail! Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Founder of the MOBO awards, Kanya King CBE, is an entrepreneur synonymous with breaking down barriers and is a leading champion for social change. Her drive and ambition for a better world, has seen her achieve huge success against all the odds - and her story is truly remarkable. Growing up in London, the youngest of nine children, Kanya’s long term success was borne out of a need to survive the harsh realities of growing up in poverty before going on to have a child herself aged just 16. Kanya’s vision, drive and innovation have played a major role in bringing black music and culture to the mainstream, not just in the UK but around the world. This episode follows Kanya’s truly incredible story, insights and recipes for success as well as her own mantras, plans and ambitions she has for the future as she strives to continue to challenge inequality. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

If the key to unlocking long term societal change is with businesses who have purpose, then Lucy & Yak are leading the way. Founded just three year ago by Chris and Lucy, the brand has seen exponential growth since 2017 with their cult following for their dungarees. Their journey started when they made their first 100 pairs of dungarees and set off for India to find their manufacturer. They knew from day one, that they would settle for nothing less that a factory who upheld the same ethical and sustainable values as theirs. Changing the face of fashion, and building a community of truly conscious consumers, this conversation covers their journey, as well as topical discussion around societal and cultural issues such as fast fashion and working conditions faced by those working in clothes factories is Leicester. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

It is rare, in this day and age, that a truly new and innovative product is brought to the market, particularly in the fashion space, but that is exactly what Ade did with her  brand, Nubian Skin, which makes underwear in dark tones for women of colour. From dreaming of quitting the finance rat race, to Beyonce wearing her products, Ade Hassan has built a brilliant brand and is riding the entrepreneurial rollercoaster. Filled with highs, lows and crucial lessons she has learnt along the way, in this episode Holly and Ade cover everything from manufacturing and product development to the imposter syndrome and finance. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How does a child’s food brand become the gold standard in innovation and social purpose and a leading example in business across all sectors? This week Holly speaks to Paul Lindley OBE, founder of Ella’s Kitchen - who is driven by the belief that putting ‘human’ back into business, celebrating ideas and innovation as the key elements to making long term societal change. Paul’s story started, when as the dad of two young children he felt frustrated by the lack of healthy, tasty and convenient food available for kids. With a growing concern for childhood obesity he set out to build an innovative baby food brand that put purpose at the very core. Holly and Paul discuss what it means to have a mission, how to translate that into a brand, as well as culture, B corps and building a lasting legacy. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.