Strings To Your Bow

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Rebecca Hopwood, founder of UB Media and the Hive Academy, to talk about the pandemic pivot that changed her career, and the honest reality of building a business behind the polished version people see online. Rebecca set up UB Media in September 2020, after lockdown gave her an unexpected glimpse of what life could look like without an...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Lynda Merryweather to explore the experiences that shaped her approach to business, leadership and life. From working on a horse yard to leading teams in global travel, Lynda shares how problem-solving, curiosity and a genuine interest in people have been the foundations of her career. She talks about the power of asking questions, the i...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Gareth James of Clockwork Eye Video, a video marketing trainer and producer, to talk about an unconventional career path, and a deeply personal project that grew out of it. Gareth's route into video ran through the army, where he trained as an armourer, an unplanned turn into amateur dramatics, and extras work on television, before...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , Chloe chats with photographer Faye Kenny-Broom about creativity, courage, and building a business around the moments that matter most. Faye shares how her early love of storytelling and imagery led her into photography, why she stepped away from a successful corporate career, and how a deeply personal experience inspired her to create A Northern Heart — a p...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , Chloe chats with Jay Dickinson, a marketing strategist with extensive experience on both client and agency sides, and now founder of Ginger Fury. Jay shares how sociology shaped her understanding of people, why she started her own business, and the human skills that are becoming more valuable in a tech-driven world. Key topics include: Bridging the gap betw...

Feeling overwhelmed by new tech trends? In this episode, James Longbottom shares how to focus on the “shiny things” that actually matter for your business. From AI and automation to building trust with clients, James reveals practical ways to save time, work smarter, and make better decisions. Learn how to: Spot which opportunities are worth pursuing—and which to ignore. Start small, prove concept...

In this inspiring episode, Chloe sits down with Ros, the founder of Reconnected , a new online magazine built to share uplifting stories and rebuild community connection in Leeds and Bradford. Ros opens up about the life challenges that shaped her—navigating divorce, new motherhood, moving back home, and rediscovering her creative identity during lockdown. What started as a simple community resour...

In this inspiring episode, Chloe chats with Gavin Ingham , a business owner, motivational speaker, and financial adviser with an extraordinary story. From his early career in the Metropolitan Police to becoming an international motivational speaker and now a successful financial adviser , Gavin shares how embracing change and staying true to your values can shape both personal and professional suc...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , host Chloe Weatherhead talks to Frances Day, founder of Wise Women and author of Dive in Deep to Climb High . Frances shares her journey from running a marketing agency to blending spirituality, energy work, and business coaching. She explains how writing her book transformed her life and work, how intuition plays a central role in her business, and why wom...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , Chloe is joined by Yvonne Cookson from iThink 365. Yvonne shares her inspiring journey from accountant to tech industry professional and business leader, exploring how personal experiences, resilience, and authenticity have shaped her career and contributed to her success. Listeners will hear Yvonne talk candidly about her career pivots, launching her own a...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , Chloe Weatherhead talks with Mike Mandeville about his unconventional journey—from working on oil rigs in Abu Dhabi at 14 to the Army reserves, marketing, and ultimately self-employment. Mike shares how early experiences, family influences, and personal challenges shaped his approach to business, leadership, and life. Learn how: Personal and career experien...

In this episode, Chloe speaks with Vienda, founder of The Mentor Training , about turning lived experiences into professional superpowers. From studying psychology to creating a globally recognised mentoring certification, Vienda shares her journey of self-trust, resilience, and embracing fear as a signal for growth. Key Takeaways Fear vs. growth: Fear is often a sign that you’re moving in the rig...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , Chloe Weatherhead sits down with marketing mentor and local SEO specialist, David Robertson. David shares how his diverse career path — from the RAF to dentistry and finally into digital marketing — has shaped his approach to business and marketing. He explores the experiences that fuelled his curiosity, competitive spirit, and resilience, and how these tra...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , Chloe Weatherhead is joined by Nicole , founder of BLiB Networking , a thriving community built to support women in business. Nicole shares her journey from launching BLiB in 2022 to building a supportive, down-to-earth network where collaboration and genuine connection are at the heart of everything. Along the way, she opens up about the realities of being...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , host Chloe Weatherhead is joined by Jasmine Clarke , founder of Zest Productivity , senior accredited executive coach, and host of the Productivity with Zest podcast. Jasmine shares her journey from studying psychology and working in the charity sector, to building her own businesses and eventually launching Zest Productivity in 2025. With her no-nonsense y...

This week, Chloe sits down with Nikkola Wright , founder of NikkCollab , retreat architect, and business transformation guide. Known as “Boho chic meets grafter” , Nikkola is a mum of four, a big thinker, and someone with an incredible ability to bring calm, focus, and honesty to everything she does. With over 25 years of diverse experience—from law firms to floristry, wedding planning to children...

  In this episode, Chloe speaks with Rachel Warren , a complementary therapist with over 23 years of experience and a long-standing Tropic Skincare mentor . Rachel’s story is one of courage, curiosity, and compassion, shaped by career changes, personal challenges, and a love of working 1-to-1 with people.  Rachel began her journey after leaving a career in teaching, following her curiosity after a...

🎙️ In the final episode of season 4 of Strings to Your Bow , I’m joined by the inspiring Kirsty Morris , a Transformational Coach on a mission to help quiet, shy, and sensitive women shine in loud, fast-paced workplaces. With over 20 years’ experience in recruitment—supporting everyone from doctors to sales professionals through high-stress interviews—Kirsty knows exactly how challenging it can be...

🎙️ In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , I’m joined by the brilliant Sarah Barr-Young , a respected family lawyer based in Harrogate. Sarah leads the Harrogate office of Jones Myers and is known for her calm, clear, and compassionate approach to helping people navigate one of life’s toughest moments—relationship breakdowns. From finances and family homes to pensions and businesses, Sarah helps...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , I’m joined by the incredibly multi-talented Manu Thomas—founder of Pentafold Ltd and CareLearner, dedicated NHS professional, and prize-winning artist. Manu’s story is a brilliant example of how diverse passions can come together to create something truly impactful. With a strong background in Primary Care, a love for technology, and a deep appreciation for...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , I’m joined by the wonderful Victoria, whose career has been all about helping people thrive—in schools, in health and wellbeing, and even in government. Now, she’s bringing all of that experience together to support women building businesses that truly fit who they are. Victoria takes a unique approach, blending science and soul to help her clients grow wit...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , I’m joined by the inspiring Sarah Clough—a Pilates teacher, educator, and coach who’s on a mission to help women take charge of their bone health, vitality, and long-term wellbeing. With a background rooted in movement and education, Sarah brings a refreshing and science-backed approach to women’s health—supporting those facing osteoporosis, navigating a fa...

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow , I’m joined by the amazing Anna, whose career journey is anything but ordinary—and all the more inspiring because of it. After more than two decades in housing, Anna was suddenly made redundant in 2024. But instead of seeing it as the end of the road, she saw it as a fresh start. Armed with expertise in marketing and communications (and a strong coffee habit...

Welcome to Strings to Your Bow , the podcast that celebrates the skills and stories behind the self-employed! I’m your host, Chloe Weatherhead—virtual assistant, support expert, and proud founder of Andiamo Business Assistance, where we specialise in small business support and helping the self-employed thrive.  Each week, we chat with incredible guests about the “superpowers” they’ve developed thr...

Strings to Your Bow — the podcast where we explore the powerful stories behind people’s unique skills (aka their superpowers!) and how those experiences have shaped their business journeys. In the first episode of season 3 I’m joined by someone truly inspiring — Tracy Ann Wood . Tracy is a Counsellor, Teacher, and Heal Your Life® Coach who helps successful women heal from past trauma and let go of...