Beyond the Brand

It's a wrap on Series One! In this finale, Cara revisits the most memorable moments from every guest - the setbacks, breakthroughs, and hard-won wisdom that defined this series. Nine founders, nine completelydifferent businesses, and yet the same threads keep appearing: do the internal work first, build something authentically yours, and know that the moments that change everything are rarely...

Ft. Ruby Raut, Founder of WUKA What does it take to turn personal shame into a global movement? In this episode, I sit down with Ruby Raut - Nepali-born environmental scientist, award-winning entrepreneur, and founder of WUKA (Wake Up, Kick Ass), the UK's first reusable period underwear brand - for an honest, inspiring, and boundary-breaking conversation about periods, purpose, and building a...

From spotting a gap on the shop floor to building one of the most recognisable colourful lingerie brands in the market, this episode charts the bold rise of Dora Larsen. Today’s guest, Georgia Larsen, is redefining what everyday underwear looks and feels like - designed from a proudly female perspective and powered by a fearless use of colour. After starting her career as a buyer at Topshop, Georg...

In this episode, Finn Prevett, co-founder of The Positive Planner,shares the inspiring journey behind the iconic yellow planner that has helped thousands improve their mental health through guided journaling. Born from personal struggles with neurodivergence and motherhood, Finn and her business partner Ali launched the planner in 2017 - crowdfunding just 300 copies - and quickly grew it into a gl...

In this episode of Beyond the Brand, I interview Adam, founder of Fablecast, an AI-powered storytelling app changing how we experience stories. Adam spent 10 years at Amazon on their AI team and was part of the team behind Alexa, giving him a front-row seat to the rise of generative AI. We talk about how tools like ChatGPT are transforming creativity, why Adam’s love of role-playing games inspired...

What happens when a dentist buys a derelict Victorian leather warehouse and decides to create a practice that looks nothing like a dental office? In this episode, Martina shares the bold journey of transforming a building site with no floors, walls, or ceilings into an award-winning dental practice that's won UK Practice of the Year three times. From absolutely refusing tooth logos to drawing...

In this inspiring episode, Natalie Chapple shares herjourney from being a secondary school teacher to founding Glisten Cosmetics, a seven-figure beauty empire. Discover how she turned a side hustle with just £200 into a thriving business with a team of 13 and a massive social media following. Natalie discusses the challenges of rapid growth, theimportance of staying true to your creative vision, t...

Dr. Sophie Carr, who won the title of World’s MostInteresting Mathematician in 2019, grew Bays Consulting from a one-woman venture into a thriving 15-person business. In this episode, she shares the real story behind thatgrowth - from the early days of going solo to leading a team that’s now creating life-saving crowd movement models (yes, really!). We chat about what it takes to scale a business,...

In this episode, I chat with Abbie, founder of Proper Good,about the exciting journey of her brand now being stocked by major retailers, globally. Abbie shares the highs and challenges of scaling a small business, from the early days of designing prints during lockdown to landing large ordersand navigating trade shows. She discusses the critical role of trade shows in connecting with buyers, the i...

What does it really take to build a luxury brand from the ground up - and keep going through the highs and lows? In the pilot episode of Beyond the Brand , Cara speaks with Toks Aruoture, founder of The Baby Cot Shop, who shares with honesty and wisdom the lessons she’s learned over 20 years in business. From leaving her degree to pursue interior design, to the rise and loss of her first store in...