Conversations of Inspiration

Gemma Metcalfe-Beckers, founder of Muthahood, talks to Holly about her business' main mission - empowering women and girls through ethically produced products that have positive, strong and meaningful messages.  In this episode Holly learns how Gemma's incredible 'Strong Girls Club' represents every woman's strength and the need for celebrating self-value. Gemma's work has grown from only emotiona...

Donna Wilson, aptly named ‘Designer of the Year’ at Elle Decoration’s British Design Awards, has been creating her curious creatures, cushions, knitwear and ever-expanding home accessories since 2003. Donna’s story began on her parent's farm in rural Aberdeenshire, and it was from these early adventures (and a little push from her inspirational Grandma) that her love for landscapes, wildlife, craf...

Rosie Wolfenden & Harriet Vine founded their handmade jewellery company Tatty Devine in 1999 very much as a 'side hustle'; selling their first pieces from a market stall in Camden after discovering the discarded fabric and sample books that they would create their first collection from. Having worked together for the past 20 years, Rosie & Harriet know a thing or two about making collabora...

This week's episode is highly emotionally charged, as Dame Kelly Holmes discusses the challenges she faced and overcame on her journey to winning two gold medals at the 2004 Olympics. In an extraordinary conversation, Kelly reveals the dramatic lows and mental health struggles that preceded her dreams coming true. Kelly also discusses life after achieving her dreams, how a focused passion can fuel...

This week’s episode is a LIVE special podcast from The Congregation of Inspiration 2019. The 12 hour day condensed into one podcast, with tips, advice, lessons and laughs from all our speakers on the day - including Fearne Cotton, Sahar Hashemi OBE, Charlie Gladstone, Freddie Harrel & Emily Coxhead. Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, Edward Perry, Pip Murray, Dave Buonaguidi and of course, Holly Tucker h...

This week’s episode of Conversations of Inspiration was recorded LIVE at St Mary’s Church in Marylebone London, as part of the most incredible day in the small business calendar, The Congregation of Inspiration 2019. This week’s guest is Rob Ryan, an artist renowned for his intricate papercuttings. His artwork has featured in Vogue, Elle, and Stylist. One year he created 28 Liberty Christmas windo...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration Holly meets Will Ramsay - founder of the Affordable Art Fair. With a shared passion for art and supporting creative individuals, as well as a joint belief in the power of curation, this is an episode filled with sage advice and a particularly poignant letter to close the conversation. In this episode, Will and Holly discuss his unique upbringing, being one...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration Holly meets Alan Keery, co-founder of The Cereal Killer Cafe in their awe-inspiring cafe on Brick Lane. From ignoring the naysayers when launching a niche business to gaining media attention from day one and dealing with a completely overwhelming media frenzy when they were targeted with attacks during the London riots, the Cereal Killer Cafe have been on...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration, Holly made the short journey down the road to the beautiful Sipsmith distillery in Chiswick, to meet Sipsmith founders Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall. This is a story that shows the beauty and power of building a company with a close friend, with a shared vision and passion. Sipsmith's story is a special one - in an industry that has not seen a new indep...

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience of 300 in the beautiful surroundings of Manchester Cathedral. Mark Constantine, co founder of the iconic brand Lush, is the ultimate role model of someone who can turn their life around through following their purpose and passion. Abandoned by his father at a very young age, Mark had a very difficult start in life, ending up living on the stree...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration, Holly meets Tina Bernstein, founder of Mapology Guides. In this thought provoking episode, Holly & Tina discuss how Tina used her struggles with mental health to help empower others, and how she now lives the Good Life through founding her business. A designer, blogger, and entrepreneur, Tina started her creative career studying at the renowned art sc...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration Holly speaks to Fearne Cotton, founder of Happy Place.  A true entrepreneur in the making, Fearne is creating a strong brand from her purpose and passion - building a business doing exactly what she loves. In this episode, Holly and Fearne discuss the difficult transition to taking the leap into starting her own business, the juggle as a working mum, navig...

In this episode, Holly meets passionate and inspiring Petra Barran, the founder of KERB. Throughout this conversation, Petra and her love not only of food, but for inspiring and helping small businesses build their own companies and dreams shines through. With the goal to become part of the fabric of London, this was a podcast designed for those who need to see, how big things can come from the sm...

This week Holly meets Roger Wade, the founder of Boxpark, - to hear about his mission to use his business as a force for good, to bring together communities and make them thrive, safer and happier.    Holly & Roger discuss the future of the high street, their shared passion for independents, and how though his visionary concept for Boxpark, Roger is disrupting the world of retail. Roger starte...

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience in Bristol for the second date on our live tour of Conversations of Inspiration, in partnership with NatWest. In this conversation, Holly & Levi discuss his difficult early years, the decision to turn his life around and the passion and determination that powered him to success today, as well as, of course his unforgettable appearance on Dr...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration, Holly speaks to jeweller Alex Monroe at his ‘buzzing’ headquarters boutique in London. With 30 successful years in the business, Alex’s insight and attitude will provide a huge source of inspiration and advice for creative small businesses looking to combine creativity with commerciality. With fans such as Emma Watson, Sienna Miller and a regular in Vogue...

In this episode, Holly meets the legendary Sir John Hegarty, founder of BBH advertising agency and The Garage Soho. With a phenomenal creative career, John was the first ever person to be Knighted for his services to the advertising and creative industries and his BBH agency has been named Agency of the Year more than six times. John started out in the advertising world in the 60’s, moving up the...

This week Holly talks to the incredible Sahar Hashemi OBE, founder of Coffee Republic. Launched in 1995, Sahar co-founded Coffee Republic alongside her brother Bobby, becoming the UK's first coffee bar. Scaling her business up to 110 coffee shops within 5 years, Sahar’s success was astounding. After struggling to get investment because the bank managers stated that Britain was a nation of tea drin...

This week's episode was recorded in front of a live audience of 300 people in central London for the first ever Conversations of Inspiration Live event. Thomasina Miers OBE is best known as co-founder of restaurant chain Wahaca and winner of Masterchef. Thomasina’s journey has not been easy, with a ten-year spell of depression, it was a chance meeting that set her on her path to happiness, foundin...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration, Holly speaks to Eleanor Tattersfield, founder of Marby and Elm.  A fellow stationary addict, Holly joined Eleanor in her east London emporium like shop to hear her journey from student and waitress to Liberty stockist and business founder.   This episode covers everything from where Eleanor finds her inspiration, to running a high street space, customer e...

This week, Holly meets Asma Khan, founder of the restaurant Darjeeling Express. An episode filled with spectacular advice and insight, Asma shares her early life experiences in India and how they shaped her journey to this point. Born a second daughter in India, Asma felt the intense impact of feeling unwanted which she now sees underpins her belief in using her business as a force for good and he...

This week Holly speaks to investor Tom Teichman, the founder of Spark Ventures & The Garage Soho.  Known as ‘Britain’s most-successful digital start-up backer’ Tom has invested in companies such as LastMinute.com , Moshi Monsters and Made.com .  He also played a key role in Holly's business journey, when he invested in Notonthehighstreet. Together they recount the serendipitous way in which To...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration, Holly meets Alice Gabb - a self taught calligrapher who now creates commissions for some of the UK biggest brands.  In this conversation, Alice shares lessons from her journey so far, the power of knowing your numbers, as well as the need for communities in this digital age. Alice's letter to her younger self is particularly powerful - and a must listen f...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration, Holly meets Keith Abel, founder of Abel & Cole. A successful and well loved entrepreneur, Keith started his entrepreneurial journey as a salesman selling potatoes door to door, where a chance encounter led him to discovering organic vegetables.  At a time when everything grown was covered in chemicals, Keith quickly realised people would pay more for...

This week on Conversations of Inspiration Holly meets the ‘Queen of Brand’ Rita Clifton CBE. Rita is the ultimate expert in brand and offers such an expert and unique insight that will be invaluable to all small business for this aspect of their business. In this conversation, Holly and Rita discuss what it takes to build a powerful and long last brand, she shares her tips for small business and w...