Hashtag Authentic - for creatives, dreamers & business owners online

Things we talk about in this episode: Annabelle's journey to becoming an accidental florist The pitfalls of renovating an old house The joy of engaging in the nature around you Creativity and 'dignity in the doing' Finding beauty in the mundane Using real life experiences to connect with your audience Annabelle's podcast, and the challenges of public speaking when you're really more of a writer Be...

Things we talk about in this episode: Chupi's journey so far, and how she was inspired by her mum Being homeschooled in Ireland Her early years in business, writing a cookbook as a teenager and being scouted for Topshop at 21 Working alongside her husband Why you should focus your dream on what you are really good at Why you should employ people who are better at their job than you are How social...

My book, Hashtag Authentic * My blog and website meandorla.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode: Naomi's background in media, marketing and journalism Naomi's role in Me & Orla How the Insta Retreat helped Naomi grow her Instagram and her business The 'Instagram vernacular', and the importance of creating for your audience Why it's vital to recognise and acknowledging your dreams The importance of leaving scope for your dreams to evolve The magic of indul...

My next Instagram class , enrolling 1st October My first Instagram post back  My book, Hashtag Authentic * (yes, I'm probably going to link to this in every show notes for the rest of eternity...what of it?) 24/7: Late Capitalism and The End of Sleep* TiredTrauma on Tumblr * denotes affiliate links This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...

Things we talk about in this episode: Dominique's journey to 500k + followers. Behind the scenes of All that is She Setting and following Instagram trends Playing the Insta game, and why being authentic is better than following trends Introducing 'boy Dom' Juggling a family life whilst running a business from home Money shame, and why it's difficult to talk about financial success What Dominque's...

My book, Hashtag Authentic * Dolly's book, Everything I Know About Love* Dolly's new novel, Ghosts - available for preorder here My Instagram (@me_and_orla) Dolly's Instagram (@dollyalderton) Dolly's Twitter (@dollyalderton) Brene Brown / vulnerability hangovers*  Our sponsor for the event, Mirabeau wine  My next Insta Retreat class * Indicates affiliate links This is a public episode. If you woul...

  http://www.podstrike.net/  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

Things we talk about in this episode: Reading from Hashtag Authentic's introduction How I started out on Instagram by seeking beauty in an uncompromising environment My previous job, working in speech therapy for the NHSWhy communication is central in everything I do  Why I believe it's ok to create a 'highlight reel'Why visuals are the best communication tool My chronic illness (dysautonomia), an...

Things we talk about in this episode: Why Otegha left her career in advertising for freelance life Starting a business by following interests and opportunities, instead of by intent When your personal brand is your real self, and how this can help weed out inappropriate clients Not worrying about being liked by everyone - and not putting everyone else's needs above your own Reclaiming words like '...

Things I talk about in this episode: A reading of one of the sections in Hashtag Authentic - Our Visual Culture Why I ended up working directly with a publisher without an agent - and why I'll do it differently next time What happened when my publisher retired mid-way through the process How self doubt showed up for me during the writing process, and how I (re)learned to advocate for myself What t...

Things we talk about in this episode: Erica's move from working as a journalist and fashion editor to running her own 'mini magazine' on her Instagram & blog The impact of showing your real self online Moving away from London - and how this brought Erica clarity on her brand and voice Being a 40-year-old, size 12-14 fashion blogger - and why there's the need for every kind of body on Instagram...

Things we talk about in this episode: What is Pinterest, and why you should be using it Advice and top tips on how to get the best out of Pinterest for your business Updates on new Pinterest tools How to organise or repurpose your boards An introduction to Pinterest Themes The joy of planning your pins and boards Using Pinterest as a visual search engine Why you should upgrade to a business accoun...

Things we talk about in this episode: Anna's new book - An Edited Life How Anna got started online How our favourite platform online can change and evolve The importance of following your interests How Anna built an audience that has grown and evolved with her The importance of planning and structure when managing your social media accounts How to do YouTube if you're camera-shy Dealing with criti...

Things we talk about in this episode: Laura's new book - Just Eat It Laura's career path and journey to Intuitive Eating, and how podcasting shaped her career Defining 'diet culture' why it's unhealthy for you, and it's relationship with the patriarchy Challenging BMI negativity, and why it's a poor indicator of risks to health and disease  Laura defines Intuitive Eating, and it's physical and men...

Things we talk about in this episode: Farrah's new book - The Discomfort Zone Farrah career path, and the role failure and discomfort have played The 'London bubble', and why you don't need to be in it to succeed in print media Breaking down the barriers of starting out in journalism, and the need to diversify the media The challenges faced by young people today, and the concept of "generation sno...

The New Year is a natural time for setting goals, plans and intentions - so why do so few of us wind up making them actually happen? And worse, why do they always feel so grim? This week I chat with stylist and writer Hannah Bullivant about her 'January Book' ritual, how it's helped her in her family and professional life, and how setting kind and compassionate goals for ourselves can lead to the...

Kate Watson Smyth is a powerhouse in the interiors world. A blogger, journalist, podcaster, author and interiors consultant, Kate has the kind of in-depth knowledge and strength of voice that can only come from years of creativity, hard work and life experience. In this episode she shares her route to where she is today, the importance of tenacity and showing up, and how to carve out your own spac...

Dasha Pears is a conceptual photographer with a unique and magical voice and style. This week Dasha shares how she stays true to her creative voice and delivers value and magic – whether she’s creating for her own pleasure, for her devoted Instagram audience or for one of the brands she works with worldwide. An unmissable episode for anyone at an early stage of building their creative dreams, stru...

Public speaking falls outside of the boundaries of the comfort zone for many of us, but is an indispensably valuable skill in many creative careers. In this episode, Viv Groskop, journalist and writer turned stand up comedian, shares the different ways we can show up and truly own the room – without having to compromise on who we truly are. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss th...

Working for yourself can mean years of feast and famine, financially - and nobody seems to mention it. This week I talk to fashion designer turned illustrator Niki Groom, about what makes the difference, sticking with your dreams, and building a secure financial future. Full show notes: https://meandorla.co.uk/podcast55-2-2/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other su...

Comparison and envy can sneak into pretty much any area of our lives, and it's seldom pretty. Comparison coach Lucy Sheridan has made it her life's work - and the focus of her business - to get to the heart of those feelings, and help people live a life free from its clutches. https://meandorla.co.uk/podcast54/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or g...

Neal Whittington is the creative mind behind online stationery wonderland, Present & Correct. I’ve followed him online for a long time not only for his store’s range of glorious paper goods, but because his social media is always a treasure trove of unusual links, on-brand curiosities and visual delights. In this episode we talk about the magic of content curation as well as creation to suppor...

When you don't know what your talent is, with Carly Rowena by Sara Tasker This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

My guest this week has spent ten years researching writing, and the psychology of happiness. Author and Academic Megan C Hayes believes the two can be firmly intertwined, and has developed a framework - the Positive Journal® approach - to help anyone pick up a pen and start feeling more positive. In this episode we explore her background online, the psychology and neuro-science behind writing your...