Podcast · Business

Start Scale Succeed

by Nicole Higgins · English · Business

Want to start, scale and succeed in your product business? Buying & retail expert Nicole Higgins spent the last 18 years working for companies such as Primark, M&S, Debenhams and Asda, building strategies for blue chip businesses, and increasing bottom line sales and profit. In this weekly business

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 37 min
Latest: 15 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026 · 37 minNew

Ep 199 A New Kind of Paradise: Jules Von Hepp on Exit, Identity and What Comes Next

From Spray Tanner to Global Beauty Brand: Jules Von Hepp on Building Isle of Paradise, Showing Up and Knowing When to Leave Jules Von Hep spent 10 years as a celebrity spray tanner. His clients included Strictly Come Dancing, the red carpet and Vogue. Then he spotted a gap no one was filling. The result was Isle of Paradise, a colour-correcting self-tan brand that went into Superdrug and Boots and then out to Sephora in the US and Australia. In this episode, Jules tells Nicole how a founder with no product-development background built a global brand by leaning on his expertise and partnering…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E198 · 9 Oct 2026 · 40 min
Ep 198 Stopping the scroll and making the sale with ads, AI, email and more
It’s one of the most crowded times of the year, and your customers are more distracted than ever. So how do you get them to stop scrolling and actually buy? In this live recording of Start, Scale, Succeed, I’m joined by two paid media experts. Aggie Moroney is founder of White bee Digital , a paid social agency that scales e-commerce brands through Meta, Pinterest and TikTok ads and runs a CPD-accredited course on Meta ads. Anna Frappwell is founder of Neon Digital Clicks , a profit-first agency that scales kids, baby and women’s fashion brands through paid media and conversion rate…
E197 · 2 Oct 2026 · 44 min
Ep 197 Mastering Stock and Cashflow in your product Business
How much stock should you actually be holding? With Anna Youngson of Majury Merchandising Stock and cash flow can catch out any product business, whether you're turning over £100k or £1m. This week I'm joined by Anna Youngson, merchandising and retail consultant and founder of Majury Merchandising. Anna spent 20 years in-house in corporate retail, including eight years at Topshop and, most recently, head of department at a kidswear brand. She works across own label, wholesale, marketplace and branded stock. We get into the numbers that tell you how much stock to hold, how to spot a problem…
24 Sep 2026 · 34 min
Christmas 2026 what's trending and how to turn it into sales with Hannah Bartlett
In this episode, Nicole and Hannah discuss the evolving trends in Christmas marketing, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior and emotional connections to the holiday season. They explore how retailers can leverage nostalgia, storytelling, and immersive experiences to engage customers effectively. Hannah introduces the 'Three P's' —Purpose, Personalization, and Provenance as essential elements for businesses to consider in their strategies. The conversation also highlights the significance of creating memorable retail experiences, whether in physical stores or online,…
17 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
Ep 195 Scaling A Global Beauty And Wellness Brand, How Popmask grew 500% in one year
On this episode of Start Scale Succeed, Nicole chats with Louisa Booth, the inspiring founder behind Pop Mask and Blushing LA. Louisa shares her entrepreneurial journey from investment banking to bootstrapping and building a global beauty and wellness brand, now found in over 35,000 retail doors worldwide—including CVS, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Superdrug, and Boots. Nicole and Louisa chat about: The story behind Louisa’s first product, Pop Band (the hair ties that don’t damage hair), and her accidental pivot into the US market. How Louisa grew Pop Mask into a brand that brings joy and…
3 Jul 2025 · 25 min
Ep 194 Ways To Use AI In Your Product Business With Dean Johnston
In this value-packed episode, Nicole Higgins sits down with Dean Johnson—AI consultant, and experienced product business founder—to dive into the game-changing ways artificial intelligence is transforming product businesses. Whether you're a founder at the start of your journey or running an established e-commerce brand, you’ll learn actionable strategies for using AI to streamline operations, save time, and scale efficiently without losing that crucial human connection. Highlights include Smart ways to use AI for inventory forecasting, automating reporting, customer service, and content…
26 Jun 2025 · 39 min
Ep 192 The Easy Way To Launch Into The US Market With Lauren Orlicky
Welcome to another episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast with your host, Nicole Higgins, the Buyer and Retail Coach. In this episode, Nicole is joined by Lauren Orlicky , co-founder of US Launchpad about the practicalities of launching your brand in the United States and how to do it the Eas y Way Episode Highlights: - The Story Behind US Launchpad Lauren shares how her own e-commerce challenges inspired her to create US Launchpad—a company dedicated to helping brands expand into the US market without the overwhelming red tape of officially setting up a US entity. - Navigating the US…
26 Jun 2025 · 44 min
EP 193 Launching with Intention: Moonbow’s Journey from Idea to Indie Brand with founders Heather & Dr Felice Chan
When should I start talking about my brand on socials? How soon should I build a community? These are questions I'm often asked by brands that are starting and in EP 193 I'm chatting with Heather Chan co-founder of new brand Moonbow (where Traditional Chinese Medicine meets modern skincare) The brand launched in March 2025 and the founders Heather & Dr. Felice Chan have been building the brand in public for the last 18 months. . In this episode Heather shares her insights into Building a skincare brand from scratch Importance of founder visibility on social media and how to get comfortable…
12 Jun 2025 · 32 min
Ep 191 The Path To Profit with Petite Fashion Brand The Shortlist founder Laura Derricourt
In this weeks episode, Nicole brings back Laura, founder of The Shortlist—a premium petite fashion brand—for her third appearance on the podcast. Having followed Laura’s journey from launch to becoming a profitable business, Nicole dives deep into the milestones, challenges, and evolutionary steps that have shaped The Shortlist over the past four years. Listen in as Laura shares candid insights about manufacturing setbacks, profitability milestones, the realities of staying lean as a solo founder, and building a loyal community. She also offers hands-on advice for fellow product business…
30 May 2025 · 37 min
Ep 190 Is PR over with journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara Live episode from Top Drawer
Is conventional PR over? In this weeks episode of start scale succeed we are live from the retail revealed stage of the Top Drawer Trade Fair I’m joined by Journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara and here are some of the key areas we chat about How PR has evolved (and what actually matters now) Storytelling that connects—and converts Where to focus your PR efforts for real visibility Mistakes to avoid (and how to nail those press pitches) Guest Priscilla Pollara https://www.instagram.com/priscillacomms/ https://toptrick.co.uk/…
22 May 2025 · 23 min
Ep 189 Crafting tone of voice that sells and inspires with Katie Ramsingh - The Fashion Copywriter
Nicole sits down with expert fashion copywriter Katie Ramsingh to dive deep into the art and strategy of creating compelling copy and developing a distinctive tone of voice for your brand. With over 10 years’ experience writing for brands like Louis Vuitton, John Lewis, and Farfetch, Katie shares practical advice for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. From defining the difference between brand voice and tone of voice, finding inspiration outside your industry, leveraging customer language, and incorporating SEO and AI tools, Katie provides a expert tips and advice to help you…
15 May 2025 · 46 min
Ep 188 Turning Personal Frustration Into a Thriving Skincare Brand: Katy Cottam Founder Luna Daily
On this episode of Start Scale Succeed,Nicole Higgins sits down with Katy Cottam, the founder of Luna Daily—a body care brand redefining skincare for women at every age and life stage. Katy opens up about her journey from a personal struggle with thrush and sensitive skin to launching and leading a fast-growing brand with retail partnerships at places like Boots, Sephora, and M&S, just three years after launching. She shares behind-the-scenes stories about breaking taboos, securing major retail deals, and her passion for changing conversations around women’s health. Katie also gets candid…
8 May 2025 · 38 min
EP 187 Navigating Anxiety and Overwhelm: Practical Mental Health Tools for Entrepreneurs with Anna Mathur
37% of entrepreneurs suffer from Anxiety and in this weeks Episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole chats with Psychotherapist and Author Anna Mathur we talk about Anxiety, overwhelm and mental health as an entrepreneur Highlights include Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurs - accepting messy imperfect beginnings and anchoring throughs in truth versus fear Low Self-Esteem in Business- Signs of low self-esteem for entrepreneurs Difficult Conversations and Decision Avoidance- Impact of delayed or avoided difficult conversations on business health. Building esteem around core values…
1 May 2025 · 28 min
Ep 186 Packaging and Branding tips for product business with Claudia Costa- Rowse
Claudia shares her journey from marketing to design, the challenges early-stage brands face with packaging, and her expert advice on how founders can communicate their brand’s personality, maximize every inch of packaging real estate, and strike the right balance between standing out and fitting in with category norms. You’ll hear about common mistakes to avoid, trends shaping the future, and some and practical tips for leveraging colour psychology and QR codes to engage your audience. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about a brand refresh, this episode is packed with actionable…
24 Apr 2025 · 35 min
Ep 185 Trade show Lessons, exhibiting at Top Drawer for the First time with Imogen Partridge
Join us as Imogen shares her journey from interior designer to creative business owner, revealing why she chose to make wholesale and trade shows a new focus, the realities of prepping for her debut trade show at Top Drawer, a UK trade show and the practical lessons she learned along the way. Whether you’re considering your first trade show or just love hearing honest accounts of building a business, this episode is packed with actionable tips, candid moments, and encouragement for anyone ready to take the next step in scaling their product business Imogen shares Why she chose Top Drawer as…
22 Apr 2025 · 22 min
Ep 184 Sourcing products from India the how and the what with Sara Collins Ethical production consultant
This episode is packed with practical advice for founders and brand owners looking to start or scale their product-based businesses—especially those considering India for production. You’ll learn about the best product categories to source from India, key cultural and communication considerations, pitfalls to avoid, and how on-the-ground trips can transform your sourcing journey. Key Topics & Takeaways Why Source from India? Finding the Right Suppliers Navigating Challenges Cultural & Communication Insights About the Guest Sara Collins Ethical production consultant With over 10 years of…
3 Apr 2025 · 34 min
EP 183 How Passion and Perseverance Shaped 20 Years of Retail Success for Deryane Tadd founder of The Dressing Room
Nicole and Deryane delve into the reality of competing in a discount-driven market, strategies for driving sales, and the importance of focusing on exceptional customer service. For those considering starting a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce business, Deryane’s advice is invaluable. Deryane shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in retail to establishing a successful multi-brand boutique. Episode Highlights: Challenges and Triumphs: Discover the hurdles Deryane faced in securing funding and premises, and how she overcame misogyny in the early days of her venture. Business…
27 Mar 2025 · 38 min
Ep 182 Going for the Gut :Naked Biotics founders leanne and Amy chat about their start up journey so far and expanding into wholesale
This weeks episode of Start Scale Succeed Nicole is j oined by Leanne and Amy, the dynamic co-founders of Naked Biotics. They delve into the journey of launching and scaling their probiotic brand amidst challenges like the COVID-19 lockdowns. Inspired by personal experiences and the power of gut health, Leanne and Amy's entrepreneurial journey is one of passion, resilience, and innovation. The Birth of Naked Biotics: Discover how a trip to South Africa and a unique formulation transformed Leanne and Amy’s perspective on gut health, leading them to create a brand that’s changing lives.…
20 Mar 2025 · 25 min
Ep 181 Balancing Personal Boundaries and Brand Authenticity with Becci Mcevoy
In this episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, Nicole is joined by Becci McAvoy, founder of Be Heard Socials, to discuss the importance of authenticity in social media, particularly for brand founders. They delve into the challenges and fears of showing true selves online, tips to overcome these barriers, and the significance of personal boundaries in content sharing. Becky, a content strategy and social media marketing expert, shares her journey and insights on building genuine connections with audiences while managing the pressures of social media engagement. Key Topics Discussed:…
15 Mar 2025 · 28 min
Ep 180 Essential PR Strategies for Small Business Growth and Visibilitywith Pippa Goulden
Pippa Goulden joins the Start Scale Succeed podcast to chat all thing PR for your small business and how you can DIY it and the steps you need to take to increase the visibility of you and your brand. Highlights include 🎙️ Personal Branding Power : Learn how to weave your personal story into your brand to create compelling narratives that connect with your audience. Pippa highlights the importance of sharing personal stories that align with your business goals without oversharing irrelevant details. 📰 Pitching to Journalists : Pippa offers brilliant advice on how to capture the attention of…
6 Mar 2025 · 34 min
Ep 179 Overcoming retail challenges with Acorn & Pip Founder Lucy Haslam
In this episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, We delve into the world of entrepreneurship with the inspiring story of Lucy, the founder of Acorn and Pip. Lucy has successfully run her family concept store, navigating the complexities of retail in challenging times. With nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and a thriving business model that includes a retail store, cafe, and an online presence, Lucy shares insights into the importance of community, innovation, and authentic customer service. Join us as we explore how Lucy has managed to keep her business resilient and profitable,…
27 Feb 2025 · 40 min
Ep 178 Masters of the Market, Elevating Small Businesses with Salad Days Market founders Daisy & Liv Tinker
Ep 178 Masters of the Market, Elevating Small Businesses with Salad Days Market founders Daisy & Liv Tinker In this week's episode of Start Scale Succeed I chat with Liv & Daisy, the innovative founders behind Salad Days Market, a vibrant pop-up market showcasing the best of small businesses in London. With their unique backgrounds in fashion and retail, they share their journey from working in the fashion industry to creating their own dream events. They discuss the importance of craftsmanship, creativity, and passion in the brands they work with, and how they have successfully connected…
21 Feb 2025 · 39 min
Ep 177 From Crisis to Growth: How Live Shopping Reshaped a Multi-Million Pound Business with Stephanie Weightman
I'm all for anything that is going to make you more money in your business and connecting with your customers in an authentic way. Live shopping ticks those two boxes. In todays episode of Start Scale Succeed I'm joined by Stephanie Weightman the founder of highlight crafts who started to implement Live shopping in their business just 9 months ago and it has literally saved them from going under. Stephanie initially started slowly with Live shopping once a month but is now doing several campaigns a week turning over anything between £5K to £15K per session! Episode Highlights: Live Shopping:…
12 Feb 2025 · 41 min
ep 176 Building a successful subscription box business with Lauren Prentice
Subscription box businesses are worth 1.8 billion in the UK and it's a growing market. So if you are considering starting one, adding one to your current business or need advice on how to make your existing one more profitable then listen to this weeks episode 176 of start scale succeed . Where you'll hear tips and advice from Multiple Subscription Box founder Lauren Prentice. Some of the areas we chat about are The importance of audience building before launch How to structure pricing and commitment terms Managing your churn rate Best practices for marketing and customer retention Tips for…
7 Feb 2025 · 36 min
Ep 175 How your style can create your success with Samantha Harman The Style Editor
EP 175 How your style can create your success with Samantha Harman Listen to this week's episode to understand how your wardrobe choices influence your business success "Your wardrobe isn't clothes. It is the physical manifestation of your beliefs, your hopes, your fears, your dreams, all of the things that you think that you can be, that you can't be." Tune into this weeks episode with Samantha The style editor, we chat about Wardrobe as a Tool for Success : Samantha shares how your wardrobe is more than just clothes. It's the physical manifestation of your beliefs, dreams, and the stories…
31 Jan 2025 · 46 min
Ep 174 Beyond the highlight reel - The True Story of closing a brand and liquidation with Katie Brandon Bryne Lil & Izzy Founder
In this raw and honest episode, Katie Brandon Byrne shares the emotional journey of closing her award-winning children's wear brand, Lil and Izzy. From its successful beginnings to the final decision to liquidate, Katie discusses: The warning signs that led to closure The impact of rising costs and market changes Navigating the liquidation process Personal lessons learned from the experience Moving forward with a new business venture Katie Brandon Byrne founded Lil and Izzy, an award winning childrenswear brand established Pre-pandemic Katie decided to close the doors on the brand in 2024…
24 Jan 2025 · 40 min
Ep 173 Aligning Mind, Body, and Skin: The Vision Behind eyeam Skincare with co- founder Roxy Marrone
Join me as I chat with co- founder Roxy Marrone where she shares how her own skincare journey with hormonal acne led to the creation of the brand. eyeam is a community-driven wellness destination on a mission to align your skin with your mind, body, and spirit. Their mission is to bring healing into the world with targeted skincare, supplements and education. While wellness has traditionally separated these fundamental pillars from one another and treated each in isolation, they feel that true wellness is achieved when they are in harmony with one another. About the Founders Founded by Margo…
17 Jan 2025 · 36 min
Ep 172 Building Faace, From Global Expansion to Dragons Den to selling the business with Founder Jasmine Wicks Stephens
Join Jasmine & Nicole for an open and honest conversation about starting and growing a brand, securing investment and the process of finding a buyer for the business. In Ep 171 of Start Scale Succeed Jasmine Wicks-Stephens shares the story behind the brand and how it's rapid expansion and success were met with financial and manufacturing challenges and despite backing from Dragons Den she decided to sell the business Faace was born out of Jasmine's extensive industry experience and her personal journey as a new mother The brand aims to simplify skincare by focusing on lifestyle and hormonal…
20 Dec 2024 · 29 min
Ep 171 Starting & Growing on Etsy with Etsy Expert Dylan Jahraus
Etsy has over 6 Million sellers and about 400 million visitors to the platform each month So as a seller how do you get started and how do you get seen. These are just some of the topics I’m going to be talking about with my guest Dylan Jahraus on todays episode of start scale succeed You can also watch the episode on You tube https://youtu.be/y5rxoH1P5lg Highlights of the episode include Getting started on the platform and where your focus needs to be. Why your etsy sales may be declining and what to do to course correct. Where to find trends and new ideas for etsy products Getting started…
12 Dec 2024 · 34 min
Ep 170 Building your Brand visibility strategies with Anna Jones
"Building Your Brand: Visibility Strategies with Anna Jones What's your why? sometimes this can be a difficult question to answer but one I think is key to understand before you start showing up as the face of your brand. My guest this week Anna Jones - Visibility expert helped make this more accessible by asking yourself what is the impact that you want your product to have on your customer. What do you want it to do for them, this goes much deeper than the features and the benefits of the products. In this week's episode of Start Scale Succeed I chat with Anna about how you can be more…

About Start Scale Succeed

Start Scale Succeed is a English business podcast from Nicole Higgins. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Nicole Higgins
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 37 min
Latest episode: 15 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1577771045
Rights: 2025 Nicole Higgins

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English business

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.