The Buyer to Badass Podcast

Abbie Hughes
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After over 10 years in the corporate world as a Fashion Buyer, a year ago I took the plunge and quit to start my own business. in Dubai! And let me tell you, it's been a wild time. Now I understand why people say starting a business is hard, but no one shows you behind the scenes of what it's really like when you first start out. Join me for the ride as I go from 9-5 to freelance, and show you how you can do it too. I talk mindset, marketing and myself, and chat to others who have taken the leap from a full time job to self employed. Let's build a brand! 

  1. 05/26/2025

    71. 5 unexpected but BIG tips for success when starting your own business.

    In today’s episode, I’m celebrating 2 years and 3 months since leaving my full-time career and going all in on my business. It’s crazy how fast time has flown! I thought I’d share 5 lessons I’ve learned along the way—lessons that weren’t really on my radar when I first started this entrepreneurial journey, but that have turned out to be game-changers. From dealing with the mindset challenges of working for yourself, to learning how to balance personal and professional life (especially with a baby on the way!), these lessons have shaped how I approach my business every single day. And while some of these lessons might sound obvious, the real impact of them wasn’t clear to me until I lived through it. In this episode, we’ll dive into: Abundance over competition: Why there’s enough success to go around, and why you don’t have to fight for your place at the table.Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery: How to handle competitors copying you and why it’s a sign you're doing something right.One strategy doesn’t fit all: Why what works for one brand might not work for another—and how trial and error is key to success.Time is money: The big shift in productivity when you’re responsible for every minute of your day.It’s all a mind game: The mindset shifts that helped me turn things around, and why working on your mental game is just as important as your business strategy.Whether you're starting your own business or already in the trenches, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for practical, unexpected advice that’s made a huge difference in my business success—and how it could help you too. Hello and welcome to the Buyer to Badass Podcast with me, your host Abbie! After over 10 years in the corporate world, buying for 4 global retailers that's taken me from London to Dublin, to Dubai I've taken the plunge and quit! Join me for the ride as I go freelance. I talk marketing, mindset and myself, and chat to other Buyers who have taken the leap too as I build my business like the badass entrepreneur I know I can be, and show you how you can do it too! Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday*

    30 min

  2. 05/06/2025

    70. How I Transformed My Business After My Quietest Months Ever

    How I went from having my quietest months ever to suddenly feeling so busy that I’m already booked up for months in advance, talk about a turnaround! I’ll take you through the ups and downs I’ve faced over the past few months, starting with a tough January and February where it seemed like everything was against me. From client cancellations to no new leads, it was a challenging time. But I didn’t just sit back and wait for things to magically turn around. I pulled out my good old outreach lists, leaned on the Law of Attraction community, and did the inner work to shift my mindset. In this episode, we talk about: The importance of planning ahead when you know tough personal times are ahead (hello, IVF and pregnancy!)How I dealt with the reality of business slowing down and how I pulled it back from the brinkThe role of mindset in turning things around and getting back on trackThe power of taking action and reaching out even when it feels like everything is crumblingHow I went from worrying constantly to loving the clients I’m working with now, and how charging more and setting clear expectations helped me get hereIf you’re going through a quiet phase in your business, or feel like things are slipping away, this episode will give you some insight into how to pull yourself back and build momentum. Hello and welcome to the Buyer to Badass Podcast with me, your host Abbie! After over 10 years in the corporate world, buying for 4 global retailers that's taken me from London to Dublin, to Dubai I've taken the plunge and quit! Join me for the ride as I go freelance. I talk marketing, mindset and myself, and chat to other Buyers who have taken the leap too as I build my business like the badass entrepreneur I know I can be, and show you how you can do it too! Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday*

    29 min

  3. 04/28/2025

    69. What happens when things go wrong with clients in your business & how to regain your confidence.

    In today’s episode, I’m diving into something I know we’ve all faced in business, losing confidence when things go wrong. Whether it’s a client situation that doesn’t go as planned, or a string of difficult moments that make you doubt your abilities, I’ve been there. And I want to share how I got through it, and what you can do if you’re feeling the same. I’m talking about two tough client experiences I had last year—one where expectations were sky-high and I couldn’t deliver, and the other where the client wasn’t a good fit and had some serious red flags. These situations hit hard, and I’ll be honest, they made me feel like I was running a bad business. But that’s not the whole story. In this episode, I’ll be sharing the lessons I learned, including how I’m now charging more, setting better boundaries, and accepting help when I need it. I also share how setbacks in business—like seeing others struggle or even get fired—are normal, and how we are often the ones to knock our own confidence. But there are ways to get it back. Tune in as I share tips on how to regain confidence after a tough experience with clients, why it’s important to reflect on the bigger picture, and how to stop taking it all personally. If you’re feeling like your confidence is slipping, especially when things aren’t going smoothly with a client or project, this episode is for you. Hello and welcome to the Buyer to Badass Podcast with me, your host Abbie! After over 10 years in the corporate world, buying for 4 global retailers that's taken me from London to Dublin, to Dubai I've taken the plunge and quit! Join me for the ride as I go freelance. I talk marketing, mindset and myself, and chat to other Buyers who have taken the leap too as I build my business like the badass entrepreneur I know I can be, and show you how you can do it too! Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday*

    33 min

  4. 04/21/2025

    68. I'm back! This is what happens when business isn't your main focus in life. Life updates & nightmare clients.

    I’m back! It’s been a minute, and I’ve got so much to catch you up on. Life threw me some curveballs over the past few months - clients, personal stuff, and, of course, my usual entrepreneurial hustle. Let’s just say my business wasn’t always my main focus… and I’m here to share how I navigated that. In this episode, I’m opening up about why I dropped the ball on the podcast and what happened when I let perfectionism take over. You’ll hear about the tough client situations that almost made me lose my spark, how I’m learning to juggle life and business, and the big shift I’m currently going through. Oh, and I’m not just talking business, I’ve got some major life updates too! From launching a new venture (yep, a second business!) to getting engaged and going through IVF, things have been anything but quiet. I’ll be sharing the challenges, the wins, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you’re juggling personal and business life and feeling like you can’t quite get the balance right, this episode is for you.  Hello and welcome to the Buyer to Badass Podcast with me, your host Abbie! After over 10 years in the corporate world, buying for 4 global retailers that's taken me from London to Dublin, to Dubai I've taken the plunge and quit! Join me for the ride as I go freelance. I talk marketing, mindset and myself, and chat to other Buyers who have taken the leap too as I build my business like the badass entrepreneur I know I can be, and show you how you can do it too! Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday*

    30 min

  5. 08/12/2024

    67. Start before you're ready + my biggest mistake in business

    I made a big mistake in my business, probably the biggest since I launched. I've been paying the price for the last 3 months, but if I had just started before I was ready I would have avoided it all. Here's why you should do the same.  Plus massive personal and work updates that I am so excited to share with you!  Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday* Hello and welcome to the Buyer to Badass Podcast with me, your host Abbie! After over 10 years in the corporate world, buying for 4 global retailers that's taken me from London to Dublin, to Dubai I've taken the plunge and quit! Join me for the ride as I go freelance. I talk marketing, mindset and myself, and chat to other Buyers who have taken the leap too as I build my business like the badass entrepreneur I know I can be, and show you how you can do it too! Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday*

    30 min

  6. 07/22/2024

    66. Your vibe attracts your tribe + the reality of being freelance and running your own business in Dubai

    We had a big manifestation come to light this week, one that I'd almost forgotten about! So I'm taking the time to be grateful for how far I've come since starting my business 18 months ago. And this made me think how it's only happened because of those I am surrounded with - the infectious energy and support. Your vibe really does attract your tribe and here's why.... Check out Brow Balance: IG: @browbalance.ae Join the waitlist: https://brow-balance.com/pages/newsletter Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday* Hello and welcome to the Buyer to Badass Podcast with me, your host Abbie! After over 10 years in the corporate world, buying for 4 global retailers that's taken me from London to Dublin, to Dubai I've taken the plunge and quit! Join me for the ride as I go freelance. I talk marketing, mindset and myself, and chat to other Buyers who have taken the leap too as I build my business like the badass entrepreneur I know I can be, and show you how you can do it too! Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday*

    21 min

  7. 07/17/2024

    65. More people than ever are starting their own businesses, so why aren't you? Plus reset & Dubai summer update!

    More people than ever are starting their own businesses right now, but people often say "the market is saturated so why would they work with me" and this stops them from taking action and starting something... Don't be that person!  Here are 3 ways to stand out in a crowded market and make people want to work with YOU!  Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday* Hello and welcome to the Buyer to Badass Podcast with me, your host Abbie! After over 10 years in the corporate world, buying for 4 global retailers that's taken me from London to Dublin, to Dubai I've taken the plunge and quit! Join me for the ride as I go freelance. I talk marketing, mindset and myself, and chat to other Buyers who have taken the leap too as I build my business like the badass entrepreneur I know I can be, and show you how you can do it too! Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday*

    31 min

  8. 07/08/2024

    64. Reset with me after hitting burnout.. Realistic morning routines, work, self care and saying no.

    So it happened.. a month of working 13 hours, 6 days a week finally caught up with me. I knew I was heading for burnout but to be honest, I thought I had another few weeks in me to push before I got here. But no, here we are!  Reset with me to get back on track - realistic morning routines, meditation, meal prep, fitness and self care.  Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday* Hello and welcome to the Buyer to Badass Podcast with me, your host Abbie! After over 10 years in the corporate world, buying for 4 global retailers that's taken me from London to Dublin, to Dubai I've taken the plunge and quit! Join me for the ride as I go freelance. I talk marketing, mindset and myself, and chat to other Buyers who have taken the leap too as I build my business like the badass entrepreneur I know I can be, and show you how you can do it too! Connect with me: @buyertobadass @abbieabs_ @base.brands Support the show: Please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help support the show! Share to your IG stories and tag me! Help a gal out! *New Episode every Monday*

    33 min
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About

After over 10 years in the corporate world as a Fashion Buyer, a year ago I took the plunge and quit to start my own business. in Dubai! And let me tell you, it's been a wild time. Now I understand why people say starting a business is hard, but no one shows you behind the scenes of what it's really like when you first start out. Join me for the ride as I go from 9-5 to freelance, and show you how you can do it too. I talk mindset, marketing and myself, and chat to others who have taken the leap from a full time job to self employed. Let's build a brand! 

Information

  • Creator
    Abbie Hughes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Buyer to Badass Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Buyer to Badass Podcast