The Countrywoman’s Guide to Work, Life & You…

Emma Warren
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Countrywoman's Guide is a virtual kitchen table for us all to sit round and learn from each other - whether it be business goings on, life advice or simply a reminder to remember that you matter, we're here. countrywomansguide.substack.com

  1. 4d ago

    Megan Haigh - Finding confidence after redundancy, the entrepreneurial loop and the art of patience. Ep. 52

    There are some podcast conversations that leave you thinking long after you’ve finished recording, and today’s brilliant episode with Megan Haigh is certainly one of them. Megan describes herself as a fledgling business owner. After being made redundant during covid, she found herself starting again, and discovering a love for a new hobby that gradually evolved into the business we see before us today. A business inspired by the English garden and the countryside she calls home. But what struck us wasn’t simply her creativity, it was the honesty with which she spoke about building something before all the answers existed. Like so many entrepreneurs we know, Megan has more ideas than hours in the day. Licensing her artwork, creating her own products, the prospect of a snail mail club, designing dresses - they’re all exciting possibilities! But, the toughest part isn’t the creativity, it’s deciding which path deserves your energy first, and which to put aside for a little while. Throughout the conversation, Emma shares some gentle but practical business advice, exploring why so many business owners become trapped in what she calls the ‘entrepreneurial loop’. A loop that may feel familiar to many of you, a loop in which you’re constantly creating ideas, but never quite giving yourself the space or time to grow the ones already in front of you. It’s a conversation about focus as much as it is creativity, learning that progress doesn’t always happen quickly, and how finding the patience to trust that building something meaningful can take longer than we’d like. Whether you’re right at the beginning of your business journey, finding yourself at another crossroads, or simply on the look out for some beautiful new homeware, we think you’ll find plenty to resonate with in Megan’s story. We’d love to know what resonated with you the most after listening… Today’s episode of the Countrywoman’s Guide Podcast is available now to listen to, wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to keep up with Megan, her journey, and her beautiful designs you can find her website here, and her Instagram here. You can listen to our conversation with Kate Cullen, of Fablefaine, here! Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

  2. Jul 19

    Did you know that there is a Fortnum & Mason sponsored Dalemain World Marmalade Awards Competition? Episode 51.

    This week I’m joined by Somerset farmer, ruminant nutritionist and newly crowned Dalemain World Marmalade Champion, David Hinkins. After his wife spotted the competition in Country Life magazine and entering it for eleven years, David finally achieved what many would have given up on long ago, winning the World Marmalade Championships with his Seville Orange and Passion Fruit Marmalade. Not only did he win gold, he became the overall champion, earning a place on the shelves of Fortnum & Mason and helping raise money for charity through every jar sold. But this conversation isn’t really about marmalade. It’s about persistence. It’s about being prepared to learn, adapt and keep going when success doesn’t arrive quickly. Along the way we talk about: * The eleven-year journey from bronze medal to world champion * Why great marmalade takes 24 hours to make, not 15 minutes * Learning from criticism rather than fearing it * The hidden role of nutritionists as advisers and listeners within farming communities * Mental health and isolation in the countryside * Why farmers often struggle to embrace change * The importance of holidays, perspective and stepping back * The value of community and volunteering * What keeps people going when the odds are stacked against them One of the things I loved most about this conversation was discovering how many parallels there are between making award-winning marmalade and building a successful life. Both require patience, curiosity, resilience and a willingness to keep refining what you’re doing. David’s advice is simple: Never give up. Be prepared to change. You can find David on Instagram here. You can buy David’s award winning marmalade in Fortnum & Mason stores and online here. I can vouch for the fact that it’s absolutely delicious and money from every jar goes to Hospice UK and David’s nominated charities. Photo credit : Hermione Mccosh Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

    Did you know that there is a Fortnum & Mason sponsored Dalemain World Marmalade Awards Competition? Episode 51.

  3. Jul 12

    Celebrating Episode 50 of Countrywoman's Guide and some exciting news...

    50 episodes, countless stories and one incredible community - that sounds like something to celebrate doesn't it! As Emma admits in this week’s podcast, she didn’t even know if Countrywoman’s Guide would make it this far, just like any new venture you always doubt at the beginning whether it will work out, how well it will be received, will people actually like it? But here we are 50 episodes later, and more importantly 50 conversations later, with people who have generously shared their stories, their lessons and the realities of building a life and a business in the countryside. So, to mark this milestone, today’s episode of The Countrywoman’s Guide Podcast is a little different. Instead of welcoming a guest, Emma sits down with Charlotte Hurst and Photographer Rachel Collins (the other two faces behind CWG) to reflect on the stories that have stayed with them, the community that has grown from the podcast, and where Countrywoman’s Guide is heading next. As always, the conversation meanders as it should… Looking back on 50 Conversations Emma, Rachel and Charlotte discuss the themes that have emerged across all 50 episodes of the podcast, and reflect on some of the stories that really stuck with them. They revisit our conversations with Lara Protheroe of Coombe Head House, Lucy Scudamore of the Defender Deli, Jacob Lockwood of Lockwood Smocks, Sophie Gregory organic dairy farmer, Gemma Standeven of Gattertop Drinks, Maddie Beaumont from The Cotley Inn & Candlelight Inn, Tess Annan of Welligogs, and Eva Humphries the Wholefood Warrior. Each one offering a different perspective on business, countryside life and following your own path. What we’ve learnt From trusting your instincts and embracing the messy middle, to finding community instead of competition, the team reflects on the lessons that have emerged naturally through 50 honest conversations. Why community matters The discussion turns to the heart of Countrywoman’s Guide: creating a space where women can share experiences, support one another and realise they’re not navigating business or countryside life alone. Looking ahead Emma and Charlotte share what’s coming next, including more Countrywoman’s Guide lunches, opportunities to meet the community in person, and plans for a new Substack membership offering practical business support alongside the free podcast and articles. Thank you Whether you’ve listened to one episode or all 50, thank you for being part of the Countrywoman’s Guide community. We hope you’ll join us as we look ahead to the next chapter… Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

  4. Jul 5

    Tess Annan - Welligogs: Growing a Heritage Brand Without Losing Your Soul. Episode 49

    This week I’m joined by Tess Annan, whose mum founded Welligogs 26 years ago, starting with hand-painting wellington boots around the kitchen table. Today Tess is leading the next generation of the business, balancing fresh ideas with the heritage that made customers fall in love with the brand in the first place. We talk about everything from navigating Covid, building an online business, designing clothes women genuinely want to wear, and why creating timeless pieces matters more than chasing trends. Along the way we also explore the realities of running a small family business, the joy of the Game Fair and why sometimes the smallest design details make all the difference. Whether you love country style, run your own business or simply enjoy hearing honest stories from people building something they care deeply about, I think you’ll really enjoy this conversation. Photography credits: Something From The Hart & Higginson Hart Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

  5. Jul 2

    Game Fair ready - Lucy Scudamore - the accidental countryside ambassador...Episode 48

    Lucy Scudamore is one very driven lady and as we heard last time we chatted, her juggling skills have to be supremely efficient to fit everything in. Given that she only started her business last year and had been really busy during the 2025 Game season, Lucy was expecting the Defender Deli to slow down a bit out of season especially as her other equestrian job is busier in the summer. But it seems that Lucy’s adoring customers extend out from her usual circle and she’s been catering everything from corporate lunches and private events to Royal Ascot and, this summer, the VIP Bronze Lounge at the Game Fair. So, as a result her Summer is shaping up to be just as busy, if not busier than the Winter season. Her passion for field-to-fork game cooking continues unabated and she’s fast becoming an unofficial ambassador for the countryside way of life, chatting away about provenance and the importance of the food we eat as she serves her delicious canapes. In this catch-up conversation we talk about what happens when demand arrives faster than expected, the realities of juggling two careers, why hospitality is about far more than food, and how a passion for game has unexpectedly turned Lucy into an ambassador for the countryside. You can find Lucy on instagram here and she has been invited to cater in the Bronze VIP area at the Game Fair at Ragley Hall from 24th - 26th July 2026. The Game Fair is a fabulous day out if you’re passionate about the countryside, curious about field sports, or simply looking for a great day out with the family. We’re delighted to be accredited media partners for the Game Fair so please use code CWG15 for 15% off the ticket price. We also have a competition to win VIP Bronze tickets to the Game Fair and prizes from Hiho Silver, Mackenzie & George and Welligogs running at the moment so if you win, you can go and see Lucy in person and try her delicious canapes! Head on over to our Countrywoman's Guide profile on instagram to enter. Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

  6. Jun 21

    Katy Theakston - Summer Solstice Episode - A Witch, a Wild Woman and the Wisdom of the Seasons. Episode 47.

    This week’s guest is Katy Theakston from The Owl and the Apothecary. Now, depending on your perspective, the words witch and wild woman in the introduction may either intrigue you or make you slightly nervous. But you needn’t worry, there’s no hex throwing or cliched pointy hats in this conversation - as long as you too love nature and the countryside, you’re going to find common ground as you listen. As Katy & I chatted together, I realised that whilst Katy speaks about nature, seasons, ritual and wildness, I often talk about fallow periods, transition and creating space to think. We’re using different language perhaps, but we were often describing the same thing from different directions. Katy shares how heartbreak became the catalyst for a completely different life. Leaving a successful career in London, moving to Dorset, becoming a mother through IVF and building a business that helps women navigate some of life’s biggest transitions. Our conversation is a reminder that life moves in cycles. There are seasons for growth, seasons for action, seasons for harvest and seasons for rest. The challenge is often recognising which one we’re in. If you’ve ever found yourself standing at a crossroads in your business or your life wondering what’s next, I suspect you’ll recognise more of yourself in this conversation than you might expect. So often, when we’re trying to solve a problem in our business or our lives, we double down. We push harder. We work longer. Yet some of the best answers arrive when we step away from the desk, take the dog for a walk or simply allow ourselves a little space to think. As someone who spends a lot of time talking about the value of fallow periods, I found myself nodding along throughout much of this conversation. The thoughts that stayed with me after our chat. * Heartbreak was the beginning of Katy’s journey, not the end of it. * Nature isn’t somewhere we visit; it’s something we’re part of. * Rest isn’t the absence of progress, it’s often where progress begins. * Growth takes the time it takes. We don’t always get to rush the season. * Ritual is a part of our everyday life and much of the witchcraft that Katy practices is about bringing her closer to the land and more in tune with the seasons - embracing the old ways. Katy is one of the warmest and most kind-hearted people you will ever meet - so if you want to connect with her and find out more, we’ve linked her website at the beginning of this article and you can find her on instagram here As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below, so don’t be shy, please do engage and let us know what you think. Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

    Katy Theakston - Summer Solstice Episode - A Witch, a Wild Woman and the Wisdom of the Seasons. Episode 47.

  7. Jun 14

    Jacob Lockwood : Courage, craftsmanship and starting before you're ready : Episode 46

    Jacob Lockwood of Lockwood Smocks was a career soldier in the Coldstream Guards and set to stay there for life. Until he got restless and extremely fed up of consistently getting soaked through on exercise, and he became convinced that he could make something better. That started him on a journey that led to him and his ever-supportive partner Ruth starting Lockwood Smocks, a business that has consumed their lives somewhat. However, thanks to Jacob’s social media skills - which as he himself says, is just sharing and telling their story as they go - Lockwood has become a big hit. In this episode, we discuss all the trials and tribulations of starting a business, the added complications of committing to British manufacture and how tenacity and a sheer doggedness to make things happen has catapulted the business forward in ways that Jacob and Ruth could only have dreamt of even a year ago. Jacob shares a lot of wisdom in our interview, but the clearest bit of insight is that many entrepreneurs don’t have all the answers before they start and Jacob’s ‘Just bloody start!’ attitude has carried him a long way. I can’t help but feel that this story has a lot more to tell as the business develops - and I know from talking to him, that there’s news coming out over the next month that will transform the business. You can follow Jacob and Ruth’s Lockwood Smocks story here and Jacob’s instagram is here The Lockwood website is here so you can take a look at their lovely products. Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

    Jacob Lockwood : Courage, craftsmanship and starting before you're ready : Episode 46

  8. Jun 7

    Hannah Russell: Little Alf, Big Dreams and the Courage to Keep Going. Episode 45

    This week I’m joined by author, illustrator and entrepreneur Hannah Russell. Many people will know Hannah through Little Alf, the miniature Shetland pony who first inspired a series of children’s books that went on to become bestsellers. What began as a blog written during recovery from a serious back injury has grown into a career spanning 20 published books, a thriving creative business and a loyal community of readers. But this conversation goes far beyond books. Hannah shares the twists and turns of a career that has evolved through opportunity, challenge and a willingness to keep trying new things. We talk about the confidence it takes to put yourself out there, the lessons learned from navigating cancer at a young age, and why sometimes the bravest thing we can do is return to the work that feels most like home. Together we explore: * Building a business from a passion rather than a plan * How Little Alf changed the course of Hannah’s life * The role animals played during recovery and treatment * Why every chapter of your career teaches you something useful * Learning to say no after saying yes too often * The challenge of confidence, even after success * Finding your way back to the work that lights you up * The importance of community, connection and word of mouth One of the things I loved most about this conversation was Hannah’s honesty. Despite publishing 20 books and building a substantial following, she openly admits that confidence doesn’t always come naturally. It’s a reminder that many of the people we admire are simply feeling the fear and doing it anyway. For anyone wondering whether it’s too late, too difficult or too risky to follow something they genuinely care about, Hannah’s story is a wonderful reminder that the most meaningful journeys often begin with a single step and a willingness to keep going. You can find Hannah here and here and look out for her new book for 2026! Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

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Countrywoman's Guide is a virtual kitchen table for us all to sit round and learn from each other - whether it be business goings on, life advice or simply a reminder to remember that you matter, we're here. countrywomansguide.substack.com

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