Built By Her Podcast

Built By Her | Georgina McDonald

Welcome to the Built By Her Podcast, where honest conversations meet real life. Hosted by Georgie, this women in business podcast is for women building businesses, careers, confidence and something of their own, on their own terms. Each week, Georgie sits down with incredible women in business to talk about the real journey behind success. The wins. The wobbles. The pivots. The doubt. The growth. The lessons learned along the way. This isn’t a polished highlight reel or a sales pitch. It’s real stories, practical insights and open conversations about what it truly takes to build and lead as a woman in business. We explore: • Starting and growing a business • Female leadership and team culture • Confidence, mindset and imposter syndrome • Boundaries, burnout and balance • Community, collaboration and long-term growth Whether you’re launching your first idea, growing a small business, leading a team, or simply figuring out your next move, this podcast is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Building a business, a career, or even just the idea of something of your own isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. New episodes weekly. Trust yourself. Stay curious. And keep building it your way.

  1. Energy, Clutter & The Reason Your Home Feels “Off” | Chrissie on Feng Shui & Lifestyle Design

    May 21

    Energy, Clutter & The Reason Your Home Feels “Off” | Chrissie on Feng Shui & Lifestyle Design

    In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Chrissie Steinham, Energy Design Consultant & Strategist and founder of, to talk about the connection between our homes, our nervous systems, and the way we feel day to day. From interior design and Feng Shui, to clutter, burnout, motherhood, and building a business around your life, this episode explores how our environments can either support us or completely drain us, often without us even realising. After experiencing post-natal depression and anxiety following the birth of her son, Chrissie began exploring the deeper relationship between people and the spaces they live in. What started as curiosity around Feng Shui and environmental psychology eventually led her to completely retrain and launch a new business helping people create homes and workspaces that feel calmer, more aligned, and more supportive. We talk about: ✨ How your environment impacts your mood, stress & nervous system ✨ The psychology behind clutter ✨ Feng Shui explained in a realistic, practical way ✨ Creating homes that feel calm, supportive & intentional ✨ Using your home like a vision board ✨ The “messy middle” of building a business ✨ Identity shifts after motherhood ✨ Entrepreneurship, personal growth & imposter syndrome ✨ Why your home should support the life you actually want This episode is such an interesting conversation around self-development, interiors, energy, and the emotional side of building both a home and a business. Guest: Chrissie Steinham, Feng Shui Lifestyled Instagram: @fengshuilifestyled Send us Fan Mail Follow Built By Her 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtby_her 🎟️ Events & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/114520957181 Join the community, come to an event, and be part of the conversations beyond the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by Georgina McDonald founder of G R Design Studio 🌐 Website: https://www.grdesignstudio.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_r_designstudio 🎧 Produced by Richard Lannen at Nozzle Media 🌐 https://nozzle.media 📸 https://www.instagram.com/nozzlemedia If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something of their own.

    36 min
  2. The Truth About Money, Motherhood & Running a Business | Hannah Matthews on Leadership, Finance & Doing It All

    May 14

    The Truth About Money, Motherhood & Running a Business | Hannah Matthews on Leadership, Finance & Doing It All

    In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Hannah Matthews, Head of Assurance & Accounts at Optimum Accountancy, to talk about the realities of finance, leadership, business growth, and balancing motherhood alongside a demanding career. From returning to work just three months after maternity leave, to navigating leadership whilst raising young children, Hannah shares the honest reality behind building a successful career without completely losing yourself in the process. We also dive into: ✨ The difference between accountants and bookkeepers ✨ Why business owners need strategy, not just spreadsheets ✨ Financial planning, pensions & future-proofing your life ✨ Delegation, burnout & learning to ask for help ✨ The pressure women put on themselves in leadership ✨ Why money conversations shouldn’t feel so taboo ✨ AI, automations & tools that can genuinely save time in business This episode goes far beyond finance. It’s a conversation about ambition, identity, confidence, and creating a business that supports your life, not just your workload. Guest: Hannah Matthews Head of Assurance & Accounts at Optimum Accountancy Send us Fan Mail Follow Built By Her 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtby_her 🎟️ Events & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/114520957181 Join the community, come to an event, and be part of the conversations beyond the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by Georgina McDonald founder of G R Design Studio 🌐 Website: https://www.grdesignstudio.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_r_designstudio 🎧 Produced by Richard Lannen at Nozzle Media 🌐 https://nozzle.media 📸 https://www.instagram.com/nozzlemedia If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something of their own.

    57 min
  3. From Young Mum to Business Owner | Antonia on Bookkeeping, Backing Yourself & Building a Business Around Family

    May 7

    From Young Mum to Business Owner | Antonia on Bookkeeping, Backing Yourself & Building a Business Around Family

    From Young Mum to Business Owner | Antonia on Bookkeeping, Backing Yourself & Building a Business Around Family In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Antonia, founder of A B Accounts Support, to talk all things bookkeeping, business finances, and what it really looks like to build a career around your life...not the other way around. From becoming a mum at 23 and spending five years out of work, to accidentally falling into bookkeeping and eventually launching her own business, Antonia shares the honest reality of rebuilding confidence, learning on the job, and creating a business that supports both her clients and her family. This episode is packed with practical advice for business owners who feel overwhelmed by finances, bookkeeping, VAT, invoicing, subscriptions, and everything in between, but it’s also a really relatable conversation about self-belief, flexibility, and taking opportunities even when you don’t feel “qualified enough.” In this episode, we cover:  What a bookkeeper actually does (and why they’re different to an accountant)  Why bookkeeping isn’t just “reconciling transactions”  How a bookkeeper can actually save you money  The benefits of having someone manage invoicing and payment chasing  Why separating your accounts from your day-to-day business can reduce stress  Starting a business as a sole trader vs limited company  The importance of getting financial support early in business  How Antonia accidentally fell into bookkeeping after becoming a mum  Learning on the job without previous experience  Completing AAT qualifications whilst working and raising children  Why you don’t need your whole career figured out in your early 20s  Building a business around flexibility and family life  Xero vs other accounting software  The value of personalised financial support for small business owners This episode is such a refreshing reminder that careers don’t always follow a straight line and sometimes the best opportunities come from simply saying yes and figuring it out as you go. Guest Details Guest: Antonia Burgess  Instagram : @abaccountssupport Linkedin: Antonia Burgess If you’re a business owner who’s been putting off sorting your finances, this episode will make bookkeeping feel a whole lot less intimidating. Send us Fan Mail Follow Built By Her 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtby_her 🎟️ Events & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/114520957181 Join the community, come to an event, and be part of the conversations beyond the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by Georgina McDonald founder of G R Design Studio 🌐 Website: https://www.grdesignstudio.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_r_designstudio 🎧 Produced by Richard Lannen at Nozzle Media 🌐 https://nozzle.media 📸 https://www.instagram.com/nozzlemedia If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something of their own.

    34 min
  4. From Maternity Leave to 13 Years in Business | Ellie on Beauty, Confidence & Building Your Own Path

    Apr 30

    From Maternity Leave to 13 Years in Business | Ellie on Beauty, Confidence & Building Your Own Path

    It started as a side hustle during maternity leave… but it didn’t stay that way for long. In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Ellie, founder of her own PMU and lash business, to talk about how a small idea turned into a 13-year career in the beauty industry. From working in spas to building her own fully booked client base, Ellie shares the honest reality behind running a beauty business, including the confidence struggles, the pressure of social media, and the constant feeling of chasing the next level. This episode goes beyond lashes and permanent makeup. It’s about what it really takes to build something for yourself, and why success doesn’t always feel how you expect it to. ✨ What we cover:  Starting a business during maternity leave without even realising it  How the beauty industry has evolved over the last decade  What lash extensions and permanent makeup actually involve  Why one-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to beauty treatments  The importance of client consultation and managing expectations  The reality of poor training in the industry and learning as you go  Imposter syndrome, even after 13 years in business  The impact of social media and comparison in a visual industry  Why growth doesn’t always feel like success  Feeling overwhelmed, time management, and trying to do everything at once  The importance of focusing on your own journey  Ellie’s next step, launching her own lash training (coming soon 👀) 💭 Key Takeaway Building a business isn’t just about skill, it’s about mindset. Even after more than a decade, Ellie shares that self-doubt, comparison, and setting new goals never fully go away. But what matters is focusing on your own path, looking after your clients, and recognising how far you’ve already come. 👩‍💼 Guest Ellie Founder of a PMU & Lash Business 📍 Gloucester (Longlevens) 📲 @eleanorpmulash  🌐 www.eleanorpmulash.co.uk Send us Fan Mail Follow Built By Her 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtby_her 🎟️ Events & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/114520957181 Join the community, come to an event, and be part of the conversations beyond the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by Georgina McDonald founder of G R Design Studio 🌐 Website: https://www.grdesignstudio.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_r_designstudio 🎧 Produced by Richard Lannen at Nozzle Media 🌐 https://nozzle.media 📸 https://www.instagram.com/nozzlemedia If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something of their own.

    35 min
  5. What Marketing Actually Means for Your Business | Laura on Strategy, AI & Building a Marketing Business

    Apr 23

    What Marketing Actually Means for Your Business | Laura on Strategy, AI & Building a Marketing Business

    What actually is marketing… and why do so many business owners leave it until last? In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Laura Vout, founder of Laura About Marketing, to talk about what marketing really means, why it matters so much for small businesses, and how to know when it’s time to stop trying to do it all yourself. Laura shares her journey from a corporate marketing career into running her own business, after redundancy gave her the push to finally back herself. From managing marketing in large companies to now helping smaller businesses connect the dots between social media, email, websites, strategy and growth, this conversation is packed with honest insight and practical advice. Together, Georgie and Laura chat about the difference between brand and marketing, how social media has changed the way businesses need to show up, why authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI, and what small business owners should actually focus on when they’re feeling overwhelmed by marketing. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ What marketing actually means beyond just social media  ✨ The difference between brand and marketing  ✨ Why marketing is often underestimated until business slows down  ✨ How social media has changed the way brands connect with people  ✨ AI, authenticity, and why real content still matters  ✨ SEO vs AEO and how people are now searching differently  ✨ How often you should really update your website  ✨ Whether blogs still matter in 2026  ✨ Why doing your own content is harder than it looks  ✨ The reality of leaving corporate and starting your own business  ✨ Pricing your services and communicating your value  ✨ How to know which marketing activity is actually worth your time  ✨ When it’s time to outsource your marketing This episode is a brilliant listen for any business owner who feels like they should be doing more marketing, but isn’t sure where to start, what actually works, or whether they’re spending time on the right things. Guest: Laura Vout Instagram: @laura.vout TikTok: @laura.vout Send us Fan Mail Follow Built By Her 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtby_her 🎟️ Events & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/114520957181 Join the community, come to an event, and be part of the conversations beyond the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by Georgina McDonald founder of G R Design Studio 🌐 Website: https://www.grdesignstudio.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_r_designstudio 🎧 Produced by Richard Lannen at Nozzle Media 🌐 https://nozzle.media 📸 https://www.instagram.com/nozzlemedia If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something of their own.

    42 min
  6. What’s Really in Your Water? | Charlie from The Filter Tap Company on Why ‘Safe’ Tap Water Isn’t Always Clean

    Apr 15

    What’s Really in Your Water? | Charlie from The Filter Tap Company on Why ‘Safe’ Tap Water Isn’t Always Clean

    Is your tap water actually as safe as you think? In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Charlie, General Manager of The Filter Tap Company, to uncover what’s really in our water and why more people are starting to question what they’re drinking every day. From microplastics and “forever chemicals” to the reality behind what’s classed as “safe” water in the UK, this conversation is eye-opening (and slightly shocking in parts). We also dive into the growth of The Filter Tap Company as a startup, what it’s like building a business from the ground up, and how Charlie’s perspective on health, water, and daily habits has completely changed. In this episode, we cover: 💧 What’s actually in your tap water (and why “safe” doesn’t always mean clean) 💧 Microplastics, PFAS, and the long-term impact on your health 💧 The biggest myths around boiling water and filtration 💧 Why bottled water might not be the better option 💧 The importance of maintaining filter systems (and what most people get wrong) 💧 Building a startup and learning as you grow This episode will make you think twice about what you’re drinking and why taking control of your health might start with something as simple as your water. If you’ve ever assumed your tap water is “fine”… this one’s for you. Find Charlie & The Filter Tap Company 🌐 Website: https://www.thefiltertapcompany.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiltertapcompany 💼 LinkedIn: The Filter Tap Company 📍 Visit them at The Site, Cheltenham Send us Fan Mail Follow Built By Her 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtby_her 🎟️ Events & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/114520957181 Join the community, come to an event, and be part of the conversations beyond the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by Georgina McDonald founder of G R Design Studio 🌐 Website: https://www.grdesignstudio.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_r_designstudio 🎧 Produced by Richard Lannen at Nozzle Media 🌐 https://nozzle.media 📸 https://www.instagram.com/nozzlemedia If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something of their own.

    31 min
  7. From Beauty College to Building a Salon | Maria Young on Passion, Client Care & Growing a Business That Lasts

    Apr 8

    From Beauty College to Building a Salon | Maria Young on Passion, Client Care & Growing a Business That Lasts

    What does it really take to turn a passion into a business that lasts? In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Maria Young, owner of The Serenity Suite in the Forest of Dean, to talk about building a beauty business from the ground up and why real success in the industry goes far beyond treatments. Maria shares how she started out straight from college with a mobile beauty kit, built a loyal client base, worked with premium brands like Clarins, and eventually grew her business into a thriving salon with a team, training courses, and a clear reputation for client care. This episode is such an honest conversation about passion, resilience, confidence, and creating an experience people genuinely want to come back to. From the importance of ambience and consultation, to growing a team, overcoming self-doubt, and building a business around making people feel good, there is so much in this one for anyone interested in beauty, business, or backing themselves. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ How Maria started her beauty career straight from college  ✨ Building a loyal client base through mobile treatments and word of mouth  ✨ Working for Clarins and how that shaped her confidence and standards  ✨ Why skincare matters just as much as makeup  ✨ Treatments like microneedling, facials and bridal beauty prep  ✨ The importance of ambience and creating a client experience  ✨ Why the beauty industry needs more support between qualification and real salon work  ✨ Growing a salon team and creating consistency in service  ✨ How passion and care create returning clients  ✨ The stigma around beauty as a career and why it deserves more respect  ✨ How difficult experiences can shape your drive and resilience  ✨ Why understanding your “why” matters when starting a business About Maria: Maria Young is the owner of The Serenity Suite, based at Bells Hotel in Coleford, Forest of Dean. With over a decade of experience in beauty, massage, skincare and salon management, Maria has built a business centred around client care, ambience, and helping people feel good in themselves. Alongside running a successful salon and team, she is also developing online beauty courses to help support and elevate others entering the industry. Listen if: This episode is for you if you’re building a business, working in beauty, or want to hear a real story about how passion, consistency and care can create long-term success. It’s also a brilliant listen if you’ve ever underestimated the skill, emotional intelligence and business thinking that goes into the beauty industry. Connect with Maria: Instagram: @the_serenitysuite Training: Pamper Perfection Beauty Courses - @pamperfection.beauty.courses Guest: Maria Young - @maria_young_ Location: Bells Hotel, Forest of Dean Send us Fan Mail Follow Built By Her 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtby_her 🎟️ Events & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/114520957181 Join the community, come to an event, and be part of the conversations beyond the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by Georgina McDonald founder of G R Design Studio 🌐 Website: https://www.grdesignstudio.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_r_designstudio 🎧 Produced by Richard Lannen at Nozzle Media 🌐 https://nozzle.media 📸 https://www.instagram.com/nozzlemedia If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something of their own.

    55 min
  8. From Corporate Structure to Creative Business | Verena on Building with Intention, Systems & Self-Trust

    Apr 1

    From Corporate Structure to Creative Business | Verena on Building with Intention, Systems & Self-Trust

    What if building a business didn’t come down to doing more… but to doing the right things, in the right way, with enough time to let them work? In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Verena, founder of Fox and Doe, a private lash studio based in Cheltenham, to talk about building a business with intention, clarity, and self-trust. With a background in finance and project management, Verena’s route into the beauty industry wasn’t the obvious one. But what she’s built is a brilliant example of how creative businesses can thrive when they’re rooted in strong systems, thoughtful positioning, and a really clear understanding of what makes them different. From launching a bespoke lash studio alongside a corporate career, to navigating the silence that can come at the start of any business, Verena shares a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to grow something slowly, strategically, and in a way that actually aligns with who you are. This is a real conversation about momentum, perfectionism, visibility, marketing, and learning how to focus on the things that are actually in your control. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Building a business alongside a full-time corporate role ✨ Moving from finance and project management into the beauty industry ✨ Why simple systems and clear priorities matter so much ✨ How to stay focused when growth feels slow at the start ✨ Letting go of perfectionism and taking action faster ✨ Why social media doesn’t have to be your whole marketing strategy ✨ Finding ways to market your business that actually suit your strengths ✨ The importance of testing ideas and failing quickly ✨ Giving your business enough time to breathe before judging it too soon ✨ Creating a client experience that feels personal, safe, and genuinely bespoke ✨ The thinking behind Fox and Doe’s facial mapping approach ✨ Why consultation, trust, and lash health sit at the heart of the service About Verena: Verena is the founder of Fox and Doe, a private lash studio in Cheltenham offering bespoke, natural lash enhancements with a strong focus on client care, consultation, and thoughtful design. With a background in finance and project management, she brings a unique blend of structure and creativity to her business — combining high standards, clear systems, and a personalised approach to create an experience that feels both luxurious and considered. Her work is rooted in the belief that beauty treatments should feel collaborative, calm, and tailored to the individual,  helping clients feel like the best version of themselves without overpowering what’s already there. Send us Fan Mail Follow Built By Her 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtby_her 🎟️ Events & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/114520957181 Join the community, come to an event, and be part of the conversations beyond the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by Georgina McDonald founder of G R Design Studio 🌐 Website: https://www.grdesignstudio.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_r_designstudio 🎧 Produced by Richard Lannen at Nozzle Media 🌐 https://nozzle.media 📸 https://www.instagram.com/nozzlemedia If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building something of their own.

    43 min

About

Welcome to the Built By Her Podcast, where honest conversations meet real life. Hosted by Georgie, this women in business podcast is for women building businesses, careers, confidence and something of their own, on their own terms. Each week, Georgie sits down with incredible women in business to talk about the real journey behind success. The wins. The wobbles. The pivots. The doubt. The growth. The lessons learned along the way. This isn’t a polished highlight reel or a sales pitch. It’s real stories, practical insights and open conversations about what it truly takes to build and lead as a woman in business. We explore: • Starting and growing a business • Female leadership and team culture • Confidence, mindset and imposter syndrome • Boundaries, burnout and balance • Community, collaboration and long-term growth Whether you’re launching your first idea, growing a small business, leading a team, or simply figuring out your next move, this podcast is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Building a business, a career, or even just the idea of something of your own isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. New episodes weekly. Trust yourself. Stay curious. And keep building it your way.

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