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. Property, Mindset & Building a Business Together | Naomi & Daniela on Short Lets, Entrepreneurship & Taking the Leap

    Jun 25

    Property, Mindset & Building a Business Together | Naomi & Daniela on Short Lets, Entrepreneurship & Taking the Leap

    In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Naomi and Daniela, co-founders of Shortlet Collective, to explore the world of short-term rental property, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to build a business that gives you freedom. From managing luxury short-stay accommodation and working with investors, to leaving secure careers behind and overcoming imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with honest conversations about building a business from the ground up. Naomi shares her transition from a 20-year career in the NHS into property investment and short lets, while Daniela talks about moving to the UK from Bulgaria, starting over in a new country, and embracing entrepreneurship whilst raising a young family. Together, they discuss how combining their strengths has helped them build a business that not only supports investors but creates memorable experiences for every guest. We talk about: ✨ What short lets actually are and how they work ✨ Property investment and generating income through short-term rentals ✨ Managing Airbnb, Booking.com and corporate accommodation ✨ Working with investors from sourcing to full property management ✨ Leaving a secure career to become an entrepreneur ✨ Moving countries and starting a business from scratch ✨ Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome ✨ Why mindset is the biggest challenge in business ✨ The importance of finding the right business partner ✨ Balancing entrepreneurship, family life and freedom ✨ Why your biggest obstacles often become your greatest opportunities This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in property, investing, hospitality, or taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Naomi and Daniela share practical insights alongside honest reflections on the realities of building a business, proving that success isn't just about strategy, it's about resilience, mindset, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Guests: Naomi & Daniela Co-Founders, The Short Let Collective Instagram: @theshortletcollective 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. Building Community, Supporting Local & Growing a Brand With Purpose | Sarah O'Neill on The Cotswold Collective

    Jun 18

    Building Community, Supporting Local & Growing a Brand With Purpose | Sarah O'Neill on The Cotswold Collective

    In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Sarah O'Neill, founder of The Cotswold Collective, to talk about community, entrepreneurship, and building a business with genuine purpose. What started as a personal desire for connection after moving back to the Cotswolds during COVID quickly grew into one of the region's most recognised local business communities. Today, The Cotswold Collective connects nearly 500 local businesses with thousands of consumers through its app, events, rewards platform, and growing corporate membership offering. Sarah shares the story behind launching the business in just six weeks, the challenges of growing a community-led brand, and why supporting local businesses can have a much bigger impact than people realise. We talk about: ✨ Building a business from an idea during lockdown ✨ Launching a platform with 50 businesses in just six weeks ✨ Growing The Cotswold Collective to nearly 500 local brands ✨ Why community matters more than ever ✨ Supporting local businesses in a meaningful way ✨ Creating an app that helps people discover hidden gems across the Cotswolds ✨ Building partnerships and corporate memberships ✨ The realities of entrepreneurship and wearing multiple hats ✨ Balancing business ownership with raising a young family ✨ Why community-led businesses are so powerful ✨ The importance of connection, collaboration and belonging This episode is a brilliant listen for anyone building a business, growing a community, or looking for inspiration on how a simple idea can evolve into something that genuinely makes a difference. Guest: Sarah O'Neill Founder of The Cotswold Collective Instagram: @cotswold.collective 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.

    30 min
  3. The Hidden Power of Visualisation in Architecture & Design | Helga Heins

    Jun 11

    The Hidden Power of Visualisation in Architecture & Design | Helga Heins

    In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Helga Heins, founder of Insight Studio 3D, to talk about architecture, visualisation, moving countries, and what it really takes to build a creative business from the ground up. Originally from Colombia, Helga shares her journey from studying and working in architecture alongside her father, to relocating to the UK and navigating an entirely new industry, different regulations, a new language, and eventually taking the leap into self-employment. With a passion for design and 3D visualisation, Helga now helps architects, interior designers, and property developers bring projects to life before they're even built. But this conversation goes far beyond beautiful images. We talk about: ✨ Moving to the UK and rebuilding your career from scratch ✨ The realities of working in a male-dominated industry ✨ Why 3D visualisation is more than just a "pretty picture" ✨ How visualisation can save time, money and costly mistakes ✨ The impact of AI on creative industries ✨ Going from full-time employment to self-employment ✨ The challenges of finding clients and building confidence ✨ The importance of networking and finding your community ✨ Managing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship ✨ Learning to believe in yourself before anyone else does This episode is an honest conversation about resilience, creativity, and having the courage to pursue the life you want, even when it means stepping into the unknown. Whether you're thinking about starting your own business, navigating a career change, or simply curious about the world of architecture and visualisation, Helga's story is a reminder that growth often begins just outside your comfort zone. Guest: Helga Heins Founder of Insight Studio 3D Instagram: @insightstudio3d LinkedIn: Helga Heins Producer: @NozzleMedia 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.

    28 min
  4. From Corporate Life to Two Businesses | Claudia Bosin on Spotting Opportunities, Taking Risks & Building Brands People Love

    Jun 4

    From Corporate Life to Two Businesses | Claudia Bosin on Spotting Opportunities, Taking Risks & Building Brands People Love

    In this episode of the Built By Her Podcast, Georgie sits down with Claudia Bosin, founder of LNO Piercing Studio and co-founder of SoFetch, to talk about entrepreneurship, building multiple businesses, and the realities of creating brands from the ground up. After leaving the corporate world, Claudia spotted a gap in the market for a dedicated piercing studio in Cheltenham and taught herself an entirely new skill to make it happen. Fast forward a few years, and she's now running two successful businesses while preparing for her biggest new role yet: becoming a mum. This episode is packed with honest insights into what it really takes to start a business, from trusting your instincts and finding the right premises, to hiring a team, securing funding, and learning everything on the go. We talk about: ✨ Leaving the corporate world to start a business ✨ Teaching yourself a completely new skill ✨ Why trusting your gut matters in business ✨ Building Cheltenham's first dedicated piercing studio ✨ Opening and growing SoFetch dog grooming salon ✨ Spotting gaps in the market and turning ideas into reality ✨ Funding, business plans and approaching banks ✨ Hiring the right people and building a strong team culture ✨ The realities of running multiple businesses at once ✨ Entrepreneurship, freedom and designing your own life ✨ The importance of networking and finding your people ✨ Why research is one of the most valuable tools for any entrepreneur This episode is a brilliant listen for anyone thinking about starting a business, growing an existing one, or wondering whether they should take the leap on an idea they've been sitting on. Guest: Claudia Bozin Founder of LNO Piercing Studio & SoFetch Instagram: @lnopiercing @sofetchchelt Producer: @NozzleMedia 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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.