How To Start Up by FF&M

Juliet Fallowfield
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How To Start Up by FF&M

How To Start Up: hear what to do now, next or never when starting & scaling a business. Subscribe to hear more great advice from successful entrepreneurs & receive invitations to our podcast events.  Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of B Corp Certified PR, communications & podcast production consultancy Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement & reassurance when building your business.We cover everything from founder health, to how to write a pitch deck… to what to consider when recruiting & how to manage the rollercoaster. For exclusive listener events:  Email me via hello@fallowfieldmason.comFollow us on Instagram @fallowfieldmason Guest submissions are welcome via www.fallowfieldmason.com 

  1. 11H AGO

    Emma & Kenny I Hip Pop: How to disrupt the soft drinks sector

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by Emma and Kenny, the co-founders of HipPop — a gut-friendly drinks brand that’s shaking up the soft drinks aisle. While many might have pigeonholed their product as just kombucha, Emma and Kenny have taken a bold and intentional route: positioning HipPop as a go-to soft drinks brand, not a wellness niche. We talk about what it takes to enter a new market, how branding beyond a product category can be a superpower, and why really listening to your customer is key. From humble beginnings in a farmhouse to securing shelf space in major retailers, their story is packed with practical insight for anyone launching into a crowded space. Emma & Kenny's advice: Test your products locally, in small independent businessesPublicise your ingredients and the provenance of the productTry to work within a representative area of the UKLook for a gap in the marketIf you have a personal reason for setting up the brand, people will love to hear itAfter rigorous testing, and building a local reputation, move on to website and Facebook marketingGradually approach bigger retailers (you will have to be dogged - and original - in pursuing buyers)When you scale, bring in people to cover the skills you don’t haveAs you expand distribution, it’s important to build relationships with the new people you are dealing with; go slowly and patiently FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

    38 min

  2. MAY 6

    Lucie Macleod | How to sell through viral social media: The Hair Syrup story

    Welcome to How To Start Up, the podcast for anyone looking to start & scale their own business. I'm Juliet Fallowfield & today we’re discussing viral marketing with Lucie Macleod, founder of the TikTok sensation, Hair Syrup. Founded in 2020 with no prior entrepreneurial experience, Lucie combined her understanding of consumer behavior with social media creativity, to turn a handmade hair oil into THE beauty must-have with over 350,000 engaged TikTok followers & rapid, 1,000% year-on-year growth.  After an appearance on BBC Dragon’s Den, the brand is now on track to hit £6.5 million in revenue by 2026. To hear our next guest’s answer to Lucie’s question at the end of this ep, just click follow in your podcast directory of choice & you’ll receive a notification from us when it is ready for you to listen.  Lucie's advice: Don’t invest hugely to begin with; start cautiouslyDon’t build on ‘pinterest appeal’ with pretty packaging; functionality is what countsBelieve in your productStick at it when things get difficult; be doggedTiktok can be good if you strike luckyBe very careful spending on advertising as you can lose a lot of money if you’re badly advisedAlso be very careful about the people you surround yourself with; if you wouldn’t be happy with a particular person being in your house, then don’t employ them in your businessTrust trumps skillLearn to step away from your business and fully relaxFF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

    41 min

  3. APR 22

    David Abrahamovitch | Grind: How to build a DTC brand

    Building a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand offers an incredible opportunity to connect with customers and foster long-term brand loyalty. But while the rewards can be significant, so too are the challenges and barriers to entry. That’s why I wanted to speak with someone who has successfully navigated this journey for our season focus on sales. From modest beginnings in a Shoreditch coffee shop in 2011, David Abrahamovitch has built Grind into one of the UK’s leading DTC coffee brands. Having built a hugely loyal customer base, it’s estimated a Grind coffee is enjoyed every 2.8 seconds in the UK. David’s business has also grown through partnerships with the likes of British Airways & Soho House.  Keep listening to hear David’s advice on how to build a DTC brand & how to leverage community-building to generate sales.  David’s advice: Accept that everything is sales; sell to yourself constantlyWith every small sale you are building a following and a brandPitching your product should not worry you; you know more than anyone else about it, so you have nothing to fearAlways know your numbers; but also tell the story of the history of the brand, and your plans for its futureBe optimistic - but not delusional!DTC is more work in that you have to have a website / attract people to that website / and  deal with the packaging and the postingWhereas  selling through a retailer you only need to advertise the productBUT DTC gives you access to customers’ data and allows you to build a relationship with themSo selling through both the above is perhaps optimalAdvertising is essential for DTC selling - Facebook / Instagram / email / tube car panels are all useful; expect to spend up to 30% of revenue on marketing which will be a constant burdenRetaining customers is everything; the product must be a good oneIf customers unsubscribe, find out why so that you can fix the problemUse AI to help with small repetitive edits, not to replace people, just to speed up what they doIn order to attract young talent, create a culture that they will understand and like; always be thoughtful with your team and make sure they understand their job, their position and the company missionFF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

    38 min

  4. APR 8

    Laura Harnett | Seep: How to make sales sustainably

    PWC reports that over 80% of consumers are willing to pay higher prices for sustainably produced goods so environmental responsibility is clearly a lucrative business as well as being the right thing to do.  Laura Harnett is the Founder of Seep, the only B Corp-certified, plastic-free cleaning tool brand in Europe. Having raised a £50,000 Dragons’ Den investment from Trinny Woodall & Deborah Meaden, Laura & her team are on a mission to stop 1 billion plastic cleaning tools from entering landfill by 2030.   Keep listening to hear Laura’s advice on learning how to sell as a first-time founder & how to make your sales process as sustainable as possible.  Laura's advice: As a challenger brand, having spotted a gap in the market you will need to ensure you are confident about your supply chain, packaging, etc. before you approach retailersSelling direct to customers via a website is a great way to gain approval / test - and perfect - your product / do some market research When iterating products, try them out with your direct customersThe evidence of your DTC sales enables you to approach big retailers with confidenceTarget your marketing emails carefully and thoughtfullyPersevere with this; it can take timeFacebook and Instagram ads are helpfulYou will find other founders provide you with advice and supportFF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

    33 min

  5. MAR 25

    Guy Blaskey: How to scale smart, lessons from a £30M exit

    Starting a business is a huge effort, but scaling it to new heights takes a great deal of skill. So, I wanted to hear from a serial founder who has not only grown and scaled a multi-million-pound business, but also decided to start from scratch and do it again. Guy Blaskey founded healthy pet food business Pooch & Mutt in 2007. Having scaled it to £30 million in sales, he sold the business in 2023 for £11.5 million. Since then, Guy has founded Detrash to upcycle waste products into high quality watches.   Keep listening to hear Guy’s advice on what he learnt about a sales strategy, selling a business & why laying the operational foundations is one of the most important things you can do.  Guy’s advice:  Think about how you can do things differentlyDon’t spend too long on your business plan; get going and make a plan afterwardsIf you need a retailer, remember it’s less about the product (and less about you) and more about what makes your buyer’s life easy: filling a gap in their range, price point etc.  Think about themAlways think about your customer and how you can help them achieve a resultIt takes time and rigour - and some failures - to get everything right and become a strong businessYou need a strong understanding of the finances; it’s not just about the brandBudget properly; predict sales and follow throughDon’t overfund early on; if you start small you can track the money and see what works and what doesn’tProduce the product and get going with a small budget before considering looking for VCMarketing and distribution channels are quite as important as the productWork on your business rather than in your business; in other words, delegate the knowablesFF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason. FF&M recommends:   Buzzsprout for directory listing Zencastr for recording remotely  MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

    47 min

  6. MAR 11

    Kinga Wilewska | MUJO: How to bring a product to market

    When it comes to bringing a product to market, there are lots of aspects to consider before it reaches the shelves.  To learn more, I wanted to hear from someone who has successfully launched products to market. Kinga Wilewska is the Founder & CEO of MUJO, the adaptogenic coffee alternative packed with vital nutrients. Having watched her dad lose his fight against cancer, Kinga developed a keen interest in adaptogens & set out to bring truly transformational products to market.  Keep listening to hear Kinga’s advice on sourcing feedback on your products & how to begin making sales.  Kinga's advice: Always pay attention to costsSpend time sourcing ingredients carefullyResearch your market thoroughly and understand where the gaps areSpeak to strangers about what propels them to buy / what are their priorities / what packaging appeals to themPay continual attention to feedbackCommunicate with your buyers; see your product as a service for themRefine your pitch and your website to suit your marketYour brand needs to inspire trust and exude authorityAlways put quality over quantityBelieve absolutely in your product yourselfBe disciplined and honest with yourself (eg when you need help)Use Facebook to advertise - rather than use an agency (this can minimise spend and maximise reach)Minimise risks for first time buyers: guarantee them money back and absorb the shipping costs yourselfAlways be ready to learn some new way of reaching your marketFF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

    35 min

  7. FEB 25

    Lucy Goff | LYMA: How to find clients & generate loyalty

    As any founder needs to conquer their fear of sales I wanted to interview a founder who rapidly grew a new sector.  After overcoming chronic illness, Founder of LYMA, Lucy Goff, set out to redefine the wellness landscape and share her learnings. Since launching in 2017, LYMA has been at the forefront of science-driven wellness & health optimisation securing listings with Harrods & Harvey Nichols with its truly transformational & effective supplements.  Keep listening to hear Lucy’s advice on acquiring & retaining clients & what to consider when developing a loyalty programme.  Lucy’s advice: If you want to stand out, look differentSurprise peopleRemember everything is aiming towards a salePlan your PR stories in advance of the launch; that way you reduce any riskThe product will stand on its own; but the brand storytelling is what will set you apartThink about how your brand will resonate with customers and stand out in the marketplaceListen to your customers and engage with them; their feedback will be crucial Customers won’t always want what you want to give themAny loyalty scheme should be designed around the product you are sellingA loyalty scheme should also repay the length of time your customers have stayed with youOn a personal level, eliminate fear and don’t listen to your subconscious! FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

    32 min

  8. FEB 11

    Thea Green MBE, Nails.INC: How to generate sales overseas

    How to generate sales overseas? With only 11.9% of UK SMEs exporting their goods & services internationally, more support is needed to help businesses scale overseas. So, I wanted to hear from a founder who has generated millions in international sales.  Thea Green MBE founded Nails.INC in 1999 at the age of 23 & has since revolutionised the UK nail care industry with her polishes & treatments. In 2013, Nails.INC was awarded a Queen's Award for Enterprise for international trade & today exports to over 20 countries.  Keep listening to hear Thea’s advice on how to get started with sales and then how to conquer exporting. Thea’s advice:  Concentrate on the customers’ needsEnjoy working out what the next trend will beHave good PR when starting upFind the new angleIf you believe in it, you will be able to sell itKeep your standards highIt’s easier to sell when there’s a story to personalise the product and make it relevantListen to the customer and solve their problemsExcite the customerEngage with the customer and listen to themIt’s essential to employ good sales peopleRenew your enthusiasm by concentrating on the aspects of the business you enjoyIt’s helpful to consider your budget over the long termSales will be transformed when you become a brand; and when you do your first business overseasFF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2023 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.  Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.  FF&M recommends:  LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.Google Workspace is brilliant for small businessesBuzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directoryCanva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &  Licence Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail Support the show

    35 min
See All (130)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

How To Start Up: hear what to do now, next or never when starting & scaling a business. Subscribe to hear more great advice from successful entrepreneurs & receive invitations to our podcast events.  Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of B Corp Certified PR, communications & podcast production consultancy Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement & reassurance when building your business.We cover everything from founder health, to how to write a pitch deck… to what to consider when recruiting & how to manage the rollercoaster. For exclusive listener events:  Email me via hello@fallowfieldmason.comFollow us on Instagram @fallowfieldmason Guest submissions are welcome via www.fallowfieldmason.com 

Information

  • Creator
    Juliet Fallowfield
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 How To Start Up by FF&M
  • Show Website
    How To Start Up by FF&M

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