Start Scale Succeed

Nicole Higgins
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Want to start, scale and succeed in your product business? Buying & retail expert Nicole Higgins spent the last 18 years working for companies such as Primark, M&S, Debenhams and Asda, building strategies for blue chip businesses, and increasing bottom line sales and profit. In this weekly business podcast, Nicole is here to empower you to "start, scale and succeed" by providing you with inspiration, motivation and insight from entrepreneurs and experts to help you in the retail industry. This podcast includes tips, tactics and conversations that you can learn from and implement into your own business, from start up entrepreneurs that have just launched to multi million pound businesses. With tips from experts and how to’s to help your business grow to enable you to live the life you crave. From side hustle to stock market and everything in between. Start listening and subscribe now

  1. 07/17/2025

    Ep 195 Scaling A Global Beauty And Wellness Brand, How Popmask grew 500% in one year

    On this episode of Start Scale Succeed, Nicole chats with Louisa Booth, the inspiring founder behind Pop Mask and Blushing LA. Louisa shares her entrepreneurial journey from investment banking to bootstrapping and building a global beauty and wellness brand, now found in over 35,000 retail doors worldwide—including CVS, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Superdrug, and Boots. Nicole and Louisa chat about: The story behind Louisa’s first product, Pop Band (the hair ties that don’t damage hair), and her accidental pivot into the US market. How Louisa grew Pop Mask into a brand that brings joy and innovation to everyday essentials—from sleep masks to femcare solutions. The logistics of scaling internationally: cracking the US market, dealing with retail red tape, vendor setups, and surviving cash flow challenges. The reality of copycat competitors and how Louisa kept innovating and moving forward. Product development inspiration—how her own family’s needs and feedback from a multigenerational team drive new ideas. Navigating tariffs, Trump policies, and the need for dogged focus on margins  The shift to showing up as the face of the brand and connecting with customers on a relatable, human level. The rollercoaster of founder life: bootstrapping, remortgaging, 18-hour days, pinch-me moments, and finally seeing her products in major UK retailers. Louisa’s best advice for founders at every stage: trust your instincts, scrutinize every penny spent, focus on margins, and remember—there are no shortcuts in scaling a product business. https://www.instagram.com/lovethepopmask/ https://popmasklondon.com/ https://blushingla.com/en-gb Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

    1h 27m

  2. 07/03/2025

    Ep 194 Ways To Use AI In Your Product Business With Dean Johnston

    In this value-packed episode, Nicole Higgins sits down with Dean Johnson—AI consultant, and experienced product business founder—to dive into the game-changing ways artificial intelligence is transforming product businesses.  Whether you're a founder at the start of your journey or running an established e-commerce brand, you’ll learn actionable strategies for using AI to streamline operations, save time, and scale efficiently without losing that crucial human connection. Highlights include  Smart ways to use AI for inventory forecasting, automating reporting, customer service, and content creation The strengths of custom ChatGPTs for more intuitive, tailored results Workflow automation using tools like Make.com   Integrating AI with Shopify  Leveraging AI while maintaining authenticity and personal connection with your customers Practical steps to map your business workflows and identify automation opportunities Using AI for deep trend research and actionable business insights Key Takeaways: Start by mapping your business workflows to identify where AI and automation will help the most. Focus on repetitive, data-heavy tasks—freeing yourself and your team to focus on creativity and customer relationships. ChatGPT’s custom GPT feature is a powerful way to make business analysis fast and personalized. Trend research and strategic planning can be augmented with AI,  Links  https://www.gorgias.com/ https://www.make.com/en https://n8n.io/ai/ Guest Dean Johnston https://aiefficiencyhubb.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deanjohnstonai https://www.tiktok.com/@deanjohnstonai https://form.typeform.com/to/izHind8W Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

    26 min

  3. 06/26/2025

    EP 193 Launching with Intention: Moonbow’s Journey from Idea to Indie Brand with founders Heather & Dr Felice Chan

    When should I start talking about my brand on socials? How soon should I build a community?  These are questions I'm often asked by brands that are starting and in EP 193 I'm chatting with Heather Chan co-founder of new brand Moonbow (where Traditional Chinese Medicine meets modern skincare) The brand launched in March 2025 and the founders Heather & Dr. Felice Chan have been building the brand in public for the last 18 months.  . In this episode Heather shares her insights into  Building a skincare brand from scratch Importance of founder visibility on social media and how to get comfortable with it. Market research and identifying white space Funding and financial planning for startups Leveraging education in brand marketing Using micro influencers to grow the brand Challenges and learnings from launch phase Strategic product and retail growth decisions #traditionalchinesemedicine #heatherchan #felicechan #startscalesucceed #businesspodcast #skincarefounderstory #podcast https://moonbowskin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/moonbow_skin/https://www.instagram.com/_heatherjchan_/ Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

    45 min

  4. 06/26/2025

    Ep 192 The Easy Way To Launch Into The US Market With Lauren Orlicky

    Welcome to another episode of the Start Scale Succeed podcast with your host, Nicole Higgins, the Buyer and Retail Coach. In this episode, Nicole is joined by Lauren Orlicky , co-founder of US Launchpad about the practicalities of launching your brand in the United States and how to do it the Easy Way Episode Highlights: - The Story Behind US LaunchpadLauren shares how her own e-commerce challenges inspired her to create US Launchpad—a company dedicated to helping brands expand into the US market without the overwhelming red tape of officially setting up a US entity. - Navigating the US Market as an International SellerLearn about the “international seller” route, a cost-effective and stress-free way to test your brand in the States, requiring only a US EIN (tax number) and a US dollar account—no US bank visits or 54 forms! - Sales Tax SimplifiedLauren breaks down how sales tax works for international sellers in the US, including navigating threshold laws (known as “nexus”), using tools like TaxJar on Shopify, and the surprisingly simple admin required. - What Products Are Flying Off Shelves in the US?Discover which UK/EU brands and product categories are resonating with American consumers— - Why Brand Messaging MattersNicole and Lauren discuss the importance of adapting your brand voice and marketing—Americans love “extra cheese,” and what feels salesy in the UK can truly resonate in the US. - Compliance, Packaging, and InsuranceIf you’re a food or beauty brand, find out what it takes to meet US compliance, the difference between cosmetic and drug labeling, and how Lauren’s team helps with the complicated world of US product liability insurance. - The Realistic Path to Success in the USLauren shares honest advice about managing expectations—most brands see true traction in the US after consistent effort for 10 to 12 months. Plus, why starting small, testing, and scaling are the keys to sustainable growth. - Fulfillment and Logistics Made EasyUS Launchpad provides hands-on, end-to-end support with warehousing, shipping, and even connecting you with US retail buyers—no minimum order volumes needed for US and Europe.  https://uslaunchpad.co.uk https://www.uslaunchpad.co.uk/usplaybook http://linkedin.com/in/lauren-orlicky-78118b292 Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

    40 min
  5. Ep 191 The Path To Profit with Petite Fashion Brand The Shortlist founder Laura Derricourt

    06/12/2025

    Ep 191 The Path To Profit with Petite Fashion Brand The Shortlist founder Laura Derricourt

    In this weeks episode, Nicole brings back Laura, founder of The Shortlist—a premium petite fashion brand—for her third appearance on the podcast. Having followed Laura’s journey from launch to becoming a profitable business, Nicole dives deep into the milestones, challenges, and evolutionary steps that have shaped The Shortlist over the past four years. Listen in as Laura shares candid insights about manufacturing setbacks, profitability milestones, the realities of staying lean as a solo founder, and building a loyal community. She also offers hands-on advice for fellow product business entrepreneurs about trusting your instincts, the value of data, and mastering the art of the slow, steady build.  Some of the key topics they talk about are  The Journey from Launch to Profitability Laura discusses how her initial collections operated at a loss, the strategic decision to move manufacturing from the UK to Poland (and later to other countries), and achieving net profit covering her business’s long-term costs. Pricing Strategy  Why Laura reduced her price points (nearly 50% from original levels) and how that played into her brand’s position  Building Community & Brand Loyalty How sharing behind-the-scenes content, leveraging customer stories, and collaborating with diverse content creators have elevated The Shortlist’s brand and broadened its appeal. https://www.instagram.com/theshortlistshop/ https://theshortlistshop.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraderricourt-theshortlist/ Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.  At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

    33 min
  6. Ep 190 Is PR over with journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara Live episode from Top Drawer

    05/30/2025

    Ep 190 Is PR over with journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara Live episode from Top Drawer

    Is conventional PR over?  In this weeks episode of start scale succeed we are live from the retail revealed stage of the  Top Drawer Trade Fair    I’m joined by Journalist and communications expert Priscilla Pollara and here are some of the key areas we chat about  How PR has evolved (and what actually matters now)Storytelling that connects—and convertsWhere to focus your PR efforts for real visibilityMistakes to avoid (and how to nail those press pitches) Guest Priscilla Pollara  https://www.instagram.com/priscillacomms/ https://toptrick.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-pollara-18802378/ Priscilla looks at every project with a journalist's eye and can help clients with all aspects of their PR and comms needs. Priscilla is the founder of Top Trick, which  is the culmination of years spent in communications and journalism that leaves her quick-thinking, full of ideas, ultra-connected and able to speak the language that each side needs to hear in order to get things moving.  Today, she is relied upon to deliver reputation management for large firms, PR for businesses that can include interior designers, artists, schools, accountants, among many others, and helps everyone find the right kind of PR for them, big, small, independent, new or otherwise. Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

    37 min
  7. Ep 189 Crafting tone of voice that sells and inspires with Katie Ramsingh - The Fashion Copywriter

    05/22/2025

    Ep 189 Crafting tone of voice that sells and inspires with Katie Ramsingh - The Fashion Copywriter

    Nicole sits down with expert fashion copywriter Katie Ramsingh to dive deep into the art and strategy of creating compelling copy and developing a distinctive tone of voice for your brand. With over 10 years’ experience writing for brands like Louis Vuitton, John Lewis, and Farfetch, Katie shares practical advice for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. From defining the difference between brand voice and tone of voice, finding inspiration outside your industry, leveraging customer language, and incorporating SEO and AI tools, Katie provides a expert tips and advice to  help you connect, stand out, and drive sales. Key Topics & Takeaways What is Tone of Voice, and Why Does it Matter?Katie explains how your brand's tone of voice is the backbone of how you communicate with your customers and present your unique personality. Defining & Refining Your Brand VoiceLearn how to use competitor research, customer reviews, and even Reddit forums to zero in on the language your ideal audience uses and what resonates with them. Brand Voice vs. Tone of VoiceKatie clarifies the distinction: your brand voice is your core personality, while your tone adapts based on context and channel. Building a Word Bank & Banned Words ListDiscover why it’s essential to document not just the language you’ll use, but also the words and phrases to avoid for authenticity and consistency. Sourcing Inspiration Beyond Your CompetitorsBe inspired by everything from billboards to shampoo bottles — and learn how to borrow elements to create a voice that’s fresh and relatable. Utilizing AI as a Creative PartnerKatie shares how AI can help clarify briefs and spark copywriting ideas, but shouldn’t do the heavy lifting for your final customer-facing content.y. When to Invest in Professional CopywritingIdeally, before launch, but it’s never too late to redefine your tone of voice and let it influence every element of your messaging—from website to product descriptions. SEO & AI Optimization mustsGet tips on integrating keyword strategy for search engines and AI, avoiding duplicate content, and making each product description unique to boost discoverability and sales.   Guest  Katie Ramsingh - The Fashion Copywriter https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieramsingh/https://www.katieramsingh.com/   Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

    24 min
  8. Ep 188 Turning Personal Frustration Into a Thriving Skincare Brand: Katy Cottam Founder Luna Daily

    05/15/2025

    Ep 188 Turning Personal Frustration Into a Thriving Skincare Brand: Katy Cottam Founder Luna Daily

    On this episode of Start Scale Succeed,Nicole Higgins sits down with Katy Cottam, the founder of Luna Daily—a body care brand redefining skincare for women at every age and life stage. Katy opens up about her journey from a personal struggle with thrush and sensitive skin to launching and  leading a fast-growing brand with retail partnerships at places like Boots, Sephora, and M&S, just three years after launching.  She shares behind-the-scenes stories about breaking taboos, securing major retail deals, and her passion for changing conversations around women’s health.  Katie also gets candid about what it takes to scale, the importance of building the right team, how authentic influencer relationships powered Luna Daily’s viral moments, and her commitment to fostering a healthy work culture. Whether you’re launching your own brand or looking for real-world advice on business growth, Katy brings valuable tips, hard-won lessons, and true inspiration.  Katy shares her founder story from the initial investment plan to get the business off the ground to launching in  M&S, Sephora and Boots in a record 3 years after Launch.  We chat about  Her funding and investment journey  How she is using influencers to help with the growth of the brand.  Innovation and Product development - focus on improving core products, and continuous innovation on where the gaps are in the industry but still staying true to their core values and mission.  The Retail partnership with Sephora and launching in the US  and how that partnership  came about.  Why she chose omni channel right from the beginning and how she secured deals with M&S and Boots and how they are building on those partnerships.  Growing the team and her first hires in the business  Company culture and living her brand values.  Her defining moments so far with the brand and what's next for the business. Guest Katy Cottam  Founder Luna Daily  https://www.instagram.com/luna_daily_official/ https://luna-daily.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katycottam/ Host Nicole Higgins  The Buyer and retail coach  Nicole Higgins Links  https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/   https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor  Neon Digital Clicks  Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.   Neon’s new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand’s true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of.   Over the course of 60 days, Neon’s expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition.    At the end of the Runway period, they’ll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth.   If you’re ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/

    47 min
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Want to start, scale and succeed in your product business? Buying & retail expert Nicole Higgins spent the last 18 years working for companies such as Primark, M&S, Debenhams and Asda, building strategies for blue chip businesses, and increasing bottom line sales and profit. In this weekly business podcast, Nicole is here to empower you to "start, scale and succeed" by providing you with inspiration, motivation and insight from entrepreneurs and experts to help you in the retail industry. This podcast includes tips, tactics and conversations that you can learn from and implement into your own business, from start up entrepreneurs that have just launched to multi million pound businesses. With tips from experts and how to’s to help your business grow to enable you to live the life you crave. From side hustle to stock market and everything in between. Start listening and subscribe now

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Higgins
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    196
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nicole Higgins
  • Show Website
    Start Scale Succeed