#92 From Farm Life to Global Brand: Dani Pearce on Building Merry People
Release Date: 11/03/2025
#102: From Passion-Driven Re-Brand to a Brilliant Product: Fliss Newland's 'Sweet' Story
Women's Business
In this episode, I speak to Fliss Newland, powerhouse young founder of Wild Thingz, a fun and innovative lower sugar sweet brand. We discuss her career transition from working with major retail brands like Mondelez to acquiring and rebranding a 40-year-old vegan sweet business - and the untapped opportunity that exists when taking on a business that already exists! Fliss shares her insights on the challenges of growth and letting go of control, the importance of brand over constant innovation, and the practical challenges of starting and scaling a business. We also delve into topics like...
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#101: Being Rich and Rested: The Currency of Transformation with Yinka Ewuola
Women's Business
A must-listen! Prepare for a mind-stretching conversation that will challenge your perspective in the best way, as I talk all things money with Yinka Ewuola, an incredible entrepreneur and thought leader, about her inspiring journey from Goldman Sachs to supporting women in business. We delve into her experiences with workplace adversity, and the cultural influences that shaped her perspectives on money and success. Yinka shares her insights on the critical role of cash flow in sustaining and growing a business, what success actually means for businesses, the impact of good girl conditioning,...
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#100: 100th Episode Special With Reflections From Nicky, interviewed by Imogen Partridge
Women's Business
Welcome to the 100th episode of Women's Business, and in this special edition, I have the spotlight turned on me by my friend and former pod guest Imogen Partridge. We mark this milestone with a deep dive into my personal and professional journey. This episode is packed with insights about launching the podcast, stepping into my personal brand, and creating impactful events like Wilder LIVE. We delve into my evolving approach to confidence, mental health, and the importance of living by our values. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or pondering your next steps, this conversation...
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#99: Powerful Women and The Feminist Lens: A Candid Talk with Sophie Lee
Women's Business
Unapologetic feminists unite in this episode, as I speak to Sophie Lee, a voice and visibility consultant for purpose-driven businesses. Sophie shares her journey from journalism to business journalism in China, and eventually to founding Electric Peach, a decentralised brand agency. We delve into the challenges of personal branding, female empowerment, and the importance of an intersectional feminist lens and how Sophie practises that in her life and business. Sophie also discusses her upcoming book, 'Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women,' and her belief in social justice and...
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#98: Building a Business and a Movement From The Bottom Up with Stripe & Stare founder Katie Lopes
Women's Business
In this episode I speak to Katie Lopes, co-founder of Stripe and Stare, an innovative underwear brand making knickers women really want to wear. Katie shares her early career journey from television to retail, highlighting the importance of confidence and resilience. We delve into the ideation behind Stripe and Stare, focusing on creating underwear for women to feel comfortable and confident in, away from the male gaze. Katie talks about the challenges and successes of breaking into a crowded marketplace, the time it took to research and launch the product properly (a lesson in things taking...
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#97: From Hustle To Harmony and Finding (and Defining) Wholeness with Dr Mandy Lehto
Women's Business
In this episode I speak to Dr. Mandy Lehto, a coach, writer, speaker, and podcaster who helps driven leaders and overachievers slow down and redefine success. I loved this conversation and felt like I needed to make notes and listen back repeatedly! We delve into Mandy’s fascinating journey from growing up on a farm with a strong work ethic to her career in investment banking, where the constant hustle led to eventual burnout. We cover topics including the myth of 'more,' the significance of rest, and the pursuit of true purpose. We are really challenging definitions of certain concepts and...
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#96: When Rejection Leads to Success: A Creative's Journey with Katie Chappell
Women's Business
In this episode, I speak to Katie Chappell, a talented illustrator specialising in live event illustration and co-founder of The Good Ship Illustration. We discuss her early experiences with work and the first rejection thst left her reeling and questioning her path, and then her journey back to creativity, and her fascinating career path. Katie shares her innovative approach to handling rejection through a 'no thank yous' challenge, which not only desensitised her to rejection but also helped her create a pricing mindset that has transformed her business. We delve into those pricing...
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#95 Good Girl Economics Explored: Pricing, Perception, and Profit for Female Founders
Women's Business
In this special episode of Women's Business, I speak to Leila Ainge, my brilliant co-conspirator in our recent research project 'Good Girl Economics: The Price of Playing Nice.' This conversation is a review of our research: why do it, why now, the trends we discovered, and what we've both learned and will be implementing off the back of this research - particularly around pricing and perception. Join us as we uncover why women find it challenging to discuss profit, the impact of internalised misogyny, and how we can shift our mindset to embrace sustainable success. Leila's background in...
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#94 Women's Wellness and Work-Life Balance: Insights from writer and cancer survivor Rosamund Dean
Women's Business
In this week's episode I speak to Rosamund Dean, a journalist, author, and writer of the Substack 'Well, Well, Well.' Rosamund shares her journey from her early career as an entertainment journalist to navigating the overwhelm of the wellness industry following her breast cancer diagnosis and recovery. We discuss how her definition of success has changed, the pressures of motherhood, and the future-proofing of her body post-cancer. Rosamund also talks about her transition to freelance work, the joys and challenges of the Substack platform, and the importance of maintaining a healthful balance...
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#93: Knee Deep In Life, Healing and Humour with Laura Belbin
Women's Business
In this episode I speak to the inimitable Laura Belbin, better known as Knee Deep in Life on Instagram. Laura is an author, podcaster, and standup comedian who has used comedy to find light in the darkest of times. This conversation covers it all - from her early career experiences, her journey through therapy, dealing with childhood trauma, and how she discovered her true calling in comedy and completely reimagined and restarted her life. Laura shares the impact of her viral moments online, the challenges of being an influencer, and how she balances humor with raw honesty. This is an...
info_outlineIn this episode I speak to Dani Pearce, founder of the globally successful footwear brand Merry People. We start with Dani's early memories of farm life in Australia, her journey through various jobs, and the idea she had that led to her launching her brand. Dani shares how she navigated her company's growth, including securing her first factory in China, selling at farmer's markets, and transitioning to e-commerce. We also delve deep into her personal life, discussing the impact of motherhood on her career, her husband becoming the primary caregiver for their kids, and the importance of maintaining kindness and authenticity as a leader. Tune in for a candid conversation about resilience, growth, and staying true to oneself in business.
Find Merry People online here
Find Merry People on Instagram here
Join the conversation with me on Instagram here
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This episode is supported by April & White, a brand built on a passion to fuel the imagination of children everywhere, not least with their beautiful bespoke letters from Father Christmas for your little ones.
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Alongside her letters from Santa Sonia has a glorious selection of stocking fillers to make your kids’ Christmas even more special, from beautifully boxed reindeer food to North Pole chocolate pennies and reindeer bells and even a magical memory journal to capture the sparkle and wonder of their Christmas.
Order your letters from father Christmas by 5th December to be sure to receive them in time for the big day, and check out aprilandwhite.co.uk to shop now. Magic awaits.
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