071 : Nilma Dole-Williams - Ambassadors Wife
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
Discover how diplomatic spouse Nilma Dole-Williams balances her role as an ambassador's wife with her passion for cricket and women's empowerment. Perfect for military spouses, armed forces wives, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses while navigating a mobile lifestyle. Empowering Military Spouses: The InDependent Spouse Podcast Looking for inspiration and support as a military spouse? The InDependent Spouse podcast is your one-stop shop for stories, tips, and a thriving community! Host Jess Sands chats with incredible military spouses achieving amazing things,...
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070 : Amanda Prowse - International Bestselling Author
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
Author Amanda Prowse shares her journey from military life to home ownership, reflecting on the nostalgia and challenges faced during her husband's deployments. After starting her writing career at 40, she uses her experiences to inspire her books, including her newest book, "Swimming to Lundy," which explores grief and community following her brother's death. This is such a brilliant episode and I am so proud to be able to share Amandas story and her wonderful ideas for any aspiring Milspo author. Enjoy this one! It’s fab! Empowering Military Spouses: The InDependent Spouse...
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069 : Jess Sands - Building a Business Around the Juggle of Armed Forces Family Life
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
Emma Gray hosts this very special episode blending business and military life, sharing Jess' journey as a business owner, military spouse, and new mum. Jess Sands founded the Milspo Network CIC in 2018 to support military spouses in business, offering networking, training, and community - but, it's been far from a smooth ride. Get to know Jess and why Milspo exists by listening to this unique episode of The InDependent Spouse podcast. Emma Gray is a widow, mother and solicitor (non-practicing), now helping others as an adulting coach, trainee counsellor and grief expert. Find her here ...
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068 : Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Lieutenant Commander (retired) Susie Hamilton.
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
Jess Sands hosts a podcast on business and military life, aiming to inspire military spouses to become entrepreneurs. In this episode, she interviews Susie, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, who emphasises support for women veterans and bereaved families. The discussion highlights the gap between policymakers and the military community, stressing the importance of speaking up and providing feedback for improving support. Scotland demonstrates political will towards the armed forces, with Jess and Susie hopeful for positive changes and continued support. Empowering Military Spouses:...
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067 : Mia Harrington - Founder Handleys Stitch
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
Handleys Stitch - Mia Harrington, a former Air Force Officer and current RAF wife, is the founder of Handly Stitched Soft Furnishings. Mia's journey from the military to creating curtains, blinds, lampshades, and cushion covers is inspiring, and a must-listen if you're in year one or have an idea for your business. Mia's story exemplifies the potential for post-military career success in entrepreneurship. Thanks to Mia for taking the time to share your story - Jess x Get your FREE business start-up guide HERE - The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give...
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066: Helen Willamson - Financial Planner, Veteran & Milspo
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
Jess Sands, a business owner and military spouse, hosts the InDependent Spouse Podcast, offering support to business-owning military spouses. In a recent episode, she interviewed Helen Williamson, a financial planner and ex-RAF veteran, emphasising the importance of financial planning for military spouses and self-employed individuals. Helen shares her journey of retraining as a financial planner after leaving the Air Force and advocates for more awareness of parental leave policies and flexibility in the military. The episode highlights the impact of military background on career choices and...
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065: Lizzie York - Founder - Cyclical Soul
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
Lizzie York is an RAF wife and business owner who runs Cyclical Soul, an online yoga platform promoting women's well-being. Cyclical Soul focuses on cyclical living and aligning with your hormonal cycle to enhance your overall health and self-care, and this episode is chock full of handy tips to achieve that, even if you feel you have limited time due to the juggle of military life. Lizzie shares her journey from personal struggles to a successful business rooted in self-care and serves as an inspiration for military spouses facing similar challenges. Listen along to why importance of...
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064: Emily Bailey - Founder - Just Tourism
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
I am Jess Sands, and this podcast is where all things business and armed forces life combine to inspire you in your modern military life. Welcome to the InDependent Spouse Podcast. Episode two of series six features Emily, a sustainable tourism consultant, discussing ways to make travel more eco-friendly. Emily is also the sustainability lead for Forces Wives Challenge and advocates for policymakers to support military spouses' careers and focus on sustainability. The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave,...
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063: Susan Bonnar - Founder - The British Craft House
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
I am Jess Sands, and this podcast is where all things business and armed forces life combine to inspire you in your modern military life. Welcome to the InDependent Spouse Podcast. Susan Bonner, a naval veteran and former military spouse, is a successful business owner of the British Craft House. Susan shares her own journey of starting her business and emphasises the importance of community, empowerment, and networking for small business owners. She also highlights the value of free resources and social media platforms for visibility and advertising. The British Craft House...
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062: The podcast is back! Could you be a guest?
The InDependent Spouse Podcast
I am Jess Sands, and this podcast is where all things business and armed forces life combine to inspire you in your modern military life. I'm a business owner, military wife, a new mum living in my Magnolia married quarter, running two successful businesses and creating the most impactful work of my life. But it wasn't always like this. When I first started my business, I was struggling to get started and wrestling with how to achieve my dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. I was desperately seeking inspiration and a network of people who just understood how it really feels to be a...
info_outlineHello you lovely lot, today I am chatting to the fab Nicola from Made with Mud. Nicola has a fascinating story about her business and how social media has both helped and hindered her business in the most dramatic way.
But first, a little mention of the sponsors of this series – the RBL.
After 100 years of supporting the Armed Forces community, the Royal British Legion understands and recognises the challenges faced by serving people and their families. That’s why they’re still here to support us in any way they can. From financial support to housing advice, or just someone to chat to outside of the chain of command or patch, they will continue to fight for us 365 days a year. Head to their website for more information or to get involved in their centenary celebrations www.britishlegion.org.uk
The following interview is a fascinating and open conversation with Nicola, who explains how social media has helped her business, but almost bought her to the point of deleting it all. It’s one of those stories that blew my mind when I spoke to her, and I still can’t quite believe how bad it got for her – but mixed in with that is so much positivity and hope. Thank you to Nicola for sharing such a personal story and helping end this podcast series with your remarkable story.