079 : Felicity Mercer – From Political Life to Award-Winning Business Owner

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse podcast! In this particularly exciting episode, Jess Sands sits down with the brilliant Felicity Mercer, wife to Johnny Mercer, who has navigated the unique challenges of armed forces life, the intense world of politics, and is now an award-winning business owner. 

We cover it all, from meeting Johnny Mercer (MP and former Minister for State for Veterans Affairs) as children, reconnecting as adults when he was serving in Afghanistan, to supporting him through a whirlwind political career. Felicity shares candid insights into the realities of being a political wife – far from glamorous – including dealing with public scrutiny, death threats, and the toll it takes on family life. 

She discusses the unexpected pivot from supporting her husband's public service to launching her own successful business, The Dress Barn, just six months ago. Discover how she's found pure joy in her new venture, applying years of experience to create a welcoming space for her clients, and even inspiring her own daughters to get involved.

Felicity offers powerful advice for anyone in the military community looking to transition and start something new: "Don't overthink it. Just go for it!" 

This episode is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and finding your own path amidst the extraordinary demands of military and political life.

Key Takeaways:

• The Unseen Side of Public Life: Felicity offers a raw and honest look at the lack of glamour and the intense public hatred and threats that can come with being a political spouse.

• Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Despite the difficulties of military and political life, Felicity emphasizes the importance of laughter and finding humor in tough situations.

• Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship: Learn how Felicity channelled her experiences and a small investment into a thriving and joyful business that empowers other women.

• The Power of "Don't Overthink It": Felicity's core advice for military spouses considering a new venture is to overcome self-doubt, have a plan, and back yourself.

• Inspiring the Next Generation: Felicity shares how her business journey is influencing her daughters, teaching them about hard work, independence, and the joy of helping others.
  
  

The Dress Barn: Felicity Mercer's award-winning business, located near the Devon/Cornwall border - https://dress-barn.co.uk/

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Business Launch Accelerator course! This fully funded, 8-week online course covers everything you need to know about entrepreneurship as a military spouse or partner. It's available for any partner or spouse of serving regular or reservist armed forces personnel and is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Ministry of Defence. 

Learn more and sign up at milspo.co.uk/course. The course starts in September, and applications are open NOW!