Welcome back to my next instalment of The Business Diaries! It’s a real pleasure to introduce you to Libby, the Founder of Lib’s Aromatherapy. Creator of ridiculously gorgeous natural aromatherapy products, Libby hand-crafts each and every item with carefully considered ingredients and pure essential oils, filling homes with feel-good fragrances. Keep scrolling to find out more about how Libby got to where she is today…

The Co-Working Club is a supportive community for female business owners, freelancers and remote workers who want to work FOR themselves not BY themselves. From inspirational meet-ups and events, to a motivational weekly podcast, to a handy monthly newsletter, The Co-Working Club aims to bring together like-minded women seeking support and collaboration in their work. It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Founder, Jessica Berry, to the blog today so you can find out a little more about the story behind The Co-Working Club…

Claire Morris is a Luxury Wedding Photographer based in Paris and London, offering couples timeless and modern photography for their love story. It was a pleasure to chat with Claire about her business story and how she has carved a reputation within the industry as one of the most sought-after suppliers. Her interview is jam-packed with straight-talking advice (avoid burn-out people!), helpful tips and inspiring words. I invite you to keep scrolling to find out exactly what goes on in the life of a Luxury Wedding Photographer and to discover how Claire got where she is today - which involves a move to Paris, meeting the love of her life and understanding the importance of community. Enjoy folks!

Monday has rolled back around again but I'm giving those dreaded Monday blues the boot thanks to the team at Nathalie Bond. This small but tight-knit family-run company are renowned for making organic and cruelty-free skincare and soap - all of which has been lovingly handcrafted. When Nat was pregnant with her first child, she discovered that many skincare products and candles contained concoctions of synthetic chemicals, so she became more careful about what she put onto her skin. They started making skincare products on our kitchen table using only clean and safe natural ingredients. Their plant-based formulas are designed to deliver deep skin nourishment and every product is gentle and pure; everyday luxuries that don't cost the earth. Keep scrolling to read more about the story behind Nathalie Bond...

I am BEYOND chuffed to end the working week with my latest guest to feature on The Business Diaries. Say hello to Lisa Johnson! A little bit of background - I actually used to work with Lisa back in 2016 when she was directing her wedding planning business. She was one of my very first clients and kindly had faith in me to write her blogs - which just goes to show Lisa's support, belief and encouragement.

Fast-forward a few years and Lisa is now a multi seven-figure business strategist who. makes 90% of her money through passive or semi- passive income streams. In one launch alone during the global pandemic in 2020 she made £1.7m in a week, and then £2.5m in a week only eight months later - earning £1m in the first hour of sales! I couldn't be more pleased to welcome Lisa to the blog today, so please do take a few minutes out of your day to read her story and be utterly inspired.

I’m back with my next guest for The Business Diaries and today, I’m pleased to introduce you to Greta Kenyon, Founder of Together Journal. Based in New Zealand, Together Journal offers a fresh new concept in niche global wedding and lifestyle magazines, celebrating creative and authentic real weddings, celebrations and love from all over the world. Want to find out more about the story behind TJ? Then keep reading…

“Covetable, collectable and current, Together Journal marries the work of the most talented in the trade and the brightest creatives – photographers, writers, designers, stylists and artists – to present a global quarterly print publication like no other.”

Monday has rolled back around and I'm kicking-starting the week with my next instalment of The Business Diaries. It's an absolute pleasure to welcome Sophie, Creative Direcotor of E&W Couture to the blog today. The driving force behind the #BridalRevolution and renowned for breaking bridal stereotypes since 2014 , E&W has shaken up the industry and I can't get enough of it. Their bespoke pieces are designed, developed and manufactured at their city centre workspace in Cardiff. Sophie studied Fashion Designed at Glamorgan University before setting up a vintage clothing and homeware store specialising in vintage gowns and up-cycled day dresses. After launching her first collection in 2014, Sophie has never looked back. I welcome you to keep scrolling and find out exactly how Sophie got E&W where it is today.... Which is with a following of nearly 40K on Instagram, countless collections and a seriously awesome reputation within the bridal industry. Sophie's story is bound to inspire you and her lookbooks are ridiculously gorgeous, so grab your Monday morning cup of caffeine and get reading...

Oooosh it’s been a tough year or so hasn’t it - we’ve heard it, felt it, seen it and experienced it. The pandemic hit us all hard, particularly those within the creative industries who sell products and provide services. But we managed to get through it and rise - which is why I’m here today. I think everyone is still reeling from the impact that COVID-19 had across businesses and a little ‘pick me up’ is perhaps required - an inspirational boost, if you will.

One thing that running a business through a rather unexpected pandemic has shown me is the resilience, determination and sheer passion that business owners possess. The Business Diaries is my brand new blogging series, designed to (re)inspire those who are self-employed - no matter what industry you may be in. The series aims to serve as a reminder of why you started and to give you that gentle nudge to get back into the swing of things. I’ll be chatting with cake creators, jewellery makers, salon owners, venue owners and a variety of different businesses.

However, one thing will remain the same - we may not have been in the same boat, but we were all in the same storm. So I welcome you to share your story with me so that I can tell the world just how brilliant you are! To get us started on the first chapter, I am over the moon to welcome Stacey, Founder of Darwin & Gray to the blog. Over to you Stacey…

Whether you post twice a day or just a few times a week, one of the biggest Instagram challenges is thinking of new content you can post. It’s a fine balance between providing your followers with valuable content that they can relate to and content that is relevant to the current social media trends. As a Social Media Manager for the Luxury Wedding Industry, I’m here to help you along the way if you’ve found yourself in a creative rut. I’m bringing you 14 grid-worthy content ideas that your followers are going to love…

So I’ve taken a little hiatus on the ol’ Lockdown Journals front this week but I’m back on the blog today, and I am super pleased to welcome Adam Crohill of Frank Design to the blog for the next instalment. I was fortunate enough to work with Adam last month on my new logo and I can wholeheartedly recommend his services!

So, a little bit about Adam. He co-founded UK wedding planning resource, Rock My Wedding, back in 2009 - which has since been recognised as “The most influential brand in the wedding industry.” After RMW was sold in 2019, Adam has now set up a new venture and is flying solo!

“2020 changed my perspective on life and I want to keep FRANK small and enjoy a better work / life balance. Small means fewer projects running simultaneously and a focus on the design disciplines I really enjoy. Namely; Brand Strategy, Web design, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and commercial photography.”

Without further ado, Adam it’s over to you…

Friday has once again arrived and I can’t believe we’re almost in April - whaaaaat?! As usual, I’m ending the working week with my latest instalment of the ‘Working from Home - The Journals’ series and today’s guest blogger is SUPER talented. A destination wedding photographer based in Suffolk, Sharon Cudworth captures love stories in the most beautiful locations. Her photography style is relaxed and timeless with a dash of luxury!

I’m over the moon to welcome Sharon to the blog today so that she can talk all about her lockdown experience, as well as what’s in store for the year ahead. Get reading folks…

If you’ve got a sweet tooth (self-confessed sugar addict over here) then you’re going to love my latest guest on the Lockdown Journals. I’d like to welcome Ellie of Kismet Cakes to the blog - I know Ellie through a mutual friend and have followed her journey over the years so I’m really pleased to be supporting her business today!

Based in Newton Abbot, Kismet Cakes offers a weekly rotating menu of the most DELICIOUS treats I think I have ever seen - we’re talking brownies, cookies, millionaire shortbread and more. Guaranteed sugar coma and I am here for it!

So if you’re not already busy checking out what’s on the menu, let’s find out what Ellie got up to during lockdown…

Fridaaaaaaaaay! Let’s get straight into it folks - Lauren Barber (you need to check out her ‘gram, it’s goals) is a brand photographer with a whole lotta style. She effortlessly elevates brands with stunning, light-filled lifestyle imagery and also just happens to be the loveliest person EVER!

Let me hand you over to Lauren so that you can find out all about her life during lockdown…

“Reflective, Revealing and Opportunistic…”

They are Helen's three words to describe lockdown and I think we can probably all relate at some point during the last year or so. Founder of Milkwood Creative, Helen is a social media whizz for creative businesses, living in Wales with her husband. I’m over the moon to welcome her to the blog today to offer you a little snippet inside her lockdown experience…

Who’s ready for the next instalment of my lockdown journals? Well, you’re in luck as Katherine, the face behind ‘The Wedding Industry PA’ is gracing the pages of the blog this week! From staying motivated to podcast recommendations, this lovely lady is here to tell us all about lockdown life….

Oh thank goodness - it’s Friday. Gin at the ready folks, we’ve smashed another week!

This does also mean I’m back with another instalment of my ‘Working from Home - The Journals’ and I couldn’t be more pleased to introduce you to Natalie Stevenson Photography! Natalie is one of those people where you can instantly pick up on her energy and warm personality - attributes that lend themselves perfectly to a photographer! Natalie offers a variety of photography services, including weddings + engagements, family + maternity and branding + headshots. Her work is timeless and elegant - you’re almost guaranteed to get lost in an IG hole once you start scrolling!

Natalie is here to tell us all about her life during lockdown and she’s got some fab book / audiobook recommendations ready and waiting for you. Get stuck in and enjoy!

I’ve worked with Sarah Shuttle Creative over the last few years and it’s a pleasure to welcome her to the blog today as part of my ‘Working from Home - The Journals’. A Web Designer & Brand Stylist, Sarah helps luxury businesses attract high-end clients and boy, does she do a good job! I’ve seen Sarah transform and elevate brands and have been lucky enough to work with her on various website copy projects. I’ll hand you straight over to this wonderful lady so you can find out what she’s been up to during lockdown…

It’s Monday and I’m back on the blog with my next instalment of the ‘Working from Home - The Journals’. I’m filling your day with ALL the sparkle as I’m chatting to Donna Crain Surrey - this super talented woman creates luxury bridal accessories for modern brides and her work really is exquisite. Having worked with Donna over the last year or so on her IG, I’ve been lucky enough to see the hard work that goes into designing each and every piece - it’s impossible not to fall in love with her gorgeous accessories! Let me hand you straight over to Donna so you can hear about her time during lockdown…

Hola hump day! You guessed it - I’m back on the blog with my next guest on my ‘Working from Home - The Journals’ series and I am very excited to introduce you to Anna-Lee. With a background as a Quantity Surveyor, Anna-Lee has recently taken the plunge into the world of weddings and is now ready and raring to plan love stories.

I’ve been working with Weddings by Anna-Lee over the last couple of months to help launch her brand and her new website actually went live on Monday - you can check it out here, go go go! Anna-Lee’s lockdown story has seen her change direction in career AND start a new business. Keep reading to find out more…

Well that was a glorious weekend of sunshine, wasn’t it?! I’m continuing all the good vibes with my next instalment of the ‘Working from Home - The Journals’ and I’m kickstarting Monday morning with ALL the edible inspiration! I’ve known Sharon of Sadie May Cakes for a little while now and have been fortunate enough to write about her stunning cake creations over the years. Sharon is renowned for her elegant fine art wedding cakes and if you swing by her IG, you’ll see why! Let’s find out all about this Sharon’s lockdown experience…