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The Countrywoman’s Guide to Work, Life & You…: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Emma Warren
Countrywoman's Guide is a virtual kitchen table for us all to sit round and learn from each other - whether it be business goings on, life advice or simply a reminder to remember that you matter, we're here. countrywomansguide.substack.com
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- 5 days ago59 min
Marv Vaghetti : Building Lanx Shoes from the Fields Up - Episode 44
I’d seen Lancashire-based footwear brand Lanx pop up on the show circuit that we’re on with Hiho, and their boots have become firm favourites with the menfolk in my family, but I didn’t really know that much about the brand.So when I was thinking of people to interview for the Making Stuff Up channel I was presenting for Do Radio, Marv immediately came to mind. At the end of the 2025 show season, I sat down with Marv for a chat and it’s time to share it with you, our CWG Community.Marv’s path to creating Lank Shoes was far from conventional. Growing up in a family rooted in craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, he was surrounded by the sounds and sights of his father’s furniture-making business. This early exposure ignited a passion for creating and marketing products. Marv recalls spending summers helping his father in the workshop, which laid the groundwork for his appreciation of manufacturing and design. Although he initially leaned towards marketing, it was his experiences with local footwear brands that drew him into the shoe industry.It’s all too easy, especially when a brand is doing really well, to think that their journey to that point was a walk in the park. But when I sit down and have these chats with Founders, that’s never the case.There are always points where they nearly gave it all up, where they didn’t have the answers and where the sweetest of successes is preceded by a very rough time. But a bit of serendipity and a lot of tenacity usually sees them through the storm and they soldier on, learning to trust their own instincts as they go.We talk about the moment Marv nearly closed the business, why becoming comfortable in your own skin matters more than following someone else’s blueprint, and how LANX found its true identity by returning to its Lancashire roots.Huge thanks to Marv for joining me and to Do Radio for allowing me to share this with you.You can find Lanx hereYou can find Marv here As always, thank you for reading and thank you for listening,Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com
- 1 weeks ago59 min
What happens when the life you built falls away? Emma talks to Eleanor Mills
Eleanor Mills is a Founder, Speaker, Bestselling author, Award-winning journalist (ex Editorial Director of the Sunday Times and Editor of the Sunday Times Magazine) - and now the UK’s premier expert on all things midlife.After a 30-year career at the top of British journalism, including senior roles at the Sunday Times, Eleanor suddenly found herself out of the corporate world at 50 - a huge shift that forced her to rethink identity, purpose and what the next chapter might look like.As a result, Eleanor founded NOON.org.uk, a media platform and 50K+ community of midlifers to change the narrative around ageing; after all in the 100 year life, 50 is only halfway through. It’s Noon - lunchtime - and midlife isn’t a crisis but a chrysalis when we finally get to become the people we’ve always wanted to be.Together Emma and Eleanor talk honestly about:* the shock of losing a role you thought defined you* why experience should make us more valuable, not less* the freedom and fear that comes with entrepreneurship* intuition, vulnerability and learning to trust yourself again* building businesses rooted in purpose and values* the courage it takes to speak truthfully and live more honestly* why reinvention is becoming an essential modern life skillThe conversation moves from boardrooms to retreats, from journalism to entrepreneurship, and from external success to a more grounded and resonant way of living and working.This is a rich, thoughtful and very honest conversation about transition, identity and discovering that sometimes situations not of your choosing can lead you to a fulfilling and purposeful life that you never knew you needed.You can find Eleanor and NOON hereYou can find Eleanor’s best-selling book “Much more to come” here (this is an affiliate link which means that CWG will get a small commission if you buy a book)Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com
- 2 weeks ago4 min
A job for the weekend...🍅🌱
We’re no Monty Don (sadly!), and this certainly isn’t Gardeners World…But we do have a great little suggestion for your bank holiday weekend in case you were having a think about how to spend your time. Plus it may require a pre-planting trip to the garden centre…which can also involve coffee and cake. A match made in heaven for a spring weekend! There is something rather special about planting some plug plants on a mid-May weekend, after the frosts of winter are a thing of the past. Nestling seedlings of tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and herbs into the soil knowing in a few months time they’ll become part of summer suppers enjoyed in the garden. I think the appeal of growing our own food for us now is not in perfection, productivity or rows of immaculate vegetable beds that are insta worthy, but instead in the feeling of working in harmony with our world’s natural seasons.It can be as simple as a tomato plant in a terracotta pot, basil on the windowsill, courgettes slowly taking over more space than anticipated and mint that refuses to stay where it was originally planted! They’re just small ordinary things but grounding ones, ones that root us in how we used to grow and eat - seasonal and from home. Having tried a few different veggie cycles, our founder Emma and her husband now make sure that they grow the ingredients to make ratatouille. The beauty of planting and growing your ratatouille ingredients is how achievable it feels. You don’t need acres of land, a greenhouse the size of a small village hall or an encyclopaedia of gardening knowledge, just a few pots by the kitchen door and a small veg bed can be enough to kick start your connection to the process of growing your own. Growing your own ingredients is a process, one that takes time, cannot be rushed and requires us to return repeatedly with patience and care. It brings with it new rituals in the form of watering before work, checking back to see what has appeared overnight, pinching out tomato shoots with your morning coffee and just stepping outside in the evening to ‘have a look’. An abundance of small rhythms that can help soften the edges of our busy lives. For many of us living rural countryside lives home is rarely still. There’s always animals to feed, children to collect, businesses to run, washing to fold, dogs muddying freshly cleaned floors and endless jobs lists that move quietly through our mind.Which is perhaps why these slower rituals in the garden matter. Not because life transforms into some idyllic kitchen garden dream, but because they anchor us gently into the seasons unfolding around us. Growing your own ingredients for a simple and rustic dish like ratatouille (along with many others) feels in a way quite symbolic. It’s not elaborate food, just humble, generous, easy cooking - your homegrown vegetables softened slowly together in a pan, eaten over a long lunch with friends and leftovers reheated for the night after. It’s food that feels welcoming rather than performative, and even more special when you were the ones to nurture it.Any ratatouille over-production can be frozen in tubs and rediscovered in the depths of winter, bringing you right back to your memories of summer as you stir it into a quick and easy spaghetti bolognaise.Your garden does not have to be immaculate to bring joy. Your home does not have to look untouched to feel beautiful. A weekend does not have to be super productive to be worthwhile. Planting something and trusting it will grow is enough. So if you need a few jobs for the garden that actually bring you joy and aren’t the usual household tasks we all know (and love…?!) consider this a little nudge. To plant the tomatoes, sow the basil, purchase the courgette plant and water the herbs. Not for aesthetic or the algorithm, but for the quiet satisfaction of creating something slowly, season by season, meal by meal. Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com
- 2 weeks ago59 min
“Your audience wants you to succeed” - Emma chats to Dominic Colenso
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this conversation isn’t for you because you don’t need to know how to make sure that your message lands well, because in so doing you will miss out on a whole raft of great life advice.This week on Countrywoman’s Guide, Emma sits down with presenter, actor and communications expert Dominic Colenso to talk about leadership, clarity and how to communicate in a world full of noise.From starring in the Thunderbirds movie to coaching senior leaders and sales teams, Dominic shares how the lessons he learnt as an actor now help businesses craft messages that truly land.The conversation explores:* why audiences actually want you to succeed* how leaders set the tone without realising it* the importance of simplifying your message* balancing ambition, family life and creative work* why the best communication is rooted in humanity, not performanceOne of the standout moments comes when Dominic says:“Your audience want you to succeed.”A simple idea - but one that changes how we think about speaking up, presenting ourselves and leading others.Emma and Dominic also discuss the reality of writing books, building long-term businesses and learning to say no to self-imposed pressure.Dominic’s new book Cut Through explores how the messages that truly land are built on:“simplicity, emotion, and energy.”A thoughtful conversation about communication, leadership and being fully present in the room.Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com
- 3 weeks ago59 min
Episode 41 : Emma talks to Sarah James, MBE. Founder of Craft Festival
This episode was originally recorded as part of a series of interviews that I did for Do Radio, which they have generously allowed me to share with you, and I’m so pleased they did because the insights in these conversations are golden.Sarah James has been organising multi award-winning arts festivals for over 22 years. She is Managing Director and founder of non-profits Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey, Cheltenham and Cardigan. She also co-founded and produced Nourish Festival (Food, Craft & Music) for 10 years until 2023. She founded Find a Maker and popular podcast, The Capital of Craft in 2021. She was awarded an MBE for services to Craft in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List. Born & Bred in Cardigan, West Wales, Sarah is a ceramics graduate from Glasgow School of Art and an avid collector of craft, especially ceramics. She has had a varied career including making, podcasting, writing, curating, retailing, mentoring and lecturing on business start-up. Sarah has focused on arts event management and business development training since 2003 and works regularly with a variety of universities and national craft organisations providing training at undergraduate and post-graduate level. Being an obsessive user of social media for business and the ability to think on her feet whilst smiling is a fundamental part of her business strategy. “Treat people how you would like to be treated and expect the same in return.” Sarah is mam to Ella and Lewi and lives between Cardigan and Bovey Tracey, Devon with her husband Andy and their dogs.Aside from so much wisdom in the form of life lessons, this episode will also be really helpful if you’ve ever dreamed of taking a stand at Craft Festival or similar events as Sarah provides so much invaluable advice about securing and making the most of your opportunity.You can find Sarah’s Craft Festival website here and her instagram hereThank you for reading and thank you for listening.Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com
- May 3, 202639 min
Episode 40: Timmy Orritt and Emma chat all things business, instagram and life in general.
IntroductionOne of the great things about hosting a podcast is that you get to chat to lots of people! I’m always curious to hear how people came to be doing what they do and it seems that serendipity often plays a big part in shaping careers!Timmy is no exception to this and becoming a multi-disciplined therapist happened organically after she qualified as a sports therapist. She then went on to gain her equine and canine qualifications and is currently studying for a further qualification - she is one busy lady!Our Discussion covers…* Career Path* Business Development* Work Philosophy* Challenges of Self-Employment* Social Media and Branding* Professional Community* Personal Well-being* Advice & ReflectionsKey Thoughts Shared * Authenticity builds trust: Clients appreciate clear, jargon-free communication and a human approach.* Community over competition: Building relationships with peers strengthens the industry and personal confidence.* Social media ≠ success: Real business growth comes from word of mouth and consistent service, not follower counts.* Work-life balance: Recognizing personal limits and seasonal priorities prevents burnout.Thanks so much to Timmy for being so generous with her experience and wisdom.As always thank you for listening. Please do like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the podcast.You can find Timmy on instagram hereThanks for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life! Please subscribe to receive our updates to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com
- Apr 29, 202659 min
Episode 39 - Emma talks to David Hieatt - Entrepreneur and Deep Thinker…
So, it was an absolute treat to have an hour with him as part of my recent stint as a Do Radio presenter.David builds brands from nothing with next to nothing. Having spent a decade of his early years at Saatchi & Saatchi, he left to build his own brands.He was one of the founders of Howies in the 1990’s, which he exited via a trade sale to Timberland in the mid-2000’s.In 2008, he and Claire started the Do Lectures. The idea was a simple one. Gather together the world’s leading DOers, disruptors and changemakers, have them share their hearts and stories, and encourage others to DO amazing things too. There are now over 400 lectures available free online to watch, and the latest innovation of the Do Team is Do Radio In 2011, he took up the manufacturing mantle again, with his wife Claire, in the form of Hiut Ltd, determined to revive jeans manufacture in the town of Cardigan. In its heyday, Dewhirst, one of the Cardigan based factories used to produce 35,000 pairs of jeans a week, employing 400 people, but closed in 2002. The skills were all there and Hiut became known for handcrafting high-quality, sustainable jeans, often referred to as "slow fashion". Their commitment to craftsmanship, the "Do One Thing Well" philosophy, and the re-employing of local "Grand Masters", jean makers who lost their jobs in 2002 became hallmarks of the Hiut brand.David and Claire sold Hiut in 2025 to concentrate on the Do Lectures.All of David’s businesses are strong on brand and storytelling and his innovative thinking inspires many.David’s idea of success is:- Being in charge of your time.- Not worrying about money.- Do work that matters with people you like. And help others.I think that’s a pretty good success philosophy to have.In this episode, we talk about story, purpose, community, and why understanding the why of your business gives it wind in its sails.If you’re building something thoughtful and long-term — this conversation will stay with you.🎧 Listen now on Countrywoman’s Guide.Thanks for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life - please subscribe and be part of our Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com
- Apr 19, 202659 min
Episode 38 - Emma chats to Sue Pryke - award winning ceramics designer.
In this episode, Sue Pryke shares her inspiring journey through ceramics, from learning how to cut leeks to prescribed lengths for supermarkets in her father’s business as a youngster, to working at Wedgwood and subsequently establishing her own design studio. She explores the importance of heritage craft skills, balancing industry with handmade quality, and how her upbringing influenced her meticulous approach and love for design and the ability to produce beautifully designed and ergonomic pieces at scale.Key Topics:* Sue’s early passion for pottery sparked by A-level coursework in the 1980s* The influence of Lincolnshire’s landscape on her appreciation for precision and uniformity* Transition from craft-based work to design at Leicester, including her degree in Design for Manufacture* Her experience at Wedgwood and involvement in traditional model and mold making and the challenges faced in preserving heritage skills* Moving into her own business and collaborations with IKEA* The significance of mindful, detail-oriented craftsmanship* The role of failure and iteration in creative development* Reflections on parenting, balancing family life, and fostering entrepreneurial instincts* Participation in The Great Pottery Throw Down and media influence on ceramics* Future projects involving creamware molds and a return to studio practice* Embracing change, re-evaluating life phases, and the importance of adaptability“Understated, afford-able, functional and elegant. Sounds easy but is very hard to achieve. Designs that fit in rather than stand out, a true test of excellence. ” — Barbara Chandler, The Evening StandardThis podcast was originally recorded for Do Radio, so huge thanks to them for letting me share this episode with you.Connect with Sue Pryke:* Instagram* WebsiteResources & Links:* Oliver Burkman’s 4000 Weeks – on managing time and life priorities* The Great Pottery Throw Down Series 3– TV Show promoting awareness of ceramics* Royal College of Art – The home of ideas* Wedgwood Official Site – Historic ceramic manufacturer* Royal Society of Arts Awards – Recognition in ceramic design* Prince’s Youth Business Trust – (Now the King’s Trust) business support and fundingThank you for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life - please subscribe to receive our updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com
About The Countrywoman’s Guide to Work, Life & You…
Countrywoman's Guide is a virtual kitchen table for us all to sit round and learn from each other - whether it be business goings on, life advice or simply a reminder to remember that you matter, we're here. countrywomansguide.substack.com
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