Real Startup Stories

Why I started this podcast (And how I think it can help YOU)

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:41:38 GMT

Welcome to the very first episode of Business Diaries – Real Startup Stories. In this episode, I talk about why I decided to launch this podcast, how I want to help aspiring business owners, share some personal stories, and what you can expect from future episodes… and yes, I choked (hard). I got to the point where I wanted to delete this episode and reshoot it. But I decided against it, because that’s exactly what this podcast is about. The start. The messy beginning. The part where you grit your teeth and push through. The start isn't all sunshine and rainbows, but perfection isn’t the goal. Taking the first step is the goal. Letting momentum carry you forward. You’re watching, in real time, someone who thought they could walk into a podcast studio and nail it first try… then learning, growing, and building confidence episode by episode. And maybe one day we’ll all look back and laugh together. You know that thing... The thing you just can’t get out of your head? That business. That YouTube channel. That TikTok account. That fitness journey. That change in your life That step you want to take but haven’t made yet. That’s what this podcast is here for. Real conversations with real people about the real moves they made, so you can make yours. And trust me, it isn't as scary as you'd think. - New episodes every Sunday at 6pm - Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one - Comment stories you want to hear and I’ll make it happen -Lets grow together Follow the journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartupstories.podcast?igsh=ODEzdHc2ejlqb2Z0 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusinessdiaries?_r=1&_t=ZN-93kHkrHcZok Listen on Spotify: Apple Podcasts: Business enquiries: Businessdiariesrsus@gmail.com

Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories TRAILER

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 17:19:36 GMT

Who am I and what is this?

More importantly, how do I plan on helping you

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Cub&Co: The Rebrand - Building a Multi-Location Coffee & Clothing Brand

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:43:29 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories. In this episode, I sit down with Matt, the man behind Cub & Co - a multi-location coffee and clothing brand that’s been built through trial, error, and constant evolution. This one is real. No fluff. Just honest insight into what it actually takes to build and scale a brand. In this episode we cover: • The story behind Cub & Co and how it all started • The reality of opening (and closing) locations • Why Matt decided to rebrand - and what changed after • Running multiple sites with a small, tight team • Lessons learned from building both a coffee and clothing brand • Tips and advice for anyone starting their own clothing brand This isn’t about overnight success. It’s about adapting, learning, and building something that lasts. If you’re into business, startups, or building a brand from the ground up - this one’s for you Follow Cub&co’s journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cubandco.uk?igsh=bjRoMnJ3Z3psMjMz Website: cubcornwall.co.uk Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness...

How Chanel’s Cakery Built a Viral Cake Business

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:27:09 GMT

Welcome to Episode 5 of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories. In this episode I’m joined by Chanel from Chanel’s Cakery, an online cake business based in Cornwall that has built a huge following online and now ships cakes nationwide. At one point she had 800 people waiting on her website for a restock… and sold 2000 cakes in just 30 minutes. In this episode we cover: • How Chanel’s Cakery started • Building a loyal audience online • What happened during the viral cake restock • The reality of running a fast-growing food business • Shipping cakes across the UK • Advice for anyone wanting to start an online business This podcast is all about real startup stories from real people - not overnight success, but the journey behind building something from nothing. If you enjoy hearing how everyday people turn ideas into businesses, make sure to subscribe and follow the journey. Follow Chanel’s journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelscakery?igsh=azN3cjExdWRiNWt6 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chanelscakery?_r=1&_t=ZN-94iAq5MoHVW Buy her cakes here www.chanelscakery.co.uk Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness...

Brett Barnes: Why I left my job to become a full-time creator

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:02:54 GMT

Welcome to Episode 5 of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories. In this episode I’m joined by Brett Barnes, who made the decision many people talk about… but very few actually do. He left employment behind to pursue content creation full time. But the reality of being your own boss isn’t always what people think. In this episode we cover: • Brett’s journey into social media and how it all started • The moment he decided to leave his 9-5 job • The risks and pressure of relying on content for income • The challenges of being your own boss • How social media has changed his life • What he’s working on right now and where he wants to go next This episode is about taking risks. It’s about betting on yourself. And it’s about understanding that building something of your own comes with real pressure, uncertainty, and responsibility. Social media might look easy from the outside. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot more to it. If you’ve ever thought about leaving your job, starting something online, or creating your own path - this episode is for you.

Making your child’s birthday one to remember & Why I started this podcast

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:01:17 GMT

Welcome to Episode 4 of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories.

My second EVER solo episode… and yes, it went slightly better.

This one is honest. It’s reflective. And it’s bigger than business.

In this episode I cover:

• A recap of our first two guests and their start up stories

• Why taking the first step towards your dreams changes everything

• The real story behind how this podcast started

• A TikTok Shop recap

• My long-term vision for this podcast

• And why I genuinely want to help people who are struggling

This isn’t about overnight success. It’s about momentum. It’s about starting before you feel ready. It’s about building something that gives you options.

Because no parent should feel stressed about affording their child’s birthday. No one should feel stuck with no way out.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, short on money, or unsure where to start, this episode is for you.

You don’t need the perfect plan. You don’t need all the answers. You just need to start.

New episodes every Sunday at 6PM

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one

Comment the stories you want to hear and I’ll make it happen

Let’s grow together.

Follow my journey:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartupstories.podcast?igsh=ODEzdHc2ejlqb2Z0 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusinessdiaries?_r=1&_t=ZN-93kHkrHcZok

Listening on the go

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9UWOJiZPJvMv4pDi?si=TDlvmwUwTkuMTpQ9TI1Ysw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1875759986

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c3acec-9da3-47c4-8ab3-baaeef44a983/business-diaries---real-startup-stories

Business enquiries: Businessdiariesrsus@gmail.com

PETH: From scam to scale - Building the UK’s biggest towel brand from the oceans plastic BY HIMSELF

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 17:58:22 GMT

Welcome to Episode 2 of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories.

Joined by Jordan, the founder of PETH, who’s on a mission to build the UK’s biggest towel brand while cleaning the world’s beaches of plastic bottles. From starting just 3 years ago to now selling over 100,000 products, Jordan has faced scams, navigated manufacturing in China, expanded into new countries, and launched a wholesale line… all as a one-man band.

In this episode, we dive into the highs, lows, struggles, and future plans of a REAL startup. Jordan shares the full story of how he built a global brand from scratch, learning everything he knows through the power of YouTube. The snowball effect that propelled his growth, and the lessons learned along the way.

A real startup story like no other.

If he can do it, why can’t you?

Follow the journey as we explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of entrepreneurship and taking the first step towards chasing your dreams.

Like I’ve said before, I’m still learning and progressing in my own journey and it’s beautiful you get to experience it with me. This episode went so much better than the first, but yes… I am aware Jordan is out of focus for the couple minutes.

- New episodes every Sunday at 6pm

- Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one

- Comment stories you want to hear and I’ll make it happen

-Lets grow together

Follow Jordan’s journey:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/peth.store?igsh=bG02YnA2YjNxcnpl

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@peth.store?_r=1&_t=ZN-93wpgwwqCH8

Website - www.pethstore.co.uk

Follow my journey:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartupstories.podcast?igsh=ODEzdHc2ejlqb2Z0 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusinessdiaries?_r=1&_t=ZN-93kHkrHcZok

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@real.startup.stories

Listening on the go Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9UWOJiZPJvMv4pDi?si=TDlvmwUwTkuMTpQ9TI1Ysw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1875759986

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c3acec-9da3-47c4-8ab3-baaeef44a983/business-diaries---real-startup-stories

Business enquiries: Businessdiariesrsus@gmail.com

How We Built a Full-Service Creative Agency That Can Launch Anything

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:15:29 GMT

In this solo episode, I break down a big shift - the rebrand of the podcast to Real Start Up Stories Podcast and why it matters. This isn’t about polished success or overnight wins. It’s about real people building real businesses, making mistakes, figuring it out as they go, and showing what actually goes on behind the scenes. I explain why this direction benefits not just the guests, but anyone watching who’s trying to start or grow something of their own. I also dive into Hyperfocus Studios - a new collective built to bring ideas to life. Whether it’s brand launches, events, content creation, photography, videography, or full-scale execution, the goal is simple: take any idea and make it happen properly. This episode gives you insight into the vision, the model, and where it’s heading. On a more personal note, I talk about turning 29, the pressure of the next chapter, and the goals I’m setting before 30 - in business, life, and everything in between. No fluff, just a real look at where I’m at and what I’m aiming for. If you’re into startups, business growth, creative projects, or just hearing how things actually get built from the ground up, this one’s for you. Shout out to : Audrius, the guy behind the camera: https://www.audriuscreates.com/ https://www.instagram.com/audriuscreates/ Xemi, the printing company: https://dtf-services.com/gallery

How Sammy Built Cornwall’s Hair & Beauty Awards From Scratch

Mon, 18 May 2026 21:57:16 GMT

Sat down with Sammy, founder of the Cornwall Hair and Beauty Awards, to break down how she turned a simple idea into one of the most recognised hair and beauty industry events in Cornwall. In this episode, we dive into the full startup journey - from the moment the idea wouldn’t leave her alone, to launching the first awards event, dealing with unexpected problems on the night, and growing it into a respected brand within the UK beauty industry. We cover: • How to start an awards event from scratch • Building a brand in the hair and beauty industry • The importance of sponsorships and how to secure them • Event planning challenges and real behind-the-scenes issues • Lessons from launching a business in Cornwall Whether you’re an entrepreneur, event organiser, or working in the hair and beauty industry, this episode gives real insight into what it takes to build something from nothing. Subscribe for more podcasts featuring UK business owners, startup stories, and real conversations about building and scaling a business. Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cornwallhairandbeautyawards?igsh=bXJxdW02M2czaWt1 Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness... Listening on the go Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c... Business enquiries: Businessdiariesrsus@gmail.com

How a Nightmare Landlord Nearly Destroyed Their Beauty Business

Mon, 18 May 2026 21:51:30 GMT

In this episode, I sat down with the Empress beauty salon owners to talk about their journey through the beauty industry and the challenges that came with building their business. We talked about: Getting started in the beauty world Growing the brand and building a loyal client base The realities of running a business behind the scenes Dealing with an unfair landlord and eviction drama Taking the situation to court The stress, pressure and uncertainty of it all Lessons they learned through the experience What’s next for Empress A real conversation about business, resilience and what it takes to keep going when everything feels against you. Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empresss.redruth?igsh=MWQ1emptaHQ3b3Vncw== Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness... Listening on the go Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rXVvO9... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93c... Business enquiries: Businessdiariesrsus@gmail.com

How Eddie Built a 25+ Person Painting Business After Going Bankrupt

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:18:19 GMT

Sat down with Eddie from Spray Station - a painting and decorating business doing things differently. We dive into how he went bankrupt in his 20s, took time out travelling Thailand, and came back with a completely new approach to the trade… swapping traditional methods for spray painting. Fast forward to today, he’s built a team of 25+, working on luxury homes and high-end properties - including projects for well-known names he couldn’t disclose. We talk about: The reality of going bankrupt young Why he walked away and reset in Thailand How Spray Station was built from scratch Scaling a trade business to 25+ staff Spray painting vs traditional decorating Working on high-end and celebrity homes * Lessons from failure and building back stronger If you’re in business, trades, or trying to build something from nothing - this one’s for you. Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spraystationcornwall?igsh=MTBpMWF5bmljN2gxaQ== Website: spraystationltd.co.uk Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness...

The Aussie Smoker: From Backyard BBQs to a Smoked Meat Empire

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:50:32 GMT

In this episode, I sat down with The Aussie Smoker - a guy who turned a love for backyard BBQs into a full-blown smoked meat business. We dive into his journey from growing up in Australia, where BBQs were a way of life, to coming over to the UK and building something from scratch. Starting out by wholesaling smoked meats, he then took a bold step - running a venue just one night a week on a presale model… and selling it out consistently. Since then, he’s expanded into events and weddings, secured his own unit, and is now moving into a huge new space as the business continues to grow. This is a real story about spotting an opportunity, backing yourself, and scaling something simple into something serious. If you’re into business, food, or just hearing how people turn ideas into reality - you’ll enjoy this one. Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaussiesmokercatering?igsh=d3pyeW5lMjc0dnZy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaussiesmokerbbq?_r=1&_t=ZN-95reEiICzxO Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness...

TradeKwest: Nobody Wants To Learn Trades... Until This

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:34:48 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories. In this episode, I sat down with the founder of TradeKwest — a brand new app aiming to change how people learn real-world skills. This one’s all about building something from scratch with a small team, spotting a gap in the market, and creating a product that can genuinely help people of any age or experience level. In this episode we cover: • How he found and worked with an app developer • Building a platform with a small team • Where the idea for TradeKwest came from • Creating something for all ages and skill levels • The future vision for the app • The realities of launching something new If you’re thinking about building an app, starting a business, or turning an idea into reality - this episode is for you. Follow their journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradekwest?igsh=MWVlNWthaG9idnFkOA== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradekwest?_r=1&_t=ZN-95hFnoQr0NC Download here for a free 7 day trial https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tradekwest-diy-trade-skills/id6757332326 Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness...

This £30M Brand Started in a Bedroom… Then Everything Changed

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:47:02 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories. This one is wild. I sat down with Annissa and Mohsin, who built an e-commerce brand from her bedroom and scaled it to £30M in total revenue in just 6 years… before losing it all. No fluff. No pretending. Just the real story behind the numbers. In this episode we cover: • How they started their brand from scratch with no experience • The steps they took to scale to £30M • What rapid growth actually does behind the scenes • The mistakes that led to everything collapsing • The reality of losing a business you built from nothing • Lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear before scaling This episode is for anyone building a brand, running a business, or chasing growth — because sometimes growing too fast can cost you everything. If you enjoy these real, unfiltered startup stories, make sure to subscribe and follow the journey. Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories Real people. Real businesses. Real lessons. Follow their journey Instagram: http://instagram.com/annissatalksbusiness TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@annissatalksbusiness Website: https://learn.lumosense.co.uk/annissa?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleARImyFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacpYeQyyy-sZbnY-NIO609X7WGtwr27-kiZ8SLkp1ZdUdiY_oQevYsmRMpjmg_aem_ItI4wVY0wbR0M-Z3lwEVrw Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness...

Solo: How I Built My Airbnb Portfolio (And the Habit No One Knows About)

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:01:03 GMT

Welcome to another solo episode of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories. This episode is all about building income, mindset, and the reality behind growing a business from the ground up. In this episode I cover: • How I built my Airbnb portfolio and got started • The truth about Airbnb income and scaling properties • Creating multiple income streams in 2026 • The habits that actually make a difference (including my “secret napper” routine) • Why I believe in giving back and filling other people’s cups • Buying someone else a birthday cake (and why it matters) • Growing my content to over 400,000 views in the last 30 days • Why I’m now looking for sponsors and brand deals If you’re interested in Airbnb, making money online, building income streams, or growing a personal brand, this episode breaks it down in a real and honest way.

Konnor Ewudzi: Love Island Secrets, Dyslexia Struggles & Running for a Cause

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:17:28 GMT

Welcome to Episode 8 of Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories. This week I sat down with Konnor Ewudzi - Love Island contestant, model, barber, and someone with a powerful story that goes far beyond reality TV. In this episode we cover: • What REALLY goes on behind the scenes of Love Island • How Konnor got into modelling and building his personal brand • The struggles he faced growing up, including dealing with dyslexia • How those challenges shaped his mindset and resilience • Why he’s running the London Marathon and raising money for charity • His connection to sickle cell awareness and giving back This isn’t just a Love Island episode - it’s about overcoming obstacles, building something from nothing, and using your platform for a bigger purpose. If you enjoy real, honest conversations with people building their own path, make sure to subscribe and follow along. Follow Konnor’s journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konnorewudzi?igsh=MTlhN3A4Z3I2Y2Jzcg== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@konnor_ewudzi?_r=1&_t=ZN-95622KG7zcc Snapchat: Konwoodz Follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realstartup... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesbusiness...

Thomas Pearson: Quit his job, Grew to half a million followers & Got invited to 10 Downing Street

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:57:22 GMT

Welcome to Episode 3 of Business Diaries – Real Startup Stories.

This week I’m joined by Thomas Pearson - a creator who’s built his social channels to nearly half a million followers after 10 years of trial, error, pivots and persistence. From experimenting with different content styles to finally finding his lane reporting on UK current affairs, government decisions and global headlines.

He talks about things, but hes not a journalist

In this episode we cover:

-The 10-year journey before things landed

-Quitting the job and going all in on content

-Dealing with internet trolls and public recognition

-Managing the pressure of feeding the algorithm

-The best times to be posting on instagram and tiktok

-Being invited to 10 Downing Street and what happened behind the scenes

If you’re thinking about starting on social media, this episode is for you and shows you how quickly things can take off

A journey he never expected to explode the way it did, but proof that consistency compounds.

New episodes every Sunday at 6PM

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one