I had a fantastic chat with Jacqui from the Seriously in Business Podcast recently.  We covered everything from branding and boundaries to outsourcing, ambition, and yes — even the power of bad cross-stitch.

Here are five of the biggest insights from this episode, and how you can apply them to your own business journey:

1. Consistency > Complexity in Branding

I have been known for my soft, beachy blue brand for over a decade. It’s iconic, instantly recognisable, and feels like a visual exhale. But what many people don’t realise is that this kind of consistency isn’t just about looking good — it’s about connecting consistently.

You only get a few seconds to make an impression. If your visuals are all over the place, if your tone is unpredictable, or your messaging constantly shifts, your audience won’t know what you stand for — or if you’re the right person for them.

2. Your Brand Is a Slice of You — Not All of You

As women building personal brands, it’s easy to think your business has to show all of who you are. Every mood. Every hobby. Every version of you. But remember: your brand is not your entire identity. It’s a curated, intentional slice of your personality that best supports the experience you want your clients to have.

3. Design a Business That Respects Your Energy

I take  eight ballet classes a week - because I've built my business around what fuels me.

I batch content (like recording 12 podcast episodes in one day) and delegate the rest to my team, giving me more time to spend doing what brings me joy.

4. Permission to Do Things for Joy, Not Achievement

As entrepreneurs, we often feel the pull to monetise or optimise everything — even our hobbies. But part of building a sustainable business is knowing what’s just for you. Not everything needs to be posted. Not everything needs to be perfect. Not everything needs to be productive.

Make space in your life for hobbies, joy, and creative outlets that don’t need to lead somewhere. That energy will ripple into your business in ways you don’t expect.

5. Ease Doesn’t Mean Laziness — It Means Maturity

You’re allowed to do business your way. You’re allowed to build systems. You’re allowed to charge well and show up in ways that feel good. Ease is not the opposite of success — it can be the path to it.

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