The Obsessed View

Nicki Martin on Business Growth & Digital Products

In this jam-packed episode, Charlotte sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Nicki Martin, Founder of You Need Nicki, She Scales Collective, and a brand-new marketing software platform to talk about building businesses that actually scale. From being a skint single mum to running multiple ventures, Nicki shares her brutally honest journey and her bold new mission to grow her digital product biz to seven figures in public.
Expect real talk on time management, pricing strategies, community building, and why now more than ever, small businesses need to think smarter, not work harder.
🎧 Sponsored by Constant Contact: the go-to email and social marketing software for small businesses.

From WWII Planes to Parliament Pendants | Zoe’s Unforgettable Product Journey

In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte chats with Zoe, co-founder of the unique jewellery brand Hepburn and Hughes. What started as a family-run craft stall has been transformed by Zoe and her sister-in-law into a thriving e-commerce brand selling handcrafted jewellery made from historical and upcycled materials — think Spitfires, HMS Victory, and even meteorites!
We get into the nitty-gritty of transitioning from Etsy to running their own site, balancing motherhood with growing a business, navigating quiet seasons (hello, April dip!), and the financial realities that come with being your own boss. Plus, Zoe shares how they've started supplying prestigious institutions like the Houses of Parliament and how they're embracing tech and wholesale to scale smartly.
This episode is a masterclass in sustainable growth, unique product positioning, and adapting in the ever-changing landscape of online retail.
Brought to you by our podcast partner: Constant Contact – the ultimate marketing platform for small businesses looking to grow smarter. Email marketing, social scheduling, and automation made simple.

Building My Little Monsters | Purpose-Driven E-Commerce with Gurdeep Singh

In this episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter speaks with Gurd Singh, founder of the sustainable children’s brand My Little Monsters. Gurd shares his inspiring journey from the world of advertising to becoming a purpose-driven entrepreneur, designing organic children’s products that put the planet — and our kids — first.
From launching during lockdown to fulfilling orders from his loft, Gurd talks candidly about the realities of building a brand rooted in sustainability, without compromising on quality or style. We dive into the challenges of bootstrapping, educating consumers, the pitfalls of marketing budgets, and the mental toll of solo entrepreneurship. But above all, this is a conversation about vision, values, and using business as a force for good.
We also discuss the importance of transparency, packaging innovation, and why Constant Contact’s AI-powered marketing tools are a game-changer for founders like Gurd.
🎙️ Whether you’re a parent, a product-based business owner, or just someone who cares about the future of our planet, this one’s a must-listen.
Big thanks to our sponsor Constant Contact, who make it easy for small businesses to market with confidence.Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk

How to launch a subscription based product with Simon Whitaker

In this inspiring episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter welcomes back Simon Whitaker, founder of Master Debonair, to reveal his exciting new venture—The Fuelled, a lifestyle-driven specialty coffee brand designed for adventurers, fitness lovers, and anyone fuelled by passion and espresso.
Simon opens up about how his love for coffee, movement, and building authentic brands led him to launch from scratch, using everything from AI tools to smart collaborations to shape his vision. From designing the perfect packaging to setting up subscription models and planning mobile activations, this episode is a deep dive into launching a product that genuinely reflects your lifestyle.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Simon used AI and creative collaboration to build his brand identity
Why aligning your business with your lifestyle creates long-term resilience
The importance of starting small, staying lean, and focusing on repeat customers
Lessons from building Master Debonair and what he’s doing differently this time
How events, community and content will drive The Fuelled forward
If you're dreaming of launching your own product-based business—or ready for your next chapter—this episode will leave you feeling inspired, energised, and ready to build.
🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contact – the all-in-one marketing platform helping small businesses grow with expert tools for email, social, automation and more.

From Surviving to Scaling | Connie Hunter’s Unstoppable Rise with Cinnarollz

In one of the most powerful episodes of The Obsessed View to date, Charlotte Carter sits down with Connie Hunter, founder of Cinnarollz, for a raw and unfiltered conversation on resilience, rebuilding, and how she turned a creative outlet into a profitable bakery AND just two months after launching.
Connie shares her deeply personal story of growing up in the care system, battling postnatal depression, living with ADHD and dyspraxia, and raising two boys while pursuing education and professional roles against all odds. Now, she’s channelled that journey into Cinnarollz, her growing cinnamon roll brand that’s turning heads (and tempting taste buds).
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Connie launched Cinnarollz and broke even in just 8 weeks
What motivated her to leave teaching and bet on herself
How baking became both therapy and a thriving business
The role of branding, consistency, and authenticity in growing a loyal customer base
Why showing up—even on the hard days—is the key to small business success
Whether you’re building a brand from scratch or navigating personal hurdles while chasing your goals, Connie’s story is an inspiring reminder that your past doesn’t define your future.
🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk
🎯 This episode is proudly sponsored by Constant Contact – the ultimate all-in-one marketing platform built for small businesses.
From powerful email automation and list segmentation to easy social media scheduling and built-in design tools like Canva, Constant Contact makes professional marketing simple, effective, and affordable. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, it’s like having your own marketing department in your pocket.
💥 Smarter campaigns. Stronger connections. Real results.Start your free trial today: www.constantcontact.com

Starting with all the gear and no idea - Until it clicked | Gareth Jones on building Oak Hill Embroidery

In this deeply honest episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter is joined by Gareth Jones, founder of Oak Hill Embroidery, who shares his raw and relatable journey of building a business from scratch—and getting it wrong before getting it right.
From the early days of buying printers and vinyl cutters without a plan, to facing family pressure to “get a proper job,” Gareth opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. His turning point came with one embroidery machine, a well-timed acquisition, and a bold no-money-down business deal that saved everything.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why sometimes your first business model isn’t the right one—and how to pivot
How Gareth used a creative financing strategy to acquire a competitor and 2,000+ customers
The importance of human connection and customer service in a tech-heavy world
Real talk on burnout, self-doubt, resilience, and building a life you’re proud of
Whether you’re running a product-based business, thinking about buying one, or just need a reminder that growth takes time, this episode is full of grounded wisdom and inspiration.
🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.ukSponsored by Constant Contact – your one-stop marketing platform for small businesses.

How SYLKA Became the World’s First Luxury Faux Silk Carpet Brand

In this powerful episode of The Obsessed View, host Charlotte Carter sits down with Steve Farrell, founder of SYLKA Carpets, the world’s leading faux silk luxury carpet brand.
Steve shares his extraordinary journey—from leaving school at 13 and working labour jobs, to becoming a pioneer in the high-end interiors industry. With clients ranging from Harrods to luxury yachts, Steve has built a global empire rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and relentless work ethic.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Steve turned a hands-on trade into a luxury global business
Why he developed SYLKA fibre as a sustainable, high-performance alternative to silk and viscose
What it takes to build long-term relationships with premium interior designers
How his eco-silk innovation is shaping the future of sustainable luxury
This conversation is a must-listen for product-based business owners, luxury brand builders, and anyone who believes that traditional education isn’t the only path to success.
🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contact – your one-stop shop for smarter small business marketing.

The Reality of Business Closure and What Comes Next With Dan Plesko From YrPod

The Obsessed View is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs, product-based business owners, and brand builders looking for real, unfiltered conversations about business success, challenges, and reinvention. Hosted by Charlotte Carter, founder of Carter Bags, this show dives into the highs and lows of launching, scaling, and even closing a business—because the reality of entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line.
Each episode features honest conversations with industry leaders, founders, and creatives, sharing the lessons they’ve learned from building brands, navigating setbacks, and finding new opportunities.
In this series, Charlotte speaks with inspiring guests like Dan Plesko, founder of Yr Pod, who shares his raw and personal story of building a successful business, facing unexpected challenges, and ultimately having to make the difficult decision to close his company. Dan’s insights on resilience, business identity, and moving forward after closure offer invaluable takeaways for anyone navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
How to successfully launch and grow a product-based business
Strategies for marketing, lead generation, and brand positioning
The truth about business closures, resilience, and reinvention
Lessons from founders who have built (and rebuilt) their businesses from the ground up
🎧 Tune in for no-nonsense advice, inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, and actionable insights to help you build and grow your business. Listen now at TheObsessedView.co.uk.
Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses simplify and scale their marketing with powerful tools.

Building, Exiting & Reinventing: How Jo Stimson Found Success After Selling Her Business

What happens when you exit a business after nearly 20 years and suddenly have to start over? In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter speaks with Jo Stimson, former Managing Director of Heatmat UK, about her journey from growing and selling a seven-figure business to navigating a completely new career path.
💡 What’s inside this episode:
How Jo built Heatmat UK into a leading product-based business
The challenges of selling a company you’ve dedicated decades to
The reality of starting fresh (and why her first post-exit business didn’t work out)
Lessons on reinvention, resilience, and rebuilding confidence
Why she’s now helping other business owners scale and exit successfully
Jo’s honesty about the highs and lows of business ownership is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, product-based business owners, and anyone thinking about exiting their company.
🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses grow with smarter marketing tools.

How to Launch Digital Products Successfully: Lessons from Claire Parsons

In this episode of The Obsessed View, Charlotte Carter sits down with copywriting expert Claire Parsons to dive into the real strategy behind launching successful digital products. Claire has built a thriving business over seven years, offering not just copywriting services but also digital resources and courses that have been a massive hit.
💡 Key takeaways from this episode:✔️ How to research and validate your product idea before launching✔️ Why your marketing strategy matters just as much as the product itself✔️ How to segment your email list to target the right audience (and not annoy the rest!)✔️ The importance of consistency—why one post isn’t enough to make sales
Whether you’re creating an online course, a guide, or any other digital product, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice on how to ensure your launch is a success.
🎧 Listen now at: TheObsessedView.co.uk
Sponsored by Constant Contact—helping small businesses simplify and scale their marketing with powerful tools.