Alex Head, founder of Social Pantry, on creating a recipe for social change

Ready to revolutionise your fashion choices? Discover how one woman is changing the world of fashion and empowering women to turn their wardrobes into serious financial assets, with the Airbnb of clothing.  In this inspiring episode, Holly Tucker chats with Eshita Kabra-Davies, the trailblazing founder and CEO of By Rotation, about transforming the fashion industry through a sustainable, rental-based approach. Eshita shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the spark of inspiration whilst on honeymoon in Rajasthan, India, to the challenges and triumphs of building a community-driven platform. She opens up about the personal sacrifices and the resilience required to navigate the competitive landscape, especially as a woman of colour in the startup world. Including a frank conversation about the reality of raising funding as a woman.  The conversation is a heartfelt reflection on the power of perseverance, the importance of support systems and the future of conscious consumption. Tune in to be empowered by Eshita's story and motivated to pursue your own passions with tenacity and purpose. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell.  This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow. Time Stamps  The mission of By Rotation (00:01:28): By Rotation's mission to challenge conventional norms in fashion ownership and promote sustainable consumption. The changing attitudes towards fashion rental (00:05:05): How attitudes towards renting clothes have evolved, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Empowerment through fashion rental (00:07:43): The financial empowerment experienced by lenders through By Rotation and the shift in perception of women's shopping habits. Starting and scaling the business (00:29:18): Holly Tucker talks about the importance of having a plan and understanding the destination, followed by Harshita discussing the unique experience of starting and scaling the business during lockdown. Challenges in fundraising (00:33:57): Eshita and Holly discuss the gender and ethnic disparities in VC funding, cultural challenges in early-stage funding, and the importance of financial support over mentorship programs. Challenges in Fashion Industry (00:44:19): The difficulties faced in entering the fashion industry and how Eshita grew her network. Community Building and Mission (00:47:28): The importance of community in a peer-to-peer business model and the mission to transform consumption. Balancing Work and Personal Life (00:51:52): The speaker's hectic weekdays and the importance of recharging on weekends.

Why did Giovanna Fletcher call her encounter with royalty 'bizarrely beautiful'? Actress, author, podcast host, a true champion of mothers and the “I’m a Celebrity” Queen of the Castle shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and empowerment. From her experience starring in the West End musical "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" to her childhood encounters with bullying, which ignited her passion for creativity. She candidly discusses societal pressures around body image and her transformative shift towards prioritising mental well-being and overall health. Discover Giovanna's unexpected foray into writing, fueled by her captivating podcast "Happy Mum, Happy Baby," where she champions candid discussions about motherhood. Hear about her illuminating conversation with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, on maternal mental health and her empowering work leading treks for breast cancer survivors. Giovanna's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of embracing your unique path, and the importance of supporting each other through life's ups and downs.  Tune in for a dose of inspiration that will surely spark a fire within you. Let's celebrate our journeys and the lessons we gather along the way! If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Bryony Gordon, journalist and author. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.  Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast head over to holly.co/dell. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow. Time Stamps: Giovanna's Career and Musical Experience (00:02:40) Giovanna discusses her recent role in the West End musical "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" and the significance of the story. Facing Bullying and Coping Mechanisms (00:11:34) Giovanna shares her experience of being bullied as a child and how she coped with it by immersing herself in creativity and storytelling. Impact of Motherhood (00:21:10) Discussing the change in perspective due to motherhood and the shift in focus from seeking approval. Insecurities and Confidence (00:23:24) Exploring the impact of insecurities and the strength gained from overcoming challenges. Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance (00:27:02) Discussing the societal pressure on body image and the shift towards self-acceptance and empowerment. Experience on "I'm a Celebrity" (00:39:53) Giovanna reflects on her experience on the TV show "I'm a Celebrity" and the relief of being away from uncertainties. Discovery of Writing (00:43:13) Giovanna shares her surprise at her writing career taking off and the encouragement she received. Meeting with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (00:49:08) Giovanna shares her experience of meeting and recording a podcast with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, discussing maternal mental health. Giovanna's Charity Work (00:56:09) Giovanna's involvement with CoppaFeel and her charity treks to raise awareness of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness (01:00:59) Giovanna discusses the importance of early diagnosis and breast cancer symptoms. Embracing Authenticity (01:07:45) Giovanna's personal journey to embracing her authentic self and advice for others. Letter to Younger Self (01:18:05) Giovanna reads a letter to her younger self, offering advice and reflections on life and self-worth.

Jay Blades MBE, presenter of the BBC’s beloved The Repair Shop, returns to the podcast for a second time with his infectious energy and soulful wisdom — this time, sharing his belief in the power of using human connection to strengthen communities through craft.  WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how Jay leans into vulnerability, seeing it as being an essential tool for transformation  Be inspired by his dedication to bringing people together through creativity and craft, to make a difference in the world Learn more about the power of embracing change and using it as a catalyst for growth  If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Keith Brymer Jones, designer, master potter, author and Great Pottery Throwdown judge.  Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Meet Perry Haydn Taylor, brand genius, design guru and true disruptor. His work shines out of many kitchen cupboards and fridges, from Dorset Cereals or Whole Earth to Gü desserts. For 30 years, Perry has helped entrepreneurs start and transform some of our most extraordinary brands with his award-winning design and marketing consultancy, Big Fish. Find out how.  WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how Perry creates true disrupter brands by challenging conventional wisdom Discover how successful branding involves forging meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impact on the world Learn how to spark magic by always operating with a start-up mentality  Please take a moment to protect little ears, this episode contains adult language. If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with David Hieatt, founder of Howies, The Do Lectures and Hiut Denim. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

Dame Sarah Storey is Britain’s most decorated Paralympian and her uplifting journey is a beacon of hope, and testament to the power of resilience. They say if you believe in yourself anything is possible. This week's guest has a story of unparalleled determination, tenacity and triumph.  WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how Dame Sarah’s insatiable curiosity to see how far, and how fast, she can go has fueled her  Learn how obstacles can be met with a belief in ourselves that ultimately powers our dreams Discover what it takes to compete for your country and the power of winning… and losing  Please take a moment to protect little ears, this episode contains adult language. If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love hearing Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill DBE, Olympic athlete. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

Elvis & Kresse is a superb example of a circular business, making luxury accessories from recycled materials (mainly fire hoses). Since 2005, they’ve saved 300 tonnes of decommissioned ones from landfill and donated 50% of profits. Discover how this incredible company puts the environment, ethics and community first — to great effect. WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll learn more about why many believe circular businesses like this one are the future Discover Elvis and Kresse’s passion for breaking the rules, leading with ethics and seeing just how far this can take you Hear how leading with generosity, kindness and purpose can be a winning formula for success Please take a moment to protect little ears, this episode contains adult language. If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love hearing Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Sebastian Pole, co-founder of Pukka Herbs or Mark Shayler, thinker, doer, creator, speaker and author. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

Antonia and Jonny Philp worked tirelessly to create a hand cream that helps our nation’s NHS professionals and is commercially successful (they promise to give a month’s worth of free hand cream to a nurse or midwife with every purchase). Hear how they were tested — from Covid to Dragons’ Den — and truly found their purpose.  WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear Antonia and Jonny’s unwavering dedication to placing their values to give back above all else Discover more about achieving great things through hard work, perseverance and keeping a focused mindset Hear about the power of rejection and how they learnt to confidently deal with knockbacks If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Danny Gray, founder of War Paint and JAAQ. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

From catering events for the Hollywood elite to employing prison leavers, Alex Head opens the doors to her socially conscious catering business — and it’s fascinating. A business creating meaningful change, providing second chances for ex-offenders, and with sustainability at its heart.  WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how Alex is reinventing traditional catering, transforming lives in the process  Be inspired by the power of entrepreneurship and Alex’s unwavering sense of adventure  Discover more about knockbacks, and mistakes, being a catalyst for growth  Please take a moment to protect little ears, this episode contains adult language.  If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Katy Emck OBE, founding director of Fine Cell Work or Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

Stuart Trevor has an unwavering creative vision. When he was just 19, he was the first buyer and designer at Reiss. After founding All Saints and growing it into a household brand, he wanted to help tackle the sustainability crisis in fashion. How? By launching a clothing company that doesn’t produce any clothes… WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll learn about Stuart’s inspiring mission — one that extends far beyond the clothing racks Discover his commitment to innovation, passion for sustainability and determination to keep pushing forward Hear about Stuart’s remarkable journey from a council estate in Dundee to becoming a global fashion icon Please take a moment to protect little ears, this episode contains adult references and language. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Jane Shepherdson CBE, fashion pioneer. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

A passionate advocate of self-acceptance, Bryony bravely challenges societal norms — her authenticity empowering women along the way. Bryony’s courage (and humour) in baring her soul is inspiring, as she shares her lifelong quest to shine a bright light on shame as a powerful way to dissolve it.  WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear Bryony’s honest and touching words on how mental health, and society's attitude to women, have shaped her  Feel inspired by Bryony’s journey to embrace her flaws on the path to acceptance  Reflect on how our lowest moments can be a catalyst to reach greater happiness Please take a moment to protect little ears, this episode contains adult references and language. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Fearne Cotton, founder of Happy Place. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.