Real Startup Stories

Real Startup Stories

by James Pinder
Business
Season 1
Why I started this podcast (And how I think it can help YOU)
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
S1 · E1
Feb 8, 2026
18:12
Business Diaries - Real Startup Stories TRAILER
Trailer
Who am I and what is this? More importantly, how do I plan on helping you Subscribe so you don't miss a thing
S1
Feb 8, 2026
0:54
Cub&Co: The Rebrand - Building a Multi-Location Coffee & Clothing Brand
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...
E7
Mar 24, 2026
1:18:23
How Chanel’s Cakery Built a Viral Cake Business
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...
E6
Mar 16, 2026
33:10
Brett Barnes: Why I left my job to become a full-time creator
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.
E5
Mar 9, 2026
1:02:40
Making your child’s birthday one to remember & Why I started this podcast
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
E4
Mar 2, 2026
30:57
PETH: From scam to scale - Building the UK’s biggest towel brand from the oceans plastic BY HIMSELF
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
E2
Feb 15, 2026
1:10:44
The Truth About Running an English Vineyard | Sandridge Barton Wines
In this episode of Real Startup Stories, we sit down with Duncan Schwab, CEO of Sandridge Barton Wines, to explore what it really takes to run one of England’s leading vineyards and wineries. Duncan shares his journey from becoming Head Winemaker to leading the business as CEO, why he chose to step down from the Head Winemaker role, and how the transition has shaped both him and Sandridge Barton. We also go behind the scenes of modern English winemaking, from growing grapes and producing award-winning wines to the challenges of running a vineyard in the UK. We discuss the move from the original Sharpham site to Sandridge Barton, how the relocation transformed the business, the future of English wine, leadership, scaling a premium wine brand, and what it takes to build a successful winery in an increasingly competitive industry. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, business, wine, farming, hospitality, or the stories behind successful British brands, this episode is packed with insights. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help more people discover Real Startup Stories. #SandridgeBarton #EnglishWine #Winemaking #Vineyard #WineBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #CEO #Wine #Cornwall #Devon #RealStartupStories
Jul 28, 2026
31:49
From Hobby to 70,000 Followers | How This Wedding Photographer Built an International Business
In this episode of Real Startup Stories, we sit down with Andrea, an international wedding photographer and videographer who’s built a business across the UK and Spain. What started as a hobby photographing families and portraits eventually turned into a thriving career capturing weddings around the world. Now based in Barcelona, Andrea has grown an audience of over 70,000 Instagram followers and regularly travels between Spain and the UK for destination weddings. In this episode, we discuss: How she discovered her niche in wedding photography Building a business across two countries Growing to 70,000 followers on Instagram The biggest mistakes she’s made and what they taught her What really happens behind the scenes on wedding days If she lost everything and only had a camera, exactly how she’d start again * Advice for anyone looking to become a photographer or videographer Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or just enjoy hearing how successful businesses are built from scratch, there’s something in this episode for you. Let us know in the comments: If you had to start your business from scratch tomorrow, what would you do first? If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Real Startup Stories.
Jul 27, 2026
26:01
How Roskilly’s Built One of Cornwall’s Most Loved Family Businesses
In this episode of Real Startup Stories, we sit down with the team behind Roskilly’s to uncover how a Cornish family farm evolved into one of the UK’s most recognisable independent food brands. We discuss the origins of Roskilly’s, how milk quotas led to an unexpected business opportunity, the challenges of running a multi-generational family business, and the journey from dairy farming to creating an award-winning ice cream brand and visitor destination. We also explore entrepreneurship, diversification, sustainability, branding, the realities of modern farming, and what it takes to build a business that stands the test of time. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, foodie, or simply love hearing the stories behind successful brands, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review. New episodes of Real Startup Stories are released every week.
Jul 16, 2026
56:33
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