From Police Custody to Candy Floss – Elena’s Accidental Path to Entrepreneurship

In this seventeenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Elena – a creative and multi-passionate business owner who runs not one but two unique businesses: a keepsake sewing business and a candy floss venture.

Elena’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t planned – in fact, she calls herself an accidental business owner. After working night shifts in police custody and navigating life as a busy mum, she began sewing meaningful keepsakes for her children and friends. What started as a creative outlet soon grew into a word-of-mouth business. Then came her second venture – a colourful, joy-filled candy floss business inspired by her own sweet tooth and love of celebration.

In this honest and down-to-earth chat, Elena shares what it’s really like to manage multiple businesses while also prioritising rest, growth and family. She talks about the joy of building something her way, the importance of personal development, and why she’s learning to say “no” in order to protect her energy.

We chat about the mindset shifts needed to grow as a business owner, the power of building slowly, and how letting go of pressure can be the best business move you ever make.

If you’re multi-passionate, managing lots of moving parts, or dreaming of starting something of your own, this episode is full of gentle encouragement, creative inspiration and practical wisdom.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction 01:07 – Eleanor’s early career in police custody 02:00 – How her sewing business began by accident 03:45 – Starting her candy floss business 05:30 – Balancing both businesses 07:15 – How personal growth supports business growth 09:00 – Challenges and learning to outsource 11:00 – Finding work-life balance and protecting energy 12:30 – Advice for those thinking of starting a business

What to Expect

✦ A creative and unfiltered look at juggling two small businesses ✦ The value of starting small and growing through word of mouth ✦ Honest insights into boundaries, burnout and business evolution ✦ Tips on time management, outsourcing and staying grounded ✦ Why it’s okay (and necessary) to do things differently

Connect with Eleanor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaterialgirl_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaterialG/?locale=en_GB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candycloudsfloss/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candycloudscart?locale=en_GB

Connect with Alex 📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com