Hashtag Authentic - for creatives, dreamers & business owners online

In this episode I’m chatting with my longtime friend Laura Pashby ( Small Stories with Laura Pashby) - an author, photographer, and creative, who you might also know online as Circle of Pines. Laura shares her journey from a craft blog in 2010 to becoming a published author, and how building an online audience helped her leverage opportunities like brand work, teaching courses, and ultimately, writing her wonderful books. Things we talk about: • Instagram Then vs. Now• Working through ‘platform fatigue’• Maintaining authenticity online• Migrating an audience from one platform to another - or from online to offline• The discipline of a weekly creative writing practice• Prioritising meaningful engagement over viral reach• Charging for your writing, and how Laura built confidence in this Links for this episode: Co-writing hour with me this Friday, 2nd May at 11:30am BSTMy Substack Soiree class - enrolling now!Hashtag Authentic Podcast on SubstackLaura’s Substack, Small StoriesLaura’s InstagramLaura’s books, Little Stories of Your Life and Chasing Fog*Laura’s websiteThanks for listening! * Connotes affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a purchase is made. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

This week, I talked with author/photographer/YouTuber/knitwear designer Veronika ‘Kika’ Lindberg about her fluid and inspiring journey to success online, and how she’s evolved her work along the way. Kika’s open-minded and playful approach is so inspiring to me, and I’ve found myself returning to this conversation in my mind so much since we recorded it.I hope you love hearing from her too! Things we talk about in this episode: * Getting started on Instagram, and how it has changed * Growing a YouTube audience, and how to make video * Why Kika doesn’t use Reels or YouTube shorts very much (and why this is ok!) * Pivoting your focus and work, and letting your audience evolve with you * Changing path, and dealing with disappointment when things don’t go as planned * The loneliness and challenges of having to run a creative business by yourself * Getting a publishing deal, and the process of writing and sharing knitting patterns * The different revenue streams in Kika’s business * Running a business while caring for a baby * Establishing your expertise with your audience * Going with the creative flow in business and in life Subscribe for free and get podcast updates directly to your inbox, or upgrade to paid for even more! Links for this episode: * Kika’s Instagram, @Kutovakika * Kika’s YouTube * Kika’s website * Kika’s Ravelry * Knit This book * Knits to Wear book * My online classes * My Instagram, @me_and_orla * Substack page for this episode - come and leave a comment! Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

This week, I’m chatting to Dr Anita Goraya from ADHD Wellness & Wisdom , GP-turned Psychotherapist who specialises in helping people with ADHD. Both Anita and I have diagnoses of ADHD, so this is a topic close to our hearts, and I hope this warm and compassionate conversation will be helpful whether you’re neuro-diverse, awaiting a diagnosis or just interested to know more! Things we talk about in this episode: * Being diagnosed with ADHD later in life * The neuro-developmental nature of ADHD, its hereditary aspects, and some of the common misconceptions people might have * Anita’s transition from GP to therapist, and her own diagnosis process * The importance of self-acceptance, leveraging strengths, and scaffolding weaknesses * Practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, such as mindfulness, problem-solving, and making use of tools and resources * The emotional impact of ADHD, the potential for neuro-plasticity, and the importance of seeking formal diagnoses and support. Links we mention in this episode: * Anita’s Substack ADHD Wellness & Wisdom * Anita’s website * Goblin to-do list tool * My Festive Marketing Guide & Planner * My coaching page, where you can book now for 50% extra coaching * Book a Discovery Call with me * My Me & Orla Christmas Cards * My new 2025 M&O photo calendar Thanks for listening and following along! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

This week, I’m chatting to my friend Sarahbeth Larrimore, the wonder-woman behind Unabashed Apparel. The mantra for her work says it all: “Empowering women to design & sew. Our bodies are worthy of our finest frocks, just as they are.” Um, yes please!Sarahbeth and I had a juicy conversation about personal style and the benefits of sewing for self-expression, creativity and body acceptance. I know next to nothing about sewing, but by the end of this episode Sarahbeth had me completely convinced I should start stitching my own wardrobe - and I bet you’ll feel the same! Things we talk about in this episode: * How sewing and clothing design can be empowering in unexpected ways * Sarahbeth’s Queen Robe Project (enrolling now!), and how anyone can learn to sew * The differences between historical garments and modern made clothes * How clothes impact our body image and self worth * The role of sewing and mending for sustainability and customisation * My collection of vintage French under-dresses, and my upcoming collection of them for sale * The stories our clothes can tell about us as they age and change Links we mention in this episode: * Sarahbeth’s Instagram * Sarahbeth’s Queen Robe Project (enrolling now!) * Sarahbeth’s post on mending, and sustainable fashion * Sarahbeth’s Website, Unabashed Apparel * Sarahbeth’s Substack * My upcoming collection of vintage French nightdresses * My coaching page, where you can book now for January availability Thanks for listening and following along! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com

This is a republished episode from LFAHC In today’s episode we dive into listener questions all about Instagram - from building engagement up, feeling hopeful and excited about the platform again, coming back after a long break, adapting to creating more video content, whether to use hashtags anymore and lots more. Join Sara for her Instagram Summer School Class starts on Monday, the 29th, so you need to be quick. Would you love some encouragement and support in your business? Submit your letter for an upcoming episode here. More from Sara More from Jen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meandorla.substack.com