Emma Gray hosts this very special episode blending business and military life, sharing Jess' journey as a business owner, military spouse, and new mum.

Jess Sands founded the Milspo Network CIC in 2018 to support military spouses in business, offering networking, training, and community - but, it's been far from a smooth ride.

Get to know Jess and why Milspo exists by listening to this unique episode of The InDependent Spouse podcast.

Emma Gray is a widow, mother and solicitor (non-practicing), now helping others as an adulting coach, trainee counsellor and grief expert. Find her here https://www.rainbowhunting.co.uk/

The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.

- If you’re looking for further inspiration why not join our community and connect with others – https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO

- Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT

- Get your FREE business start-up guide HERE - https://milspo.co.uk/start-your-dream-business-free-download/

- If you dream of starting your own business, but don’t know how to get beyond the idea stage, then apply to join Milspo’s ‘Launch Accelerator’ business start-up course.

Thanks to incredible support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, this course is FREE and will coach you through starting and building a robust business that’s designed to survive multiple house moves and all that armed forces life throws at you. The first course begins in the Autumn of 2024 and we’d love you to join us: www.milspo.co.uk/course.

- Or, join our Milspo Membership, the Inner Circle. The best business incubator to help build your business or side hustle - https://milspo.co.uk/milspo-inner-circle-waiting-list/

Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, findamilspo and The Milspo Inner Circle are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better - a rising tide lifts all boats.

Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.

Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.

Handleys Stitch - https://www.handleysstitch.co.uk

Mia Harrington, a former Air Force Officer and current RAF wife, is the founder of Handly Stitched Soft Furnishings.

Mia's journey from the military to creating curtains, blinds, lampshades, and cushion covers is inspiring, and a must-listen if you're in year one or have an idea for your business.

Mia's story exemplifies the potential for post-military career success in entrepreneurship. Thanks to Mia for taking the time to share your story - Jess x

Get your FREE business start-up guide HERE - https://milspo.co.uk/start-your-dream-business-free-download/

The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.

If you’re looking for further inspiration why not join our community and connect with others – https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO

Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT

Or, join our Milspo Membership, the Inner Circle. The best business incubator to help build your business or side hustle - https://milspo.co.uk/milspo-inner-circle-waiting-list/

Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, findamilspo and The Milspo Inner Circle are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better - a rising tide lifts all boats.

Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.

Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.

Jess Sands, a business owner and military spouse, hosts the InDependent Spouse Podcast, offering support to business-owning military spouses. In a recent episode, she interviewed Helen Williamson, a financial planner and ex-RAF veteran, emphasising the importance of financial planning for military spouses and self-employed individuals.

Helen shares her journey of retraining as a financial planner after leaving the Air Force and advocates for more awareness of parental leave policies and flexibility in the military.

The episode highlights the impact of military background on career choices and encourages women to take control of their finances.

You can find Helen right here - https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/helenwilliamson

The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.

If you’re looking for further inspiration why not join our community and connect with others – https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO

Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT

Or, join our Milspo Membership, the Inner Circle. The best business incubator to help build your business or side hustle - https://milspo.co.uk/milspo-inner-circle-waiting-list/

Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, findamilspo and The Milspo Inner Circle are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better - a rising tide lifts all boats.

Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.

Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.

Lizzie York is an RAF wife and business owner who runs Cyclical Soul, an online yoga platform promoting women's well-being.

Cyclical Soul focuses on cyclical living and aligning with your hormonal cycle to enhance your overall health and self-care, and this episode is chock full of handy tips to achieve that, even if you feel you have limited time due to the juggle of military life.

Lizzie shares her journey from personal struggles to a successful business rooted in self-care and serves as an inspiration for military spouses facing similar challenges.

Listen along to why importance of self-care, positivity, and community support can help you with navigating military life.

https://www.cyclicalsoul.com

The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.

If you’re looking for further inspiration why not join our community and connect with others – https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO

Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT

Or, join our Milspo Membership, the Inner Circle. The best business incubator to help build your business or side hustle - https://milspo.co.uk/milspo-inner-circle-waiting-list/

Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, findamilspo and The Milspo Inner Circle are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better - a rising tide lifts all boats.

Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.

Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.

I am Jess Sands, and this podcast is where all things business and armed forces life combine to inspire you in your modern military life. Welcome to the InDependent Spouse Podcast.

Episode two of series six features Emily, a sustainable tourism consultant, discussing ways to make travel more eco-friendly. Emily is also the sustainability lead for Forces Wives Challenge and advocates for policymakers to support military spouses' careers and focus on sustainability.

https://www.justtourism.co.uk

The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the shadows of their brave, serving military partner and who are achieving amazing things. Since 2018, Jess Sands has been sharing these stories, alongside building the Milspo® Community – a network of over 1,400 military spouses, partners and other halves who are building epic businesses that THRIVE, not just survive in a modern military world.

If you’re looking for further inspiration why not join our community and connect with others – https://www.facebook.com/groups/MILSPO

Read Jess’ latest Book – Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box: Inspiration for entrepreneurs living in a modern military world – https://amzn.eu/d/3ASq6VT

Or, join our Milspo Membership, the Inner Circle. The best business incubator to help build your business or side hustle - https://milspo.co.uk/milspo-inner-circle-waiting-list/

Milspo®, The InDependent Spouse®, findamilspo and The Milspo Inner Circle are all part of the Milspo Network CIC - a volunteer organisation and social enterprise built by the serving spouses, partners and other halves of ALL UK military personnel to support the community's entrepreneurial endeavours. We get it because we live it every day, and we want everyone to find inspiration, support and a community that helps make military life a little bit better - a rising tide lifts all boats.
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Founded in 2018, the Milspo Network CIC has been built on the goodwill of its members and the support of its volunteers. After a series of failed funding bids and a struggle to change the narrative of why this community needs that extra bit of support, we are now looking for sponsorship or financial help so that Milspo can continue to provide into 2024.
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Please do spread the word or connect us with those who would like to make a difference and directly support the military family, a community at the heart of the UK Armed Forces and all it does.