EP5: Kirsty Raper, Instagram Specialist, Founder of Rebuildagram and Co-Founder of Reels Rockstars

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur, Jo sits down with Instagram specialist Kirsty Raper, founder of Rebuildagram and Co-founder of Reels Rockstars. Kirsty discusses her journey from a City career in PR and communications to launching a social media training business during the pandemic. 

She shares personal stories including the tragic loss of her husband, the challenges of single parenthood, and how these experiences reshaped her career path. 

Kirsty also delves into her passion for Instagram, the impact of her social media courses, and her successful partnership with Andie McDowell on Reels Rockstars. 

The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of community in driving entrepreneurial success in midlife.

00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Meet Kirsty Raper: Instagram Specialist

00:29 Kirsty's Journey to Rebuildagram

01:24 The Impact of Social Media Training

01:45 Kirsty's Passion for Instagram

02:24 From PR to Social Media Expert

04:20 Personal Tragedy and Career Shift

06:26 Starting a Business in Midlife

11:11 Balancing Work and Family

14:43 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

21:29 The Power of Cold Water Therapy

22:28 Collaborating with Andie McDowell

25:19 Running Courses and Workshops

25:40 The Joy of Collaboration

26:26 Different Skills, Same Goal

27:57 Instagram and Community Building

34:26 Success and Ambition

35:28 Future Goals and Reflections

40:17 Advice for Entrepreneurs

44:05 Gratitude and Closing Thoughts

Kirsty’s 3,2,1:

3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:

1.           People – we have a team of virtual PAs who are amazing, a brilliant web developer and a community manager  - they manage all the stiff we don’t have time to do and we couldn’t live without them. 

2.          Tech – Canva is a life saver and so is Chat GPT

3.          Cold water plunge pod – been a wellness game changer 

2 things you wish you’d done differently:

1.           I only have one – I wish I had started earlier! 

1 person you’d like to thank:

1.           Andie McDowell @dahliabeach my business partner and friend who makes me laugh every day and lifts me up when I feel down. 

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com