EP7: Gabby O'Connor, Essential Oils Expert and Founder of Iris Organics

In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo talks to Gabby O'Connor, Founder of Iris Organics, an independent organic candle and diffuser business. 

Gabby shares her journey from an HR and recruitment career in London to motherhood in Buckinghamshire, where she developed her passion for alternative medicines and essential oils into a thriving business. She speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with entrepreneurship, the importance of using natural products, and how she leverages social media and community connections to grow her business. Gabby also emphasises the significance of supporting small, female-led businesses and offers advice to those considering starting their own ventures. 

Key highlight moments include a feature by ITV's beauty editor, Sarah Jossel and collaborations with influencers.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:37 Gabby's Journey from HR to Iris Organics

01:48 Discovering the Power of Alternative Medicines

04:25 The Birth of Iris Organics

08:32 Balancing Business and Family Life

12:27 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Small Business

15:52 The Importance of Technology and Learning New Skills

22:08 The Realities of Being a Midlife Entrepreneur

25:55 Pinch Me Moments: Reflecting on Success

26:09 The Journey to Unique Branding

26:55 Overcoming Business Challenges

28:01 The Power of Asking and Networking

28:59 Celebrity Endorsements and Media Highlights

32:47 Outsourcing and Business Growth

33:36 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

34:47 The Importance of Passion and Balance

41:45 Building a Community and Engaging Customers

43:47 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Gabby’s 3,2,1 :

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

1.           Shopify – amazing for analytics and sales info

2.          Web developer – Katie contact Gabby for her details

3.          Social media training 

2 things you wish you could have done differently:

1.           Start earlier - but would I have had the confidence? Who knows. 

2.          I don’t think there was another one – oops, my bad!

1 person you’d like to thank:

 Sarah Jossel, beauty journalist and broadcaster for mentioning my candles on This Morning during lockdown. It’s so powerful to have somebody advocating for you. 

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