In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo interviews Claire van Bekkum, co-owner of Monuskin, a UK-based skincare brand. Claire shares her journey from a successful 20-year publishing career to becoming a midlife entrepreneur alongside her husband Laurent. She discusses how they redefined the Monuskin brand, redesigned the packaging, and launched innovative skincare lines. Claire also delves into the dynamics of working with her husband, the challenges of pivoting careers, and the crucial lessons she's learned about communication, confidence, and entrepreneurship. The conversation is filled with insights and advice for midlife entrepreneurs looking to embark on a similar journey.00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast00:15 Meet Claire van Bekkum: From Publishing to Skincare00:57 Redefining Monuskin: A New Chapter01:45 Claire's Role and Responsibilities02:42 Transitioning from Publishing to Skincare04:39 Learning and Growing in a New Industry08:31 The Evolution of Monuskin18:17 Balancing Work and Personal Life22:08 Lessons Learned and Future Goals25:54 Behind the Scenes: The Challenges of Production26:51 Embracing Technology in Midlife Entrepreneurship28:02 The Power of Gratitude and Continuous Learning29:16 Facing Fears and Building Confidence30:09 The Importance of Partnership in Business30:43 Reflecting on Career and Personal Life34:19 Investments and Lessons Learned43:34 Acknowledging Influential Mentors47:08 Final Thoughts and Farewell Claire’s 3,2,1s:3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:1.           Moving to a new factory was a gamechanger for the team and the business. 2.          It also motivated us to rethink our website and freshen everything up. We use Emma Provins from Skylight9 Ltd for Meta support. www.skylight9.co.uk 3.          Finding our photographer Ria Fletcher, follow her on Instagram @ria.fletcher2 things you wish you’d done differently:1.           At one stage we had the finance/ business side of things in a swanky office in Cheltenham and everything else at the factory, that was a mistake. Being all under one roof is better all round. 2.          I wish I’d met my husband 10 years earlier.  I was 46 when we got married.  1 person you’d like to thank:1.           Emma Redmayne, my boss at Conde Nast, I learned a lot from her, especially about self-belief and being proud to sell – whilst enjoying the experience and having fun! Support the showEdited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor 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 @jojoglynnsmithContact: [email protected] CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.ioPHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

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