The Milspo Life Blog
“And Spouses”: Are Events Truly Inclusive?
Have you noticed the ‘and spouses’ effect? It’s something I’ve seen growth in over the last few years, and whilst I welcome that we’re being invited into the room, do we even want to be there if the programmes promising so much have actually not been created specifically for us? What am I talking about? Well, there are countless events, launches, courses and awards nights for the Armed Forces community –rightly so. We all know that service leavers need that extra bit of support, (and the cynic in me would also like to flag that there’s a lot of money [...]
Shop Milspo: Supporting Military Spouses and Their Businesses
As we head into November, I'm thrilled to share something super special with you. It's all about supporting our incredible military spouses and the fantastic businesses they've built. The FindAMilspo Directory: A Treasure Trove of Businesses Have you heard of the FindAMilspo business directory? If not, you're in for a treat! It's the go-to place to find talented military spouses offering a wide range of products and services. From handcrafted jewellery to beautiful graphic design, accounting services to fitness coaching, there's something for everyone. But FindAMilspo is more than just a directory; it's a way to directly support military families. [...]
071 : Nilma Dole-Williams – Ambassadors Wife
Discover how diplomatic spouse Nilma Dole-Williams balances her role as an ambassador's wife with her passion for cricket and women's empowerment. Perfect for military spouses, armed forces wives, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses while navigating a mobile lifestyle. Empowering Military Spouses: The InDependent Spouse Podcast Looking for inspiration and support as a military spouse? The InDependent Spouse podcast is your one-stop shop for stories, tips, and a thriving community! Host Jess Sands chats with incredible military spouses achieving amazing things, alongside building the Milspo® Community. This network of over 1,400 spouses, partners, and "other halves" is dedicated to helping military [...]
070 : Amanda Prowse – International Bestselling Author
Author Amanda Prowse shares her journey from military life to home ownership, reflecting on the nostalgia and challenges faced during her husband's deployments. After starting her writing career at 40, she uses her experiences to inspire her books, including her newest book, "Swimming to Lundy," which explores grief and community following her brother's death. This is such a brilliant episode and I am so proud to be able to share Amandas story and her wonderful ideas for any aspiring Milspo author. Enjoy this one! It’s fab! Jess x https://www.amandaprowse.com https://www.instagram.com/mrsamandaprowse/ The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a [...]
069 : Jess Sands – Building a Business Around the Juggle of Armed Forces Family Life
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 [...]
068 : Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Lieutenant Commander (retired) Susie Hamilton.
https://www.scottishveteranscommissioner.org Jess Sands hosts a podcast on business and military life, aiming to inspire military spouses to become entrepreneurs. In this episode, she interviews Susie, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, who emphasises support for women veterans and bereaved families. The discussion highlights the gap between policymakers and the military community, stressing the importance of speaking up and providing feedback for improving support. Scotland demonstrates political will towards the armed forces, with Jess and Susie hopeful for positive changes and continued support. The InDependent Spouse podcast was created to give a voice to those who are most often hidden in the [...]
067 : Mia Harrington – Founder Handleys Stitch
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 [...]
066: Helen Willamson – Financial Planner, Veteran & Milspo
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 [...]
065: Lizze York – Founder – Cyclical Soul
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, [...]
064: Emily Bailey – Founder – Just Tourism
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 policy makers 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 [...]
063: Susan Bonnar – Founder – The British Craft House
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. Susan Bonner, a naval veteran and former military spouse, is a successful business owner of the British Craft House. Susan shares her own journey of starting her business and emphasises the importance of community, empowerment, and networking for small business owners. She also highlights the value of free resources and social media platforms for visibility and advertising. The British Craft House is hugely successful. Last year, it celebrated [...]