The Milspo Life Blog
Milspo Awarded Grant from The Veterans’ Foundation
The Milspo Network CIC team is absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful to announce a generous grant award from the Veterans' Foundation! This significant funding is a fantastic endorsement of our mission and will allow us to expand our support for the Armed Forces family. The Veterans' Foundation is a brilliant organisation, rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing military charities in the UK, dedicated to helping those who have served and their dependants. They raise funds through the Veterans' Lottery and donations, which, since 2016, has provided over £11 million in grants to hundreds of deserving organisations. As Major General [...]
Deck the Halls & Boost Your Sales: The Military Spouse’ Business Guide to Christmas
I know what you’re thinking, “Halloween is barely over Jess! We’re still eating Halloween sweets!!”, but dearest reader, Christmas is just around the corner! And while it's a season of joy and family, it can also be a whirlwind for us juggling business dreams with that military life. But fear not, because you can absolutely make the most of this festive period and thrive with your small business. Planning is Power: Let's face it, time is a precious commodity especially with the additional juggle of ‘their’ endless work Christmas parties, and SO many hangovers to contend with. So, the first [...]
How to Run your Milspo Business through the 2025 Christmas Holidays
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! I completely LOVE Christmas. It’s my favourite thing! But I think after a busy year of uncertainty we are all really looking forward to the New Year, and of course a little break over December. It’s usually a crazy time for my family. Not only has my husband spent the last few years on call for the RAF (you’d be surprised how much happens on Christmas Day!) I am still working on my business and taking the usual trips back to our respective parental homes whilst making sure that my two [...]
AI at the Frontlines of Empowerment: How Milspo Helps Military Spouses Thrive
I could not be more chuffed to be featured in the latest edition of this world changing magazine, SHE IS AI™ The article showcases how we're helping military spouses and partners leverage Artificial Intelligence to conquer the unique challenges of Armed Forces life and build incredible businesses. The beauty of AI is its accessibility and affordability. By harnessing these tools, military spouse-run businesses can compete with larger companies, working smarter instead of harder. AI saves time, reduces stress, and empowers these entrepreneurs to focus on what matters most — growing their businesses while supporting those who keep us safe. "Military [...]
Why This Remembrance, We’re Re-Sharing the Powerful Story of Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Ahead of Remembrance Day, many of us pause to honour the incredible sacrifice made by our Armed Forces. For military families, however, this is also a time for reflection. That's why we've chosen to re-release one of the most poignant and important episodes of The InDependent Spouse podcast: my interview with the inspirational founder of Scotty's Little Soldiers, Nikki Scott. This is a powerful story of turning unimaginable loss into an epic legacy of hope. While it covers difficult topics like grief and the challenges of military life , it is ultimately a testament to the brilliance of the [...]
Don’t Wait for the ‘Right Time’: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Launch Your Business
Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I'd love to start a business, but..."? The "but" is often followed by a list of very real challenges that come with military life: frequent postings, deployments, and the general chaos of juggling family life. It’s easy to feel like you’re waiting for the perfect moment - a moment that, let's be honest, rarely, if ever, arrives in this Armed Forces life. But what if you didn't have to wait? What if now, amidst the beautiful chaos, is the most opportune moment to start building something for you? I started Milspo because I believe [...]
081 : Sewing a New Path: How a Business Course Changed Everything with Bekky from The Crafty Starfish
Welcome to the final episode of Series 7! This week, I’m joined by Bekky, a Navy wife, mum of three, and a graduate from the Milspo Business Start-Up course. Bekky shares her incredible journey from feeling lost and lonely as a new military partner to building her own thriving business, The Crafty Starfish. We discuss the unique challenges military spouses face, such as frequent moves, deployments, and the general chaos of service life, and how she overcame them to create a business that is uniquely her own.Join us to hear Bekky share her inspiring story of overcoming the loneliness [...]
080 : Juggling it All with Major Jo Vann
Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands dives into the inspirational world of Major Jo Vann – a true multi-hyphenate who redefines what it means to juggle military life, motherhood, and a thriving business. Jo is not only working full-time in the British Army with a serving husband and two children, but she also runs a stunning boutique hotel in Amesbury called "A Little Place." Jess was lucky enough to visit this beautiful Georgian property, which she describes as something out of a Jane Austen novel. In this conversation, Jo shares how [...]
079 : Felicity Mercer – From Political Life to Award-Winning Business Owner
Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse podcast! In this particularly exciting episode, Jess Sands sits down with the brilliant Felicity Mercer, wife to Johnny Mercer, who has navigated the unique challenges of armed forces life, the intense world of politics, and is now an award-winning business owner. We cover it all, from meeting Johnny Mercer (MP and former Minister for State for Veterans Affairs) as children, reconnecting as adults when he was serving in Afghanistan, to supporting him through a whirlwind political career. Felicity shares candid insights into the realities of being a political wife – far from glamorous [...]
078 : Uniting the Military Community and Shattering Stereotypes with PadWives Assemble
Join Jess Sands in this inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse as she welcomes the incredible duo behind the award-winning podcast, Pad Wives Assemble – Sophs and Kirsha! Tune in as they dive into the realities of modern military life, discussing everything from building a supportive tri-service community to challenging outdated stereotypes about military spouses. Sophs and Kirsha share their journey of creating Pad Wives Assemble, born from a desire to provide a fun, safe, and inclusive space for armed forces families to connect and feel heard, with a few giggles along the way. They open up about overcoming [...]
077 : From RAF Veteran to Neuro-Inclusion Advocate with Ria Jackson
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands sits down with the phenomenal Ria Jackson, an RAF veteran, founder of "The V Word," and CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Join us as Ria shares her extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience, and learn about her mission to champion neuro-inclusion. Episode Highlights: A "Squiggly Career" in the RAF: Ria shares her 12-year journey in the military, starting as a mover and ultimately pivoting to become an avionic engineer on Typhoons. She discusses how her diverse experiences in the forces, including extensive [...]
076 : Building Community & Navigating Military Life with Marama Alliance
In this inspiring episode, host Jess Sands welcomes Lulu from the Marama Alliance, a vibrant community dedicated to supporting Fijian women and their families in the UK armed forces. Lulu shares her personal journey of moving from Fiji to the UK as a military spouse, facing challenges like adapting to a new climate and navigating unfamiliar systems like working in the UK, opening bank accounts, and that pesky married quarter heating. This episode highlights the incredible resilience and unity of the Fijian military community and the vital role Marama Alliance plays in helping these families thrive while preserving their [...]
075 : Advocating for Military Spouses with Camilla Howard
Welcome to The InDependent Spouse podcast, your go-to place for inspiration and support in navigating modern military life. In this episode, host Jess Sands sits down with the incredible Camilla Howard: an RAF veteran, an Army spouse, a forces child, and a dedicated advocate for the military spouse community. After 12 years in the RAF, Camilla transitioned to a civilian career with Compass Group UK and Ireland. She details how her passion for supporting military families led her to co-chair Compass Group's Armed Forces network, a role that allows her to champion initiatives for spouses and veterans. Listen along [...]
074 : Navigating Life’s Roller Coaster with Alex Rickerby
Join Jess Sands in this inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast as she chats with the incredible Alex Rickerby. Alex, a career coach for the Forces Employment Charity and a private coach in the tech sector, shares her remarkable story of balancing a high-powered career with the unique demands of military life, motherhood, and unexpected challenges. In this episode, you'll hear about: A Powerhouse Career Before Military Life: Discover Alex's impressive professional background, including her years at The Telegraph and her impactful role as a Senior Industry Head at Google, managing key client relationships with central government, publishing, [...]
073: Military Spouse Success: Finding “Enough” & Thriving in Chaos with Dr. Katharine McAleese
This week on The InDependent Spouse, host Jess Sands welcomes the inspiring Dr. Kathrine McAleese for a deeply insightful conversation about navigating the demands of modern military life while striving for personal and professional fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for any military spouse seeking to find success on their own terms and reclaim their joy amidst the beautiful chaos of armed forces life. Dr. Kathrine McAleese, a psychotherapist and sociologist by background, specializes in helping high-achievers find a "deliciously satisfying life" that prioritises what's actually important, not just what's expected. She shares her unique perspective on finding your [...]
How To Run Your Business Through A Military Posting
Navigating military life while building a business can feel like a constant battle, can't it? As a seasoned military spouse, I know first-hand the unique challenges that come with postings, married quarters, and the unpredictable nature of service life. But what if I told you that your business doesn't just have to survive these moves, but can actually thrive? This is exactly why I founded the Milspo, a supportive community designed to empower military spouses and partners like you to create sustainable, location-independent businesses. In this blog post, we'll dive into actionable strategies and tried-and-tested tips for seamlessly [...]
072 : Muddling Through Military Life with Lady Caitlin Knighton
Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse, and get ready for authentic stories and amazing inspiration from the military family! In this candid chat, Jess sits down with the incredible Lady Caitlin Knighton, wife of the Chief of the Air Staff and a brilliant family lawyer. If you've ever felt the squeeze of balancing military life with family and work, this episode is for you. Lady Knighton shares her journey of "muddling through" the rollercoaster of armed forces life, offering invaluable tips for navigating the unpredictability and finding your footing, even when you don't know where you'll be living next! [...]
Military Spouses are NOT “Standard Issue”
Have you seen the latest trend? People are asking AI to create images of a toy version of their job. It's a fun concept, but it got me thinking... what would a toy version of a military spouse look like? The truth is, it's an impossible task. Because if there's one thing we are not, it's "standard issue". Think about our lives for a moment. We're juggling so much! You might be balancing family life, frequent moves, and trying to grow a business. You might be launching your dream business while adapting to new locations. And for some of [...]
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Growing Your Business in the Military Community
Five years ago, when the world was heading into lockdown, something amazing happened in my married quarter garden. Picture this: a pretty dire-looking lawn suddenly bursting into life! Out of nowhere, tulips and daffodils popped up, bringing this incredible jolt of hope to those weird, early spring days. It was genuinely amazing! The best part? Someone else had planted them – a previous military spouse who'd taken the time to bury those bulbs one autumn day. As the world seemed to close down, seeing these beautiful flowers was a vivid reminder to me that everything would be ok in the [...]
Update: Running your Business from Home – SFA, SSFA, Rented Accommodation and Your Home
SFA and SSFA After the temporary pausing of applications for the Business from Home (BfH) applications are reopen. https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-home-requests/ Please send completed forms to [email protected], or alternatively completed forms can be posted to Pinnacle Service Families, 2nd Floor, Aviation house, Windward Drive, Speke, Liverpool, L24 8QR. I recommend reading the Annex A– List of Statutory Consents when applying. You may need separate insurance to run a business from your SFA. You’ll also need to check if you will need to pay business rates. To run a business from your SFA, you may need permission from your local council - for example, if [...]
The Accidental Entrepreneur: How Military Life Redefined My Career
This year’s International Women’s Day is on the 8th March, and I’ll be celebrating, along with fellow spouses, female Veterans, and widows aboard HMSBelfast, London at ‘The Female Voice’ event. I’ve also been asked to speak - something that I love to do. But, I haven’t always felt this confident in business, in fact for a little while there I was completely lost in this challenging military life that I now find myself in. Here’s my story… Female entrepreneurship isn’t a new thing, but the amount of female-run businesses that are achieving amazing things is growing and I love it! [...]
Military Life & Business Goals: Finding Your Focus Amidst the Chaos
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford. Famously known for being the founder of the Ford Motor Company, an American industrialist, business magnate and chief developer of the assembly line technique of mass production Feeling stuck in a rut and not sure what to do next in your business? You're not alone! Many military spouses look for the freedom and flexibility of running our own businesses, but the challenges of military life can often feel overwhelming, and can sometimes stunt us from achieving just what we want. Whether you're a [...]
Tackle Imposter Syndrome as a Military Spouse in Business – for good!
Do you ever feel like a fraud, like you're not good enough to be running your own business? You're not alone. Many military spouses in business experience imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling that you're not as competent as others think you are. But the truth is, you're more capable than you think. In this blog post, we'll explore what imposter syndrome is, why military spouses are particularly susceptible to it, and how to overcome it. You'll learn practical strategies to silence your inner critic and step into your power as a confident business owner. I get it - Imposter syndrome [...]
What the 2025 Invictus Games Mean to Me as a Military Spouse
This blog post takes a different direction from my usual focus on building a business as a military spouse (Milspo). Today, I'm sharing a personal reflection on the Invictus Games, inspired by last year's coverage and the stories of the competitors. While it's a departure from my typical writing, I hope you'll find it meaningful. It’s another bonkers Sunday, juggling life as a mum and a military wife, and yet I am excited about the Invictus Games starting next week. Last year's coverage, and the insider view following our wonderful Milspo supporter Emma from Amazon, who’d sponsored the games, properly [...]
Are You Ready To Start Your Own Military Posting-Proof Business?
Starting a business as a military spouse? Discover how to create a portable business that thrives amidst the demands of military life. Learn if you're ready to launch a military-spouse-owned business and overcome the challenges of frequent moves and deployments. As a military spouse I know that in the past my career has been put on the back-burner. I made the choice to follow my husband and his demanding job as he was posted with his work with the RAF. With deployments, tours, detachments, frequent postings and growing families it can be difficult to keep your career on track as [...]
An Introduction to The Milspo Network
Military life can sometimes be a bit lonely, can’t it? Add running your own business into the equation, and there’s a chance that you will be feeling even more isolated than ever! Thankfully, there’s a growing online community, online, stuffed full of amazing Milspo business owners who always have your back. The Milspo Business Network is a community of over 1,400 entrepreneurial partners of UK personnel who connect, mentor and help others to build posting-proof businesses that can survive this crazy military life. The network has grown massively in the last eight years, from a simple podcast to a complete [...]