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BrightIAM
Lou - Founder of HumanKind Studios on 'The Champagne Series'
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Lou owned a bridal boutique and a gallery before launching HumanKind Studios where movement, wellness and community matters the most. This super shiny and energetic female founder shares her story, the pivots and her top tips for becoming a successful business woman.
This is 🎙️BrightIAM - The Champagne Series 🥂
The Champagne Series is a bold, unfiltered podcast where powerful women come to tell the truth and share their stories - not the polished versions, the real ones. Set in a beautiful, high-energy space, each conversation blends honesty, humour, and depth as we uncover the stories behind the success, the struggles no one saw, and the moments that changed everything.
It’s a celebration of self-expression, resilience, and women who chose to do life on their own terms - with a glass of champagne (or non-alcoholic alternative) in hand and nothing held back. Filmed at The Podcast Room Brighton.
Hello and welcome back to the Champagne series on Bright I Am. I'm Lucy Black, and I'm joined here today by the beautiful Lou, and it's Humankind Studios is her Brighton business. Thank you so much for coming on. Thank you. So we're really excited because we've only just met each other. We have, yeah. Five minutes ago. Yeah. Outside. And quite honestly, Lou, besters. We're best friends. Right. Let's go. And um I popped out with the wonderful podcaster in Brighton, the boys here, and um only in Brighton, a reach out to the area to say, hey, who are the powerhouse Brighton entrepreneurial women out there? And your name was recommended, alongside many other beautiful, wonderful women. And when I looked into you and what you do, I thought, wow, do you know what? Let's give you some air time to explain to people who haven't heard of you and maybe don't know your story who you are and what it is you do. Thank you. Yeah. So I suppose to start with, give us an overview.
SPEAKER_01Um, okay, so um I'm Lou Hill. Uh I own Humankind Studios, which is uh well, wellness spaces in Brighton. So we have four studios. Um, um, you know, we do the yoga, the Pilates, the Hot, the Reforma, any everything you would imagine that uh a wellness studio should do, is apart from the sauna and the plunging and all of that stuff. We don't do that. Um we started in Humankind Studios was created in 2018. So eight years ago. Yeah, I guess coming on years ago. Yeah, and then we've just grown from there, from one studio to four studios to where I am right now.
SPEAKER_00Okay, so you've got a passion for wellness and a passion for looking after your body. Yeah, I mean I've always loved I've was a passion for wellness.
SPEAKER_01Um I passion for movement. I'm sorry, that's that's okay. It's good to know. Yeah, I mean, I've always loved movement. I mean, it's it's not where I began. I mean, I've got a creative background, so artists sort of that side of things, that's where I'm from. I love creating um beautiful spaces. I like putting things together. Um and that's that sort of turned into then um owning an art gallery and then had a wedding dress shop. And then that threw me, the wedding dress shop threw me off the edge, and that's when I went into wellness and um did that thing that a lot of people do, did the yoga teacher training, and because I've always just gone, had my own business, not always, but uh a lot of my life I have, I went straight and set up humankind. Okay. So it wasn't like this big dream that I've had all my life, it just sort of naturally came about, and um yeah, that's it.
SPEAKER_00Do you know what? I'm I'm the more wonderful people I speak to here, the more I can see that there's never one straight linear path, and there certainly isn't in life or entrepreneurship. So you've always had your own businesses, but you've followed that creative design throughout your life. So tell us about your art then. How did that start up? And what was your studio there?
SPEAKER_01So, so in terms of so I mean, at uni, I mean a long time ago, um, that's what I studied, I was illustration and printmaking, and then came out of that and then actually went straight into PR. But my creativity has always been there. So that's that's where I kind of everything I look at is with if you've got a creative head, if you've got a then that's how I just look at everything with a creative view. So I'm always when I like creating the art gallery, it was more about the space and the beautiful, beautiful space rather than the actual business side of things. So I'll be honest with you. Um we moved to uh sorry, I'm I'm sort of switching around a bit. No, it's interesting. My husband and I got married, and we we lived in a tiny village called Fletching, and we had a shop as part of our house. So being the sort of artist and the creative side of me coming out, it's like, okay, art gallery, let's do art gallery. So we did an art gallery and we opened an art gallery, and that was hard, really hard world. I mean, uh very naive, but but I learned a lot, learned a lot from that. Um, that didn't really work. I mean, it did and it didn't. Um, and then we moved back to Brighton, that's where we moved originally from. We moved back to Brighton because I needed to get out of the village life, and um we had a wedding dress shop. Okay, where was your wedding dress shop? It was in Kemptown. Okay, wow. So yeah, I mean, I look back now and I think, how the hell did we come up with that one? Because there was, you know, but it was again a beautiful space, beautiful dresses, high-end dresses, uh, very creative. Um just poured everything into that, and then I realized that I'm not a salesman, and it was intense, you know. Women's dreams.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, yeah. You're holding a lot of expectations actually, and probably quite a lot of disappointments because they'll have something in their mind of what they want to look like, then it's the wrong dress, it's the wrong it's it's just it's just delivering someone's dream, uh their ultimate dream.
SPEAKER_01Um, and and all of that in between, you know, uh getting it right, getting it wrong. You know, you can't get it wrong. You cannot get someone's wedding dress wrong because that is their their it has to be perfect. So we did that, I did that for quite a while, and then um doing yoga alongside of that. And then I had sat down with uh Adam, my business partner and husband, and he was like, Okay, Lou, you know, this is either you go forward with this, we just knuckle down and get it right, or or do you think you would be happier? And I was like, okay, that's I need to, I need to get out of this.
SPEAKER_00Okay, so change again. Yeah. But you know what? It's so refreshing, Lou, that is because we just because we say we're gonna do something and we start it and we go all in, it's really refreshing and it's really important, I think, to be able to change that course. Take the learnings, if it hasn't worked the way you thought, fine, but then take all of that into your new venture.
SPEAKER_01Absolutely.
SPEAKER_00And that's how humankind studios was made.
SPEAKER_01I did my yoga teacher training, and then um um being how I am and how Adam is, it was like we've got to find a space, we've got to set up a studio. None of this get get teaching and get some experience behind you. It was like, no, studio, um, and which we did. We opened a I opened, we opened a small studio. Um, nine mats, and then lockdown, blah, blah, blah. And then after that, we uh, as guests, my first sort of bigger studio opened, and that was 2021. Okay. Yeah. And then from then it's been four studios.
SPEAKER_00Wow. So you're overseeing the run-in and you're also teaching classes. Yes. Yes.
SPEAKER_02Yeah.
SPEAKER_00And I think that um the lady, I can't remember her name, I should have written it down, who had put you forward, said that you are just an absolute incredible mentor to so many women here in Brighton, supporting them through these studio working out, etc., and everything you do. Tell me, what difference do you see in people who come and start yoga? Is it like more of a journey? It's not like me when I go to the gym and I'm on my own, I'm music in head down. Do they join like almost a family with you?
SPEAKER_01Well, for for humankind, you know, we we all say about community. Well, you know, if you have a studio, it's always about the community. Um, and that's a very common thread. Um but for me, the community part of what people I I like to attract people, or what people come for is that is the it's it's the smaller detail, it's it's the warm welcome, it's it's how the studio is presented, it's about the person next to you who who's talking to you. Um, it's about uh the teacher that's asking you about your day. It's about maybe that we have like they have dog walking groups and obviously they go to the pub together. It's all about that little community that you bring into someone. People, I mean, we some classes, I think are you actually here for the yoga or the Pilates? Like, come on, everyone. Oh, they're all having a chat. Keep it up. Okay, okay. You know, it's it's it's there are there's a place for that more uh serious space. Um, and maybe some of the classes are depending on what the studio, the teachers like, but the humankind is not not the serious space. It's it's definitely the the more relaxed, the more freer place, um, depending on what you're teaching um and which studio you're in. But that's the common thread. I that's that I always think of humankind like a bit like a hotel. It's a bit of a used analogy that I use on my teachers. But when you come through that door, if you're going to a hotel, you you want someone on reception to acknowledge you, you want your room ready, you want a warm welcome, and you kind of want everything to sort of fit together. Yeah. And you've you know, you meet someone by the pool, you know, you want to make friends. I I kind of you think of humankind like that. I that's I don't want someone eating a burger on reception or ignoring me or on their phone. Yes. You know, I my room's not ready, I'm already slightly, you know, even if I'm early, I want it ready. Yes, quite. Um, so that's what I kind of try and weave into everything is how we conduct ourselves like humankind so that people just come in and they just immediately feel like they're getting the best experience they can for that amount of time.
SPEAKER_00Okay, and it's lovely. And this being a woman in midlife, myself as well, looking after your body, looking after your strength, and finding a community to do it alongside with, you're actually giving back to the community in a really, really big important way. Yeah. So do you feel like you're settled now in this stage of life and in this business model? Is there you're not going to open up another shop or anything? This is where we're at, yeah? Go back to wedding dresses. No. Burger ball. Honey, I had five dies yesterday. Honestly, I nearly did me in, didn't it? Honestly, I think so. That's where I'm going next. I love that.
SPEAKER_01Fire and mash. Oh no, uh, yes, this is definitely where I'm where I'm at. Do where did where is it going? I don't know. I mean, we've grown so quickly. Um, from two studios, which was manageable, and then um three studios, I opened a hot studio, and then the fourth studio was another hot studio, and that was probably a little bit too quick, but the opportunity came up. If I said no, I would have lost the space. So it's like, okay, grab it, do it. But now it's about rather than getting bigger, it's about being stronger in the business. Now, you know, you you can open things too quickly and not have everything in place, you know, the the right foundations, the right operational management team, all of that. You need all of that before you can start making money properly and growing or or or really maximizing your potential out of each business, which I'm not doing. Uh quite I'm open hands up, I'm not doing that at the moment, but I'm certainly learning how to do that. You know, four's enough. Yes. Um, and and then what where does that take me? Where does it take the business? I mean, there's trends come and go with a wellness sector. So now at the moment it's Pilates, and I'm throwing every myself included into that. I'm learning Pilates, loving it, and really embracing that new trend. But of course, trends come and go. So you've got to be able to stay consistent, you've got to build something that will the people keep coming to you even after Pilates has sort of calmed down a bit and we're back into yoga. You've still got to, you know, you've got to invest, you've got to understand your market, um and yeah, make some money.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. And ultimately that's what this needs to be about. Because even if you absolutely love what you do, you need to make it pay.
SPEAKER_01Absolutely. You need to pay yourself. Yes, you need to make it pay. And and it's all very well. I mean, to set up a lovely studio, and there's so many studios popping up, and it is they look gorgeous, they have the wooden floors, the great machines, the all everything. And I think, oh my gosh, you know, that's what I love doing. But the the profit and loss, your VAT, your operational, your landlord, your lease, all of that stuff, which I didn't care about when I started. I mean, I did, but it wasn't high up there. It was about okay, let's make something beautiful so everyone will come. Yes. And yes, that you think you're gonna make money if that's everyone comes and it's beautiful. It's it it doesn't, unfortunately. It's hard, isn't it? Yeah, I mean it's like every sector, well in restaurants, all of that, you know. Yeah, yeah. You've got to um really understand your busy business and understand your your your figures, your profit, all of that.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so I suppose for women who are watching this, and the idea with the champagne series was to set up this beautiful platform for women like yourself who uh are a few steps ahead of people starting out. What would be a piece of advice, Lou, that you would give somebody who is looking to open a space, whether that's a wedding dress shop, burger bar, an art gallery, or a wellness studio? What's the first thing they should consider that you can give them from your learning? No, your numbers. Okay, and how what does that look like?
SPEAKER_01What does that mean? So, I mean, a space might like be might look beautiful, okay. But what is the what's the rent? Does that, you know, what have you done? Have you looked at your market? Have you done your research? You know, do you know uh how many classes you need to or what you need to be offering in order to make enough profit? And profit means when all of your expenses have gone out and you've paid yourself, yes, and you've you know got a little bit aside as well. Are you, you know, are you making profit? And have once you paid your your VAT, know that you know, after a certain amount of money you're making, you've got to your VAT goes up. So all of a sudden you think, Oh, I'm gonna make some money now. And they go, Oh no, you know you're not. We're gonna take that away as well. Yeah.
SPEAKER_00Um, but we won't go down that road. So um I've do you know what? I actually think we should go down that road just a little bit, halfway down the lane, because I hear this time and time again, and I'm experiencing it myself in my own business, that you do start to get to the point where you're breaking even. Oh, breaking even, oh, it's all good. But then there's so much that gets taken. Absolutely. And we're, you know, we're building, we're creating roles, creating work for other people, and still it feels a bit like you're getting penalized.
SPEAKER_01Uh a hundred percent. And and I know this is across every every sector, you know, but obviously, from my experience with um the wellness, you know, wellness, what if you if you own uh uh say uh a public leisure center, you don't have to pay VAT or business rates. Okay. So they they go, okay, you're providing wellness for your your community, you're taking the pressure off the NHS, you know, you're doing a service, you don't have to pay any of that. However, if you're not, if you're not a charity or you're not a pub in uh a leisure center, yeah, then no, you don't you don't get any of that. You get full business rates, maybe they're increasing as well, and you have to pay your 20% back. Okay, so that's a real problem. It's a massive problem, and it's and it's big out there, you know. There's a there's there's that disruption going on out there. We're we're not happy about it. No. Um because ultimately, if your if your venue closes down, you're you're not keeping people healthy and fit and healthy, and then they're going, and that's the pressure's back on the NHS again.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. So we are, it seems really unfair, really unbalanced. Yeah, that's not right. And I suppose as well, you're gonna have to charge that little bit extra to cover these business rates, which means in turn, people who, like everybody, is facing this cost of living crisis, maybe they can't reach them prices. And if they do, at what cost to something else in their life? And so people can't come, but they need to come. It's really hard.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, to you know, it's it's I I think when people have to uh prioritize, then perhaps they will keep the the the wellness rather than the going out and eating in restaurants. Maybe they if they're that way inclined, they might not be. Um but yes, it it is it's a tricky one. And I think again, if you were to start your own business, uh, I would say always set your prices higher. You know, don't, I mean, I you know, it's very common to think, okay, well, I'll make it a bit cheaper, I'll get more people in. Yes. So I mean, I was I'm a guilty of that through and through. And it's my biggest regret because actually you spend so much time, especially as you started making money and uh and your tax goes up and your rates go up and everything goes up. You you have to then push the prices up and people don't like it, you know, of obviously, and you lose people, and it's just harder to sell your business in. You've you've sold yourself at an in a lower level. I think big yourself up, big your prices up, and then work from there.
SPEAKER_00Yeah.
SPEAKER_01Definitely.
SPEAKER_00Be bold and be brave and actually make sure you're covering the cost so that this is a business that pays. Yeah, absolutely.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, and and uh value your worth, value your teachers, you know. Don't don't think, okay, well, we'll we'll charge less, we'll pay them less. No, be bold about what you're offering and be good at it. But do a good service, be bold, and that and that is proven to bring in more money, yeah.
SPEAKER_00You know, and I suppose location-wise, are all of your studios in the Brighton area?
SPEAKER_01So three in Kemptown and one in the town in town in Castle Street, which is part of the box gym.
SPEAKER_00Okay.
SPEAKER_01Uh Lucy runs the box and um, which is boxing gym and a gym, and they have a uh space downstairs which I've taken over, as you complained.
SPEAKER_00And then you mentioned earlier the hot studio. Yes. So I've never done hot yoga. Is this what we're talking about? Hot yoga. Hot yoga and hot Pilates now. Okay, so what's tell me how that looks because I'm sure there'll be people that also haven't tried it before. I've seen it, I've seen a few clips, and I thought, well, it looks a bit hot and sweaty. That it's very hot. Yeah, otherwise it would be a bit rubbish. It'd be false advertising, Lou, that wouldn't it?
SPEAKER_01Isn't it hot? Well, at the moment it might help. Um, yeah, so we've got a hot studio. It basically we have infrared heaters on the ceiling. So infrared heaters um directs the heat directly to the body. So it's really good for um really good detox, but it's not it's not making the whole room, well, it is the room is hot, right? But it's more directed to the body. Um, it's much, but it's like infrared saunas, they're much better for you. Okay. Um yeah, and it can go up to 36, 37 degrees.
SPEAKER_00Wow.
SPEAKER_01Okay. Yeah, it's it's hot. And so hot yogurt is the traditional, what what we're used to hearing about and with the studios, and now as Pilates has evolved, we're now doing hot Pilates, which I am a massive fan of. Okay. It is just work your work your socks off and sweat and come out just like yeah, on Cloud Nine.
SPEAKER_00Okay, so add in the heat, what does that do then?
SPEAKER_01How does that make it different? Um, well, you're sweating, yeah. Obviously, you're you're detoxing, right? You're um you're eliminating all those toxins, you're working harder, the heart rate's going up. Um it's just just a uh uh it's more intense and a faster way to um well if you if you're talking about calories and all of that, you know, burn those calories, work harder, your heart rate goes up quicker.
SPEAKER_00Right.
SPEAKER_01And you're and you sweat everything out. Oh, I don't know if I fancy it. No, it's not it's not for everyone. No, it's absolutely not for everyone. Some people don't like the heat and they don't want to do, I mean, and then then that's fine.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, and then you can then you've got the option, obviously, with your studios you can do the normal, because I've done normal pilates, as mentioned to you earlier, um, and a bit of yoga and whatnot. And I quite I really like the idea of the dynamic pilates I used to do with a friend called Kieran, so that you're moving in these positions, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I mean we call it, we well, it might we have Pilates sculpt, right? So we use weights and ankle weights, and so there it might be slightly different to that, but but it's also got a bit of hit in it, you know, you're doing lunges, you're uh do you're you're really working uh the arms, you've got heavier weights, um, you're doing a lot more core in terms of planks, side planks, yeah, push-ups, all of that, and then you've got the Pilates woven within that. I mean, at the moment, I'm now studying going further back into classical Pilates. Okay. So, which is is you know, just sort of I've realized myself that I'm going too far into the the trend, the the dynamic side, and I'm pulling myself back. So I'm I'm training now in classical Pilates.
SPEAKER_00Okay, that's a really interesting reflection, actually, there. And I think that's something we have to do as founders, entrepreneurial women, is kind of be self-aware of what we're doing, and actually, what could we also do that's going to benefit us in the future? Yeah, being aware of that. And we've had some lovely conversations, obviously, with Annie Murray, who's Annie Fitness Steading, and um the Everflight, who have kindly sponsored the series, Georgia, who's got her own wellness um classes, she does yoga, yeah. Um, and she's looking to open a wellness space actually in Godard's Green in a couple of years. And what would you say are the top health benefits to women? Because it's predominantly women who are listening to this, to move their body, to get strong, to have that community around them. What's the best thing about that for women?
SPEAKER_01So what sorry, so do you mean what's what's the benefits of doing that?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, being active, of taking part in a class and actually strengthening your body. I mean, it's it's there's longevity, it's it's
SPEAKER_01It's your I mean everything, isn't it? Yeah. I mean, you know, building the bone building your bone mass, building your muscle mass, your mental health. Um, you know, it's generally and being part of a community, uh, it's just and being able to laugh and be around people, not online.
SPEAKER_02Yeah.
SPEAKER_01Um, it it's just the whole package, really. I mean, for I guess for me, I mean, I'm sorry, I can frowning at you like, what do you mean?
SPEAKER_00Doesn't everyone know this? Do you know what? I hope I hope that they do. I hope they do, but I just wonder sometimes what is stopping people from moving towards it. And I think it's a um, I I know from my sister who um she's never done much exercise gym and bits and pieces, but she's very slim, she's very healthy, she's very attractive. She feels like she doesn't need to. I'd love for her to get more strong. And I do wonder if it's that kind of introverted, kind of shy, kind of feeling a little bit less confident going into a class where you don't know anybody. Yes.
SPEAKER_01Is that a barrier? I mean, it's an intimidation, isn't it? Yeah. Studios can be intimidating, and you and like we all feel. I mean, I go to a new studio, I'm nervous. I'm beforehand, I'm thinking, right, okay, where am I gonna go? You know, what's the changing rooms like? You know, who's gonna talk to me? Oh, if I go, if I'm staying in London or somewhere like that, and I try and find a local studio, I'm nervous. I think, oh my god, are they all gonna be wearing this? Am I gonna look like from I'm from the village beyond? I don't know. Yeah, you know, all those insecurities that we all have, and it's like everything, isn't it? You you do it once and you go, actually, oh, it's fine, wasn't it? And if it wasn't fine, don't go back. You know, they're not your vibe, they're not your people. Yeah, um, but I hope at humankind we are, if anything, we're we're very much that way, rather than some people are like, Oh, you know, I need more um a more of an environment where it's more serious, where it's it's very focused, and that is absolutely fine. You go find that space, but but for for us, it's it's not. But yes, in terms of um what the what are the benefits? I mean, it's it's longevity of life, isn't it? It's your your heart, your muscles, your bones, uh, your your mind. Yeah, people I I understand when you when someone doesn't do exercise, I always think, good, you look great, but uh, are you gonna look great? Are you gonna feel great in about 20, 30 years? You know, yeah. You've got to stay strong because you support yourself, yeah. Your your bones will start breaking down, your muscles will break down when you're when your age you hit a certain age, yeah. You know, that it it everything does go the other way.
SPEAKER_00And then with your I know that you're a mum, you mentioned earlier in the lift, we were coming up here. And is it a daughter you've got a lovely daughter B? So is she taking um does she take part in your classes? Is she kind of taking your entrepreneurial side? How's it working with her? Not at all. No, they they're not always like us, are they, Lou? I was like, I could wing this one.
SPEAKER_01No, she's not, but she will do it, you know, but she she's uh she loves her drama, she loves her acting. And I think and there's also there's a bit of a thing, but as with families, it's like, oh, she's talking about yoga again. Oh yeah, but like you know, that yeah. So I think she she is she's part of a family. My husband and I, uh he's entrepreneurial. I think that's will be within her. She's very creative, she's very funny. So I'm happy. Yeah. I mean, I'd love her to be, you know, what would I have done differently? I mean, I didn't train until I was 40 to become a yoga teacher. I'd at 16 I'd have been doing it. I'd have had a backup plan. Yeah. Do your teacher training. Um, so you know, when you're on holiday or you want to do something, or you're trying to find a job after university or not going to university, go and teach, you know, because that's that's to me, it's just like a great thing for you to learn to do and to learn to keep look after your body early in life. Yeah. But you know, I mean, I'll I'll keep going with it. Yeah, keep us posted. They do their own thing, don't they? You want to come to St. Pilates? Yeah. Yeah. Oh, you're not up yet? No.
SPEAKER_00No, I know. I know this is the way it is. So on the Champagne series, though, we always ask the same three questions. Okay, so it's question time for you now. My scruffy piece of paper. Um what is a truth about your life? Okay, so one that most people would never guess.
SPEAKER_01Oh, um, a truth that no one would guess. I'm sorry, I'm gonna have to think about this. Okay. Um I know I'm a pretty open book.
SPEAKER_00It's all out there already. There's no guessing needed. There's no secret with me. I suppose we've um kind of tapped into and explored that you know, you've had an art gallery space, you've had a wedding dress.
SPEAKER_01I guess the wedding dress shop would be a surprise to uh to a lot of people, and a surprise to myself. Yeah. Um, so and maybe uh another truth is that I'm I've never really used my creativity to from you know, that is fundamentally who I am. That's you know, I have dreams about painting and drawing, and that's my skill. That that's my thing, and you know, never really done anything with that. So, um, which would probably shock a few old friends.
SPEAKER_00Okay, how interesting. So if the your older friends would think of you as this creative individual doing the artist.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, no, I can I can, I mean, not I can draw and paint things. I can I'm like I can look at something and paint it and draw it like it is, but that doesn't really make you any money. It's it's yeah, that's my skill.
SPEAKER_00Okay, so maybe in the future, absolutely, I've got to do it. But yeah, I think so. Maybe that's what I'm doing next. Yeah, I'll write it down. That's it. Good. You can do it while she's doing a plantation. I love it. And then um the second question: where did you in your life abandon yourself at some point? And how did you come back from that?
SPEAKER_01So when B was born, and I think that was when we had the art gallery. I think I I think I lost a lot of myself then. Okay, yeah, and I'm not going down the whole you have a baby, you lose, you know, it wasn't that really. B was very easy, I think. But I just went down the route of trying to find myself, and in the in the process, I lost myself through the gallery and through the the wedding dress business. And maybe that was just ignorance or just a naivety, or a life exploration Lou as well. Yeah, yeah. I mean, it was it was it was great to do those things, but was I happy? No, but then that you don't have you can't be happy all the time, can you?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, you've got to find your brave enough to try. So, what I see when you're saying this is I don't see a line of mistakes and where things go wrong. I see a woman who is trying and applying, and I think that's so important. I think it's really great for women to see, particularly if that business was done shortly after you had your daughter. Yeah, when she was in the cop while I was in the we had it sort of yeah, yeah. Wow, I mean that's ambitious. I remember before I had my daughter, um, and I had actually uh we had a barn at the back of our house at the time, my my ex-husband and I, and I had this vision that I'd put the baby, I mean, this is ridiculous, in one of those baby bouncers, right, hanging from the beams, and I would do some painting or sorting, whatever I was up to at the time. Like I actually thought that's what my life would look like. Well, it didn't. I it worked out, I couldn't even make myself toast because I had one hand because I was a baby, you know. It is a big shift, and I think that we do change as women. I certainly did my identity did shift when I became a mother because I think we don't just have children, we become someone, we become a mother ourselves. Yeah. I see a very brave, bold, getting yourself out there and giving it go. And it's interesting to me that it's taken those free hot ski and a jump to find where you are being completely recognised for your strengths. And would you say you're happy where you are then at the moment? Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I mean, and I and I'm not making that up either. I really do feel like I have found that place. And it's um, and it's surprised me in a way, you know, because I it's how it's how it's evolved and how it's worked, and I and also a big, massive thank God for that, you know, moment where you you go, I mean, and then and it's not like oh, this is brilliant, it's all working amazingly, and I've really nailed it because I'm I'm nowhere near that. But I know that I'm on my path to feeling like that at some point in the next 20 years.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, but good. And how interesting that, and I wonder if you hadn't have had those experiences beforehand in those other businesses, then you maybe wouldn't have been able to make this as successful.
SPEAKER_01No, not at all. I mean, that's what they say, all your failures are your biggest successes, aren't they? Yeah. Because that's uh yeah, and uh, you know, I I'm thankfully now those those failures are are quite far behind me, and now it's I after the four studios and setting up each studio, and each studio feels like a separate business or a new business again that you're setting up because there's different systems in places, there's different people, there's different personalities. Yeah, you know, I'm almost on my like well, I am on my seventh business.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, good. Yeah, good, yeah, good, yeah. Yeah, I really do. I applaud you and I see you, and I think it's sensational because if you try something and it doesn't work, it doesn't mean you failed. It means you've learnt and that that wasn't the right thing. So apply what you've learned and go again. Yeah, and I think that message is what I would like to share here in this space. We've had all different people who, all different backgrounds, all women who have created something from nothing, yeah, and actually quite often lost a lot in the process before they've made anything.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, totally. I think it's part of it, isn't it? I think you know you're very lucky to get anywhere without having that experience. And I think it's like you need that experience to really go, oh, I really do need to know my figures. I really do need to absolutely want to do this 150%. Yes. You know, not 60%, okay. Well, I'll do it, and then I'll get someone else to run it when I'm ready. So it's like, no, you always want to be thinking, this is my business, I'm gonna be running this. Yeah, you never want to be handing it over or thinking you're gonna hand it over because you want to do something else, then you're not in it.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so the passion for the projects you're working on and for the roles that you're creating, I suppose that's an important part. And you mentioned earlier your husband, what's he called? Adam. Adam. And Adam's your business partner as well. And do you feel that having him in your corner has helped you in your success?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, absolutely. He's I mean, he's he has um a branding agency, so he helped me come up with humankind. Right. He has um he's the sort of the know you figures, Lou man in the back of my head. You know, he's he's got the he's got the serious questions. Yeah. Um, when I'm up on my cloud thinking about all the nice things of where to put this and that and how to make things look pretty.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, yeah. I mean, absolutely, yeah. And it's the yin and the yang thing, isn't it? Where it's almost like we um we do need those sensible voices. You'll probably be quite similar to me, though. I don't want to hear it. I just want to make it all lovely and do lovely things to make it all pretty and nice.
SPEAKER_01Absolutely. Yeah, no, he's just like, no, you you have to, and then then but then he's I've probably learned the hard way on how to deal with to do that. And I'm like, okay, yeah, you're right. I do really need to know those things. Yes. I need to have those hard conversations. Yeah, I need to know when it's not working, and and to be able to work out what to do next, not just sweep it under the carpet and keep going and hope it will be all fine because that's a great thing to do, but it just doesn't work.
SPEAKER_00It doesn't work. I know I keep trying that one. That carpet, I can't even walk over it now. It's got so much under it, I tell you. It's like, get it all out. I know, isn't it? And then our third question here, though. If a woman is watching this and perhaps she's feeling stuck where you once were, yes, in business in life, what does she need to hear? Not what sounds nice. Just crack on.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, okay, good. Yeah, that's I mean, that's that's my sorry, that's very blunt, isn't it? But I think you you've you've got to get out of your head. You've uh you you if you don't know, so it's not very complicated this, but my I'm not very complicated. If you if you don't try it, you do not know. Um, and just find people around you that can support you, that can give you, that you can talk to, and then you just gotta do it. You really have. I mean, if you if you've got the idea, if you're feeling stuck, or I I mean, I I can't express how important it is that you might you you've just gotta pull your pants up and get going. And you know you might you might fail, you you might be a success, but at least you've done it because you can't you can't change time, you know.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, okay, and leaving opportunities and ideas and unfulfilled dreams, you're never gonna feel good with any of that. No, that was much more eloquently put than me. Pull your pants off and crack on. Pull your pants off and crack on, Lou, I love it. I'm gonna come to one of your classes, that's for sure. I love it. Oh, it's so nice. So, with you um and your husband, Adam, did you say? Yes. Is there a project that you're considering working on together in the future? So you said he's got his brand, and obviously you're heading up the wellness side with the studios. Would you go into another project together in years? Um, I'd probably not. This is interesting.
SPEAKER_01We get this a lot actually. Yes. Of course. But I I don't think I mean we've we've we've done several businesses together. Yeah. And if anything, I think he's feeling comfortable enough now where he can go. I mean, he's got his own thing. He's got a hundred ideas a day. And you know, he can go and do that, and and I will quite happily let him do that. And I and he and he's feels safe now that it's humankind's, I'm in humankind, it's running, it's good, and I'm I'm at a stage where I he's confident, or we're both confident, that I can do this. Yes.
SPEAKER_00Okay, so it's nice to have him there as a support, but you're not in a hurry to start something new together. I'm unfortunately not. No, just as well. I mean, I just I don't think I mean I'm single anyway, Lou, so I haven't got anyone to start it with at present. But I think that I just I I I just don't think it would work for me.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I mean it depends what you bring to the table, doesn't it? I mean, he's he's he's very much I mean he's been great for the brand. And you know, humankind came from uh he bought a website called Humankind, he bought the domain name. It was when you buy domain names, and he's well, he does, and he had humankind in his back pocket, he was gonna make a clothing brand out of it, and I'd created my business. I was like, humankind sounds great, give it to me. Yeah, good. I said there was nothing sort of really deep and meaningful, and we didn't have a massive brainstorm and come up with humankind. It's like, oh, that sounds good.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, it does sound good, it's really nice actually. Yeah, it works, and it's how you've become known. And I suppose just before we finish off today, is there a case study or a story of someone you've met since you started humankind that you could share? Um, that they've joined and they've had different changes in their life, they've been able to achieve more, anything like that?
SPEAKER_01I guess recently I've been struck more by how many people come through the door with mental health issues.
SPEAKER_00Okay.
SPEAKER_01Or they have something that they're not very well. And I've that's really struck me on how humankind has helped them. I think it's it's more tangible when you see someone come through the door who is mentally or physically going through some tough times. Um, and then I'm I mean, I guess we I support everyone, but that's where I really want to support someone because I can literally see how they change over the weeks and the days. Um, and it is that you don't you don't have to have big conversations with them, you just have to know that you're part of their wellness journey. Um so I mean, I and I have people in mind, but obviously I'm not gonna say who they are, but you know, they they come through the door and and then they'll they'll get to a point where life is too, it's it's just really, really overbearing for them, or they're really not very well. And and then that's where humankind will come in and really just gather around you and try and support you, whether it's free membership, whether it's I'm not saying that I give everyone free membership, but you've got to ever everyone's an individual that comes through that door, and and that's the ones that really make me go home and think, okay, I'm doing something good, you know. For for for people that uh uh uh have generally uh an okay life and uh have have an an income and come through the door and have a great time, perfect, love it. Yeah, but the people that really, really need humankind um for their well-being, um that's what it makes me really happy.
SPEAKER_00I think it's beautiful actually, Lou, because if you can go to bed at night and know that you've made that type of impactful change on somebody's life through something you've created and through the space that you've held for them, that's what it's all about.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, obviously it is, and you kind of forget that and it or maybe that's not why I created it. But when you realize that's what's coming out of it, yeah, I didn't even go that deep. I just, you know, just create something great and have a nice time and let's all do some fitness. Um, but actually, it's much bigger than that.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, and bigger for people in their lives and and where their lives are heading, and how brave for people who are really struggling and suffering with identity, mental health, physical, emotional health, to actually have the strength to be brave and bold and go into a space and try to work on that and change it.
SPEAKER_01Absolutely. I think they're braver than anyone just to be able to come in and move when they're feeling whatever they're feeling, yeah, and knowing that they have to do it to move forward for their well-being. Um, I think it's recommendable because I don't know if I could do it. You know, I just want to hide away until the world got better. But people don't, and they come in and and they are so grateful. Just unbelievably grateful for uh because it's you know small steps for people and just giving them a little bit of hope.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, changing lives. Go on, Lou. Changing lives, yeah. Go on then. Take it. Go on, Lou. Take it with your human movement and your wedding dress and everything else. I love it. I'd love it. So anybody who's listening who are in the Brighton area, yeah, how could they um have a little look at your classes, your studios, and get in touch if they wanted to, Lou?
SPEAKER_01Okay, so we're our website is humankind.co.uk. We also have an app um which you just search for humankind studios. Um, and then under there you will see our four studios and it tells you everything. We have four or five classes a day per studio. Wow. Got about 60 teachers. Wow. So yeah, yeah. So there's a lot going on in there, and you're and we have memberships that cover all of I won't go too salesy, memberships that cover all the club all the studios or just one studio. There's something for everyone.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. Okay. It sounds like the cool community to be part of with movement in Brighton. Where's what I've heard? I'm gonna have to come along, but I'm not coming to one of them up once. I'll just find you something hard, not hot. Yeah, hard's fine, just not hot. Yeah, okay. And uh you're on Instagram as well, I suppose. We're humankind humankind.movement. Well, it's just been lush talking to you, actually, Lou. I feel like I want to go like have a beer now. Absolutely. Or a glass of champagne. Just crack over the champagne. Thank you so much for coming on today. Thank you. So, this episode has been kindly sponsored by Everflight Vineyard in Sussex. We've met the lovely Lou from Humankind Studios. It's been an absolute pleasure here again at the podcaster in Brighton. I'm Lucy Black, this is Bright I Am, and we will see you next time.
