Clare and Stu, co-owners of the Microbiome Cafe, share how a shared love of coffee and a desire for healthier, tasty snacks turned into a mobile food business. They explain the development of their plant-diverse, accidentally vegan recipes (including raspberry brownies, powerballs and oat-banana pancakes), the practical challenges of starting a food venture, the benefits of local supplier relationships, and the personal motivations around gut and mental health that drive their mission.

Now operating from a horsebox fitted with batteries, gas and solar, they’re testing markets, refining their offering and aiming to bring better snack choices to events focused on wellness and community.

Naomi Collins shares her musical journey from childhood school plays and musical theatre training in London to touring in Italy and returning to a fulfilling career as a wedding and events singer based around Ely.

She discusses early influences, challenges of the London theatre scene, the impact of COVID on her priorities, finding joy in wedding performances, building a local music scene, and balancing the business side of singing while raising a family. Naomi also highlights favourite songs, dream duets and venues, and how she works closely with couples to create meaningful musical moments.

Charlene Donnelly, owner of Dazzling Dogs, shares her journey from working as a childminder through personal loss and lockdown to training as a dog groomer and opening a salon near Saxton Business Park in Littleport. She discusses how her Pomeranian, Roxy, inspired the change and how small signs and timing guided her path.

The episode covers the practical side of grooming—focusing on dog health, client communication and day-to-day routines—along with the challenges of loneliness, self-doubt and growth. Charlene also talks about using podcasts to stay motivated, her husband joining the business, moving into a larger salon, and plans to mentor future groomers.