Can you build a successful business while staying true to your roots, even when the world tells you that your background doesn’t fit the mould of a successful entrepreneur? Kirsty Hulse, founder of Confidence Live and expert in digital marketing certainly thinks so. Kirsty has embraced her roots as a superpower that authentically fuels her confidence.

In this episode, we dive into Kirsty’s journey from her working-class upbringing in Stoke-on-Trent to becoming a trailblazer in the digital marketing world. Growing up in a small city but with big dreams, Kirsty faced the challenges that many people from working class areas face — the stigma of her accent, her background, her life experiences and not fitting in—but she turned these obstacles into fuel for her career.

Kirsty shares how she navigated the journey of building a business while grappling with feelings of imposter syndrome and societal expectations. We discuss her life in London and California. Her search for home. We talk about why she's building Europe's biggest confidence event in Stoke-on-Trent.

In this episode, we explore:

• Kirsty’s personal story of overcoming classism and imposter syndrome
• The challenges of building a business while staying true to your roots
• How embracing your authentic self can become your strongest asset
• Why she believes businesses can thrive outside of major cities like London
• The importance of community and support in a non-urban setting
• How working-class values shaped Kirsty’s business approach and philosophy
• The role of vulnerability and honesty in building a successful brand

If you’ve ever felt like your background or accent held you back from pursuing your dreams, this episode will inspire you to embrace your story and use it to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. Plus, you’ll get practical insights into building a business on your own terms.

Links:

• Confidence Live
• Kirsty Hulse
• The Knot News
• The Knot Life