This month’s inspiring businesswoman is Emma Hodges, the founder of Biscuit Comms, providing marketing strategy for creatives, coaches and service providers. Read on to find out about her first job and the best piece of career advice she’s received.

What was your first job? Did you enjoy it?

My first ever job was at a local newsagent, taking money for the papers on a Saturday and Sunday morning. My first office job was when I took a year out before uni – it was my first marketing role at a local direct mail gardening supplier. I met some great people, and it was fun – I designed the newspaper & magazine ads: 50 petunias for £3.99 (or something!). I went back to work in their call centre each holiday when I was at uni too.

What do you do now? Is this what you originally trained to do?

Now I’m a Marketing Strategist & Mentor. This year, 2025, I will have worked in marketing roles for 25 years! But my degree was actually BA (Hons) Journalism. That was my plan – to be a magazine journalist – but when I left uni my next job was in PR & Marketing for a London publishing house! My business is called Biscuit Comms, and I’d love you to come and say hello on Instagram or LinkedIn.

How do your services help small business owners?

I help small business owners get clear and confident in their marketing approach so they can scale sustainably. Through my Strategy Accelerator programme, I work with entrepreneurs who know they’re ready to grow but feel overwhelmed by all the tactics and systems out there.

I help them build a solid marketing foundation – clarifying their strategy, understanding their audience, and creating offers that convert – before moving into scaling tactics like advertising. This means they get better results faster, without the trial-and-error approach that wastes time and money.

My clients go from feeling stuck or uncertain about their marketing to having a clear roadmap and the confidence to execute it.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve been given? How did it help you?

To keep learning and always develop your skills. Marketing is a fast-paced industry that’s always changing, and the advice to be an early adopter has served me well. I’ve invested in countless courses over the years, including training with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and each one has given me new perspectives and skills that I bring directly to my clients.

This mindset has kept me ahead of industry shifts – from the rise of social media to the evolution of digital advertising. When my clients need guidance on the latest strategies or tools, I’m confident in my ability to help them navigate what’s worth adopting and what’s just noise. It’s also taught me that expertise isn’t about knowing everything once – it’s about being curious and adaptable enough to keep growing.

If you could give your 20-year-old self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

To develop resilience and stay open to new opportunities.

At 20, I probably would have wanted a linear career path mapped out perfectly. But the pivots, the unexpected opportunities, even the setbacks have all contributed to where I am now. Each change taught me something valuable and opened doors I didn’t even know existed. The resilience I built navigating those transitions is what allows me to help my clients push through their own blocks and uncertainty now. Embrace the unknown!

Which do you prefer, tea or coffee? Beach or pool? Seaside or countryside?

Tea & Coffee (both decaf these days), I have a tattoo of coffee but drink more tea! Pool for lounging and sunbathing, but seaside for walks and general wellbeing. My dream is to move to the coast (I’m in Sussex, and to be fair, it is very lush and green).

What’s your dream job or client?

Ooh good question! I actually love what I do now, having the freedom and flexibility to pick when and where I work, and with whom. My best and favourite clients are the female founders, the action-takers, who move quickly and take advice. They get the best results!

Away from marketing, I used to work in a café as a part-time job at uni, and I absolutely loved it. So another dream would be to have a café overlooking the sea in Devon or Cornwall!

Head to the SEO and Copywriting tips section to read about more inspiring businesswomen and how they support small business owners.