Behind the Hustle: Why I Started Sharing Small Business Stories (and Where to Watch Them Now)

I created the Behind the Hustle series to spotlight real UK business owners. Here’s why I started it and where you can watch the interviews.

In a world where entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly celebrated, the stories behind small businesses often remain untold. The hustle, the passion, and the relentless drive that fuel these ventures deserve to be shared, and that’s precisely why I’m thrilled to introduce my new series, Behind The Hustle: Small Business Stories.

Why I’m Launching ‘Behind The Hustle’

Giving Back to the Small Business Community

As a small business owner starting out, I know how challenging it can be to get noticed in a crowded marketplace. The small business community has welcomed me with open arms and supported my journey, and now I want to give something back. Behind The Hustle is my way of contributing to this amazing community that has been so generous to me.

I firmly believe that we rise by lifting others. I’m not in competition with anyone – in fact, as a Virtual Assistant, I thrive on being part of the VA Community, where sharing ideas and tips only makes us stronger. You get back what you put in, so by helping others to be seen, I’m also creating visibility for myself. This series is a celebration of that spirit of collaboration and mutual support.

And as anyone that knows me will tell you… if I can help someone, I will, because kindness costs nothing.

What Is ‘Behind The Hustle’?

Weekly Live Interviews with Entrepreneurs

Behind The Hustle is a weekly live interview series where I sit down with small business owners from various industries to uncover the stories behind their success. Each episode dives deep into the heart of what makes their business unique, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the inspiration that keeps them going.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a small business owner yourself, or simply someone who loves to hear about the grit and determination it takes to build something from the ground up, this series is for you.

Why Small Business Stories Matter

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They bring innovation, create jobs, and often become the heart of local communities. However, behind every thriving business is a story of hard work, late nights, and overcoming obstacles. These stories not only inspire others to pursue their dreams but also build a deeper connection between businesses and their customers.

By sharing these stories, Behind The Hustle aims to shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs who are making a difference, one small step at a time. It’s about celebrating the journey, not just the destination.

What to Expect from Each Episode

Key Interview Questions

Each week, I’ll feature a new small business owner who will share their journey with us. We’ll talk about their mission, the challenges they’ve faced, their successes, and what makes their business stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Here are some of the key questions we’ll explore:

• What inspired them to start their business?
• What values drive their work?
• How do they differentiate themselves in their industry?
• What role does the community play in their business?
• And a fun twist: If they could have one celebrity endorse their business, who would it be and why?

Get Involved and Tune In

First Live Session Details

I’m thrilled to share that 50 small business owners have already expressed interest in coming on to the Live Chat! I’m currently working my way through the list to book them all in, and I’m excited to bring you a diverse array of stories and insights. The enthusiasm from the business community has been overwhelming, and I can’t wait to get started.

First Live Alert!

The series kicks off on Wednesday, 14th August at 3 PM (UK time) with our very first guest, Kallia Papadopoulos from the Reading Empowerment Hub.

Kallia’s mission is to ignite and sustain a lifelong passion for reading among adults and children. At the Reading Empowerment Hub, she highlights the transformative impact that reading has on mental health and personal growth. Join us as we dive into how Kallia is empowering lives through the power of reading!

🔗 Tune in here
📚 Visit: readempower.co.uk

Get Involved

I’m beyond excited to embark on this journey and I’d love for you to be part of it. If you’re a small business owner interested in sharing your story, feel free to reach out to me. And if you’re a supporter of small businesses, be sure to tune in, engage, and share these stories with your network.

Together, we can create a community that celebrates the hustle behind every small business success.

Stay tuned, follow the series, and let’s get behind the hustle!

June 2025: Behind The Hustle has taken a back seat due to my business demands however… These stories still matter — maybe more than ever.

You can watch all past interviews from the Behind the Hustle series on YouTube here:

🎥 youtube.com/@emmabridge_va

If you’re a UK business owner, I hope these chats remind you you’re not alone behind the scenes.