Today, Frankie channels her creativity and industry experience into Faves, the fashion discovery platform she founded to help people find and share style inspiration. Faves enables users to discover new brands, and shop recommendations from a trusted community. As CEO, Frankie leads the brand with a focus on authenticity, accessibility, and empowering people to express themselves through fashion.

Now, she reflects on the rare opportunity to continually reinvent herself – something she has successfully done over the past 24 years.

You have been working since the age of 12, and before your 30th birthday you’d sold 10 million records, and had 19 UK top ten singles, both as part of S Club Juniors, and then The Saturdays. How does your background as a singer shape your approach to being a CEO AND Founder?

I have a really strong work ethic. Although being a ‘pop star’ looks fun, which it is, it’s really hard work. It always has to come first. The constant need to stay current is always in the back of your mind, so taking time off or saying no to an opportunity isn’t possible. Now I’m older and have children, obviously that has shifted a bit, but my tenacity hasn’t. I’ve spent a very big part of my life doing things for other people, helping them to become more successful, whilst being expendable myself. It’s nice to do something that I'm truly passionate about. Pivoting into a different industry and becoming a founder has meant I’ve had to learn lots of new things and whilst my previous career has served me well, regardless of that platform, running a business is a whole new demand of its own.

How have you found the entrepreneurial world?

It’s been daunting. I’m learning a lot on the job. Sometimes I get massive imposter syndrome, but I thrive in uncomfortable situations. I’ve realised that most entrepreneurs have had to wing it at some point and that’s really helped. To be honest, I’m loving the journey and learning along the way.

What have some of the biggest challenges been for the company and personally?

Personally, I find it really challenging to manage people. Luckily, I have a great team around me who are all just as passionate about Faves as I am, but I struggle when it comes to giving constructive feedback. I've learned to accept that not everyone lives and breathes my business in the same way that I do and that's ok. The main thing is finding ‘your people’.

As a company the biggest challenge has been trying to communicate exactly what Faves is, so that people understand what an exciting concept it is. It’s a unique business model and it's needed brands to be on board that trust the process and what we can deliver.

As well as a founder, you’re also a broadcaster, author, and actor. What does a typical day in your life look like as a founder and creative?

No one day is the same. It’s a blessing and a curse! I’ve always loved that my life didn’t really have structure, but now that I have kids, I crave it sometimes. Like most mums I have a lot of mum guilt, so I’m often trying to be everything to everyone.

On a typical Faves shoot day I do the following...

• School drop off (unless I have to be in London early for something like Loose Women or meetings)
• Straight back home to workout
• Start work calls and emails
• Shoot Faves with the team
• Catch up on any other work that needs my immediate attention
• School pick up – I've also now become the 'kids taxi service' for football!
• Emails and approvals from bed

In several interviews, and earlier here, you touch upon feeling imposter syndrome – feeling like a failure and juggling career and motherhood. What do you think triggered those feelings of self-doubt? And how do you personally manage or work through feelings of imposter syndrome when they arise?

I think, although I see my work ethic as a good thing, sometimes it can work against me. I’ve always been a perfectionist, which just isn’t realistic. I’m having to learn that I can only ever do the best I can in any given situation. I also gain a lot of confidence in pushing myself out of my comfort zone. It’s the place I grow the most. Working on my own self development has had the biggest impact. I'm currently working with a life coach, functional Doctor, and have regular therapy. It’s made such a difference to my own judgment.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

I went into my business quite blindly and naively. I didn’t seek out the basic set up, policies, and processes etc. of the company, and that gets more confusing and difficult to sort out as the business grows. I'd highly recommend putting these parts in place in the beginning – you’ll find life a lot easier as you scale, especially if it’s quickly, like we have.

What has your favourite part of the journey been so far?

Our first live event was a real game changer for us. I’ve attended many events, but to have one that was completely our own, was the best feeling. It proved to us and others that what we’re doing is working and matters.

Where do you see yourself and your ventures in the next five to 10 years?

There’s still so much I want to do. On a personal level, I would love to do more acting and writing, it’s something I feel passionate about and come back to time and time again.

For Faves, we have so much planned, mainly focusing on introducing more community-based events. It’s important for us to nurture and grow that side of the business – we’ve got lots of things to implement to bring more value to our subscribers.

Finally, what advice would you like to give other entrepreneurs and creatives?

Believe in your vision more than anyone else. If you don’t have an unwavering belief, then don’t expect others to get behind your ideas. You’re its number one fan and it’s up to you to show others exactly what it can be.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Startups Magazine. Click here to subscribe