Rochelle Humes has admitted she’s still grappling with the quirks of Zoom – “I start every conversation muted,” she jokes – but it’s a rare glimpse of imperfection from the polished presenter, entrepreneur and now podcast host.
The former S Club Juniors and The Saturdays singer has carved out a fresh identity as a household name in British media. Now, she’s preparing to take centre stage at the UK House, hosting the “Ladies Who Launched” lunch on 3 June, part of a three-day showcase of British creativity and entrepreneurship.
Speaking to Metro, Humes said the event aligns perfectly with her mission: “I’m so passionate about connecting women in business, that’s why the podcast exists.” Her podcast, Ladies Who Launched, debuted on 1 January and has steadily built what she calls an “organic community.”
“Women are arranging to meet up, sharing ideas and supporting each other,” she said, noting how the network has flourished in real life, not just online. “That’s what I love – it’s real.”
The theme of authentic connection threads through the expanding portfolio. Although she first gained fame as a pop star, her current identity is firmly rooted in media, entrepreneurship, and now podcasting.
“Music feels like forever ago,” Humes said. “We called it a day when my eldest, Alaia, was one – she’s just turned 12. Since then, I’ve built a television career, and then gradually started building my brand.”
She now regards the music as a chapter that has firmly closed. “I’ve got so many fond memories, but I love what I do now.”
A key part of that is My Little Coco – the award-winning children’s skincare and lifestyle brand Humes launched in 2020. “It’s my baby, outside of my actual babies,” she joked. “It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. It’s also my main stress!”
While her shift from the stage to the boardroom might appear drastic, Humes says it’s been a seamless evolution. “I’ve always been one for a pivot,” she explained. “There was a time when people would frown at that. But now it’s different – creatives are much more fluid.”
In today’s digital world, such shifts are almost expected. “Social media has changed everything,” she said. But as a mother, she approaches that space with caution. “My kids aren’t on social media, and I’m not rushing that.”
Motherhood also informs her views on work-life balance. “I’ve made peace with the fact that something always has to give,” she said. “Some weeks I’m a great mum. Other weeks, I’ve hit all my deadlines but missed netball practice.”
She rejects the idea of perfect balance. “You can have it all – but not all at the same time. Society sells us this version of balance that’s not attainable.”
UK House is just one part of a wider celebration this year, coinciding with the debut of SXSW London. On 2 and 3 June, the British Music Embassy will host performances at nearby Devonshire Square, featuring artists including Beth McCarthy, Charlotte OC, Master Peace and Joviale.
For Humes, who has successfully bridged music and business, the synergy between the two events makes perfect sense. “It’s all about the fluid relationship between business and creative industries,” she said.
Asked what advice she’d offer to rising artists and entrepreneurs, Humes pointed to one essential skill: storytelling. “You’ve got to know who you’re speaking to. You can have a big following, but if they’re not engaged in what you’re doing, it’s not the same.”
“Community isn’t about numbers. It’s about alignment. Be clear on who you are and what you bring – the right people will come along for the ride.”
With Hume’s now firmly established across multiple platforms, her early pop career could soon be seen as just a prelude to a much broader success story.
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