What does it take to build confidence, pursue a passion and start turning an idea into something of your own?

In this episode of Shaping the North East, Chris sits down with Melissa Gordon, the person behind Millie’s Treats, to talk about her love of baking, the people who have inspired her and the small steps she’s taking to grow both her confidence and her business.

From the influence of her family to exploring opportunities at market stalls and putting herself out there through conversations like this one, Melissa shares how the things we love, and the people who encourage us, can shape the direction we take in life.

We also discuss her hopes for the future, including her ambition to one day open a small café-style shop where people can enjoy her cakes and bakes. It’s an honest conversation about creativity, personal growth and having the courage to take the next step, even when stepping outside your comfort zone doesn't come naturally.

About Shaping the North East Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter. Through conversations with people from across Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland, we explore the stories, ambitions and experiences helping shape the area’s future.

Find Melissa and Millie’s Treats:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Milliestreats15

Find SZN Media:

Website: https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe to Shaping the North East for more stories from the people, businesses and creatives making a difference across the North East of Scotland.

Sponsored by Vintage Toys & Collectables & Video Games Aberdeen www.instagram.com/vintagetoysandcollectablesabz/

What happens when you stop following the expected path and start creating your own?

In this episode of Shaping the North East, we sit down with Muhammad (Mo) Rahman, founder of M7 Studios, to explore his journey through education, independent filmmaking, acting and the creation of his own media brand in Aberdeen.

Mo's route into media and content wasn't completely straightforward. We talk about his early interest in media at school, why college was always his first choice over university, and how that path eventually led him to Robert Gordon University alongside some of the classmates he'd met along the way. From there, Mo found himself working on independent film sets, developing his skills, forming lifelong friendships and discovering opportunities he hadn't necessarily expected. We talk about the lessons he learned from working in indie filmmaking, his original ambitions to become a voice actor, and how that eventually led to acting in independent films himself. We also look at the thinking behind M7 Studios and Mo's ambition to create opportunities for other people coming through education and trying to find their own way into the creative industries.

What started as an interest in media has developed into something much bigger, and Mo explains where he wants to take M7 Studios next, what he hopes to build in Aberdeen, and why creating opportunities for others has become such an important part of that vision.

Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter, the people building businesses, creating opportunities, making things happen and helping shape what comes next for the North East of Scotland.

Find out more about Mo & M7 Studios:

https://www.instagram.com/mseven.studio/

https://mustarahman2004.wixsite.com/msevenstudio

https://www.instagram.com/fishwivesproductions/

Follow SZN Media:

https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/

What happens when you move from London to Aberdeen, discover something you feel is missing, and decide to create it yourself?

In this episode of Shaping the North East, we sit down with Miss Monstera to explore her journey from London to Aberdeen and the events she's created since moving to the city. Her LGBTQ+ and kink events are about more than simply having a night out. Miss Monstera believes Aberdeen needs spaces where people can step away from the pressures of everyday life, forget about work, bills and expectations, and simply be themselves in an environment where they feel safe, welcome and free to express who they are.

We talk about why she felt those spaces were needed, how she went about creating them, and what she's learned about building a community around something that doesn't necessarily fit the traditional idea of Aberdeen nightlife. We also get into the much more personal side of her story, including meeting her wife, a whirlwind romance that spans continents, and the challenges of trying to build a life together while navigating the realities of UK visas and long-distance relationships.

Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter, from the businesses being built here to the creative people, communities and ideas helping shape what comes next.

Find Miss Monstera

https://www.instagram.com/lady_of_gore/

https://www.instagram.com/eclipse_scotland/

https://www.instagram.com/gore_aberdeen/

Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter.

Follow SZN Media:

https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510

www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/