Interview – Polly Smith Of Polly Smith IBCLC

Invisible To Influential is an inclusive business membership that helps you to get more visible in your business and make more money.
All designed for neurodivergent brains, Maddy the founder wanted to help neurodivergent people in an easy to understand format.
Every month you get masterclasses on things that will help you to grow your business, you get your content reviewed 4 times a week, tips on specific platforms to help you to grow.
Discounted tickets to Visible Fest , Discounted 1:1s with Maddy, missions to help you to hit your goals.
It’s £27 a month but for you as readers of What’s Good To Do you can use discount code “WGTD” and get 50% off making it £13.50 per month!
You can cancel anytime. But the support you get within this community is unparalleled.
https://stan.store/maddyalexandergrout/p/join-invisible-to-influential
Now, here’s what lovely Polly Smith Of Polly Smith IBCLC had to say…
How and when did your business start?
My business began in 2021 after I became a qualified Lactation Consultant by passing the IBCLC exam. Since then, I’ve been helping people to overcome their breastfeeding challenges and work towards achieving their breastfeeding goals by doing 1:1 consultations with them. The inspiration for starting my business came from volunteering as a breastfeeding counsellor, in my spare time, a role I deeply enjoyed. That experience motivated me to take the next step and explore how to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I wanted to expand my knowledge, support more people, and turn my passion into a career I love.
What have been your biggest challenges in business?
My biggest challenges have been overcoming low self esteem, imposter syndrome and learning technology.
What tips would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own business?
Starting your own business is scary and also empowering. Most people are starting a business in an area they have a passion for, the hard bit is learning how to become more business minded. Find people who can help you overcome your own personal hurdles. You don’t need to spend a lot of money, invest wisely. Be patient and keep persevering, it’s easy to feel discouraged and imagine things aren’t working, when it may be a case of finding the right information to get you the results you want and need.
What is the best thing about being in Maddy Alexander-Grout’s Invisible to Influential membership?
I’m a very new member of Maddy’s membership. So far I’ve found it is doing exactly what I need right now, encouraging me to take the steps I need to become more visible. It gives me courage knowing I have people alongside me, supporting me. And I hope that I can get more visible with the right guidance.
Have there been any recent wins that you would like to tell us about?
I entered the London and South East England Prestige Awards 2025/2026 and have just found out I’ve been selected for their Women’s Health Specialist of the Year award.
Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to tell us about?
I am working on an exciting project with a colleague, which will be Lottery funded (if successful!), for a new breastfeeding support group in Southampton city centre. This will enable people to have IBCLC level breastfeeding support in an area of Southampton which has lower breastfeeding rates and less access to funds and resources. It will be launching in Spring 2025.
Which activities do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
I enjoy playing badminton with my family, doing yoga, being by the sea and having a glass of wine with my husband.
Contact info:
Contact me via my website: https://www.pollysmithibclc.co.uk/
Find me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollysmithibclc/