Em & Co: Crafting Success from Passion, Breathwork, and a Strong Sense of Purpose
For Emily King, founder of The C Word Magazine and Freelance Marketing & Breathwork Consultant, success has been anything but a straight line. Her journey is one of embracing unexpected opportunities, finding strength in her passions, and redefining the entrepreneurial path to align with her values. Here’s how Em transformed a spontaneous spark into a thriving brand, and what’s next on her mission to elevate authentic female voices.
An Unplanned Beginning with Purposeful Impact
"My journey as a founder wasn’t planned; it came as a silver lining during the COVID-19 lockdown,” Em recalls. Living with her parents just outside Bristol, Em began experimenting with design and writing—two lifelong loves that would eventually spark The C Word Magazine. “I was just playing around with logos and writing quirky articles, like one on Robert Pattinson’s lockdown pasta dish,” she shares with a laugh. From there, what started as a creative outlet grew into something far bigger: a platform dedicated to sharing raw, real stories that truly resonate with women everywhere.
From Vision to Reality: A Lifelong Love of Magazines
Reflecting on her childhood, Em admits, “I’ve always adored magazines. Growing up in the 90s and 00s, I plastered my walls with magazine cutouts and dreamt of working in fashion and beauty.” That early fascination became the heart of her venture, and during the lockdown, she felt inspired to fill a void in the media landscape: The C Word Magazine would go beyond superficial beauty tips to showcase the depth, contradictions, and resilience of real women’s lives. Her vision was to highlight the stories mainstream magazines often missed, and bring forth a new narrative centred on authenticity and community.
Facing Challenges with Heart
As The C Word Magazine grew, Em faced the realities of being a solo entrepreneur. “At first, I was my only writer,” she explains. “I soon realised there were countless women across the globe searching for a place to share their voices.” This initial hurdle transformed into an opportunity to bring together women passionate about storytelling, and The C Word quickly became a platform for genuine expression. Each article became a celebration of shared experiences, proving that authentic stories resonate more powerfully than any polished editorial.
Evolving the Vision and Staying True to Her ‘Why’
Em’s commitment to authenticity has been unwavering, even as she tackles the challenge of monetising her brand. “There’s a constant balance between growing a business and staying true to your ‘why,’” she says. “The vision is to financially support not only myself but also the incredible writers who contribute.” While monetisation is essential for expansion, Em is clear on one thing: it won’t come at the cost of authenticity. Her approach is rooted in trust and intuition, always guided by what feels right for her brand’s purpose.
Making a Lasting Impact: Quality Over Metrics
While many founders obsess over metrics, Em’s focus is refreshingly different. “For me, it’s about quality over quantity,” she asserts. “If one piece of writing impacts even one reader’s day, that’s success to me.” Em’s dedication to meaningful engagement drives her leadership philosophy. Rather than chase numbers, she’s building a legacy based on sincerity, connection, and the power of shared stories.
Building a Business Grounded in Balance and Breathwork
Beyond The C Word Magazine, Em has woven another passion into her entrepreneurial journey: breathwork. “Practising breathwork has been transformative, both personally and professionally,” she shares. With daily breathwork, Em has unlocked levels of clarity and resilience that have been key to her success. Now living in Lisbon, she’s found new inspiration in nature, often grounding herself with a surf or a simple meal outdoors. “Breathwork is natural, simple, and incredibly powerful—it resets my nervous system and brings me back to my ‘why.’”
Advice to Aspiring Female Founders: Trust Yourself
Reflecting on her journey, Em’s advice to other women considering the entrepreneurial path is heartfelt and direct: “Just keep swimming. If you believe in yourself and your vision—sometimes even to the point where it feels all-consuming—success will follow. Trust in that self-belief and let it guide you.”
Dreams for the Future
With an exciting launch of a breathwork subscription service just around the corner, Em is thrilled for what’s next. Her goal is to expand beyond what she once imagined, creating a flourishing space for both The C Word Magazine and her breathwork practice. “In 5 to 10 years, I hope to look back and see a brand that’s grown with purpose, that’s touched lives, and that’s stayed true to its roots.”
Flying Higher
To Em, “flying higher” means living in alignment with her true self, reaching her dreams, and inspiring others along the way. Her story is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and a bold, unwavering belief in the importance of staying grounded—even as you reach for the stars.
