Business Mentoring, Consulting & coaching

Practical Advice. Real Experience. Meaningful Progress.

Prior to starting Maria Lucia Bakes I was coaching people and businesses for over 20 years.

I’ve worked with hundreds of individuals, startups, and established businesses to tackle challenges, unlock growth, and create lasting impact. My approach is rooted in real-world experience: I’ve built and scaled my own businesses, exported products internationally, and reached the #1 spot on Amazon in my category.

I know firsthand the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, and I bring that hard-earned knowledge to every session as well as professional training as a coach.

The best coaching doesn’t just solve problems—it inspires breakthroughs.

Maria Betts

Who I Work With

Support for businesses and people at different stages.

Every business is different, and so are the people behind it.

I work with individuals, entrepreneurs and organisations looking for practical guidance, fresh thinking and support in making important decisions.

Startup & Entrepreneurs

People with a business idea who need help turning it into a realistic plan, understanding their market and deciding what to do next.

Small to Medium Businesses (SMEs)

Business owners looking to improve performance, strengthen their strategy, overcome challenges or explore opportunities for growth.

Established Businesses

Companies navigating change, entering new markets, developing products or seeking an independent perspective on their next stage of development.

Food & consumer Product Businesses

Entrepreneurs and businesses developing food products, building brands, approaching retailers or exploring wholesale and export opportunities.

Creative Entrepreneurs

Whether you’re a baker launching a subscription box, a food blogger building a brand, or a photographer expanding into commercial work, I’ll help you turn ideas into action.

Leaders & Professionals

Individuals looking to strengthen their leadership skills, improve decision-making, navigate career transitions or develop greater confidence in their professional roles.

How I can Help

Practical support where it matters most.

My work covers four key areas, tailored to the needs and priorities of each client.

Starting & Developing a Business

Turning a business idea into a practical action plan
Assessing commercial opportunities and potential markets
Developing products and refining business concepts
Identifying target customers and understanding their needs
Developing pricing, positioning and routes to market
Preparing for the challenges of launching a business

Business Growth & Commercial Strategy

Reviewing existing business strategies and identifying opportunities
Improving business positioning and commercial direction
Exploring retail, wholesale and distribution opportunities
Planning for growth and expansion
Developing stronger customer and supplier relationships
Identifying priorities and overcoming barriers to progress

Business Mentoring & Leadership

Working through difficult business decisions
Developing confidence as a business owner or leader
Strengthening communication and leadership skills
Improving focus, accountability and decision-making
Managing change and professional transitions
Providing an independent perspective on business challenges

Digital & Business Development

Identifying opportunities to use digital tools more effectively
Reviewing a business’s online presence and digital customer journey
Exploring digital marketing and customer engagement opportunities
Improving business processes through technology
Understanding how digital transformation can support growth
Prioritising realistic digital improvements

How a Session Works

A conversation focused on you and your goals.

Good mentoring starts with understanding the person and the business, rather than arriving with a predetermined solution.

Step 1 — An Initial Conversation

We begin with a complimentary 30-minute exploratory call. This gives you an opportunity to explain your business, the challenges you're facing and what you hope to achieve. It's also a chance for us to establish whether my experience and approach are the right fit for your needs.

Step 2 — A Focused Mentoring or Consulting Session

If we decide to work together, we arrange a session focused on your priorities. Sessions may involve discussing a specific challenge, reviewing your plans, exploring commercial opportunities or working through decisions that need attention. The emphasis is on practical discussion, constructive questions and useful next steps.

Step 3 — Putting Ideas into Action

The value of mentoring comes from what happens afterwards. Our conversations are designed to help you leave with greater clarity about your priorities and the actions you can take. Further sessions can be arranged where ongoing guidance would be beneficial.

Advice From Someone Who Has Done It

I've been on both sides of the table.

My perspective comes not only from mentoring and coaching, but also from building and running a business myself.

As the founder of Maria Lucia Bakes, I’ve experienced the journey from developing a product idea to creating a recognised Irish food brand.

That journey has involved product development, branding, commercial relationships, retail, distribution and the many decisions that come with growing a business.

I’ve experienced the enthusiasm of creating something new, alongside the practical challenges of turning an idea into a commercially viable business.

It’s this first-hand understanding that I bring to my mentoring and consulting work.

I know that business decisions don’t always come with clear answers. Sometimes what you need most is someone who understands the realities, challenges your thinking constructively and helps you find a practical way forward.

Digital for Business

Making digital work for your business.

Digital tools can create valuable opportunities for businesses, but knowing where to begin — and what is worth investing in — isn’t always easy.

The right digital approach should support your business objectives, improve how you operate and make life easier for both your team and your customers.

I help business owners take a practical look at their digital needs and identify where improvements could make a meaningful difference.

This may include:

Reviewing your existing digital presence and customer experience
Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency through technology
Exploring online sales, marketing and customer engagement
Understanding which digital tools may suit your business
Prioritising improvements according to your resources and objectives
Developing a realistic digital action plan
You don’t need to understand every new technology or follow every digital trend.

The starting point is understanding what your business needs and choosing solutions that make commercial sense.

Executive & Leadership Coaching

Stronger Leadership. Clearer Thinking. Greater Confidence.

Leadership brings responsibility, expectations and difficult decisions.

Whether you’re running your own business, managing a team or progressing into a leadership role, having space to think clearly and discuss challenges can be invaluable.

My coaching approach provides a supportive, confidential environment where you can step away from day-to-day pressures and focus on your personal and professional development.

Together, we can explore areas such as:

Developing your leadership style and confidence
Strengthening decision-making skills
Improving communication and working relationships
Navigating organisational change
Managing competing priorities and responsibilities
Developing greater self-awareness
Overcoming professional challenges and uncertainty
Preparing for career transitions or increased leadership responsibilities

Coaching isn’t about someone else telling you what to do.

It’s about creating the space to reflect, challenge assumptions, recognise opportunities and develop your own way forward.

Ready to Move Forward?

Let's start with a conversation.

Whether you’re developing a business idea, looking for a new direction or facing a challenge that needs fresh thinking, I’d be happy to hear from you.

Tell me a little about your situation and what you’d like to achieve.

Ready to Move Forward?

Let's start with a conversation.

Whether you’re developing a business idea, looking for a new direction or facing a challenge that needs fresh thinking, I’d be happy to hear from you.

Tell me a little about your situation and what you’d like to achieve.