Zoë Bishop wears many hats: Professional Encourager, wellbeing strategist, radio presenter, and founder of Torchlight Wellbeing. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has honed her ability to uplift others through storytelling, connection, and positivity. Her title, Professional Encourager, captures her unique mission: to empower people to build confidence, embrace gratitude, and unlock their full potential.
“Encouragement is at the heart of everything I do,” Zoë explains. “It’s about helping people see their strengths, find joy in the everyday, and live with intention. I created the title for myself, and now it’s become my calling.”
In this interview, Zoë shares her journey—from her marketing roles to founding Torchlight Wellbeing—and how her philosophy of encouragement and gratitude is transforming lives.
The Making of a Professional Encourager
Zoë’s role as a Professional Encourager was born from a coaching session that sparked a powerful reflection on her strengths and passions. “My coach asked me, ‘What lights your fire?’ and that was when I realised I’ve always loved lifting people up,” she recalls. “I wanted to turn that into something professional, something that could truly make a difference.”
Though initially unsure how such a role would be received, Zoë embraced it with her characteristic optimism. “When I introduced myself with this title, the response was amazing. People often said, ‘Wow, I need a Professional Encourager in my life!’ That reaction gave me the confidence to fully own the role.”
The title is more than a job description—it’s a reflection of Zoë’s lifelong mission to spread positivity and kindness.
Torchlight Wellbeing: A Beacon for Personal Growth
Torchlight Wellbeing, the business Zoë founded, offers a range of services designed to support individuals and organisations. From one-to-one coaching to group programmes, Zoë’s work is rooted in creating safe, uplifting spaces for growth. “Torchlight Wellbeing is about shining a light on what’s possible for each person,” she explains. “It’s about giving people the tools and encouragement to step into their best selves.”
Zoë’s clients range from busy parents rediscovering themselves to professionals building confidence and retirees looking to live more intentionally. Her coaching is tailored to each individual, but the goal is always the same: to inspire positivity and foster meaningful change.
The Encourager Program: A Framework for Flourishing
At the heart of Zoë’s work is her flagship Encourager Programme, an eight module journey that helps clients build confidence, improve self-talk, and embrace intentionality. Each week focuses on a different topic, drawn from practices that have profoundly shaped Zoë’s life.
“These aren’t abstract ideas—they’re tools I’ve used myself to transform my mindset and approach to life,” she says.
Themes include gratitude, self-talk, consistency, and intentionality. Through one-to-one coaching, check-ins, and encouragement messages, Zoë offers clients a unique blend of support and practical tools. “It’s about helping people create small, meaningful habits that lead to big changes,” Zoë shares. “It’s like having a personal cheerleader who also helps you develop your own inner cheerleader.”
Blessed Before You’re Dressed: A Gratitude Movement
Zoë’s daily gratitude practice, Blessed Before You’re Dressed, has grown into a movement of its own. It began with a simple phrase in an essay she wrote (which was later published in Chris Palmore’s Gratitude Journey Volume 3): “I feel blessed before I’m even dressed.” “That line resonated so deeply with me—and others—that I realised it could be something bigger,” she explains.
Every morning, Zoë posts a gratitude prompt on LinkedIn at 7 am, encouraging her followers to reflect on one thing they’re thankful for. The practice has inspired a loyal following, leading to the creation of an online store offering thank-you postcards, journal prompts and a daily gratitude tear-off pad to embrace the practice. “Gratitude is transformative. It rewires your brain to notice the good in your life, even in tough times. Starting your day with that perspective is incredibly powerful,” Zoë says.
Community Connection: The Heart of Renew HG1
In addition to running her own business, Zoë serves as Communications and Partnerships Coordinator for Renew HG1, a wellbeing space based out of Harrogate Baptist Church on the outskirts of Harrogate town centre. This role combines her marketing expertise with her passion for connection and community. “Renew HG1 is a space where people can come as they are,” she explains. “We serve tea, coffee, and conversation. It’s about creating a safe, welcoming environment for anyone feeling isolated, anxious or lonely and giving our visitors somewhere to go every Monday morning.”
Since its launch, Renew HG1 has grown from just a handful of visitors to a thriving community of over 20 regular attendees. “It’s a reminder that sometimes, all people need is a space where they feel seen and valued,” Zoë reflects.
Investing in Growth
Zoë’s commitment to growth is a cornerstone of her work, both personally and professionally. Over the years, she has pursued a wide range of training, from mental health awareness and NLP to Animas’s Coaching and Trauma course, which she describes as transformational.
“Learning about trauma has been eye-opening. It’s deepened my ability to support clients and reinforced the importance of creating safe spaces in coaching,” she shares.
Zoë views every course as more than just a learning opportunity—it’s a chance to connect with others in the coaching and wellbeing fields. “When you’re working solo, it can feel isolating, but these courses really bring together like-minded people with shared intentions. The energy and ideas that come from those connections are just as valuable as the material itself,” she explains.
Her investment in growth extends beyond formal training. Daily rituals like HIIT workouts, journaling, self-empowering daily affirmations, practicing gratitude, reading, and self-reflection keep her grounded and inspired. “To me, investing in yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. These practices aren’t just for me; they shape how I show up for my clients. The better you understand yourself, the more you can help others unlock their potential.”
A Message of Encouragement
When asked what she would suggest to someone who has found themselves at a crossroads, Zoë’s advice is: “Start small but start somewhere. Taking that first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important. You don’t have to see the whole path—just focus on what’s right in front of you.”
Zoë knows firsthand the power of believing in yourself and following your intuition, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. “When I first started Torchlight Marketing 5 years ago (I officially changed the name to Torchlight Wellbeing in March 2024), I had no idea it would grow into what it is today. But I trusted my gut, leaned on the support of others, and let things evolve naturally. That process of growth and change is where the magic happens.”
She encourages everyone to embrace imperfection and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. “We can be so hard on ourselves, expecting everything to go perfectly. But life isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Celebrate the small wins, learn from the challenges, and keep moving forward.”
Final Thoughts
Zoë Bishop’s work as a Professional Encourager and wellbeing strategist is a testament to the transformative power of positivity, connection, and gratitude. Through Torchlight Wellbeing, Blessed Before You’re Dressed, and her community projects, she is creating ripples of positivity that are changing lives and making the world a better place, one day at a time.
Her story reminds us that even small actions—like a word of encouragement or a moment of gratitude—can lead to profound change. “Encouragement starts with connection,” Zoë says. “When we take the time to see and support one another, incredible things can happen.”
If you’d like to learn more, Zoë invites you to visit Torchlight Wellbeing and Blessed Before You’re Dressed and connect with her on LinkedIn.
