International Women’s Day is a day for women across the world to reflect on the work we’ve done to fight for equality worldwide. This year was significant as it marks 100 years since women gained suffrage, and to celebrate, we hosted another of our ‘Ladies That Lunch’ networking events, hosting several inspiring speakers, stalls from local businesswomen and the chance for businesswomen to network with one another.

On the morning of the 8th March, the event kicked off with our first speaker: Julie Raikes-Shephard. Julie is a self-employed Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur, and she gave a talk, speaking of several times in her own career where taking chances of career was worth the risk; an important message for any businessperson.

The second speaker was Rachel Poolton; who founded ‘Inch Go Lipo’, a clinic who offers a variety of non-surgical fat removal services. Rachel has faced hurdles in her life, but through her struggle she found strength to run the successful business; working at the clinic, providing treatments that work while making her clients feel welcome and at home. Her story showed tremendous strength and it inspired everyone at the event.

We then heard from the event sponsor, Naomi Haong, a tattoo artist that runs a shop on City Road in Cardiff. Naomi started out as an animator, and then took her hand to tattooing. She speaks of her shop as somewhere different to most tattoo studios, providing a clean and comfortable space that offers small, large and temporary designs.

After a quick refuel, we set up our own speed networking session. It works much like speed dating, where everyone at the event had to speak to someone new every five minutes, making their way around the hall. This gave the attendees a chance to chat to other companies for support and potential sales.

 

Moving onto our fourth speaker, Tracey Iles Fry, who runs ‘Wigs By Monica’, providing luxury hair from women who need a confidence boost, to those who have lost their hair through skin conditions and chemotherapy. When Tracey was diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few years ago, she was stunned when she wanted to get a wig after losing her hair through chemotherapy, she was always taken to ‘the back of the salon’ for a small selection of poor quality wigs. She now provides wigs, in both Precision Hair Design salon on North Road in Cardiff, and her own mobile service. Her story showed how you can create a strong business even through your darkest times.

Our final speaker of the day was Deanne Adams; previously an English teacher, now she runs a business that helps people write stories. In her talk, she encouraged everyone that they have a story to tell, but it’s finding the words to do so that stop us. From proofreading, to written commentaries to a storyteller academy, Deanne’s business ‘Need Words’ aims to help people find the words when they struggle to.

A big thank you to our MC for the day Shamaine Robinson.

If you would like to join us on our next event, we will be at Bierkeller in Cardiff on June 28th from 11am to 2pm, we will be hearing from Brian Fakir; an experienced Business Mentor who will be demonstrating how Instagram can be beneficial for your business. There will also be a chance to network with other successful businesses over lunch and refreshments. Tickets are available now

Libby Toogood