Last week Brighton Journal headed to the Midweek Mingle, an evening of honest discussion and advice from a panel of women who have gone solo with their careers and bossed it, brought to you by She Can. She Did. Here’s what went down.
The carefully selected panel was comprised of five inspirational women who, for one reason or another have made the decision to take the leap and launch their own businesses and are thriving right here in Brighton.
From the founder of hugely successful blog ‘The Anna Edit’ to the brains behind ‘Bird and Blend Tea Co.’ (formerly known as Bluebird Tea Co.) the women before us came from a mixture of backgrounds and professions, but have all successfully become their own bosses.
Upon entering the beautiful venue of PLATF9RM, located on North Road, each of the lucky guests was greeted by not only a delicious G&T courtesy of Harley House Distillery, but also what we will happily name as the worlds best goodie bag. From tasty treats to skincare goodies, each bag was created with the intention of the receiver looking after herself – anyone who works hard knows the importance of enjoying food on the go and having the occasional pamper.
With the founder of She. Can. She Did. Fi Grayson, kicking proceedings off with the story of how she decided to leave her high-flying job in finance behind in order to go solo, each of the five panelists shared their stories of how they got to where they are today.
From Lola Hoad, who founded co-working space ‘One Girl Band’, leaving home at 17 and being made redundant at 19 to Alice Rivers-Cripps, of ‘Posh Totty Designs’, begging her landlord to give her a chance, each of the women’s stories were not without set-backs.
Of course, the evening was not just focussed solely on the setbacks these women faced, but also the advice they’d give. Our favourite was courtesy of Lola Hoad, who advised anyone going solo to remember to take a break – “If you have a hectic time one week, make sure you take it easy the next week”.
We also loved the golden rule given by Krisi Smith, who co-founded Brighton’s favourite tea company: “Always say yes! Say yes to any opportunity that comes your way.”With the final words of wisdom ringing through the room, the mingling commenced over another gin and tonic (or two!)
Organiser Fi spoke to Brighton Journal about bringing The Midweek Mingle down to the seaside: “It’s always nerve-wracking going to a new city where I don’t really know anyone but I’m so, so grateful to everyone who showed up.
I had a fair few nightmares where no-one showed up and I was talking to an empty room, so the fact it was a full house made my night, and I absolutely loved getting to chat to so many new faces! The panel were hilariously honest about everything they’ve been through to get to where they are, which I’m always so grateful for. Bring on 2019 so I can plan the next one!”
The Midweek Mingle is heading to Manchester this week, with another fantastic line-up. After that, it will be returning to home turf in London on the 6th December, for The Midweek Jingle AKA the Christmas party that self employed folk miss out on! To read more about the story of She Can. She Did. and to buy tickets for upcoming events please head over to their website.
All images are by Chloe Williams – @findmeinthehomesection.
