Savvy Women

SAVVYWOMEN EAST MIDLANDS

ISSUE No 03

IN BUSINESS

INSIDE

TOP ADVICE

TIPS

INSPIRING STORIES Q&A’S ALL FROM SAVVY WOMEN ACROSS THE EAST MIDLANDS

Health Coach and Freedom Seeker

HEATHER ATKINSON A JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE HEALTH - WELLBEING - STYLE - BEAUTY - CREATIVE - HOME - FOOD - DRINK - ENTERTAINMENT - LEISURE - BUSINESS - FAMILY - MONEY

Wellness in the Workplace Nurturing you, naturally

IMPROVE • • • • •

Mental Health Wellbeing Employee Engagement Staff Retention & Loyalty Morale & Satisfaction Website www.serenitystation.co.uk

REDUCE • • • • •

Stress & Anxiety Tension Depression & Burnout Absenteeism Musculoskeletal Issues

Facebook @SerenityStationUK

Instagram serenity_station

SAVVYWOMEN welcome to A COLLECTIVE OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

HEAD OF CREATIVE MEDIA AND PR Buckso Dhillon-Woolley buckso@savvysocial.org

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCE Susan Bradbury susan@savvysocial.org

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEICESTERSHIRE Kathy Maslowski kathy@savvysocial.org

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Caroline Micallef-Wragg caroline@savvysocial.org

DRIVING THE SAVVY WOMEN INITIATIVE THROUGHOUT THE EAST MIDLANDS Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of Savvy Women As you can see, this is the first edition of 2020 under a new arrangement, of being published quarterly. We decided to do this because the requests for being a part of the publication were coming from various locations within the East Midlands. So, we decided to speed up the process that was going to happen anyway and brought the planned date of going out quarterly, a little forward. In this issue, you will find even more interesting and exciting businesses out there which are run by inspiring individuals, giving you more insight of the woman behind the business. Moving forward, we will be releasing issues every quarter. Our next one will be in June, September and then December.

In June we are planning to start our quarterly get togethers where we will invite ALL those involved in any of the magazines, to come along and pick up their free copy and mingle with a few of the other contributors. We really feel that it should be an added bonus that we at Savvy HQ, put on a few drinks and nibbles to host all you fabulous individuals who’ve supported us on our journey as we want to support you, and we can only do this with your help!!

savvysocial.org

So please keep an eye out for the email telling you of the date and location, it will be just after the June edition is released, so if you’ve not yet got involved, and would like to be part of Savvy Women, please get in touch!!

We do hope you enjoy this edition, and please, let me remind you, if you would like to become a contributor, regular or otherwise, to this magazine, then get in touch and let’s talk. There are various ways in which you can be involved. Maybe you just want the front cover and the double page spread as a one off? How about a full 4 page insert talking all about you and your business, maybe you would like to contribute to every publication in the year? Whatever your business needs, however much exposure you feel you’d like, we can do something for you. As a social enterprise and not for profit publication, our main aim is to give local businesses some guaranteed exposure consistently, at an affordable price, which is very much the key element in getting your business noticed.

Don’t forget, we are more than just a magazine. Until the next time!!

Buckso and Susan

/savvywomenderbys

DISCLAIMER All Rights Reserved. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to editorial content or advertising. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. Savvy Women Magazine is owned and published by Savvy Social Enterprise Ltd.

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residentcontributors We would just like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the business women who have contributed to SAVVY WOMEN in this edition

CAROLINE MICALLEF-WRAGG

MARIA HANSON MBE

SANDRA SHAWCROSS

NICOLA READ

CLAIRE R. ZWOZNY-BESTWICK

VICTORIA WILCOX

CLAIRE SAXTON

RUTH CHUBB

ANNABEL WARD

KATHY MASLOWSKI

SAMANTHA KILLIAN

JUSTINE OLDFIELD

HEATHER ATKINSON

JULIE ANNE HART

KAREN CHAPPELL

PAM BAILEY

JO PEIRSON

ROSANNA MONACHELLO

VICKY STANTON

LAURA GOODSELL

SU BRAMLEY

MONICA DUNBAR

NICOLA REYNOLDS

FIONA CALDECOTT

For enquiries on how to become a contributor please e-mail : info@savvysocial.org

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contentsinside

HEALTH/WELLBEING

8 Sandra Shawcross - Serenity Station 9 Nina Lord - The Holistic Floss Boss 11 Jo Peirson - Intuitive Health & Wellness Warrier 12 Julie Anne Hart - Intuitive Consultant 13 Karen Chappell - Stress Management & Chronic Pain Specialist 13 Angie Simmons - Growth Development Foundation 14 Samantha Killian - Samskara Well Being 15 Danielle Hutchings - DSH Therapy 15 Anna Stiscia - Personal Transformation Coach 16 Pam Bailey - Changes Ahead 17 Kathy Maslowski - Brightflower Therapies

BEAUTY/STYLE 18 Justine Oldfield - Seeds of Success 19 Hannah Townhill - Barefoot Baby

CREATIVE/HOME 20 Claire R. Zwozny-Bestwick - CRZyBest 21 Victoria Wilcox - Pictoria Pictures 22 Suzanne Fells - Suzanne Fells Photography 22 Julie Malone - JAE Malone Author 23 Rosanna Monachello - Multipotentialite Rising

6 SPONSOR & NEW CONTRIBUTOR Heather Atkinson

FOOD/DRINK 24 Ruth Chubb - Three Bears Cookery Club 25 Monica Dunbar - Datties Soul Food

ENTERTAINMENT/LEISURE 28 Annabel Ward - Fancy Entertainment 29 Anne Leatherland - Vocal Intuition 30 Vanessa Augustus - The Mummy & Me Health Club 31 Kari Olson - The Liberty Singer 31 Jen Johnson - Earth Dance NIA 32 Lynz Crichton - Lynz Crichton Music 32 Buckso Dhillon-Woolley - The Progression Coach

FEATURES 6 SAVVY BENEFITS OF YOGA

>>

10

BUSINESS/MONEY/FAMILY 3 REASONS WHY A PLANT BASED DIET IS BETTER FOR MENOPAUSE

>>

33 Maria Hanson - Me & Dee Charity 34 Nicola Read - Babbl Social 35 Nicola Reynolds - Pixie Box 36 Claire Saxton - Saxton Marketing 37 Laura Goodsell - Anchor Online Designs 37 Pamela Edwards - Phoenix Rising 38 Isi Dixon - Well Organised 38 Marianne Samuels - Voice ~ MS 39 Debbie Clarke - Debbiedooodah 39 Lucy West - Lucy West VP 40 Jo O’Neil - O’Neil Admin Solutions 40 Rachel Stockton - CIE Services 41 Sandra Pollock - Business Consultant & Coach 42 Fiona Caldecott - 3 Degrees Social 42 Su Bramley - 1 For All Accounting Angels 43 Caroline Micallef-Wragg - Starflower Company 44 Vicky Stanton - The Athena Network 45 Vicky Stanton - The Business Success Coach

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SPONSORFEATURE

COVER STORY

HEATHER ATKINSON

Health Coach for over 35 years shares her journey through life thus far

A

s I look back on my journey through life I’ve come to realise that where you begin is never where you have to end up everything constantly changes and evolves.

As a teenager and for most of my adult life I had a very limiting belief about my own ability and my position in life: where did I fit in, where did I belong and what was I meant to be doing?

I was amazed at how quickly life went by and how many challenges rose up. When things went wrong I noticed whatever it was didn’t last too long and my go-to statement became.... this too shall pass!

I’ve since come to realise that everything good and worthwhile sits on the other side of hard work. However, it took me until my late forties to understand what that really meant and looked like and how I could play that out.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve always worked hard. I’m a grafter, I do everything to the absolute best of my ability and I’ve always had a fire in my belly to push the boundaries in all areas of my life. Still I often felt I was going round in circles; no matter what adventure I went on or what job I found myself in, I felt there was something amiss.

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That was then and this is now.... also became a statement I’d refer to. I naively believed I could dismiss my childhood beliefs,patterning and experiences, thinking they’d disappear as I got older. My goal was to leave home as soon as I could and to not end up like my mum who was horribly stressed, unhealthy, angry and frustrated. I decided that my way out and the way to have a different life was to spread my wings and travel, have no responsibilities and to live a life of freedom. Of course, you need money to do that. So I left school at the earliest opportunity, aged 15 - I didn’t wait for the exams as I was in a hurry to get on with life! I did my apprenticeship as a hairdresser (I could make your hair curl with some of the pranks we got up to! excuse the pun) By 18 I’d finished my apprenticeship and was working as a nanny in London. I had no idea at the time that the job was going to lead me onto the next chapter of my life. By now my thirst for adventure had really got a grip and the next10 years saw me travel round America and Canada in a 1970s combi van.

I youth hostelled, backpacked and drove thousands of miles in search of the next view, next mountain to climb, lake to swim in and culture to experience. I’d cracked it - I’d found freedom! I didn’t know it at the time but that freedom was temporary.

By the time I was 28, I was living back in the UK and had a stint of living in my old banger of a car. Apart from the amazing memories, I hadn’t got much to show for all my experiences. There’s only so much you can relay and remember. At a school reunion that year, we shared stories of our life since we left school and it left me feeling like I’d made foolish decisions and that I’d been careless.

Whilst my old school friends shared stories of marriage and children,and had homes and a sense of contentment, I sounded reckless and irresponsible. I just couldn’t do anything by halves: I was all in with everything... but what was that thing?

Once again, I started to remember the feelings I’d had as a child growing up watching my mum struggle. She had 4 jobs, never any money and was always rushing, Mum never seeming to enjoy anything she did and was always angry (especially with me: the hippie, the dreamer, the one who couldn’t get her act together). These memories just made me want to get away again and live wildly.Looking back now I can see that there was absolutely no balance in my thinking.

Approaching 40 after 10 more adventurous years in Australia, I found myself a single mum to two kids. I remember the first night in our rental home with very few belongings, and very little money, a fear seeped in.

I had some earning power as I’d studied in the field of nutrition and achieved my sports coaching and personal training qualifications. A small business, two fabulous kids, lots of friends and great health. From the outside you would say I’d cracked it. But if you looked a little deeper you’d see I was actually very fearful at this point in time.

It occurred to me: is this how my mum had felt with three children to look after as a single parent? Like her, I had three jobs (surprisingly this still wasn’t enough to take away the anxiety as we only just had just enough money to get by).

Not being a materialistic person, I didn’t care about the lack of luxuries we could afford but anxiety nagged at me every night when I went to bed. As I got older, the feeling got stronger, was I about to repeat history.

I’d worried my whole life about my mum and could never understand her choices and it dawned on me that it wasn’t so much that I didn’t want to end up like her, but that I didn’t want my children to have the same feelings that I did when I was growing up. Parents readily say “we just want to see our children happy” and I believe that it’s just as important for our children to see us, their parents, live a happy and full life. So these last 10 years I committed to changing that. I often blamed myself for my mum’s lifestyle, but you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.

That’s what the unease was all of those years. So then the learning began and the unpicking of old patterns. I picked up my first self help book up at nearly 45 years old!

The more I learned about why we do certain things the more I wanted to know. I became an avid reader to find out more about myself, and more importantly what I could do with that information... What unfolded taught me a lot. Not only have I grown as a person, over the last 10 years I have changed my financial blueprint forever. Looking forward to sharing more with you in the next episode.

email heather@healthy-success.co.uk www.healthy-success.co.uk linkedin.com/in/heather-atkinson-brighouse-7b801618a tel: 07507493299

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Pregnancy Massage a truly nurturing experience

By Sandra Shawcross - Serenity Station

W

e hadn’t set out to specialise in pregnancy massage, however over the last two years our client base of pregnant ladies has continued to grow making this our number one treatment that we offer! We really enjoy getting to know the mums from early on in their pregnancy journey and spend a lot of time with them.

It isn’t just about the massage they receive, they get to have some real downtime, have an opportunity to relax and discuss their pregnancy in general. Whilst we can’t answer all their questions and worries, it helps mums to offload, and we can signpost them to other services for extra support including hypnobirthing, counselling, pregnancy yoga and aqua natal classes.

Previously, pregnancy massage has been considered simply a treat – but the advantage of choosing a specialised service like ours means you get a tailored treatment with an experienced and knowledgeable Practitioner. It’s a truly nurturing experience which induces a deeper level of relaxation supporting mother during pregnancy and preparing both mother and baby for childbirth. It helps to alleviate common aches, pains and everyday stresses that pregnancy can have on the body such

as lower back pain, sciatica, hip pain, general tension, water retention, fatigue, heartburn, gastric reflux and constipation.

Throughout pregnancy, a mother’s body is continually changing from morning sickness, general tiredness to increasing levels of oestrogen and relaxin, reduction in density of connective tissue, cartilage and ligaments - all of which create an increase in both mobility and flexibility in joints.

Many new mothers work right up to the final weeks of pregnancy and do not give themselves time to prepare emotionally and physically for motherhood. Here at Serenity Station we, offer both pre (in the second and third trimester) and postnatal massage and will support mums both physically and emotionally working together with their midwife and GP. Mums to be are also welcome to bring partners during the latter stages of pregnancy so we can demonstrate some massage techniques to proactively support mothers at home and during the birth. We also allow extra time for pregnancy massage to ensure that clients do not feel rushed or pressured in any way.

If you are interested in finding out more about pregnancy massage, please visit us at: www.serenitystation.co.uk/pregnancy-massage

“I had the most amazing pregnancy massage with Sandra, after working full time up till 36 weeks, Sandra really helped me to relax and destress ready for motherhood. It was such an awesome experience and I’m soon planning another amazing treatment to help relax with the sleepless nights, I fully recommend this wonderful women she’s really in tune with her client’s needs and extremely professional throughout thanks again !!”

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HEALTHWELLBEING

SAVVY WOMAN PROFILE

NINA LORD

Nina Lord who is taking a holistic approach to dental health and general wellbeing... helping you to smile from the inside out

My name is Nina Lord and I have been working in dentistry for 20 years now and for almost 7 of those years I have been working as a Dental Therapist. I am based in the centre of Derby in a practice called Remarkable Smiles.

Not long into my career I started to notice an important connection between oral and general health so I decided to become dual trained and studied to become a nutritional therapist. I qualified last November and now because of this I can give just that little bit more to my patients when they come to see me.

As a Dental professional I am in a very fortunate position to notice oral manifestations that can be a sign of health concerns or nutritional deficiencies/ insufficiencies. I wanted to be educated to a level that I could give safe and evidence based advice to my patients.

I really believe in taking a whole body approach in my appointments, whether that be providing a dental hygiene appointment or even transforming a patient’s smile cosmetically.

I also provide Dental Acupuncture to help relieve tension in the jaw, neck and head from tooth grinding which a lot of people do when they are stressed out... it may not solve the problem but it can certainly help to lessen the discomfort. Dental acupuncture can also be used for a gag reflex issue or even just to help eases anxiety which a lot of people experience when visiting the dentist. This alongside a diffuser with oils and relaxing plinky plonky music can make you forget you are even in a Dental practice!

You can find me at Remarkable Smiles for Dental Services or message me via my Instagram account: @the_holistic_floss_boss or email me: theholisticflossboss@outlook.com for more information on nutritional one to ones so I can help you with your health and well being.

www.remarkablesmiles.co.uk/practices/derby tel: 01332 202 200

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RELEASE ALL OF YOUR TEN SION

HEALTHWELLBEING

6 SAVVY BENEFITS OF YOGA 10 - SAVVY WOMEN ISSUE 3- savvysocial.org

DERBY ENTREPRENEUR JO PEIRSON RECEIVES #WOW AWARD FROM JACQUELINE GOLD CBE One of the biggest fitness trends is Yoga. It has a purpose to generate strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and the physique. With over 100 types of schools and Yoga, the majority of Yoga sessions usually include breathing, exercises, meditation poses that stretch numerous muscle collections. Due to there being so many alternative types of Yoga practices, it is possible for anybody to start and as it focuses on yourself only, there is no real reason why anybody cannot do it. Yoga has many mental and physical benefits, here are the best one’s we have picked out for you.

Increased Flexibility As you practice Yoga more and more, you will find your muscles and joints will become more tolerant to the stretches you carry out. This is a sign that you are becoming more flexible and your body will start to move less rigidly.

Increased Muscle Strength and Tone Strong muscles do more than look good. They protect us from conditions such as arthritis and back pain. They also assist in preventing falls in elderly people. Yoga exercises also prevent cartilage and joint breakdown as well as supplying protection for your spine.

Weight Reduction Being overweight is a sign that there are disproportions in your everyday life and one major contributor to weight increase is additional stress.

Practising yoga enables you to get a deep sense of relaxation to your body and your mind, assisting you to de-stress and permitting you to lose weight naturally.

Improved Balance Regularly practicing yoga increases proprioception and improves balance. People with bad posture or dysfunctional movement typically have poor proprioception, which has been connected to knee problems and back pain. Enhanced balance can mean less falls. For the elderly, this interprets into further independence and delayed admission to a care home or maybe never arriving at one at all.

Stress Relief Yoga is known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation. When used alone or along with other methods of alleviating stress, such as meditation, yoga can be a powerful way to keep stress in check.

Improves Self-Esteem Many people suffer from low self-esteem and if it is handled negatively, you may pay the price with poorer health physically, mentally and spiritually.

If you take a positive approach and practice Yoga, you will eventually sense that you’re worthwhile or as Yogic philosophy teaches, that you are a manifestation of the Divine.

A busy mum who helps other busy mums to thrive in this 21st century has just been recognised for her work by a leading British female entrepreneur.

Jo Peirson from Derby, was awarded with a prestigious Women on Wednesday (#WOW) badge by British businesswoman, Jacqueline Gold CBE, for her success as a female entrepreneur.

When selecting the winners, Jacqueline looks for businesses that are interesting, that have strong brand values and that she thinks have potential to grow and succeed in their industry. She’s looking for entrepreneurs who demonstrate good business acumen and who have spotted a gap in the market that meets the consumer’s needs.

Jo Peirson (Intuitive Health & Wellness Warrior) stood out in the applications because she is passionate about Reiki and loves using her skills to help busy mums and professional women gain more energy.

As a busy mum and business owner herself, Jo fully understands the demands placed on the 21st century woman. She believes that women gifting themselves regular tlc time is vital, a necessity, not just a luxury as an extra special treat.

Jo says: “It’s important they put themselves at the top of the tree so they, everyone and everything underneath them continues to thrive. This kind of self-care shouldn’t be restricted to special occasions or when we’re run down it should be part of everyday life just like brushing our teeth.”

Jo started her Reiki training back in 2016. Her clients say they end up feeling more relaxed, able to cope better with life, enjoy improved sleep, and released tension from tight areas such as the neck and shoulders.

Jacqueline says: “Jo Peirson, Intuitive Health & Wellness Warrior offers women with hectic lifestyles a chance for some muchneeded self-care and tranquillity by performing a bespoke Usui Reiki experience based on her intuitive skills.

“Jo’s determination to inspire and support women to find and maintain their strength sets her company apart. I wish her every success in the future. For me, #WOW is all about inspiring and celebrating female entrepreneurs. My vision is for women in the UK to come together, celebrate their strengths, skills and fantastic businesses, and do all that they can to inspire other women to realise their potential.

The WOW community is a fantastic network which offers female entrepreneurs the opportunity to share advice, support each other, trade and most importantly celebrate their successes!”

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HEALTHWELLBEING

meet

Julie Anne Hart Intuitive Consultant

H

i, I am Julie Anne Hart. Intuitive Consultant. This is my 13th year in business. Its been a rollercoaster of emotions coupled with an intensity of both personal and professional development. I have always had a passion for bringing out a hidden potential in people. My background and previous work were in community development with over 25 years’ experience in womens empowerment. I think it was a soul calling to start up in business after workplace stress related illness coupled with an innate inner knowing that I am unable to work within the remit of main stream systems I was faced with a huge life changing decision.

In the summer of 2000, the way I decided to manage my health and well-being was through the route of spiritual healing. It was in these intense sessions that I had a profound spiritual awakening, sensing, feeling and knowing that there was so much more to be aware of, to awake up to and most of all to progress on with what my life was really about. I firmly believe in the gift of giving yourself permission to be, to live life fully free from the constraints of fear that is I believe a debilitating energy that blocks our life force energy.

The transition from work to a start-up business 13 years ago began in Bakewell Derbyshire where I opened a holistic spiritual shop. I learned so much about myself, that is the beauty of being in business, you learn how to relate more to yourself and others. The development for holistic services progressed so much that I had to decide where my passion was in retail or in coaching and consultancy. The decision was already made through the evidence that life was showing me. My clients wanted to discovery more of themselves in a spirited way, so this led me to working even more within the realms of intuition, self and spiritual development.

The journey has been amazing and even now 13yrs in I still feel like I am only at the beginning of something new and very different opening to me. That is the beauty of our power it is never finite. It’s impossible to reach a destination because the journey is always unfolding into more. Our potential I believe is presented to us through our passion, life experiences, pains and gains it’s the way we gather innate wisdom far beyond the intellect lies a strong inner owning of truth. When you can retract, retreat and rest to find a stillness of mind you create a space to allow the illumination of transformation and truth to come to you. This powerful way of unleashing a higher knowing of your service has now formed the deeper meaning of my work.

“I learned so much about myself, that is the beauty of being in business, you learn how to relate more to yourself and others” A world of change requires a new understanding, a new way of relating that will create a wider change into a new mode of business is already rooted in what we are experiencing right now. I love my work. I adore working very differently, its not for everyone but it is for those that know they are here to work very differently, more humanistic, more spirited and more people focused with a deep knowing of a higher calling and service. This way has a requirement from an individual and that requirement is to development the way one relates to their 5 mayor relationships to themselves, to others, to purpose, to planet, to universe. The very essence of bringing everything into being.

Get in Touch julie@julieannehart.com www.julieannehart.com

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ANGIE SIMMONS GROWTH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Hi, I’m

Karen Chappell

Stress Management & Chronic Pain Specialist

Changing life from the inside out, pause the self destruct button

Photo: Ursula Kelly @ Studio Softbox

Have you been suffering from emotional or physical pain for years?

Have you been everywhere and tried everything to fix it, but the pain keeps coming back?

Many clients over the past 15 years have benefitted from my unique Bodylogiq approach. It is a gentle way of helping people to be pain-free without pills, currently with a 98% success rate.

“Until you live without pain, you don’t realise the impact it has on your life. I’m now pain-free and don’t think about pain anymore” Deirdre If you knew you didn’t have to put up with the physical and emotional aches and pains anymore, would you?

You’ve got the most exciting part of your life ahead of you.

Surely, you’d prefer to enjoy it without pains and prescriptions?

How my unique Bodylogiq approach can change your life ü Rethink surgery ü Reduce stress and anxiety ü Relieve you from the side effects of painkillers ü Resolve headache, back ache, neck & shoulder pain, hip & knee pain ü Return to sport, dance, playing with the children or just having fun again Success stories

“The looseness in my shoulder was immediate” Jen

A

ngie Simmons is a single mum from Mansfield, who runs two businesses and now a proud owner of a unique undated year long, thoughts feelings and actions journal.

This journal is backed by neuroscience and designed to help people monitor their thoughts, feelings, and actions, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, improving mental health.

Like many Angie has had many challenges and hurdles through different stages in life, the main ones being rejection, death and the hateful words of those she once called family. These challenges and hurdles left her suffering from depression, anxiety and a serious lack of belief in herself. To escape the pain, Angie used a cocktail of antidepressants and drink to try and numb the pain, Thankfully in 2014 she was introduced to personal development, which has lead her into an amazing path of selfdiscovery and personal growth.

The small daily steps of working on herself daily have enabled her to build one brick a day to build better foundations for her and her daughter’s future. Angie started by reading and listening to positive and inspirational material every day and also invested in seeing a therapist, who helped her to heal the wounds of the past.

“I could hardly walk. Now I walk for miles and scramble over rocks” Paul

Angie didn’t understand the value of journaling until she lost her mother in February. Angie found her own mothers diary, that only had a few entries in it, she made the decision to give journaling a go to see if it would help her get through yet another heartbreak.

She needed something to prevent her from falling back into the black smog and she found it.

Bodylogiq clinics are in Coalville, Leicestershire and Lady Bay, Nottingham

This is when ‘How am I feeling today?’ Was born, which can be found on Amazon.

If you want to be a success story and pain-free again, contact me to book your no obligation consultation.

Angie is now on a mission to help as many people as possible with the use of her journal, mentoring skills and her 8 daily step strategy, to enable others to take back control of their lives.

“My back felt better than it had in years and I no longer struggled to get out of bed in the morning. And that was just one session!”

Amanda

Karen Chappell, 07917 410770 karen@karenchappell.org www.karenchappell.org

www.growthdevelopmentfoundation.co.uk growthdevelopmentfoundation@gmail.com www.facebook.com/inspiredevelopandgrow 07971687576

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SILENCE

Let me paint a picture for you.

F

ive people who have never met, come together on a cold, bright day in early January. Two of the five are local, three have travelled good distances to join us. They come dressed for cold weather and with a bag of belongings each. All are hesitant and a little anxious.

What was wonderful to watch was them serving each other with the hot soup and bread, and making tea for each other as ways of bonding and forming relationships that would generally have been founded upon word.

Amongst the five are a director, a yoga teacher, a headteacher, a sports therapist and ‘a soul that’s searching for something’ – a lady who has retired from work to learn about life.

There were struggles. At about 2pm, you could feel that most individuals were beginning the struggle to remain quiet. The novelty had worn off, and the real work began.

Two individuals chose to sleep through this, willing themselves to drift off because it was so much easier than silence.

We have all joined together to complete the ‘Silent Retreat’.

So, the picture….. the yurt is full of bean bags, blankets, cushions and pillows. it is warmed by a log burner giving off that beautiful warmed aroma of burning wood and there is a faint smell of warming spicy food. Cosy, warm and safe.

To begin, everyone is shown around the land and facilities.

At 10am the meditation begins. It is a breathing meditation that slows the breath and relaxes the body and introduces the stillness, they are encouraged to listen to nothing, and to find the noise in nothing. They are encouraged to listen to their own breathing and the noise of the body. After fifteen minutes, the chimes strike and the six hours of selfimposed silence begins!

Within the six hours the five are encouraged to get to know each other, to form a bond, and to become a supportive network for the day. All without speaking. The novelty of communicating without word, is at first, hurried and excitable and very enthusiastic, but everyone soon settles and eases into the day and take their time finding out how to communicate with body language, written words and gesture.

Each individual takes time to sleep, to read, to meditate and to stretch. Surprisingly, everyone chose to stay within the warmth of the yurt and not venture out onto the land.

It was as though they needed the security whilst they experimented with silence.

The others persevered, and meditated with each other. Two complete strangers held hands as if to give reassurance that this was good, and fulfilling and positive, and actually life-changing.

A while later and everyone was embracing the silence.

Breath changed and deepened, active listening to silence was happening, a calmness generated throughout everyone.

At the end of the six hours, silence broke and we spoke.

That allowed tears to flow, and each individual talked of the profound effect the experience had. The beauty and the difficulty of silence. The delight and the pain of not speaking. The friendships that had been forged within six hours and based upon a deep sharing of something special.

Silence is profound in its effect. It is joyful, difficult, calming, uncomfortable, but most of all it is a deep nurturing blanket that wraps itself around you and calms the mind and allows you space and time to be simply you.

So next time you have fifteen minutes, go sit in a field, in a wood, in a park, by water, and simply sit. Do not speak, do nothing apart from listen and bask in the silence.

by Samantha Killian

Samskara Wellbeing

Contact Samskara samantha@samskarawellbeing.co.uk www.samskarawellbeing.co.uk

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HEALTHWELLBEING

meet Danielle Hutchings of

DSH THERAPY

probably not your “typical” therapist

Hi my name is Danielle Hutchings, and I’m a Psychotherapist & Hypnotherapist based in Nottingham. In my personal life I have 3 beautiful children aged 15,12 and 5, and my hubby Andy.

LOOKING FOR CALM, CLARITY & FOCUS?

NO MORE MUDDLE. NO MORE CLUTTER. NO MORE MID-LIFE CHAOS!

I live in a wonderfully crazy world of school runs, dance class, martial arts, tennis lessons and in between running my business DSH therapy and a home!

I am probably not your “typical” therapist, I’ve had many different jobs over the years from singer to funeral arranger to pub manager, and i understand that life can be full of twists and turns.

My journey to becoming a therapist was not so straightforward , I was busy running a pub with my husband and 2 small children doing crazy 100 hour weeks and I just kind of lost myself one day.

I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed with ‘Mid-Life’. It’s not called ‘Mid-Life Chaos’ for nothing…

For example, over time, you may have accumulated ‘clutter’ (be it physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual); affecting your outer ‘space’, as well as your inner ‘environment’, and vice versa.

I also understand how easy it is for others, who don’t really understand, to say “just make a start and you’ll be done before you know it.” If it really were that simple, you’d just do it, right?

So, what is it that’s holding you back?

What is stopping you from clearing your ‘stuff’ and letting it go, to make space for the life you want to live?

And how can you manage the many drains on your time and energy, so that you can focus on what is really important, and stop worrying about the ‘small stuff’?

I just couldn’t do it anymore, I had a huge panic attack behind the bar, not the best place to sit down on the floor and lose myself to be honest!!

From this I plummeted into darkness and kind of existed for a year, until I discovered therapy, this is when my world became bright, I could see a way forward, i felt stronger and I was me again!

There are often many underlying reasons why we hold on to certain items, beliefs or emotional patterns, feeling unable to let them go.

I am here to support and gently challenge you through that process to get to where you want to be. (From mid-life chaos to mid-life clarity).

To start your journey, contact me for a Self-Assessment Questionnaire and set the intention for calm, clarity and focus.

I wanted to be able to do this for others and so I studied for the next 4 years and qualified.

Isn’t it time for self-care? Time to let your true potential blossom.

Time for Clarity, inside and out.

I now love what I do and I specialise in anxiety, stress and weight loss, I get to help people release the past and create their positive futures!

If not now, when?

What have you got to lose but your clutter?

I look forward to connecting with you.

Anna Stiscia

T: 07745 574945 w: www.dshtherapy.com

Personal Transformation Coach, Clutter Clearing Coach® (Denise) Linn Method™ for Transformation; Soul Coach® Oracle, EFT – Emotional Freedom Techniques ‘Tapping’ Practitioner & Reiki Master www.facebook.com/WellbeingwithAnnaStiscia/

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HEALTHWELLBEING

The Power in the

(Meno)Pause

by Pam Bailey

H

ello everyone, I’m Pam Bailey and I founded my company Changes Ahead, based in Hinckley Leicester but I’m originally from Cambridgeshire. I’d spent many many years in the corporate rat race and wanted out, so I set up my own business primarily through a huge love for Personal Development and qualified as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Business Coach, taking on various shapes and forms as the years went by.

Now I’ve decided to niche down and educate women leaders on the menopause and guide them towards self-healing, giving them more power and perspective on the journey ahead. Even though I walked away from the corporate world, it’s interesting that is the world in which I’ve chosen to focus on.

The reason I was catapulted back into the world of corporate was due to myself entering the menopause very early on in my 30s, I just had no clue what was happening to me because lets face it, this is something that’s meant to happen to you in your 50s (or so i thought)!

Unfortunately, ‘the change’ for me was not pleasant. It started with severe migraines, moved onto vertigo and hot flushes, night sweats, heart palpitations, itchy skin, social anxiety, weight gain, insomnia. My GP was, I am sorry to say useless, and I was left to figure this out for myself.

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Gradually I made the changes physically, emotionally, spiritually and mindfully that enabled me to get back on track with my health and to take control of my life again and working is a big part of that.

WHAT INSPIRED MY BUSINESS: Changes-Ahead was born out of the desire to help women who are themselves struggling with their Menopause.

That very word strikes fear in many of us and with so many myths out there it’s no wonder women feel alone and invisible. But the change is much more than the symptoms we hear about (or are experiencing).

The longest relationship you will ever have in this life is with yourself. Too many women go through life believing they are not good enough, they are less than, putting themselves last on their own ‘care’ lists.

‘The change’ is a phase in our lives that is not always easy, nor perhaps wanted, but unfortunately there is no turning back, so ladies, let’s embrace this and get on with our lives.

I look forward to meeting you. www.changesahead.co.uk info@changesahead.co.uk

The 5th Dimension

an ‘energetic super highway’

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by Kathy Maslowski

his time Kathy would like to explain about her own personally developed 5th Dimensional Healing: 5th Dimensional Healing® is a registered trademark of Bright Flower Therapies Ltd and Kathy Maslowski What is 5th Dimensional Healing?

5th Dimensional Healing is transmutational it helps change the state of being. Either by looking at any underlying cause’s before things change into symptoms or understanding present illnesses.

This unique healing is about being grounded in our heart and healing with pure love. It helps you understand that your body’s ability to heal is greater than anyone has previously permitted you to believe.

It teaches you to have a relationship with your body, mind, soul and energy and that we are not separate from these as we have been taught. Quantum physics teaches us that we are connected to all things.

It assists you in your recovery whether its physical, emotional, mental or spiritual and helps you to understand the bigger picture of any illnesses, diseases and imbalances within yourself and It is extremely relaxing, peaceful, and gives relief from any physical discomfort.

I developed my own technique through having the privilege of using this healing on Cancer patients of which I have received great feedback. I am currently a therapist at The Loughborough Cancer Self Help Group.

What a session looks like Firstly, the client remains clothed during this treatment.

I become “centered” in order to become totally focused, present and fully open to the process of engaging with you.

I activate healing symbols which help me open up to be the channel through which healing flows.

Then I place my hands on or above the body working from the head to the feet.

As I am healing, I see beautiful colours, I feel into the persons energy I may see into their childhood experiences, identify traumas, see if there are any tears in the persons aura and energy centres (chakras) that may be blocking energy from flowing.

If its relevant I see into past lives as there may be blockages that have been carried forward. I may perform psychic surgery and have spirit communication and guidance.

The client may feel the energy from the hands of the healer as heat, a warm glow or sometimes there may be coldness or a vibration.

TEL: 07429 996201

E-MAIL: kathybrightflower@gmail.com

A session can last between 90-120 minutes and the client leaves with a read out of what was discovered in that time.

Flow of energy The 5th Dimension is an ‘energetic super – highway’ that resides outside of time and space.

It’s about understanding that we need to be the light within ourselves and not depend or rely on another human being, spiritual being or otherwise for our own growth. It’s about taking more responsibility for our lives and our health.

I am always humbled by this unique ability and I love sharing this and being the channel through which this healing flows enabling me to assist people to find a balance again in their life and create transmutation.

WEBSITE: www.brightflower.co.uk

FACEBOOK: @brightflowertherapies

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BEAUTYSTYLE

WHAT WE DECIDE TO WEAR CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SUCCESS FOR THE DAY!

by Justine Oldfield - Seeds of Success

SAN DIEGO January took us to San Diego where we saw the launch of our SS20 collection, now available in the studio.

We have pretty pinks, bright reds, yellows, comfy casuals, nautical pieces, animal prints and more.

Something for everyone from super smart to super comfy and athleisure wear.

Not to mention our additional sizing which now includes xxs/UK4 to XXL/ UK24.

What we wear from the inside out can affect the way we feel, act, walk and talk.

The experience we have when building our wardrobe can determine the way we feel about the clothes we wear and how we wear them.

My business is about providing ladies a relaxed, personal and enjoyable experience, irrelevant of financial or social status.

Understanding my clients unique needs, whether that be highlighting those newly released statement pieces you love, helping you build a wardrobe of pieces that work together making daily dressing easy and stress free or just allowing you the time to rekindle your relationship with clothes.

My service includes understanding your likes and dislikes, and building a base layer that fits, works for you and compliments your body type.

Whatever your reason for the dislike of fashion and lingerie shopping I will give you a unique experience at my private studio in Mickleover, Derby. I am happy to host you on a 1-2-1 basis or small group bookings.

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LINGERIE February, we headed off to the Indx Intimate Apparel Show where we met with our suppliers, Simone Perele and Parfait. With the collections we carry, from these exclusive to the area brands, we are able to offer pretty everyday wear, sports bras, something for those special occasions and a selection of bridal lingerie for all budgets.

Barefoot Baby

ethical clothing for kids

Not to mention that our lingerie is also all-inclusive sizing with some collections available up to bra size 44K.

D

id you know that roughly 70 million barrels of oil are used a year to manufacture polyester fibre for our clothing?

Polyester is the most commonly used material and takes around 200 years to decompose.

Every time we wash an item of polyester, microplastics are released into the waterways. If we continue, by 2050 there could be an excess of 20 million tonnes in our oceans.

LESS PIECES MORE OUTFITS This month we focused on building a wardrobe that works, buying less pieces that will give you more outfits.

How much do you spend on clothes each season? And how many of those pieces sit in your wardrobe unworn?

I will not allow my small person to grow up with this burden on her teeny little shoulders.

I want to make sure that the clothes she wears, that I buy her, are not contributing to the destruction of our planet.

This, is the reason I started Barefoot Baby, ethical clothing for kids.

Fast fashion is systematically destroying our planet. But we can do something about it!

We can all take responsibility to research where we buy our clothes from, to not send so much to landfill. We can all source our clothes from ethical retailers. GOTS certified organic cotton brands, that don’t leach microplastics wash after wash.

Companies that don’t use planned obsolescence, but that make clothes which last. If we don’t replace things every season, the cost per wear is not only lower, but the cost to the planet, inconceivable.

In the words of Vivienne Westwood “Buy less, choose well”.

Barefoot Baby is an independent retailer of ethical, organic children’s clothing. We stock sizes from newborn to age six.

www.barefoot-baby.co.uk

By putting a little thought into our wardrobe for the season we put together 10 pieces - 3 bottoms, 2 toppers, 4 tops and a jumpsuit at a total cost of £895. With this wardrobe we could make 40 outfits; casual, smart casual, going out and work wear.

That works out at just £22.37 per outfit!

by Hannah Townhill

For more information on any of the above or to book an appointment please feel free to get in touch.

Email:Justine.privateoffice@gmail.com Call/Text: 07814 518 170

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CREATIVEHOME

CREATIVE AND INTERIORS CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION AND SAVVY WOMEN

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his year is all about creativity and collaboration. I have been discovering just what can be achieved if we collaborate with each other and as Savvy Women is all about celebrating the amazing things that we do across Derbyshire and our surrounding counties, I thought that I would give a shout out to some amazing ladies where collaborations have already happened and some wonderful women that are currently planning some exciting events, encouraging creativity and supporting collaboration in business.

Last year, I was lucky enough to be invited by awesome wedding photographer ‘Kirsty Rockett’ to collaborate on an unconventional urban styled shoot in Nottingham, along with the talented Lou Gibson of Inanna Bespoke Shoes. Lou not only paints shoes and boots, she also makes them completely from scratch, for this shoot, it was fantastic to see a pair of Dr Martens painted by Lou to complement one of my alternative bouquets. We had such fun during the day and Kirsty came alive when we were walking the streets of Nottingham photographing Lou and her partner. If you’re wondering? The quirky pink striped dress was created by a lovely local dress maker, Elizabeth Mary Bridal Designs. I met Elizabeth for the first time in Nottingham, only to discover her studio is less than ten minutes from my CRZyBest Shedquarters in Derby, sometimes we need to look closer to home. Hopefully we will all have more creative collaborations in the future!

by Claire R. Zwozny-Bestwick

March 15th sees a collection of over thirty creatives getting together for The Derbyshire Makers Spring Artisan Fair, held at the impressive Whitworth Centre in the heart of Darley Dale, a building that exists due to the forward-thinking Lady Louisa Whitworth, an historic savvy woman of her time.

The Derbyshire Makers are a steadily growing network of friendly, inspiring and supportive Derbyshire creatives, offering mutual support, collaboration and friendship, founded by Amanda McConnell, Photographer & Tutor at Happy World Photography and Louise James, Owner & Tutor at Sew Need a Drink. Having already had the pleasure of spending a day taking part in a business planning and vision workshop, with these lovely ladies, I am certainly looking forward to being a part of March’s Artisan Fair.

Picture by Kirsty Rockett

Picture by Kirsty Rockett

Working across two definite industries I am lucky enough to have opportunities to meet, work and collaborate with so many creative and supportive people. I can definitely say the happiest people I meet, are the ones who want to collaborate with others and are happy to give their time to support fantastic notions and brilliant ideas! Nothing like supporting your well-being whilst working!

With so many exciting events taking place over March and April, one that I am particularly looking forward to promises to be an awesome collaboration of businesses at a gorgeous new outdoor venue: The Meadow Vale Wedding Festival by Unconventional Wedding is running over the weekend of 4th & 5th April. The Festival promises to be an amazing experience for both happy couples and suppliers alike, with the Meadow Vale owners being totally up for including quirky touches and getting original creativity into the mainstream.

There is a collaboration of amazing businesses on the day before the event, putting together not just one, but two fabulous styled shoots, for which I have been invited to showcase a bespoke Bee Bouquet, copper animal sculptures and silver vine leaf jewellery.

Keep an eye on our websites and social media for updates!

Starting off this year with a styled shoot organised by a wonderful photographer and talented event stylist, meant 2020 was off to a fantastic start. Collaborating with these determined and savvy women was the best beginning to a year, the way Bethan from Finishing Flourishes took Adele’s vision and transformed the blank canvas of Katie’s Barn at Aston Hill Farm (a working organic dairy farm) was truly magical. The interior styling was only surpassed by the way Adele of ‘Fly on the Wall Photography’ captured the moment along with the tiniest of details.

I’m looking forward to being able to share images of not only my first shoot of the year but also a commission created for a female run interior design company later on in the year. For now, I am excited about events happening over the next few months, again all predominantly organised by women.

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Picture by Kirsty Rockett

NEW PHONE PHOTO HACKS CLASSES LAUNCHED with Pictoria at Derby University

Claire R. Zwozny-Bestwick Eco-friendly Silversmith and Sculptor, creating Tiny Handcrafted Sculptures in Sterling Silver, Copper and Bronze with Swarovski Crystals & SemiPrecious Stones for Jewellery, Accessories and Alternative Bouquets

claire@crzybest.co.uk www.crzybest.co.uk

A

Picture by Clem-Onojeghuo

new year calls for us to make creative resolutions, smart choices and to picture ourselves making it our best year yet.

But how many of use have kept up these good intentions so far?

What if I told you that is was a way to make our lives look and feel better instantly …and with the one tool you already have right there in the palm of your hand? You are probably looking at it right now too.

I teach photography to degree students at the University of Derby to help them enhance their career skills, but I don’t use the fancy, expensive equipment that you’d expect to achieve it… aside from their standard telephone devices.

That’s right - even the graduates of tomorrow are learning to use the smallest technology to get the biggest results.

Find Me March Whitworth Centre 29th National Brewery Centre 15th

April th 4-5 Meadow Vale th 19 Osmaston Park Estate

A skill we could all benefit from in our everyday dealings with the outside world, is to have the confidence and presence of mind to capture the things we love to see and then share them with others. Expressing ourselves without words can be so satisfying, especially in an age where the one thing we are all short on is time itself.

Whether you want to improve the way you showcase your wares as an entrepreneur… or perhaps you simply want to get a great photograph to cherish of that priceless moment with friends & family - we could all use some hacks to help it happen.

Pictoria - Victoria Wilcox - always looking out for a way to maximise a phone photo JPG

I’m now leading a 6 week course at Derby University that is open to members of the public and the classes take place as twilight sessions from 6:30pm-8:30pm starting March 3.

claire@crzybest.co.uk www.crzybest.co.uk

Places are very limited, to ensure that everyone gets a hands-on experience in the workshops and access to as many tips and tricks as we can fit in to them.

Fancy pushing your talents and engaging the picture power at your fingertips? Get in touch with me to save your space at my next workshop by emailing me right now - pictoria@myself.com You can follow me on Facebook @PictoriaPresents and Instagram @Pictoriavictoria to get updates on my photography, artwork and video adventures - and - Visit my website www.pictoriapictures.com to see my skills today.

To enrol on the course please email Pictoria@myself.com

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CREATIVEHOME

MEET JULIE MALONE

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT NEW WRITERS UK

AUTHOR NAME: JAE MALONE

Childhood ends, work and family commitments take over, and all that youthful imagination stops?

Or does it?

MEET SUZANNE FELLS

PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHER Hi I am Suzanne Fells and I am a personal branding photographer, based in the East Midlands.

I spent 17 years in a high-level retail buying and branding role, working for blue chip high street fashion retailers.

This involved travelling worldwide, to Europe for lingerie catwalk shows and to China and into show rooms and factories to develop product within strict brand values.

These experiences have provided me with a strong understanding of how you build and progress a successful business and brand through the usage of premium cornerstone photographs.

I have been a personal branding photographer now for 12 years working with successful owner managed businesses, predominantly women to elevate their visibility and claim their expert status.

I work to create charismatic and compelling personality driven photographs, to make you and your true business identity come alive.

Do you know that 70% of the population are visually driven, meaning most of us will respond to a photograph even before we have read a word of text? How better to get your personality and business across than through a consistent approach using strong images. This is not just a head-shot!

My clients typically receive a portfolio of images that they can use for all year premium posts, articles, website, blogs, events and editorials. These images can be used to overlay text, make banners and expert profile boosting.

These images will get your message out there visually and consistently.

These images are designed to take you and your business successfully to the next £-level.

www.suzannefellsphotography.com

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As a child, I loved writing stories, but I was in my fifties when I wrote my first – and intended to be - standalone book. A vague idea for an older children’s fantasy adventure, set around Christmas, embedded itself in my brain. I reached for the laptop and ‘Silver Linings’ was born! But characters can take over, and the author becomes just the instrument to write their story – but I quite like most of them, so I won’t complain.

Three sequels followed: ‘Queen of Diamonds’ ‘Fool’s Gold’ and ‘Avaroc Returns’ and subsequent media reviews compared me to J K Rowling, Philip Pullman and J R R Tolkein. I am now writing two – so far untitled books – a prequel and a spin-off.

I have also written a series of books for younger children: two are already available, ‘Lorna and the Loch Ness Monster’ and ‘The Raven and the Thief’. The next three, which launch this year, are gentle awareness books highlighting our fascinating native wildlife.

Although writing is paramount, it gives so much more. I run a monthly workshop for adults and 2020 brings the twelfth year of our creative writing competition for children of Nottinghamshire.

Seeing confidence in writing grow and imagination developing, whether in adults or children, is a joy. So, if you know children from Nottinghamshire who would like to enter, please direct them to my email address or Facebook page.

Email: jaemalone.author@gmail.com Website: www.jaemalone.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Jae-Malone-1390870774527409

#MULTIPOTENTIALITE RISING

SAVVY CONTRIBUTORS

ROSANNA GET TOGETHER MONACHELLO

In June we are starting our quarterly get togethers where we will invite all those involved in any of the Savvy Publications, to come along and pick up their free copy and mingle with our other Savvy Contributors

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very now and again, you meet someone who is going against the tide. They are pushing against the status quo and bringing their individualistic point of view that will challenge everything you may think and believe. There are many new spiritual warriors rising up in the world right now.

They are a loving army determined to make life better for the masses. Rosanna Monachello is one such person. She is a multipotentialite; multi talented and skilled in several areas. Her overarching message to the world is that some people shouldn’t niche or specialise! Just allow your light to be expressed just as was admired and revered in Renaissance times. She believes that many can prosper in a mindset of unlimited abundance and application to pursue what lights them up. Does this sound like you?

A spondiferous slasher, she specialises in flow working with entrepreneurs who are seeking more from life. Her high vibin zest for life is tricky to match. This lady is vivacious and woowoo.

Her message is refreshing. Walking and talking her fire in her unabashed flamboyant style, she communicates with unique flair.

A transformational coach, fine artist, illustrator, writer, speaker and singer/songwriter. This vintage queen of diva sings jazz, blues and swing like the old greats of yesteryear too. Rosanna will be a regular columnist in future editions. Stand too close and you may just catch her sizzle and shine!

Check her out for more information at,

www.rosannamonachello.com

If you would like to find out more please get in touch info@savvysocial.org SAVVY WOMEN ISSUE 3 - savvysocial.org - 23

FOODDRINK

INTRODUCING THREE BEARS COOKERY CLUB… What do we offer?

What goes on in our clubs & workshops?

Why are we so passionate about teaching children how to cook?

Cooking with children, are we mad??

Just some of the questions we get asked, the latter one on especially! I am pleased to say no we are not mad just super passionate about cooking and the importance of teaching children how to cook!

So “what do we offer?” We work with Primary Schools delivering our after school clubs, themed cookery workshops from Reception to Year 6. Our School Workshops can be tailored around the schools current topic or theme.

During the holidays we run fun workshops for children ages 2 – 13 years to come along too. They get to have some fun making a yummy recipe with their adult (if under 8 years) and can take home their yummy bakes too, along with the recipe card so they can make it again.

We can also host your child’s birthday party at your home or local church hall, there are a number of party packages we offer from Bake off Parties to Pizza & Cupcake parties!

“What goes on in our clubs?” On our after school clubs each week we talk to the children about the recipe, the food groups, the methods we are going to use to make our recipe.

The children make their recipe and weigh out their own ingredients and we are on hand to help the younger ones or not so competent junior bakers if needed.

RUTH CHUBB, OWNER OF THREE BEARS COOKERY CLUB

At the end of each club we do a fun quiz about what we have made, the children get to take home their recipe to bake at home along with the recipe card, we also have a star baker award at the end of each after school club too!

Our holiday workshops are similar we tend to make fun recipes that children will enjoy making and eating at the end, while their bakes are in the oven there is craft, juice and tea & coffee for the grown ups. We then set about decorating our yummy bakes before the end of the workshop. Each child takes home the recipe card and My Bake worksheet.

We are so passionate about teaching children how to cook, not mad I promise! It is such an important life skill for children to learn and one that I feel has been lost somewhere. During the after school clubs it is so lovely to see the children’s confidence grow throughout the term and listening to them tell us what they have been making at home, their favourite recipes they have made and just seeing their confidence and passion for cooking blossom is just amazing!

Contact Ruth on 07973193362 or email ruth@threebearscookery club.com www.threebearscookeryclub.com

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The SINGING Chef The beginning

by Monica Dunbar

I

must have been about 7 or maybe 8 my first memory of being in our kitchen with my Dad. There I was tiptoed on the chair peering into the floured mixture.

“I want to do it Dad, can I have a go”.

He slowly pushed the heavy bowl towards me & said follow me. And I did.

Cooking with my parents was such a big deal for me, looking back now, I was always fascinated with the process. It was like MAGIC, one minute flour, water, salt, next minute scrumptious fried dumplins dripping with butter & special baked beans to soak up the crispy dough. The smell that changed from room to room. Excited children now centred in anticipation of a feast. All that would follow....... seating, laying the table (being Mum), dishing up and always proudly announcing my contribution of course!!! “I cooked the dumplins all by my self (not entirely) but no one questioned me. Heads down, grace complete & begin.

I’m 49 now & those memories are as vivid today as if it was yesterday.

Ms Dat....that’s what they called her back home. In patois ( Jamaican language) although it was actually Ms Dot because she was such a tiny dot even as a young women. What better way to honour, remember & keep her close than to start a Caribbean business in her name.

Ms Dat Ms Dattie Datties Soul Food May 2011 - Extended maternity leave. 12 years in & exhausted by almost everything. 6th child & a demanding career eagerly awaiting my return. Mum had been diagnosed with Dementia & Dad had passed in 2003.

I realise that Mum & Dad were very much the same people in my eyes.

I didnt feel completely alone or orphaned until Mum passed, it was like losing both this time. She, my Mother never ever gave up on me, she actually repeatedly told me.“ Monica , keep going” put God first & don’t give up!”

She believed & defended me many, many times (Stories for another day). How on earth could I ever honour their nurturing, unconditional love. Coming from so far & sacrificing so much for us.

And so May 2012 (with Mum’s blessing), we opened our first shop. 8 years and over 200 catering events later.

That little, inquisitive girl is the Director of Datties Soul Food Ltd feeding over 4,500 people from all cultures. ‘ Passionate about food - Passionate about people’ Find us on Facebook @datties.soulfood Instagram/datties_soul_food Tel: 07500 561 744 E mail: dattiessoulfood@yahoo.co.uk

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FOODDRINK

3 REASONS

WHY A PLANT BASED DIET IS BETTER FOR MENOPAUSE

MENOPAUSE IS A NATURAL STAGE IN A WOMAN’S LIFE Your food choices are important at any time in your life and so adopting a plant based diet during menopause may be the best bet.

However, to also get the best from your body, you need to nutritionally support this change, to help re-balance any imbalances which occur during this time.

There is now increasing evidence that any gaps in our everyday nutrition are instrumental to the decline of the nation’s health and contribute to the lifestyle diseases, we see more of today such as: • • • • • • • •

Obesity (1/3 of the adult population) Diabetes – type 2 (rates set to double again in the next 5 years) Thyroid issues Auto immune diseases such as ME / chronic fatigue Fibromyalgia Arthritis / osteoporosis IBS Hormone imbalances such as PCOS, endometriosis, PMS

As you move into your perimenopause years, making significant changes to the foods you eat can go a long way in helping you with managing this time. Focusing on your plant based diet for Menopause on a daily basis, cutting back on red meat and dairy produce (as they are high in saturated fat), is one of the easiest changes you can make.

MANAGING YOUR MENOPAUSE WEIGHT WITH YOUR PLANT BASED DIET The hormonal movements you experience through menopause will mean your body will deal with the foods you consume in a different way. It is known that falling oestrogen levels can have an effect on your metabolism; slowing it down, and it also has an effect on the way in which your insulin deals with sugar in your body.

Eating in exactly the same way as you have done in your 20’s and 30’s will be enough of a change for you to start putting on weight. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains are naturally low fat and low-calorie foods. So, if you are struggling with your weight during the perimenopause, eating more vegetables and wholegrain will help to fill

you up and keep you fuller for longer. Focus on eating nutritious foods which would include, bananas, blueberries, dark leafy greens, soy, whole grains, yogurt as well as drinking plenty of water.

MINIMISING MENOPAUSE FLUSHES AND NIGHT SWEATS

HOT

Introducing more fibre into your diet and decreasing the fat you consume has been shown to help reduce hot flushes and night sweats. This provides you with that ‘feeling full’ sensation that will help you curb your urges to binge eat or pursue the late-night snacks that will more than likely be high in sugar. It will also help to regulate bowel action that can help prevent bloating and flatulence (2 menopause symptoms that are rarely acknowledged), as well as helping to lower cholesterol and help carry toxins out of the body.

Pulses such as lentils, chickpeas and (good quality, non-GMO) soy, all contain phytoestrogens which can also help reduce hot flushes and night sweats (Japanese women who consume soy attribute this to low levels of hot flushes).

PROBLEMS SLEEPING WITH MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS Protein takes a lot out of your digestive system, especially when it comes from animal products.

Because it takes longer (and more energy) to digest, eating a dinner high in protein can actually prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Meals that are typically made up of vegetables, legumes, and soy products, are all generally easier to digest than animal meat.

Earthy goods like avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, nut butters, and more are packed with vitamin B6, tryptophan, and magnesium, all of which contribute to a deep, full night’s rest.

While you can’t avoid the menopause, taking a more careful look at what you eat and making adjustments to eating a more plant based diet, can go a long way to you managing this part of your life journey in the best way you can.

Take note: Drink plenty of water. The less water you drink, the more your body will hold onto what you do take in.If you suffer with retention, the response to this is often to cut down on the amount of fluid taken in which can just make matters worse.

“Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life”

by Pamela Bailey Changes Ahead

www.changesahead.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENTLEISURE

THE ESSENCE OF MAGIC I’M ANNABEL WARD: PROUD SAVVY SUPPORTER, PROFESSIONAL ACTRESS AND COMPANY DIRECTOR OF FANCY ENTERTAINMENT LTD I’m very excited to be able to share with Savvy readers the creative fuzz that is my brain and the goings on in my little empire!

2019 was our 5th year of providing quality corporate entertainment and adding lasting sparkle to family entertainment across the country. Our duty is to be ‘the memory makers’ and this stems long before the birth of Fancy Entertainment.

I will forever thank my mum, dad and sister Amelia, who is now also a performer with Fancy Entertainment, for what I can only describe as a perfect childhood. It was a childhood full of theatrical experiences, quirky traditions, make-believe and special events leading to many ‘can you remember’ moments over weekly Sunday dinner. Many of my memories are sitting down to watch shows in holiday parks, theme parks and at the local theatre so inevitably, it was only a matter of time before I began putting on shows of my own. Every dancing teddy bear or panto hero was truly real to me and a lasting snapshot of my youth.

ANNABEL WARD & AMELIA PIDDUCK AS CHILDREN

Being a professional actor for 10 years, I have seen all of the ups and downs of the industry, and know that behind every dancing teddy bear is a performer trying to make ends meet while frantically trying to remember a wordy Shakespeare monologue for yet another audition. The sixty-third performance of any character is testing, let alone that dreaded, sweaty dancing teddy bear mascot that you despise. Nevertheless; no matter the character, no matter the number of shows, there will always be a child in the audience ready to be spell bound by the theatre. A child that truly believes. A personal aim for myself and now an expectation of every performer in my Fancy Family – treat every performance like it’s your first. Make it REAL. Improvisation or ad-libbing is a common practice for actors, and a very difficult one at that! It involves reacting truthfully to events without any script to rely on. It can be used to devise productions, for character development and for comedy. At Fancy Entertainment, we use it for all these things and to add another layer of quality to our characters. Our performers are trained to develop their characters beyond the text, because after all, when do children ever stick to the book?

BELOW: CIRCUS WORKSHOP EVENT

TEL: 07814 661968

E-MAIL: info@fancyentertainment.co.uk

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WEBSITE: www.fancyentertainment.co.uk

FACEBOOK: @fancyentertainmentandevents

Meet Vocal Trainer

Anne Leatherland ABOVE: LEARN TO BE A PIRATE EVENT

Our family performances are rarely what we rehearse as they are often interrupted by a child or two with burning questions! “Alice, where is the White Rabbit?” “Mad Hatter, what’s under your hat?” “Queen of Hearts, why are you so ugly?” As irrelevant or crazy as these questions get, our characters would naturally know all the answers. I’m proud to know that all our performers will take special care to answer all questions and have personal moments with every child.

Although many of our shows involve a classic performance space and spectator space, Fancy Entertainment eliminates the barrier between stage and audience to make our experiences fully immersive and encourage watchers to let their imagination go wild!

My aim for Fancy Entertainment, is twenty years down the line, to not only to continue thriving as we are today, but to be a ‘can you remember’ over someone else’s family dinner table.

Begin to make memories today and drop me a message. We have dozens of family themes available as stand alone shows, promenade theatre experiences, interactive workshops and our well-loved roaming characters. Let today be the start of making your events a little bit Fancy!

BELOW: ALICE IN WONDERLAND EVENT

I’m a specialist vocal trainer based in Burton on Trent and have helped people to develop their voices for over 20 years.

I haven’t always worked in voice however, I began my career as a science teacher in a local high school! I soon found myself voluntarily producing the school show. As someone who grew up singing, this role fitted me like a glove, and I questioned whether I was in the right job.

So, I trained and qualified privately with Coral Gould MBE, and eventually began to teach singing. Over the next ten years my business grew and I enjoyed helping many young people and adults to sing well and pursue their dreams.

In time I felt the need to move on and studied further with International trainers at Vocal Process. I was proud to be chosen as a finalist for the Van Lawrence Award (BVA), for research I did whilst studying. My career opened out and I spent seven years travelling back and forth to Liverpool to provide vocal training for singers and actors pursuing professional careers.

In recent years I have refocused my work and now provide vocal training and workshops for those who use their voice for a living; singers, speakers, actors, teachers and presenters. I mentor other teachers and also work alongside my past trainers. I love providing vocal strategies and tools that help people to be successful in their particular business arena.

Website: anneleatherland.co.uk Facebook: VocAL Intuition LinkedIn: Anne Leatherland

SAVVY WOMEN ISSUE 3 - savvysocial.org - 29

ENTERTAINMENTLEISURE

THE MUMMY & ME HEALTH CLUB

helping women learn about nutrition & exercise

V

anessa Augustus is a remarkable Savvy Woman.

Over the last five years the Nottingham born Lifestyle Coach has hosted a range of well-being events. She has also successfully coached local women to help them achieve their nutrition and fitness goals.

Vanessa has recently launched a new service for Mums, Grandmothers and Carers in Nottingham. Working in collaboration with another healthcare professional.

by Vanessa Augustus

Last year Vanessa unexpectedly became a Mum again.

After maintaining a healthy lifestyle during her pregnancy she was keen to return to physical activity. Her body was healing so gentle exercise was required.

Walking her baby in his pushchair was an obvious place to start. To keep motivated Vanessa started to invite local Mums along to a weekly walk.

The Mummy & Me Health Club is a supportive service set up to help women learn about nutrition and enjoy exercise in a child friendly environment.

After listening to the needs of the other Mums, Vanessa realised accessing affordable childcare was a barrier for many women. Starting and maintaining a weekly exercise programme with children requires support.

“Since the first meetup with Vanessa I have become involved in improving my lifestyle. I am more focused on my nutrition and have learnt a lot of important information about my body composition”. – Jo Laverick

The Mummy & Me Health Club helps women stay focused on their health and well-being while they care for their children. Vanessa received funding to launch the service.

Additional funding has now been secured to extend the service.

Find out more: www.vanessaaugustus.blog contact@vanessaaugustus.com 07480 118851

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Kari Olsen-Porthouse THE LIBERTY SINGER

We all feel a little bit better when we sing, right?

Experience that sense of freedom through dance NIA – “Now I Am” Why? Because I love to dance!

I first stumbled across Nia at a local festival a few years ago and decided to try it out. I’d never danced in that way before and I’d certainly never experienced the sheer sense of wellbeing and elation that Nia gave me.

Nia stands for “Non-Impact Aerobics” and incorporates nine dance forms and 52 moves. It has elements of free dance where you get to dance in any way as long as it feels good!

I wanted more! Returning from the festival I realised that there were no Nia teachers in my local area so the only way I could get to dance Nia was to become a Nia teacher.

Photo by - Ursula Kelly @studiosoftbox We all feel a little bit better when we sing, right? Singing increases serotonin (the happy hormone) and decreases cortisol (the stress hormone). When we sing we feel elated and in a better mood.

But did you know that these wonderful things are amplified when we sing together!? I am Kari and I run a community choir, a smaller chamber choir and workshops/choirs in the workplace.

The feedback from my singers has helped me to understand the massive impact that singing in a group can have on people’s lives.

One lady told me just the other week that she had taken medication for anxiety and depression for years… until she joined our choir. What?! Seriously? Well yes! It’s not just the singing but the sense community, the feeling of belonging and the achievement of succeeding a choir experiences.

I completed my White Belt intensive training in Gloucestershire and couldn’t wait to share the Nia experience. So here I am, running three classes a week across Leicestershire, working with people of all ages and all abilities and from all walks of life, with common goals; to feel joy through movement, to experience that sense of freedom through dance, and to awaken your inner child.

Through Nia we can experience a huge emotional release - it really is the missing piece of the jigsaw for many of us, to connect with our inner selves and the world around us.

Photo by - Ursula Kelly @studiosoftbox It has been suggested that when people sing together, their heart beats are synchronised, so that the pulse of choir members tends to increase and decrease in unison. So there’s little wonder that we feel connected! I also recently asked my choir members about friendships within the singing group - lots of new friends made, lots of old friendships rekindled and plenty of people bringing along their friends to share the singing magic. l’ve noticed too that this spreads into the workplace improving staff relationships and creating a positive community within the organisation.

As well as my weekly classes, I am available to run bespoke classes across Leicestershire; team building events, wellbeing events and retreats.

For more information about Earth Dance Nia please contact:

www.earthdance.uk fb.com/Earthdance.nia 07989620271

I’d encourage anyone to give singing a go! There are community choirs everywhere if you look for them. Or, of course, I can come into your workplace.

Kari Olsen-Porthouse www.libertysinger.com libertysinger@gmail.com

by Jen Johnson

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ENTERTAINMENTLEISURE

meet

Lynz Crichton

award-winning singer-songwriter and producer

AN INSIGHT INTO OUR VERY OWN SAVVY WOMEN

BUCKSO DHILLON-WOOLLEY

THE PROGRESSION COACH

W

L

ynz Crichton is a proudly independent, award-winning singer-songwriter and producer from Nottingham.

Her style is reminiscent of female musicians like Jewel, Alison Krauss, or Aimee Mann, but she has always loved artists like KT Tunstall and Grace Potter too, and that definitely feeds through to her own music. She is part of the new wave of independent musicians where friends of her music are at the centre of everything she does, and in the last few years she has managed to grab the attention of over 30k followers on Twitter alone.

Lynz won a national UK songwriting competition in 2017 where she got to work with songwriters, producers and engineers from MOBO Awards and Metropolis Studios in London, but since then she has gone on to self-release 3 EPs, the most recent of which had airplay on BBC Introducing. “The thing that seems to resonate with the Crichton Clan most is the fact that I include them in the music creation process”.

From the songwriting, to choosing artwork for the EPs, and even naming the projects, Lynz constantly asks her audience what they like the sound of, and even lets them vote on which songs to include. 2020 sees her touring her own signature concert which showcases these songs and the stories behind them, as well as dishing tasty secrets about the new and old music industry. She also writes personalised bespoke songs for people, for a variety of occasions.

If YOU would like Lynz to come and play for you, write a song as a gift to a loved one, or if you are a musician and need help and advice regarding your own career, connect with the Crichton Clan at www.lynzcrichton.com Twitter - @LynzCrichton Instagram - @lynzcrichtonmusic YouTube - Lynz Crichton

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ow, so it seems that 2020 kicked off with a bit of a bang!

Some of you may be aware of the other hat that I wear in the world of acting and will have seen me pop up so far on, Silent Witness, Last Tango in Halifax, and end of April It will be Coronation Street, a nice six episodes! Can’t tell you obviously who it is im playing, but this will now be three times over the last decade of acting, that I’ve had the fortune of appearing in one role or another, in Coronation Street. In fact, it has a very special place in my heart, as it was the very first job I got three months after getting an agent. For some of you avid fans out there who will remember, I played the registrar who married Tony and Carla, around 11 yrs ago now.

So what else is going on in my current activities? Well, alongside sourcing discerning locations for this fabulous publication of ours to go into, I am also always on the lookout for fascinating and inspiring individuals who have an interesting backstory, as to why they do what they do today. I have a very interesting story that leads up to why I’m doing what I am doing today and maybe I’ll share that with you at some point, but I am also in the process of writing a book called “Corner-shop to West End” - one woman’s tale of perceived success through adversity. I’m also speaking at a few events, mainly on the topic of the importance of being able to portray oneself as authentically and transparently as possible, both in the workplace and in life. I often hear individuals at networking meetings saying that their business isn’t doing very well, I ask a few questions and it transpires that invariably, it’s the individual themselves that has the issue and not the business.

This is a very common thread that runs through a lot of people’s personal lives and business and it is quite a simple one to rectify, if only we own up to this fact that indeed, we ourselves, should continually work on our personal development. Having completed a life coaching certification last year, I am now creating an online course called the Buk-Su Method in collaboration with one Susan Gardner, who runs her own meta wellbeing business that encourages individuals to step out of life in the fast lane, and this will be available online end of March this year.

So I’ll end there and look forward to sharing more of what the next three months brings, and also just to remind you, that we are going to be launching a quarterly meet that encourages all contributors/members of both magazines (Savvy Women and Savvy Life) to join us and celebrate each print edition, by coming along and picking up your own copy, as well as meeting like minded individuals that are also part of this fantastic publication.

For more information, get in touch with myself at: info@savvysocial.org

MARIA HANSON MBE

BUSINESSMONEY

& DISABILITY AWARENESS Why do I champion Disability Awareness, despite major health issues?

I

f you have met or seen me previously, you will see that I walk with two sticks; they do not define me and I don’t want them to.

Why do I champion Disability Awareness? Despite major health issues, I always look well. It must be in my genes.

“There’s definitely something to be said for first impressions. Research suggests it can take just 20 seconds to make an impression”.

Most see me as someone looking well, using sticks.

There is always great assumption that I can manage steps, flights of stairs, walking some distance. I can do none of these.

What happened in 18 rounds of surgery? Removal of womb, cervix and ovaries, removal of gall bladder, removal of bowel, part of stomach, rectum, removal of bladder – sepsis twice and MRSA twice caused havoc into my muscle tissue and neurological and spinal issues add to the list with bulging discs and chronic bouts of pain that even morphine doesn’t touch. You can’t see this of course, but it is what I live with, and it is what impacts my mobility and needs.

So how can I and others in my position get through this without being seen as needy, a nuisance, someone who finds the business sector difficult to manage to be taken seriously as an MBE Founder and CEO of a 14 year standing successful charity? when I need to bring attention to my disability.

“I discovered that the hardest thing to overcome isn’t a physical disability but the mental condition it induces. The world has a way of taking a man pretty much at his own rating. If he permits his loss to make him embarrassed and apologetic, he will draw embarrassment from others. But if he gains his own respect, the respect of those around him comes easily.” - Alexander de Seversky There are easy steps to ensure Disability Awareness because believe me, not to do so can be terribly demoralising. The world isn’t flat, it’s not a soap box speech, but event organisers only need to look at a few factors.

• Are there seats – many network events are all standing, and non disabled people who are tired, pregnant etc may appreciate seating.

• Is there a disabled toilet & with a full length or dual height mirror?

On the rare occasion there is a mirror, this is usually wheelchair height and being tall, I cannot access it.

Can you imagine not being able to check your hair or lipstick when you wash your hands.

“The first step toward change is awareness.

The second step is acceptance.”

Nathaniel Branden Please contact me on maria@meanddee.co.uk I am happy to visit your premises and assist further on this subject. www.meanddee.co.uk

• When booking a venue look at parking, can you define a close to entrance space.

• Is the venue accessible are there steps in or if a flat entrance, are there steps to other parts of the venue, toilets and refreshments?

@MeandDeeCharity @MeandDeeUK meanddeecharity

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BUSINESSMONEY

What does a Social Media Manager do?

Good question, and one we’re often taken by surprise by, after all most businesses are on Social Media now aren’t they?

by Nicola Read of Babbl Social

W

ell yes, many are, however there are a large number that have Pages on the social media platforms but don’t keep them upto date. Sometimes because they don’t know what to post or the best way of doing it, more often because they simply don’t have the time. So what a social media management company does is take care of it for them.

First of all we find out as much as we can about your company and who your customers are. From this we can usually work out where they are likely to be ‘hanging out’ on social media so that we can prioritise those platforms. Some companies just want us to cover them all and that’s fine, but for some, where a budget is limited, we need to prioritise.

Once we have determined this we look at the page insights and reporting to find out when most of your followers are online, this way we can be sure to post at the best time so that we hit the majority of the followers with your published content. Often people don’t give this a thought and just post when they think about it which can mean it isn’t seen by the optimum number of people.

Ideally, when we initially start working together, you will send over to us everything you have that we can use. Any images, information, customers reviews etc, anything. We will then collate it all and formulate a plan. On an ongoing basis you can send anything you think we might be able to use via email, WhatsApp, text, whatever suits. We want to make like easy for you. You will still be able to post if you want to, but we always suggest sending it to us so we can make it look really good, use relevant hashtags etc where applicable and post it at the best time.

After the above we get down to writing content for your pages.

We will produce a number of posts at a time which cover relevant information; what it is you do, what services/products you offer, reviews from previous customers, relevant industry news or information - basically lots of engaging content

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aimed at getting your followers to interact with the Page and organically grow your reach and following. Alongside these we will produce eye catching graphics in your company colours so that there is a professional and uniformed approach across your online presence.

So what do we mean by ‘organically’ - In this day and age it’s easy to buy followers and quickly increase your pages following. However most of the followers you buy won’t be interested in what you do, could be from another country you can’t work with, or are fake profiles set up by people for this specific reason so they’re not even real. What we do is grow your page properly and with real people who are interested in what you do. Numbers now are just a vanity metric. It’s far more important to have fewer, engaged followers than a huge number who never interact with your Page and are never going to buy from you, what’s the point? So our focus is always on growing your social media platforms the right way. Once we have written the initial set of content you are welcome to look over it before it is posted, then we’ll schedule it to post to your Pages at the ultimate time.

Once we’re at this stage your involvement is dependant on your wishes. You can deal with all incoming comments or messages, or we can do this for you; checking with you for any answers we are unsure of. You still maintain access to all the platforms, you can still post if you want to and your Pages and the content on them still belongs to you. Additionally we can seek out opportunities to recommend you on relevant groups and pages looking for your product and services. We can also alert you to any opportunities to get your product seen by more people online. We try to cover as many angles as possible to drive people to your business.

We work on rolling monthly contracts so you can cancel at any time just giving us 30 days notice, so you’re not tied in for lengthy periods, we understand that for small businesses it can be difficult to commit. You can leave us to crack on, or we can talk as often as you like - as a small business ourselves we understand it can feel like a big step allowing someone to represent your company.

So to answer what does a social media manger do? We give you a consistent, uniformed and professional image across various social media platforms so that you don’t have to worry about finding time to post to social media again, it’s all taken care of for you and just keeps happening constantly behind the scenes. A weight off your mind.

FACEBOOK@BabblSocial 01332 899409 hello@babbl.co.uk www.babbl.co.uk

A sparkle, a twinkle, and a sprinkle of pixie-dust but it’s all tech to me!

I

often get asked what it is that I do. I take steps…..into your business, watch how you work, step by step. Then I see how those steps fit into the systems I create that are more efficient and often more feasible for small businesses. I assist you with implementing those steps, train you to integrate them into your business and offer long term support; so you are never left sat looking at a computer screen scratching your head ever again.

When I branded myself a web solutions expert 4 years ago, I didn’t ask myself what it was, I just went with it. I don’t fit into a one-size fits all box as my thinking processes fits across so many scenarios and platforms.

I realised over time it was the absolute best way to describe what it is that I do.

I can take your business and totally shake up how you work and boom you suddenly have the time to actually focus on the important things you actually want to spend your time on.

It doesn’t need to take an age to do the process, but it can take time to assess and adjust. Communication is key to the process and getting the right questions answered at the right stages also ensure a smooth transition to the dream working systems.

Pixie-box is my vision, my way of enabling businesses to thrive with my own version of pixie-dust.

My creative magic takes me on all manner of journeys, the bulk of my clients are website clients who have solutions integrating their course and membership websites to Customer Management systems that then deal with monthly newsletters, deal with leads from website contact forms and enable you to record client specific content on an individual level. The possibilities are endless.

I have also developed a global advertising system for small businesses which I have called Hubatty.com. My aim with hubatty is to enable small businesses a way of getting their business out there at a small cost, it can be used as a micro-site (small website), way of advertising events, offers, organically growing traffic to your social media profiles, groups or website.

A little bit about me – I have 20 years web development experience, 11 years

by Nicola Reynolds

commercial software training experience, I am a creative spirit, I love all manner of crafts and nature. I am also a number one Amazon bestselling author – with Rise of the Mumpreneur.

I started my own web solutions company when I became a single parent to my two amazing children. It enabled me to mould my time around my children more effectively.

I love doing what I do. I am passionate about helping people being as efficient as they can be within their businesses.

I have the patience of a saint, I have the gift to train the untrainable. Training in a commercial environment often meant the teams I was arriving to train were against me rather than with me.

If I helped them I can help you!

More information to follow in the next edition. pixie-box.co.uk info@pixie-box.co.uk 07917 411 549

SAVVY WOMEN ISSUE 3 - savvysocial.org - 35

BUSINESSMONEY

TOP TWITTER TIPS

FROM CLAIRE SAXTON OF

SAXTON MARKETING

IN THIS ISSUE WE’RE TALKING

U

ABOUT YOUR TWITTER PROFILE

nfortunately, filling out your name and adding your website isn’t enough for a profile when it comes to using Twitter for marketing your business.

Twitter is like a search engine (and it works brilliantly with Google too), so you need to be thinking about those ‘keywords’ your target audience will be looking to find you and your products or services.

It’s true that people do business with people, and so it’s important to get your personality across on social media. I’d say this is particularly the case with Twitter where the feed changes so quickly that once someone has stopped to look at your profile – you need to keep their attention as long as possible. Add a photograph of yourself for that personal touch. The photo you choose for Twitter (and your other social media accounts) should be as professional as possible.

Another thing to consider with your profile is your business branding When you are your business, it’s important that you’re consistent across all social media platforms, as well as your website

36 - SAVVY WOMEN ISSUE 3- savvysocial.org

and printed marketing materials. Social media is about repetition and helping people remember who you are, and what you do. Ensuring that you use the same colours as your logo and website across your social media marketing will make it a lot easier for people to recognise that it’s you.

Don’t forget your hashtags!

Hashtags are great on Twitter and you should use them in your description within your profile as well. Again this will help you to be ‘found’ but also as a quick glance, people can see what your brand is all about.

If you would like some support with your Twitter management, please get in touch with Claire: Tel: 07973 924589 Email: Claire@saxtonmarketing.co.uk Web: www.saxtonmarketing.co.uk Twitter: @saxtonmarketing

WordPress workshops set to start in April

I have always loved working with small businesses and solo workers, understanding as much about the business and person behind it, so that their personality shines through their website.

Hello, my name is Laura, I started my business Anchor Online Designs three years ago, designing, building and maintaining WordPress websites. Web design had been a hobby of mine since 2009, In 2016 I decided to take some web development courses, WordPress development courses and several smaller courses to refresh my knowledge. I started with my youngest sons, then preschool website and haven’t stopped designing since. I have always loved the way WordPress gives you so much freedom to design what ever you like, it has changed the face of web design, whereas years ago it would require someone with vast knowledge of coding to create you a website and the costs would run into the thousands, now with WordPress software, web design has become so much more accessible.

Over the years I have changed and grown my business a lot. I have been looking at different ways I can help other small business owners recently and this has prompted me to create WordPress workshops, set to start in April. These will be aimed at helping small business owners gain the knowledge and practical skills to work on their own WordPress website confidently and master all the tricky behind the scenes stuff in a no-nonsense fashion. Due to run in the Nottingham to Leicester area.

My top tip would be: Create a Blog on your website, it’s the best way to show your customers/clients that you are knowledgable in your field and it’s also a great way to improve your sites SEO. Google loves websites that offer regular fresh content to their visitors.

To complement this and help with writing, organising and planning out your posts for a whole year, I have designed a cost effective Blog Planner, currently available on Amazon If you would like to be first to find out more about the WordPress workshops you can join my mail list on www.anchoronline.co.uk Don’t miss the next issue of Savvy Women where I will share my second Top tip Laura Goodsell, Anchor Online Designs www.anchoronline.co.uk laura@anchoronline.co.uk FB:@anchoronlinedesigns

Insight into...

Pamela Edwards Hi, I’m Pam Edwards, founder & owner of Phoenix Rising with Pitch Perfect Presentations.

I’ve worked with Independent Business Owners for over 30 years.

For the last 7 years, I have been running my own businesses, Pitch Perfect Presentations, specialising in teaching the Art of Public Speaking delivering training in Networking Skills and Creating & Delivering any Presentation from the dreaded 60 Seconds through to a full 30 minute Guest Speaker Slot.

More recently, I have launched a unique service, Phoenix Rising Services, where I work with determined, ambitious people who are at a cross-roads in life or facing major challenges, to overcome the obstacles they face to transform their lives and themselves so they can realize their dreams.

I create personal programmes of transformation, covering every aspect of life, building their confidence, engaging with other professionals, where needed, helping them create the next exciting chapter in their lives!

I also offer a comprehensive Business Development Course, covering every aspect of creating a business, guiding and supporting you through the whole process, making sure that you build the strong foundations needed to create a successful business. Within this framework, I also offer Leadership Training, to help those ready to take on Staff to accomplish this major step successfully, including creating job descriptions, training, management and employment contracts.

I love to see people succeed & everything I do is designed to help them get it right from the beginning – the easiest way to avoid costly errors. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Pam Edwards 07977 573 715 www.phoenixrisingservices.uk Email: pam@phoenixrisingservices.uk www.pppresentations.co.uk Email: pam@pppresentations.co.uk

SAVVY WOMEN ISSUE 3 - savvysocial.org - 37

BUSINESSMONEY

MEET

B

ISI DIXON

eing organised has always been at the heart of her business.

When she founded Well Organised, an organising and decluttering consultancy in 2008 she was on a mission to get East Midlands homes and businesses better organised.

In 2013 she went back to her roots (Isi is the proud owner of a marketing degree from the Vienna University of Economics) to provide marketing services to local businesses who were struggling with their content. Well Organised Marketing was born.

Over the last 7 years she’s made a name for herself as a Business Blogging Expert by not only writing content for her clients but also running workshops and webinars.

AN INSIGHT INTO

MARIANNE SAMUELS

OF VOICE ~ MS

VOICE, SPEECH AND ACCENT TRAINING FOR CONFIDENCE, CLARITY AND SO MUCH MORE...

M It’s time for a change again. Isi missed talking about productivity and time management and so decided towards the end of 2019 to branch out and fully embrace the idea of a portfolio business.

She is available as a keynote speaker and workshop / seminar leader to motivate people to improve their productivity. Her motto is “Everyone can be organised (if they want to be)”, no matter how ‘creative’ they are. To book Isi, visit www.isidixon.com In addition, Isi is embracing her Austrian roots by offering German lessons to adults (and almost adults). So, whether you want to brush up your German for business or pleasure or whether your young ones need help with their A-Level or GCSE exams, she is happy to help.

You can get in touch with her through email isi@wellorganised.org or call her on 07732 915456.

arianne Samuels is a vibrant and versatile voice/dialect and communication coach serving the entertainment industry and the corporate world. She runs Nottingham based company Voice-MS www.voice-ms.com working with clients nationally and across the globe in many aspects of the spoken voice: speech, accents/dialects, pronunciation, effective communication, public speaking, production coaching, animation voices, voice-overs and voice development. Her passion has led to her to work with high flying professionals including actors, presenters, CEOs and clients from a wide range of industries.

Currently Marianne is a freelance voice, text and actor’s support coach for the Royal Shakespeare Company. She also lectures in voice on the Theatre Arts degree at Derby University in conjunction with Derby Theatre. She is the head voice coach for Stagebox Management coaching child actors for West End shows, TV and films. Recently she established The Saturday Club; an integrative approach to performing arts training for children aged 6-11. Her practice keeps her very busy as many people walk through the doors every day.

Marianne has trained with top pedagogues in the field of voice and has a MA from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, a BA from Royal Holloway University and a diploma in Leadership and Management from CMI (Chartered Management Institute). Her eclectic style develops voices by encouraging a balanced use of the body and mind. Marianne is a dancer, actor, singer and soon to be yoga teacher which informs her holistic approach to voice. Voice work is inspiring and life enhancing and lots of fun.

Please get in touch:

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Tel: 07974 203001 email: marianne@voice-ms.com www.voice-ms.com

Introducing

debbiedooodah

Lucy West

helping people get

healthy & wealthy

Introducing debbiedooodah, award-winning business coach, podcaster, network, author, speaker, lecturer….the list goes on!

1. What is it that you do?

I help women in business build financial independence. That might sound a bit twee. But that’s what I do. I love helping women get the structures, accountability and strategy in place to build their business their way.

2. What inspired you to do what you do?

I have always been a big dreamer and I left home at the age of 16 to pursue my passion of musical theatre at The BRIT School in London.

I started my business after being on income support for 5 years.

I was a single mum and had cancer when my daughter was 1. I wanted to build a business that meant we wouldn’t be poor again and that would support other women to do the same.

I went on to study at the University of Derby and after graduating worked in the entertainment industry for 7 years for companies such as the BBC, Channel 4, Cambridge Arts Theatre & Nottingham Playhouse.

3. What is your morning routine?

I wake up about 6.50 and go and give my daughter kisses all over the face until she kicks me out of her bedroom. Then we eat porridge, I walk her to the bus stop, run back, and then I’m ready for the day.

4. Where is your happy place?

At home.

In 2012 I was introduced to an online business which changed my outlook on everything. I no longer wanted to be trading my time for money, having to ask for permission to take time off and be living pay cheque to pay cheque and struggling at the end of the month.

Something in me always knew there was more to life than getting up every day and following the same routine, it’s just up to this point I had never been educated on how to earn passive income and have the freedom and flexibility I dreamed of.

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

I worked my business part time around a 60 hour working week and daily commute to Nottingham. I gave up social time to build my Plan B until two years in at the age of 30 I was able to hand in my notice and say goodbye to 9-5 forever!.

6. What couldn’t you live without?

The focus of my business is two things.

My daughter Robin – it would be a nightmare. And my health!

1 - helping people get healthy 2 - helping people get wealthy!

7. Which lesson has been the hardest to learn?

I help people create residual income simply by turning something they are already doing into a business. The most rewarding part of my role is when my clients and team come to me with their testimonials and success stories.

5. What one book do you recommend most to others?

I’m responsible for my own happiness 8. What moto do you live by?

Life is short and you could die tomorrow, so make the most of today.

Want to know more check out www.debbiedooodah.co.uk or join the Blue Stocking Society for Female Entrepreneurs on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/bluestockingssociety Social Links: www.facebook.com/debbiedooodah twitter.com/debbiedooodah www.linkedin.com/in/debbiedooodah

The beauty of having an online business is the freedom it gives me to follow my main passion in life - travel! In 2019 my husband and I decided to go on a huge adventure, we rented our home out, packed everything we owned into storage and hopped on a plane to really see the world.

In 12 months we travelled through Malaysia, Australia, Fiji, the USA, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

If you would like to learn more or have me come and speak at your event please do get in touch.

Lucy x

lucywestvp@gmail.com Instagram: @lucywestvp www.facebook.com/lucywestVP

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BUSINESSMONEY

Jo O’Neil

I became a VA to escape the rat race

H

Meet Rachel Stockton

one of the first people to take the Diploma in World Customs, Compliance and Regulations

i there! I am a professional Virtual Assistant with 13+ years experience supporting work of high-achieving business moguls. I have a track record of helping with both professional and personal needs. I am well-organized and precise with excellent multitasking skills and sound judgment.

I have had a diverse career history providing top level admin support within research, the NHS, pensions, local government and private companies.

I became a VA to escape the rat race following some serious health issues. Now I am able to work with the people I want to at the times that suit me and them rather than the standard 9 to 5. When working with me you will only be billed for the time you will have my full focus and ambition to see you succeed!

I am thrilled to have this chance to introduce myself.

I am the Director CIE Services Ltd where I help businesses to reduce their Imports/Exports liabilities, ensure compliance and ultimately save them time and money. As well as running CIE Services, I am a Director and Trainer with the Institute of Export and International Trade.

I was one of the first people to take the Diploma in World Customs, Compliance and Regulations where I gained a Distinction. I have recently qualified to be an official trainer for the International Chamber of Commerce after completing the Incoterms 2020 Trainer Certificate. I also attained the Diploma in International Trade.

In my personal life I am the type of person who likes to learn new skills, I will happily devour documentaries on just about anything!

(According to my husband anyway) or audio-books on subjects I find interesting. I live in Nottingham with my husband, three cats (Dervish, Tiger and Shadow – often found sleeping under my desk) and a Senegal parrot (Billy).

When not at home I like to go to the theatre and watch musicals or just out for a meal or day trip with friends.

Of course there is the more lively of my hobbies; Live Action RolePlay, dress up as something silly and act as someone else for a weekend with foam weapons – what more could you want?!”

Kind regards, Jo. Jo O’Neil : O’Neil Admin Solutions A Virtual Assistant for a busy world www.oneiladminsolutions.com www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil https://twitter.com/JoONeil12 www.facebook.com/ONeil-Admin-Solutions-112753250103880

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I am passionate about what I do and thrive on obtaining great results for my clients. This could be by assessing their compliance with customs rules, saving money by reducing their customs liabilities, help consolidate stock thereby reducing shipping and other associated costs, perform the complete imports/exports process for them, save time with new processes or by training staff to be more self-sufficient and confident.

I am so excited because I will be running my first courses in May 2020 aimed at helping small and medium businesses become ready to deal with the EU and Rest of the World on an Import and Export basis. I also take bookings for companies wanting to learn more about the import, export and customs starting from introductory courses through to Customs Compliance, Commodity Codes and more.

If you would like to know more about how I can help your business get in touch today and we can discuss how I can help you now and in the future with all your International Trade requirements.

Tel: 07990 844605 Email: Rachel@cieservices.co.uk Website: www.cieservices.co.uk

life is about reaching for your dreams and living them

Sandra Pollock - multi-award-winning business expert, Management Consultant, Coach and Speaker

I

was born in London to Barbadian parents. I’m a Hackney girl really, although I’ve long lost the cockney accent. As well as the UK, I’ve lived and worked in Barbados and America and travelled for work to places like South Africa, Portugal, Sweden, Malta, and Belgium, to list a few. I love traveling, meeting new people and seeing different places. It offers me opportunities to learn and to grow.

Traveling was something I grew up with and only slowed down when I became a parent. I wanted more stability for the family than I had growing up. My parents moved around a lot, which meant frequently losing touch with school friends and that affected me.

I get my business savvy from my mother. I saw her as a bit of a pioneer when I was growing up. She was fearless, always trying something new and would get my sister and I involved. Maybe it was desperation, having two children to feed. I learnt a lot from her, she was always running some type of business venture. When she died a few years ago she was still running a clothing store.

My Dad on the other hand, was the more stable, less adventurous one.

What makes a savvy woman? The dictionary describes savvy as being shrewd, practical and having good judgment. I’d include being brave, not afraid to take risks or failing, good with people, and having the ability to learn from one’s mistakes. Personally, life is about reaching for your dreams and living them.

At the age of twenty-one I was director of a freight forwarding company and quadrupled their profits in a year. Then I moved to America, because they wouldn’t give me a pay rise or recognition. I had no job or clear idea where I would live. It was all an adventure. Whilst there I did all sorts of work including managing a chemist with about 25 tills and 30 staff.

Today I run two businesses and several projects, one of which is the East Midlands Women’s Awards (EMWA), which is now in its fourth year. I set up EMWA to identify, recognise and celebrate the amazing work that women do across all sectors.

Unfortunately, we’re still dealing with inequality, unequal pay, lack of recognition and opportunities for women in too many workplaces. I want it to become impossible to ignore women’s contribution. You can find out more about EMWA in the Savvy Life publication I’m married, share three daughters and a granddaughter. I know, I don’t look old enough. Haha. And I’ve lived in Leicester for thirty years now and coming here has been one of the best moves I’ve made.

E: Sandra@sandrapollock.com W: www.sandrapollock.com Twitter: OpenMindCoach Facebook:@sandrapollock2 Instagram:@sandrampollock LinkedIn: Sandra Pollock

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BUSINESSMONEY

Let’s turn your LinkedIn up a degree or three

Su Bramley

of 1 For All Accounting Angels

MAKING YOUR ACCOUNTANCY A WALK IN THE PARK Fiona Caldecott – LinkedIn Coaching and support at 3 degrees social.

L

inkedIn is one of the most effective networking and marketing platforms for businesses and when used well has the power to improve your visibility, expand your reach and increase your sales, so why don’t we all embrace it and use it to develop and grow our businesses?

Like most good things, it requires some thought, planning and effort to set it up effectively, and align it with your overall business goals. So although I’m a LinkedIn Coach – I’m going to link my advice back to your business plan and your marketing strategy – you’re a savvy business woman, so I know you’ve got one.

I have spent many years helping people to understand how to use different systems, and more importantly what is behind all the various things I’m recommending. It’s like so many things – if we know why we are doing something, it all makes more sense.

My top tip for this issue is to think about what key words or phrases your ideal client would use to search for your services and check those words or phrases appear in your profile. Sometimes the easiest things get overlooked!

So from aligning your profile with your vision to attract your ideal clients to support with sending out regular personalised catch up messages to your now extensive connection base, I’m here to help you with online training, workshops, profile reviews, one to one coaching or a “done-for-you” service.

I

’m Su Bramley from 1 For All Accounting Angels Ltd in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. In 2019 I was humbled to receive recognition in the National Accountant Awards for the AAT. I was very honoured to walk down the red carpet to receive my award that reads ‘ Licensed Member of the Year 2019 (Shortlisted)’. As I smile proudly at the wall mounted certificate, I will never forget the journey that got me here.

The year 1997, aged 23 and 9 months pregnant with my second child wondering how the hell I was going to pay for childcare if I returned to work. I looked at my unutilised skills and ambitions.

My qualifications were bookkeeping, business studies & finance with experience in retail, office management, and bookkeeping.

“I’m going to set up a business support service including bookkeeping.” My family responded by laughing. Yet there I was in hospital having just given birth, with my business plan and a lot of determination.

Working long hours with 2 children under the age of 3 was hard work but very rewarding. After working with a local accountant it was with rebellion that I furthered my studies after she poached my biggest client. I engaged on every course with HMRC and in 2010 when my third child was just two and a half I took the plunge to finish my qualifications to become a qualified accountant…..

The journey wasn’t just beginning, it was taking off from the twists and turns along the way….!

Call us now to learn how we can help your new or established business in the world of accounting finance and growth

Call me and let’s turn your LinkedIn up a degree or three www.3degreessocial.co.uk/fionacaldecott T:0777 0 584521 E:fionacaldecott@3degreessocial.co.uk

SUITE 1 BYRON BUSINESS CENTRE DUKE STREET, HUCKNALL, NOTTINGHAM, NG15 7HP WWW.1FORALLACCOUNTINGANGELS.CO.UK TEL: 0115 9640760

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Marketing for Business Leaders

Be the Difference

By Caroline Micallef-Wragg

If you are ready to make a difference in what you do, I can show you how you can grow your business using key marketing strategies that are aligned with your core values, giving you a sense of control and building momentum! So are you ready to embrace a different way of working?

Think about your core values, what is working for you right now and what is not? What’s important to you and what is less so?

Think about these factors as you read through this article and any help and support you need, please do contact us.

Marketing with a Difference It’s inevitable. You are continuing working the way you do. You have invested in lots of different areas to grow your business, including trying different styles of marketing on line as well as off line.

You are unsure of what is working, how it works, whether you have invested in the right areas of marketing. Or really are totally bamboozled by the whole thing?

The fact is, not all businesses are the same. Not all business owners are the same – thankfully I say to this one, it’s what makes everyone unique that enables those differentiators to shine out loud.

Save money, Save time, make an impact By applying the right marketing solutions to your business, not only can it be very cost effective, but very rewarding, saving you time and money.

Following on from our last edition of Marketing Today for Savvy Women and this applies to business men too, in particular because my company, The Starflower Company Ltd is not gender specific and we have vast experience in working with many different industry sectors and business styles, especially our holistic way of working that transforms any outlook on marketing and sales.

Expectations Anyway, back to our story today, I can’t help but express my concerns for Business Owners and their expectations in the market place. These expectations to have things delivered yesterday!

To have results instantly! To see a fast ROI without putting in the groundwork!

So, if you want to liken your business to a fast food emporium then maybe you are not in the right game, unless of course, you are looking at a franchise or licencing model, or indeed are in the fast food business.

Let’s have a look at this constant push and pressure. It could be all that social media noise out there pushing you to work faster and raising your stress levels? It could be other companies offering the same or similar amazing services or products to you? Does this bother you? For some smaller business owners, it may do that and you may want to speak to a business coach for support on this one.

For more established businesses, having a focused and structured approach to your marketing solutions that will get you the results and conversions you want, is down to you, your perceptions, your attitude and your passion.

Look at what you have been doing, review and release what isn’t working for you. Develop new strategic alliances and get out networking with people who make your heart sing! That way you know you are on the right track and amongst your target audience.

Building Business Relationships that Last Understanding your requirements to be successful requires thought and planning as well as looking at who your target audience is (your prospective clients) what they actually want and whether you are the right company to fill that gap for them.

It also depends on that relationship you are building with that company/organisation and building business relationships that last is what this is all about. In fact we ran an event on this very subject last year.

Starflower Company have developed a special and unique mapping system that highlights the exact areas you need to be working on that enable you to work on those income producing activities that creates movement in your business and not activities that keep you going round in circles. It has become a crucial part of the planning process and gives total clarity as well as a realistic kick up the backside. This follows definite “Aha” moments and highlights time wasting activities and where you need to focus your time.

What has this all got to do with marketing? Well everything!

Because, I’m not saying you can’t have fast results, what I am saying, is this won’t happen unless you are prepared to invest in building those foundations first and it involves a strategic marketing eye coupled with a good financial plan.

In order to build a sustainable business, whatever size, whichever market, product or service, you need to raise awareness first and build an audience where people can get to know you, understand what you do, trust you and then they will buy from you. Whether you are building these relationships on line or off line, the process is similar, but the differentiators here are what you are actually offering and where your clients actually hang out.

There is no such a thing as a quick fix in marketing your business.

Your credibility, reputation and trust elements are paramount to any success you create in your business and your life. Like the flow of a river or movement of an ocean. It needs to flow and so does your business.

So stay calm, focus on what is really important to you right now.

You can’t operate at high stress or expect to be productive when the work flows in.

In our next editions we will be looking at the key factors that are needed to raise your profile, become better known in your field of expertise and how you can connect with new audiences and grow your business. Remember if you really want to make an impact, shine as a leader in your field of expertise and grow a sustainable and successful business, it’s you who is the magic behind that success.

We have rolling programmes as well as group based programmes to get your marketing into first gear as well as advanced marketing solutions for business and leaders. For more information please get in touch. caroline@starflowercompany.co.uk www.starflowercompany.co.uk Tel: 07970 830423

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Networking

The Athena Way

more than just a networking group

By Vicky Stanton - Regional Director of The Athena Network Nottingham

The Athena Network was founded in 2005 by Jacqueline Rodgers who has a vision to create a vibrant and dynamic community of female entrepreneurs and executives, ready and committed to accelerate their business growth through mutual collaboration and education.

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BUSINESSMONEY This is still our commitment and now The Athena Network provides a platform for members to share knowledge and experience across a diverse range of industry sectors and to collaborate for mutual success.

The Athena Network launched in Nottinghamshire in 2014. I joined as a member in 2015 and loved it. The support and the energy of the women in the room made it a place I wanted to be.

In 2017, I had the opportunity to purchase the Nottinghamshire Region. We had three successful groups and by the end of March 2010 we will have five spread across the County , from the Derbyshire border across the South/City of Nottinghamshire to the Leicestershire border. We meet in Long Eaton ( 2 groups), the City Centre, West Bridgford and Langar.

We are more than just a networking group. We do of course network with each other. Why wouldn’t you want to do business with like minded, talented women? We are not a referral network, but we do only have one seat per profession in each of our groups. This ensures the dynamics of the group works. It’s like having a board of directors and a sales team at your fingertips.

We don’t have huge numbers at our meetings. This ensures members can really get to know and understand each other’s businesses because the power of networking is not all about who is in the room. It comes from the referrals made to our colleagues, business connections and friends.

The key difference with networking The Athena Way is the knowledge and learning, networking strategy and business development training that enables our members to maximise their networking and business activity.

All of our meetings are fun, yet focussed business networking lunches where our members and visitors benefit from training in networking and business skills and we hold our meetings in some of the most beautiful buildings in the County.

Joining the Athena Network is an investment in both yourself and your business. It requires commitment and effort to build relationships to the point others are confident about referring their contacts to you.

We are always welcoming to new visitors who just want to come along and experience networking the Athena Way, so if you’d like to visit please get in touch with me, we’d love to meet you.

Let’s Meet

Vicky Stanton

The Business Success Coach There is a saying ‘When life throws you lemons, make lemonade’ but it’s hard to remember to do that when those lemons come hurtling along isn’t it?

So a bit about me. I started my career in the late 1980’s as a Management Trainee in Retailing, destined to be a Supermarket Manager, despite wanting to go into personnel (now HR) after observing that role in Marks and Spencer’s as a student sales asst.

My Mum, my greatest role model, always encouraged me to never turn down an opportunity, so when I was offered a 3 month attachment to the personnel department, I took it, That started my ‘real career’ that was to last over 30 years, until in 2011 my post as a Senior HR professional was, devastatingly, made redundant.

Now those lemons had been flying, even before 2011, let me tell you. From 2003, over a seven-year period, I lost 3 of my very close family, including my Mum, my best friend and confidante. I suffered reactive depression. Not an easy diagnosis for someone who was in total control and a bit of a tough cookie. Well I was then!

So, lots of lemons accumulated!!

I remembered though that lemons could be made into lemonade and later, in 2011, reflecting on the parts of my professional career I had enjoyed most, I trained and qualified as a Business and Personal Coach. I loved learning about the human psychology; how we end up with the beliefs we do, where they come from, how we hold ourselves back from achieving our real potential and most importantly, how I can help my clients blast through them and have the success that they deserve.

I work with business owners to help them have a more profitable business.

We work on the stuff that’s keeping them stuck and stopping them moving forward, getting focus, getting and keeping that motivation and momentum and having the business that they deserve.

In 2016 I launched The Success Planner, the ultimate planning tool for busy business owners.

Now all work and no play make us dull folk apparently. Well dull is not me (I hope)! My hobby for over 40 years has been Girlguiding.

So, having enjoyed my time as a girl, I became a leader 33 years ago and still love it. I’m so privileged to have an impact on the lives of girls and young women and know that I have just changed the lives of one or two, because they’ve told me. I’ve run large scale camps, travelled abroad and met some amazing people.

With a passion for the development of women in business and my love of connecting the right people to each other, I bought the franchise for The Athena Network in Nottinghamshire. We are the leading international networking, training and development club for women in business. Athena is passionate about helping women develop stronger, more profitable businesses and we attract talented and highly motivated women, determined to fulfil their business goals.

The Region is a vibrant, supportive community with women developing not only themselves but their businesses, which is what it’s all about.

If I can help you develop a more awesome business, then let’s chat.

vicky.stanton@theathenanetwork.com www.theathenanetwork.com/vickystanton

www.vickystanton.com hello@vickystanton.com Tel 07818 086939

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“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU IN 2020

MICHELLE OBAMA

Would you like to share your expertise in this publication in print and online?

Designed to celebrate and promote women in business Increase your brand awareness and raise YOUR PROFILE Become a Savvy Women Contributor in the following sectors: Health and Wellbeing Beauty and Style Creative and Home Food and Drink Entertainment and Leisure Business and Money WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU ON BOARD Contact us: info@savvysocial.org

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Savvywomen.pdf 1 11/12/2019 13:52:57

me & dee charity MAKING SPECIAL MEMORIES

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MY

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we wear our heart on our sleeve