The Ultimate Girl Gang
Posted on March 08 2021
Now before I start this blog, I don't want anyone thinking I'm a man hater; I absolutely adore my husband and find so much inspiration from so many male entrepreneurs (one for another blog maybe) but I am SO passionate about celebrating women, women in business and working mums and with International Women's Day just been now felt like a good time.
My business was born at a time in my life where I was looking to go back to work in some capacity having recently had Harper. My position at the time couldn't facilitate part time working and the hours that were available vs childcare costs just didn't add up. Shortly after, with no business plan or any real idea about what I was doing, Fox & Moon became 'a thing' and now 5 years on Fox and Moon is my business baby. I've managed to turn it from a dining table idea to a successful small business and I am so happy with how far we've come; but my gosh can it be seriously lonely.
I've had some really lovely girls helping out at F&M over the years but equally I have spent a lot of time on my own. I realised quite early on that I needed to find some people in a similar situation... that's when I found a local 'networking' (sounds businessy but it was really casual) event that bought self-employed women together, this was great and I totally urge anyone new to the self-employed world to go on the hunt for a community of like minded people. I met SO many amazing women from all walks of life with one thing in common 'they worked on their own'.
Now I know this it's a little easier said than done in the middle of a global pandemic but there are so many online forums/communities online too that bring like minded people together!
We recently worked with Dell on their small business campaign and were introduced to 'DWEN' Dell Women Entrepreneur Network which is a global network of female entrepreneurs and helps you connect with inspirational women to help achieve your business goals! I think it is a brilliant idea to have an online community to help support you with business goals and resources and also have people to cheer you on when you need it the most! Sharing experiences of running a small businesses really does make you feel less alone.
I've also met some amazing girls via Instagram and have some lovely friendships with amazing business babes; some I've never met and others who have become best friends. Reach out to accounts you love, you never know, you might make some new friends too. It's all about creating a support network!
I hope over the next few years I can grow F&M to a place where we can build a bigger team of women; the ultimate Fox & Moon girl gang, for now though George and I will continue to be a ditsy duet. I'd really love to be able to offer flexible work to other Mums as it is so hard to find work around children.
For now, here are some inspirational women in business that I follow on Instagram for you to check out...
@louisepentland started out in the YouTube world, though I’ve not watched many of her videos, her recent Instagram reels have given me a giggle, she talks openly and unapologetically about money, sharing renovations, business inspo and general mum life!
@hollytucker Founder of ‘not on the high street’ is brilliant at empowering everyone to turn their passion into profit; she loves raising awareness of small businesses and often shares her favourites!
@lucie.the.label is the biggest cheerleader I know, she is so supportive of others and an absolute pleasure to know. She started an amazing small business in December 2019 go check her out!
@jodie.bakes is also new to the small business crew, she makes THE MOST DELICIOUS bakes, she's also had the battle of growing a business in the midst of a pandemic and I'm so proud of how far she’s come in such a short space of time. **She is also known at F&M as Superstar Jodie as she saved my bacon last year by helping out at F&M when I had just had a baby!
@lifethroughemseyes is a total superhuman, she has somehow managed to set up her own business @virgo_and_arrow also during a global pandemic with THREE children; two of which are teenie tiny TWINS, what a woman!
@label.lady.1 @lucyjessicacarter, @lucymeck, @rebeccaellenlamb and @ashleighsugarrushed are also fab working Mums to follow if you don’t already!!
And last but not least @themumclub are two women that share super relatable Mum content that isn't your stereotypical baby club style, and for me, it's very reassuring.
At the end of the day, it's all about having support around you - how ever that looks. Online, real life, business groups, Mum clubs, insta besties, coffee mates, dancing partners. Women supporting women.
That's it for today, if you got this far, thank you so much for reading my ramblings, love Tory x
1 comment
Thank you so much for sharing these, always useful to find new accounts to follow!