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essence | BUSINESS
LOCALWOMEN IN BUSINESS Loseley Park in Guildford provides the venue this September for a unique event aimed at providing guidance for women returning to work, wishing to switch careers or wanting to start their own business. essence found out more.
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rganised by online forum The Really Helpful Club, the Back to Business: Taking the First Steps event on Thursday 29 September at Loseley Park will comprise a morning of talks and workshops aimed at helping women rediscover and reconnect with the workplace. There will be a series of inspirational and informative speakers throughout the morning, including Debbie Wosskow, OBE, CEO and founder of Love Home Swap, and Jayne Constantinis, BBC presenter and communication skills expert. The local businesses described below have all been started by women entrepreneurs and provide inspiration for others wishing to follow in their footsteps.
Mamma & Me
Business Espresso
BE was founded by in 2014 by three school friends from Tormead School in Guildford: Natalie Collingwood, Katie Ward, and Sian Powell. After following one another’s careers in the corporate and commercial world, and starting families, they soon realised that with shared ambitions, values and combined business experience, they could offer small and growing businesses in the Surrey area something different – a powerful pool of business development resources to tap into as and when needed. Sian is pleased to say that BE is going from strength to strength with more women joining the team and working on a flexible basis. www.businessespresso.co.uk
Mamma & Me
Julia Buckland founded Mamma & Me in 2011. The company sells beautiful cashmere clothing and accessories for mothers and daughters as Julie, who couldn’t find a suitable cashmere poncho in child sizes, launched the business designing her own. The Mamma & Me collection now includes ponchos, kimono wraps, loungewear, socks and scarves, as well as other accessories. The emphasis is on beautifully produced products in a stylish palette of subtle tones that complement any wardrobe during any time of the year. www.mammaandme.co.uk
Anna Saverimuttu Photography
Based in Guildford, Anna Saverimuttu wants to change women’s perceptions about themselves to help them become more confident about their appearance. A professional photographer for 19 years, she noticed much the same negative reaction from all women when faced with appearing in front of the camera. Her new Couture Portrait service, combined with a series of workshops for women (which will also raise money for a cancer charity), are part of her mission to help women see themselves in a kinder light and stop them making comparisons with often unrealistic images portrayed in the media. www.annasaverimuttu.co.uk
essence INFO Anna Saverimuttu Photography
Back to Business: Taking the First Steps The Barn, Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1HS Thursday 29 September, from 9am Email: caroline@reallyhelpfulclub.com
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