A coffee, a good old chat and a shared idea led me and my friend Sally Joyce to start Wonderful Women.
Sally had the idea to start a group a little while ago, one where well-connected women could meet each other. She mentioned it to me, and we got all enthusiastic, and before we knew where we were, we were doing it. It's true what they say: strength in numbers, and having someone by your side to push you helps. Nine weeks later, here we are. Our first Connect is done, and the feedback has been brilliant. Several women have already asked when the next one is, and whether they can invite some of their connections.
The name came from Sally asking, "What shall we call it?" and I said, "You just did. Wonderful Women."
We made a plan, created a WhatsApp group, decided on a date and jumped right in. Sadly, the date didn't work for everyone, but the evening came together, and the way it went was how it was meant to be. An intimate first one, ten of us in total, and we each shared our past, present and future, and what was on our minds. We learnt from each other, offered an ear and advice, forged new links and found fresh opportunities. The encouragement from those who couldn't join us this time was there too.
Our Why.
Our why was wanting to create a space where women could connect, whatever their industry or stage of life. It's not just for women in fashion, and it's open to any woman with knowledge and experience to share. It's a time to exchange stories and expertise. Above all, we hope to offer support and make introductions.
The venue was special. We met at The Locke Hotel in Canary Wharf, on the 19th floor, in their recently opened restaurant, Alto nineteen. The views were incredible, and Charlie, the restaurant manager, greeted each of us with, "You must be a Wonderful Woman."
There was no pressure, no preparation and no perfection. We simply sat down, shared some moments that have shaped us and let the conversation take its course.
"Arrived last night with weights on my shoulders but came home with a spring in my step. Oh how last night chats inspired me, gave me personal clarity and some fuel to relight my fire. Thank you thank you for hosting such an evening Sally & Becky. The start of something extremely special and impactful."
Heartwarming feedback like this was exactly what we hoped to create.
We are eager to see where this will lead and who we can introduce. We plan to meet four times a year, and we will tailor each Connect as the mood takes us and depending on the numbers that night. We've already had some cool suggestions, and we are starting to think about February 2027.
A late friend of ours connected Sally and me, and look where that has led. It's one of those things that comes full circle. We'd like to think she'd have had the best seat in the house, and the first laugh.