In a nutshell, what is SHE Malta?
SHE - Social Hub Entrepreneurs - aims to bring together all women living in Malta, whether already established in business, just starting up or looking to do so, through a series of networking events and workshops around the island. Our events are specially formulated so that the attendees have the opportunity to speak to one another about their business or future plans and be inspired by a host of guest speakers on the day. We also ask that the ladies attending SHE events bring along a generous stash of business cards for quick and easy exchange and to place on our specially branded SHE board. And we offer plenty of other ways to get connected - including refreshment breaks, raffles and social media photo opportunities - all helping to create a wonderful, warm buzz around everyone present.
Why did you both decide to create it?
The idea of creating a women's networking group or society had been brewing for a while and is born of a desire to connect smaller, independent businesses while supporting the women behind them. Both Sass and I have been involved in shining a spotlight onto various local businesses, mostly through blog features, PR and collaborative enterprises. In fact, when we decided to join forces we had already collaborated with each other on separate projects through clients and liked what each other did. So, there it was: the birth of SHE! We joke that we birthed this baby somewhere on 23 March 2017!
Where was the first and last event?
Our first event was the invitation-only launch at Sanya Spa in Naxxar, with approximately 30 guests - each of them the owner of a small business from a variety of industry sectors. Special guest speakers included Yasmin De Gorgio of The Grassy Hopper, Sanya Spa and Theo Broma: A Raw Cacao Collective and Maria Moller of Fly the Fly Vintage, with refreshments courtesy of The Grassy Hopper and photography by Majda Toumi.
Following the launch was the one previously had on the 22nd June 2017 at the Lily Agius Gallery in Cathedral Street Sliema. This was a ticketed event aimed at reaching out to any woman looking to connect with other like-minded individuals, not necessarily in business but perhaps in need of a little inspiration or even a change in career. Special guest speakers included the art curator and founder of Lily Agius Gallery, and Elisa Krantz managing director and founder of Baton & Baton, with a question-and-answer session at the end of each address. On this occasion we introduced a new section entitled 'Stand up and speak' with a few of our sponsors and members of the audience encouraged to say a few words about their business. Freshly prepared juices by Nude Juices - iced in buckets, and healthy food was by Honey and Zest was served. The photography was by Majda Toumi.
What's your motto?
To approach life with a positive attitude, a good dose of kindness and a whole lot of passion
What is next for SHE Malta?
Next on the SHE Malta agenda is the introduction of a series of workshops designed to help independent businesses grow - as well as the women behind them - whether through meditative or practical means. We are also planning our next SHE event, details of which will be announced soon.
How can anyone contact or follow you?
We encourage anyone interested in participating in the next SHE women's networking event - whether as a guest speaker, caterer or even front of house - to come forward and contact us at [email protected] or find us on Facebook @shemalta or Instagram @she.malta