Journeys. April 3rd 2024, Dunedin.

Our first event, Journeys, was held on April 3rd 2024 at the beautiful Errick’s Venue on Princes Street. We chose this venue not just for its capacity or beauty, but because it is owned by local bad-ass boss babe Mili Lobo. Mili and her team had our backs from day one, embraced our idea and helped immensely in bringing the event to the women in the wider Otago community. Wanting to create a classy vibe for our community we enlisted some expertise from South Otago based designer Leanne Woodhead (Remotelea Creative) who created the beautiful signage that decorated the space, and musicians Davina Gilbert (DeeLashious) and Mike from local band ‘Niche’ created a beautiful atmosphere in the room that only added to the experience. Of course, to really ensure our crowd had the best experience, local caterer Sheena Booth (His & Hers Catering) curated a delicious brunch feast that left no unsatisfied taste buds.

As well as creating a space for our ticket holders to connect our goal was also to start a conversation. To create a space where women could openly talk about all the highs and lows of being a womanand juggling the life/family/work balance we know all too well. So we invited a group of local business women, from all walks of life, all at various stages of their journey, to join us on stage in a casual couch conversation. Our group of panelists included Sarah Ramsay (United Machinists), Haley Van Leeuwan (Craigs Investment Partners), Nicol Whareaitu (The Standard Kitchen), Ilse Erasmus (Elemental Integrative Wellness, The Longhouse) and Elizabeth Zizik (Hekate). The women spoke so openly, and shared their experiences on being a woman in a mans world, mental health, neurodiversity, juggling parenthood, wellness, burnout and how to pick yourself up again after failure. This conversation was then followed by a workshop from Sonya O’Neill (Otago Highlanders Personal Developement, Well + Being) that really helped us dive into mindset before bringing us all together for the most beaufiful “pub choir” rendition of Country Roads.

If we could draw one word that was summed up in all of the amazing feedback we have received, it would be the word Vulnerability. Women who connected with our words, with our mission, and who felt empowered by hearing the Journeys of others. This is why we did it. And holy crap…. WE DID IT!! We ignored the self doubt that we couldn’t/wouldn’t make it happen, we ignored the negative comments from the haters and we pulled together an event to really be proud of.

And you know what…….. it was such a vibe that we are going to do it again! But first, under the advice of all the incredible women on the day, we rest. Then we plan. Then we bring more connection, support and growth to the incredible community we are part of. If you want to stay in the loop, keep an eye on our Facebook Elevate Mind + Business page for updates.