women + innovation #2 event

On Thursday 23rd June ’22 we opened our studio up to host the #2 in the series of women + innovation. This time around we invited the Co-Founder of Talewind (Gina) Senior Managers from Osprey (Vicky + Mira) and Founder and Owner of Pen Gallery (Emma) to speak about their journeys to where they are and to share some advice on what they have learnt along the way.

The panel discussion (from left to right) Mira, Gina, Vicky + Emma.

This was the second event we have hosted at the studio and once again was over subscribed. Tickets “sell” out (its free to attend but we are limited to numbers due to our studio size) normally a week or two in advance and word gets around of who is coming in the local area. We are always blown away by who comes and the feedback we receive after.

The women + innovation series is a free event hosted by Aetha Design which was developed to inspire more women into getting into business, applying for that job they thought they would never get and to take the plunge and launch that business/side hustle they have always dreamt of. Sophie felt when moving back to the area that the networking events were all the same and often had the same people speaking at them. She was surprised that when she met women who owned businesses and had inspiring stories that they weren’t asked to share their stories more often so she went about setting up one from Aetha. We ask the speakers to be honest in their stories, the struggles and also with the advice they give. The events are meant to be open discussion which people who come are welcome to just turn up and listen or ask as many questions as they like in the panel discussion part of the event.

Sophie (Aetha) introduces some of the local bodies which can help women launch businesses and grant support available.

Sophie does a quick intro into why she has asked the women who are speaking and how she met them. Normally it is a chance meeting or being introduced and hearing their story. We like to shine a spotlight on stories which are unusual, organic and often challenging.

First up was Gina (Co-Founder of Talewind.) Talewind is a new, professional UK studio working in Roblox. Gina spoke about how she and her partner Mike (business and life partner) are on a quest to better the metaverse with games that are fresh, fun, and full of adventure. Mike came along too and was one of the 5 men in the room that night (we love Mike!)

Gina (Co-Founder of Talewind) speaking openly and honestly about being made redundant + how that shaped the way her and Mike run Talewind.

A bit about Gina - she’s 28, the daughter of a single, working class mother and born in Gosport.

Gina has been sighted as Forbes 30 under 30 in 2022, MCVs 30 under 30 in 2020 and one of the Gamesindustry.biz 100 most influential women in games. “Gina is a boss” (Sophie’s words) Gina spoke about how her and the team at Talewind put their values above anything else with their 4 day week, focus on mental health and wellbeing and also about trusting your gut. Her experience of being made redundant (twice!) in the past has made her passionate about putting the team first at Talewind and making decisions so to not have to make anyone redundant in the future. Talewind raised +$4.2 million by the end of 2021 and Gina spoke about how her and her business partner turned down investment in the past from VC’s who were disinterested in what Talewind was about and were distracted during pitches. “Trust your gut instinct and prioritise your values” was her main piece of advice to everyone. Gina speaks at 100 miles per hour, looks like she has just stepped off a catwalk and inspired the whole room with her friendly, approachable character. To conclude, we all love Gina and she works in Gaming - one of the most male dominated industries.

Vicky (Osprey) sharing why the female fit is so important to Osprey

Next up was the Osprey team - Osprey are clients of Aetha so we know them well. They have a HQ in Poole and are one of the main employers in the area. We often see their Product Management team out and about testing the newest range of products over in Studland. Vicky + Mira spoke about careers to date and their time at Osprey. Vicky having been with them +7 years starting as admin in Marketing and progressing to Marketing Manager and Mira +3 Years as Senior PR coordinator. Osprey are renowned for creating and developing high performing carry solutions for male and female fit in all outdoor disciplines. Sophie wanted them to speak about the development in female fit. They are one of the only brands who in bags and luggage have identified the need to develop and design bags to suit and fit women. The other amazing piece of information about the brand is that 60% of Osprey Europe employees are women with 65% sat in leadership roles. We did NOT expect that!

Mira (Osprey) talking about how her journey to Osprey from being born and growing up in Austria

The female fit - no one size fits all back system was introduced in 1994 (the brand were way ahead of others in the outdoor sector) so for every male pack - they have a female equivalent which includes; narrow shoulder width, shorter torso length, specially designed hipbelt and ergonomically shaped harness. Osprey engage with their female customers with focus groups, partnerships with female ambassadors and learning from their staff and partner stories. The team also brought an amazing Osprey backpack for the raffle (thanks to the team for that!)

Emma (Pen Gallery) talking about how she opened Pen on a 5K budget in a pandemic

Last up was one of the most inspiring stories from the youngest speaker we have had to date at our women + innovation series - Emma. Emma is Founder of Pen Gallery. Pen is a contemporary art gallery and store with locals at the forefront. All profits go back into keeping the exhibition space free to the public. With every purchase and donation, Pen supports local makers and creatives whilst creating opportunities and keeping the galleries doors open to supply incredible exhibitions and events to the community.

Emma spoke about her honest journey to the Kingsland regeneration scheme in Poole and the NEW YORK TIMES. Emma’s own experience of ND means she is fully supportive of Neurodiversity, she shared how she crowdfunded 5K to open the shop and used every favour and person she knew to help her launch Pen. Emma spoke about the various challenges she faces with the creative sector including working with artists, not being taken seriously by local businessmen and budgets in the arts sector.

Emma (Pen Gallery) talking about the challenges of working in the arts industry

From the feedback we have had so far from Thursdays event, Emma’s story made people smile, laugh, cry and feel inspired. There was a large discussion about not having a business plan. Turns out most the business owners in the room didn’t have one either!

After the speakers we had a break for something to eat and a top up to drink - thanks to Kara’s Vegan Supper Club for once again providing the best vegan brownies in the South and then we asked everyone to came back to a panel discussion where we discussed the current places women can go for help with business support, the Dorsert LEP, Dorset Growth Hub, Arts University Bournemouth and Innovate UK. Sophie shared her reading list for the past quarter and then the whole panel had questions from the attendees in the room.

Once again, we are overwhelmed by the amount of interest this series of events has received. We are grateful for the men who show up and support the event and speakers. We had Mike (Co-Founder of Talewind) and Tom (CEO of Passenger) and the design team from Aetha. The series tickets are open to both men and women and we appreciate the men who take the time to come and support the event without feeling the need to take over.

We can’t thank our speakers enough for sharing their stories, being prepared to answer difficult questions and being open enough to talk through some of the challenges they have faced. Every person in the room learned something that evening and we hope they spread the word with what they have learnt and who they have met. Special thanks to the guys from Aetha (Michael for the lovely photos, Will for being the best doorman we could ask for + Josh for making sure everyone had a drink. Another mention goes to our friend the talented Jules (Bare Creative for helping us with the invite)

Who was in the room…We are sorry if we didn’t meet you all on the night. We try our best to get around the room and find out what everyone does and shine a spotlight on any businesses we know which are run/owned/co-owned by women. Below are a few of the people who were in the audience who we know of. Go on and find them on IG,Linked-In and follow them. Also, get well wishes to Lauren from The Happy Blossoms who was meant to speak but had to pull out last minute due to Covid.

Antidote - FRAN (you heard me say it on the night - the best massage I have ever had) legend to follow on IG and the Antidote newsletters are always good.

New Forest Off Road Club - Nic and Grace. Very inspiring women who have full time jobs and started a club which is all about inclusivity and spreading the love of cycling. Free bike rides - what’s not to like. FOLLOW THEM and join them on a ride.

Nuffield Technologies - Helen - came up to me at the end and introduced herself. Head of Delivery at Nuffield (new neighbours to Aetha)

Passenger - Tom - thanks for coming and taking part and for sharing the event with Helen (above!)

The Good Factory - Sam - Apparel Supplied Sustainably. Thinking of bringing a soft good to market. Go speak to Sam.

Alyson (Aly) - Sophie’s coach and friend. If you are stuck - contact Aly.

Podcast Labs - Kelly Co-Founder. Podcast Labs are a Dorset based podcast production and marketing agency.

Nude Nutrition - Our friend Kat who is an online Dietitian Nutritionist, offering a unique approach to finding food happiness.

The Playful Den - Emma Founder - The Playful dean is an ideas collective here to support people to unleash the power of PLAY.

Breakthrough Events - Lisa - Owner of the Sports Events Management and Consultancy

Studio Wood - Hayley & Celine - Our friends over at Studio Wood in Bournemouth.

Jane Cooper - Social Content Director

The Halo Trust - Helen - Communications Manager

TrailMix - Nat. This mother and daughter team cater with the best cakes and coffee at all the Maverick Race Series Events.

Muc Off - Hollie - Global Head of Marketing. Another large Dorset based business

Evenly - Kate - spoke at the women + innovation #1

& many many more.

Apologies if I haven’t listed your business or you - just drop me a note and I can see about adding you.

Last but not least the #readinglist from #2. Sophie gets messages every week from women who came to the first event and have since read some of the books so make sure you share with her if you have enjoyed one of them. Glennon Doyle’s Untamed normally gets a lot of attention.

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