Elevating Myself
I had a job interview about 15yrs ago, where they asked me “If we asked your friends what you need to improve about yourself what would they say”. My answer was to get over my stage fright. And I wasn’t wrong. Not since some drunken open mic nights in Scotland had I had the courage to be on stage singing or speaking. I shy away from being on camera and even struggle with introducing myself to strangers. Yet even when everyone tells me I should let my voice be heard, I had always shyed away. Until now.
In the past few years there has been a massive transformation within myself, where despite my world collapsing around me, I dug deep into the work and embraced all the challenges head on. I took it all on with blind courage and faith in myself and my choices, trusting that everything would be ok. And you know what, it is.
Along this journey, I have been blessed to have worked alongside and been supported by some incredible women. Women who taught me how to grow- as a woman, as a mother and as a business owner. Women who have supported me from near and far, being my biggest cheerleaders for my personal and my work life. Women who shared their stories with me, to help me grow and to help me heal.. And it was through these connections, and a random conversation over a cuppa, that a group of 4 of us decided to give back to the greater girl gang, all the good things that we have gained over the years. The support, the connection and the community. And so Elevate Mind + Business was born.
Myself, Ngahuia Crossman (Inspiring Design Co), Becky Runga (Mortgage Me Otago) and Alana Tamakehu (Cutlers Real Estate) were all craving an opportunity to connect with, and be inspired by other local women in business. Whether it be their own business, someone elses, or simply a business idea. We all wanted an opportunity to grow and connect within a like minded community. Not seeing what we wanted, we decided to just create it. Armed with ZERO knowledge or experience of running events we launched in and spent 3 months working alongside a group of incredible local female vendors to help bring our vision of hosting an event to life. There was overwhelm, there was confusion, there was frustration, there was a LOT of random hilarious banter, and there was what felt like an endless barrage of social media posts that felt like we were selling ourselves and our event constantly and a deep seated fear that the ENTIRE Otago community was over seeing our faces. But below it all, was knowing that we were ALL in it together, and that if we just stuck it out and trusted in ourselves and our process that we were absolutely capable and deserving of making this a success. And what a success it was.
Our first event, Journeys, was held on April 3rd 2024 at the beautiful Errick’s Venue on Princess 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 and 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. And 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 woman, and 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.
I never saw my life path taking me on this Journey, but I am so glad it has. I cant wait to see what this brings for my continued growth as a woman.
