16/10/2026
I was both honoured and humbled (and just a little scared) to be invited to speak at this year's National Women's Day event in the Woodford Dolmen. Thank you Dearbhla for entrusting me with this opportunity. 😊
The theme, 'Lessons Learned over the years', struck a cord with me, and I was inspired by the remarkable women alongside me. The key takeaways from our discussions were it's never to late to change direction or start again and we are all just figuring it out as we go!
I shared my own experiences, highlighting the invaluable support I received from , which provided guidance on grants and introduced me to industry mentors, such as . I strongly recommend seeking out a relevant industry mentor to elevate your business. Surrounding yourself with a talented team, from suppliers to advisors, is crucial from the outset. The Old Post Office's multi-award-winning status is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our own exceptional team.
Another point that I didn't get a chance to touch on was how beneficial it can be to seek out other business owners that are in a similar business but not in direct competition, this can be invaluable for industry specific advice. I was lucky enough to meet and connect with three incredible ladies who also own and operate independent cafes in different parts of the country and we regularly lean on each other for advice- Go Cafe Queens! 💕🫅 It's worth noting that we came together because of a course with did with Tracie Daly.
Thanks again to & for arranging such an inspiring event & - you did an amazing job hosting and made it so enjoyable.
Thanks - Laura x
