Mere weeks have passed since Upper Hunter Women in Business (UHWIB) founder Lavinia Hutchison and co-founder Lisa Harpley decided to fill a void that they saw in the region.
In that small amount of time, the inspired duo has already launched their vision on LinkedIn, built a website, and planned their first live, sell out event.
They’ve experienced a warm response from Muswellbrook locals, along with promises of mentoring support from sister organisations in the wider region.
Lavinia, who can only be described as a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm, explains there is a perception, and often times a reality, that to chase an amazing career you must leave your small town and go and ‘make it’ elsewhere.
She did exactly that seven years ago when she left Muswellbrook and gained experience working across a variety of media opportunities in Tamworth, Newcastle, Mackay, Sydney and even Queenstown NZ, picking up valuable experience and life insights along the way.
Lisa is an active and enthusiastic part of the business community in the Upper Hunter and works as a Business Adviser with the Business Centre in Newcastle. She loves connecting, collaborating and seeing businesses get off the ground. The two regularly attend networking events in Singleton, Maitland and even travel as far as Newcastle. They are expected faces at chamber events and joke that Lisa gets excited about the ‘Opening of an envelope’.
For Lisa, the importance of UHWIB is to let women know that although they may feel isolated being in a rural community, they’re not alone, there is support and guidance as well as socialisation within the women’s business community.
In her times working away, Lavinia experienced the benefits first-hand of networking, co-working spaces, and was part of a strong female lead business community. On returning to Muswellbrook, Lavinia is passionate to create something that will impact the local community positively on a business and social level, she believes that by bringing together and empowering women to achieve their business goals, the whole town will benefit.
“Our community of like-minded regional businesswomen work together to grow not just their businesses, but themselves and their confidence so they can flourish and thrive.
“Women are natural nurturers and it makes sense that we nurture each other so we can all be successful. After all, there’s enough space at the table for everyone.”
So far, the group’s presence has been virtual, but in the very near future, the plan is to have regular face-to-face events facilitating support, training, professional development and collaboration.
If you’d like to join the group, view their schedule of planned events, or help with donations or mentoring, please get in touch via social media channels @UHWIB or visit their website www.uhwib.com.au
