Preston International Women’s Day event sees local women share success stories – Blog Preston

A local entrepreneur has this March hosted business owners and artists at an International Women’s Day event.

On Saturday 12 March, Preston entrepreneur Jodie Marie Rigby hosted women from the north who shared success stories at the healthy eating Fishergate restaurant Saladishy.

Attendees enjoyed welcome mocktails, by Calyx drinks and My Dry Ice, and an intimate two-course dinner.

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Jodie said: “The event was a huge success for Preston to celebrate female entrepreneurs.

“It’s not often women come together and discuss their businesses openly, and this event gave them a platform to showcase their work and talents.

“On International Women’s Day, it’s a day to highlight females and their success stories and inspire others to continue to pursue their dreams.”

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Joining the dinner was Jemmala, a 26-year-old artist and designer from Preston who has worked for Steven Bartlett at Social Chain, Nike and Maison Margiela.

Jemmala quit one of the largest fast-fashion companies in the UK to set off on a musical journey launching an EP – she performed her song, Freakin, at dinner.

She shared her journey to becoming an artist and businesswoman, discussing mental health, wellbeing and entrepreneurship.

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Amy Mantle is a 33-year-old mum of two and the founder of boutique Blessie and Baker.

She spoke about her journey into public speaking, sharing her traumatic upbringing and passion for showing other women the possibilities of overcoming adversity.

Amy taught the audience the power of positivity and that it is not unrealistic to look at the world through a positive lens to become the best version of yourself.

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Jojo Lawler (Miss Alderley Edge International 2021), Sarah Walmsley from Thompson Couplings Limited and Stephen Leishman from Selling Sells all attended.

Sarah said: “It was a delightful way to spend the afternoon celebrating IWD22, meeting an interesting range of business owners who otherwise would not have met.

“Jemalla was excellent with a great story, and the food and Calyx drinks made from flowers were delicious.”

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Jodie is visiting the UK to have a mole removed from her left index finger and sent for a biopsy.

Whilst waiting for her operation, she is organising a series of events in March to support entrepreneurs in Manchester and Liverpool interested in the NFT and cryptocurrency space and a meet-up with stars of the BBC TV series The Apprentice with Sir Alan Sugar.

Jodie is in talks with ex-Apprentice candidates interested in talking at the events.

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After her results, she will return to Dubai and launch the Women In Cosmetology and Metastoric NFT initiative.

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