10 years ago, our founder Ali arrived in Tunbridge Wells (Kent) from London and discovered that it was really tough as a mum juggling a business without a community around her. So she started Tunbridge Wells Mums in Business and began to build a tribe.
A few months later, my friend and I had both finished maternity leave and started up our own businesses after deciding to leave the rate race, and she dragged me (almost kicking and screaming) along to TW MIB Network.
I was nervous as heck.
And little did I know where that seemingly small decision would lead.
Fast forward a year… Ali decided to stop running both her own business and TW MIB Network to boot and put the call out for someone to take it over. I had a background in running all sorts of events and business consulting, so before my fingers and brain had done much speaking to one another, found myself replying to her email that I’d like to take it on. A cup of tea and a chat later and twas done. I was the new organiser of MIB Network.
And in the blink of an eye, it’s now 2019 and we’re 10 years old!
And over those years we’ve:
- grown from just Tunbridge Wells MIB Network to include groups in other areas – Sevenoaks, Cranbrook and Ticehurst
- had 162 events and workshops, attended over 4,000 times by local women juggling running their own business around their kids
- had speakers on just about every single subject imaginable to help us make our businesses even better
- built 4 local tribes of the most wonderful, supportive, inspiring, friendly and talented women who raise each other up.
And looking back I can see that that seemingly inconsequential act to go along that night quaking in my shoes turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I have been blessed to become surrounded by the most incredible support network and friends I could ever wish for, all of who just “get it” and know exactly what it’s like to be a master juggler. I’ve learnt a million new skills, found collaborators, customers, inspiration and support when I’ve needed it. It’s been so much more than a networking group in every way possible.
So take that first step. No matter how small it might seem. No matter how nervous it makes you feel. You never know what might happen or where it might take you and it could turn out to be the best thing you ever do.
Claire Witz, MIB Network