Networking will get you places degrees cannot
You never know what connection might lead to your next big career move, next forever-friendship or next coincident encounter. Having a support network of positive, passionate people who lift you up and push you to do good-stuff is so important, in business and in pleasure.
Attendees speed dating down our gorg networking table
On Sunday 27th September, we hosted our first ever Relier Networking event, and boy was it a success! Our big, hairy, audacious goal here at Relier is to transform the perception of retail and promote this wonderful industry as a career of choice. One day, we hope to infiltrate the education system to educate school leavers on the fact that there is so much more to a career in fashion than the just role of fashion designer (designers - I still love you).
We’re taking baby steps towards this goal, starting with networking. We’re creating a community of incredible women who have lead incredible careers through retail and fashion in all shapes and forms.
Sunday was a celebration of a multitude of roles - we networked with Casual Stylists, Area Trainers, Marketing and Branding Professionals, Bricks & Mortar and Ecomm Store Owners, Product Developers, Beauty Salon Owners and more.
Our Event kicked off with a 30 minute round table discussion with our panel of experts. Queue, Ingrid McMahon, Owner of Vahst Studio (WE ENHANCE BRANDS!), Jenna McManus, Branding and Marketing Specialist (about to embark on her new journey at Beau Hudson, formerly Alpha-H and Lorna Jane) and Kasey Attard, owner of local gem Kind Curations.
We then got funky and all participated in speed dating in an orderly manner down the table. I won’t lie, it was a challenge to get everyone up and moving after only 4 minutes of chatting to each person. We all wanted MORE chats, MORE time to connect, MORE time to understand how we could all add value to one another … which leads me to my biggest regret - time went to fast and the session went too quickly! Perhaps it was a product of the incredible people in the room being so damn wonderful and kind. We could have stayed for twice as long, continuing to bloom and flourish in the new friendships and networks we had just created.
Panellists Jenna & Ingrid, DEEPLY engaged by Kasey’s words of wisdom
The cutest Relier gift boxes you ever did see
But alas, our session had to come to an end. Our beautiful new support network of businesses and talent alike left with the cutest little Relier gift pack (PLUG!) - and we couldn’t be more grateful for the local businesses who helped us bring this to life. Biggest shout out to my favourite local businesses of choice for donating to our gift pack. Attendees received vouchers to Fit Culture HQ, Refined by Paige Beauty Salon, Fig & Frankie’s Cocktail Bar, Common Ground Cafe, Pilates & Co Studio, Just Sunnies and of course, Blush & Butterscotch.
I’ve already had the chance to reconnect with a few of our attendees to share a little HR and recruitment love and met some amazing people who felt like forever friends after the first 5 minutes.
Our networking event was designed to bring fashion and beauty professionals of all shapes and forms together. Fashion retail to me has always been more than 'just a job.' Working on the shop floor is where I truly found myself - my passions, my strengths, so many of my best friends and a purpose beyond it being just a means to an end. I am so grateful to have brought together such a wonderful community to talk all things retail in the digital age and cannot wait to host again soon.
You never know what connection might lead to your next big career move, next forever-friendship or next coincident encounter.