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Blogs

Founder’s Reflections – September

Founder’s Reflections – September

September is here, and autumn has arrived in all its quiet beauty. I always find this season symbolic – a time of change, of gathering, of turning the page. For me, it’s also a time to pause and reflect on what we’ve built together. This month has been nothing short of extraordinary. We launched the Taste of Bolton Recipe Book – a project that feels so close to my heart. It’s more than recipes; it’s about belonging, heritage, and pride. To see celebrity chefs alongside our community voices, and to do this in partnership with We Are Bolton, reminded me once again of…
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The Monkey and the Guava Tree

The Monkey and the Guava Tree

Reflections by Gulnaz Brennan Just outside my home in India, in the small neighbourhood park, stands a guava tree. It isn’t marked, fenced, or named. But no one else had claimed it. So I did. It’s mine now—not in title, but in feeling. It stands tall, generous, fruit-laden. I’ve always been drawn to trees like this, carrying the weight of ripeness so uncomplainingly, as if giving is just part of their being. I don’t know why it still fills me with wonder—that fruit grows quietly on branches, needing no permission, no applause. That vegetables and fruit are just… there. Free.…
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Living with the Lizard

Living with the Lizard

A reflection by Gulnaz Brennan There is no official name for it—actually, scratch that. There is. It’s called herpetophobia: an intense fear of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, frogs, and yes, lizards. And if herpetophobia had a poster child, it might very well be me. As a child growing up in the heat-soaked heart of a South Asian summer, I learned early on that the season brought not only mangoes, melons, and sweet leachies—but also the dreadful return of the household lizard. While others celebrated the arrival of fruit-laden branches and bowls of chilled watermelon, I would scan every ceiling like a soldier…
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Welcome to the Founder’s Journal

Welcome to the Founder’s Journal

By Gulnaz Brennan This is where the heartbeat of She Inspires lives between the headlines. The Founder’s Journal is my space to reflect, share, and sometimes simply pause. Here, you'll find stories that don’t always make the stage — moments behind the scenes, thoughts on leadership, community, resilience, and the quiet revolutions led by women every single day. You’ll also find The Judging Diaries, a weekly glimpse into the vibrant, unpredictable, and deeply human world of our awards judging process — from early morning Zoom calls to the powerful stories of our finalists. Whether it’s a letter to our community, a…
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Judging with Heart: Why the She Inspires Judges’ Meet is More Than Just a Meeting

Judging with Heart: Why the She Inspires Judges’ Meet is More Than Just a Meeting

There are moments in the She Inspires journey that quietly hold everything together — and our annual Judges’ Meet is one of them. This year’s gathering was more than a date in the diary. It was a celebration of shared purpose, a reaffirmation of community values, and a space to hold the sacred work of judging with care, clarity, and heart. With over 90 remarkable people in the room — finalists, judges, exhibitors, supporters — the energy was unmistakable. What brought us together wasn’t just process. It was trust. Trust is the cornerstone of She Inspires. With over 100 judges involved across all categories, transparency is not a nice-to-have…
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The Power of Speaking Up: An Evening at Speakeasy

The Power of Speaking Up: An Evening at Speakeasy

There are some events that go beyond the schedule, the speaker list, or the venue — they stay with you. Speakeasy, beautifully hosted by Katie Webster and Sue France, is one of those rare gems. An independent, heart-led evening built on connection, courage, and the untamed magic of women sharing their stories. The format is beautifully simple: a room full of women, and a series of 10-minute storytelling slots. No slides, no sales — just real voices, speaking from the heart. And what voices they were. Funny, raw, bold, moving. Each story reminded me just how powerful it is when we speak up — and how…
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Because You Matter: Honouring Life and Protecting Love During Dying Matters Awareness Week

Because You Matter: Honouring Life and Protecting Love During Dying Matters Awareness Week

Every May, Dying Matters Awareness Week encourages us to have honest, heartfelt conversations about death, dying, and grief—conversations that many of us find difficult, but deeply necessary. This week is a reminder that while death is part of life, it’s also something we can prepare for with intention, compassion, and care. For me, this is more than a topic—it’s personal. I’ve experienced the deep, life-altering pain of losing loved ones, including my wonderful mother. Losing her changed everything. It made me realise how fragile life is, and how important it is to plan for what we so often avoid talking about. Why…
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A Woman, A Voice, A Change

A Woman, A Voice, A Change

Nalan Şahin My name is Nalan Şahin. I’m a 20-year-old volunteer leader, campaigner, and advocate for change. Since the age of 16, I’ve led social initiatives focused on access to quality education, women’s rights, youth empowerment, and climate justice — both locally and nationally. I work to create space for unheard voices, to empower young people, and to help shape a more just, sustainable world. I don’t simply support change — I organise it, live it, and strive to sustain it. Growing up in a place where women were silenced, young people dismissed, and nature overlooked, I learnt early that…
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From One GCSE to a Doctorate, Fueled by Purpose

From One GCSE to a Doctorate, Fueled by Purpose

I left school with one GCSE and a head full of doubts. People didn’t expect much from me, and if I’m honest, I didn’t expect much either. But deep down, there was always a quiet belief that I was meant for more, even if no one else could see it. That belief grew louder over the years. Watching my grandma reach 100 and seeing the care she received, both the good and the bad, made something shift in me. Then my mum and brother were diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, and suddenly it wasn’t just something I witnessed, it was something…
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Building a Creative Home for Female Founders

Building a Creative Home for Female Founders

I’m Grania, the founder of MCR Content Studios – a vibrant creative hub in Greater Manchester designed to empower female entrepreneurs and content creators. What began as a simple studio for shoots has grown into a safe, supportive space where women-led businesses can create, connect, and thrive. At MCR Content Studios, we’re on a mission to make content creation more accessible and confidence-building for women at all stages of their business journey. From our themed studio sets (like the Girly CEO corner!) to our affordable co-working days and “Coffee & Content” networking mornings, every detail is built around community and…
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