The Fold Network

The Fold Network A new way of networking for self-employed women, female business owners and side-hustling ladies.

Not the beer… the lack of photos. Last night was our monthly Fold meet-up. I took exactly one photo while I was waiting ...
04/06/2026

Not the beer… the lack of photos.

Last night was our monthly Fold meet-up. I took exactly one photo while I was waiting for everyone to arrive.

Terrible for content. Brilliant for conversation.

It ended up being a much quieter evening than I’d expected. Life happens, plans change, people get sick, children need looking after, and that’s okay.

But what I love about these evenings is that whether there are three people or twenty, something valuable always happens.

Yesterday, , .jaskot.illustration and I spent a couple of hours talking about business, life, creativity and, somewhat unexpectedly, politics 😬. Not a topic that often comes up at our events, and one I’m usually a little cautious around, but an important conversation nonetheless.

It was one of those evenings that reminded me why The Fold exists in the first place.

Not for packed rooms. For real conversations, genuine connections, and the kind of support that happens when women sit around a table and talk honestly about what’s going on in their lives and businesses.

And honestly? That’s more than enough.

A little reminder that The Fold meet-up is tonight.If you’ve been thinking about coming but aren’t quite sure, consider ...
03/06/2026

A little reminder that The Fold meet-up is tonight.

If you’ve been thinking about coming but aren’t quite sure, consider this your sign.

Join us for an evening of good conversation, great company and a room full of women who understand the joys, challenges and chaos of running a business.

No pressure. No pitching. Just community.

Upstairs at Further North from 7pm.

Tickets in the usual space (link in bio, you should know that by now! 👀)

Tuesday Tip 💡Your business doesn’t just need customers. It needs friends.The kind of people who:• Recommend you when opp...
02/06/2026

Tuesday Tip 💡

Your business doesn’t just need customers. It needs friends.
The kind of people who:
• Recommend you when opportunities come up.
• Celebrate your wins like they’re their own.
• Understand why you’ve spent three hours tweaking a website button.
• Talk you down when you’re convinced everyone else has their life and business together.

When we start a business, we’re told to focus on clients, sales and marketing. And yes, those things matter. But some of the best things in business come from relationships.
The coffee chats, the collaborations, the referrals, the voice notes, the “have you thought about...” conversations.

Running a business can feel lonely sometimes. It doesn’t have to.

Who’s been your biggest cheerleader in business?

Pinch punch first of the month... and all that nonsense.I kicked off June with a trip to Bloom too see  and some of my f...
01/06/2026

Pinch punch first of the month... and all that nonsense.

I kicked off June with a trip to Bloom too see and some of my favourite business pals, it’s the way to start the month and a great reminder that being self-employed doesn’t have to mean doing it alone.

So if you’re craving some self-employed business pals of your own, come and join us on Wednesday for The Fold’s monthly meet-up. No awkward networking. No elevator pitches. Just good people, good conversation and a room full of folks who get it.

Find us upstairs at Further North from 7pm.

Go where you’re valued… and where there are snacks. Preferably both.🧡
31/05/2026

Go where you’re valued… and where there are snacks.
Preferably both.🧡

Each month Members of The Fold get the opportunity to advertise their businesses in the newsletter and across our social...
29/05/2026

Each month Members of The Fold get the opportunity to advertise their businesses in the newsletter and across our socials.

Here’s what they’ve got to shout about this month.

Laura is offering Social Media Quick Audits for just £75. She’ll take a detailed look at your social profiles and present your action plan at an hour-long debrief over a delicious coffee.
prinn shared details of her Loose Floral Workshop, which I attended at The Play Tent in Headingley. It was a glorious evening. I’ll let you in on a secret, Becky will be doing something special at The Fold in July 🤫 Follow Becky for more info about upcoming workshops.

Clare is doing regular Free* co-working content planning sessions on zoom. They are designed for small business owners who want to get clear, get focused, and get visible. *there’s a suggested donation to Farsley Rehoboth, a charity close to Clare’s heart.
ahmad shared details of her business Oneela Protects. Oneela helps you plan for the future with clarity and care. From Wills and estate planning to life insurance, income protection, and private medical cover, she offers straightforward guidance so you and your family feel secure, supported, and prepared with confidence.

To find out more head to there pages.

P.S you can sign up for The Fold newsletter at the link in bio ☺️

Join us next week for our Community meet up on Wednesday 3rd June.You’ll find us upstairs at Further North from 7pm.Our ...
27/05/2026

Join us next week for our Community meet up on Wednesday 3rd June.

You’ll find us upstairs at Further North from 7pm.

Our evening meet ups are open to everyone, as long as you’re a self employed, freelancing or side-hustling woman.

It’s the perfect opportunity for relaxed “networking” building relationships, having a good natter and a jolly old evening with like-minded women who get what it’s like to be self employed.

More info and tickets are in the usual place. (link in bio 👀)

What to wear for a networking event.Whatever you flipping well like.I used to get so hung up on what to wear (to any occ...
26/05/2026

What to wear for a networking event.

Whatever you flipping well like.

I used to get so hung up on what to wear (to any occasion really), so that I’d fit in, rather than, god forbid I’d stand out… what I’ve realised is that actually if I was worrying about fitting in, it probably wasn’t a space for me in the first place. 

That’s why, at The Fold, you are encouraged to COME AS YOU ARE.

Want to see what events are coming up? Head to the link in bio.

Being self-employed often means learning in public. (and that can be really scary 🫣)You can plan, prepare and strategise...
22/05/2026

Being self-employed often means learning in public. (and that can be really scary 🫣)

You can plan, prepare and strategise, but a lot of it is still trial and error.

Over time, you learn what works, what doesn’t, and what you’d never do again.

If you could start over, what would you do differently?

My daughter has accidentally become my life coach.She’s almost 4, and watching her grow has taught me a lot about resili...
19/05/2026

My daughter has accidentally become my life coach.

She’s almost 4, and watching her grow has taught me a lot about resilience, trying again and fully committing to your emotions. Especially if your banana falls on the floor. 

She’s also reminded me to be sillier, slower and a bit more present. To notice the important things in life, like clouds, wiggly worms, noises and the excitement of seeing a dog. 

Most day’s she’s charging through life with determination, curiosity, and absolutely no concern for whether her shoes are on the right feet.

I think there is something quite inspiring about that.

I’ve got “Be More Eadie” written above my desk as a daily reminder. If you’ve got little ones, what’s something they’ve taught you lately?

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