Stowmarket's Space For Women In Business: Community & Connection
Tired of awkward networking events and constant sales pitches? Martina shares how Women Inspired Network is creating a refreshing space for businesswomen in Stowmarket to connect without pressure. A space where genuine conversations, support, and real relationships come first.
I'm Martina, and I run Women Inspired Network – a space where businesswomen in and around Stowmarket can connect, support each other, and build genuine relationships without the pressure of traditional networking.
My background is in advertising sales – I've always been comfortable in the world of business and building relationships. When I had children, I started a Forever Living network marketing business and was fortunate enough to be successful with it, which meant I didn't need to go back to traditional work.
Through that business, I discovered the power of networking. I loved it so much that I naturally gravitated towards leading networking groups for a company.
But I kept seeing a gap. There were so many anxious business owners, introverts, and women who wanted to connect but felt completely put off by the traditional networking format. The room full of sales pitches, the pressure to perform, the feeling that you're just there to be sold to – it didn't sit right with me. So I thought, why not create something myself?
That's how Women Inspired Network was born, just over a year ago in February 2025.
I live in Stowmarket, so when Stowmarket Golf Club agreed to host us, I was delighted. It felt like the perfect partnership – a local business opening their doors to non-members, while supporting businesswomen in our community.
When & Where We Meet
We meet every month, usually on a Monday morning at the beginning of the month from 10am to 12pm. The nice thing is that Stowmarket Golf Club doesn't have many people in the clubhouse in the mornings, so it's a win-win for both of us.
We're not competing with the usual coffee shop buzz or worrying about being overheard. It's a semi-private space where real, honest conversations can happen. You can talk about your challenges, your wins, your worries – whatever's on your mind – without onlookers. That privacy matters when you're building genuine connections.
What to Expect
I know a "networking event" can sound a bit intimidating, but ours really isn't like that at all. We usually have around 15 ladies – a nice, intimate number that doesn't feel overwhelming.
We mix structured networking activities with plenty of time for casual mingling and coffee chats. We always have a guest speaker, and the focus is always on business and connection above everything else.
There's no pressure to pitch, no pressure to perform. Just space to be yourself and meet other women who get it.
One thing I love is that when you come to our events, you get access to an online directory beforehand. You can see who'll be there, learn a bit about them, and recognise faces more easily when you arrive. It takes away some of that "walking into a room of strangers" anxiety.
Why It Matters
I've always believed that kindness leads to connection, and genuine connection leads to collaboration. And that's where the magic happens.
There's something really special about seeing two women meet at one of our gatherings and then, a few weeks later, hearing they're working together, supporting each other's businesses, or have simply become friends who understand the unique challenges of running a business.
This is the community I wished I had when I was finding my feet. It's the space where introverted business owners can feel comfortable, where anxious entrepreneurs can take a breath and realise they're not alone. Where you don't have to have it all figured out or put on a brave face – you can just be real.
Feeling Nervous?
If you're thinking about coming along and are feeling nervous, that's completely natural. It's a room full of people you may not have met before.
But here's what I want you to know: everyone in that room has felt the same way at some point. We've all been the new person. We've all worried about whether we'd fit in or have anything interesting to say.
The atmosphere we've created is warm and welcoming, with absolutely no pressure. You don't need to prepare anything. You don't need to have your "pitch" ready. You just need to show up as your authentic self.
Who It's For
Whether you're:
- An established business owner looking to expand your network
- Someone just starting out who needs support and encouragement
- Or anywhere in between
There’s a space for you here.
The beauty of our group is the diversity – different industries, different stages of business, different personalities – all coming together with one thing in common: we're better together.
Come Along
If you're a woman in business in or around Stowmarket and you're looking for genuine connection, support, and maybe a few good conversations over coffee, I'd love to see you at our next event.
No sales pitches. No pressure. Just real women, real conversations, and the kind of community that makes running a business feel a little less lonely and a lot more possible.
Because at the end of the day, business is better when you're not doing it alone.
Find Out More
Visit: www.womeninspirednetwork.com/events
Or search Women Inspired Network on Facebook.
We’d love to see you there.