It’s been a long time since I’ve stood in a room with people, guiding them through something creative and powerful in real life. I absolutely love the feeling of it, the electric buzz when ideas start flowing, someone says something that lands deep, and suddenly the whole space shifts. You just can’t recreate that magic on Zoom, no matter how good your Wi-Fi is. 

 

For the first time in ages, I’m back at it. In a few weeks I’m hosting my very first Funky Diva Workshop. I didn’t realise quite how much I’d missed it until I started properly planning and making enquiries at venues regarding availability. Getting my creative juices flowing and making the plans scribbled in notebooks – I have a real feeling that something special is brewing. 

 

To be honest though, getting to this point has been slower, gentler and more deliberate than I would’ve been in the past. As you know I’m not running on hustle and the ‘go, go, go’  anymore. These days, it’s all about pacing myself and protecting my battery. Living life- and running my business - in a way that works with my body, not against it. As you may know if you’ve followed me for a while chronic pain, the anaemic fatigue, and limited mobility have a way of stripping things back to what really matters. You learn to choose where to spend your energy carefully. 

 

And I was already thinking it for a long time but definitely in the past 6 months I’ve realised I don’t want to be in rooms that drain me anymore. I want to be in ones that light me up. 

For many years I’ve built communities- from the Style Sisterhood, The WTF Club, the Wardrobe Wobbles Community through to Project FAB!, the FAB Business Club and online programmes and networks. And they’ve all been wonderful in their own way. But as I’ve evolved, so have my needs. I’ve found myself craving something quieter, deeper, and more creative. Not a space where I’m endlessly doing or being ‘on duty’, but for just being - the kind of space where you can breathe again and nourish your soul. 

 

I want to build a community that mirrors my life  now - slower, calmer, very intentional. Still full of laughter and sparkle, but without the pressure to “keep up”. A place where we celebrate the small wins, talk about joy, creativity, and confidence - and where sequins are absolutely welcome, but not required. 

 

When I look at who I’m drawn to right now, it’s women like the ones in Riot Women -  bold, expressive, real. Sally Wainwright properly resonated with us with that series – if you haven’t watched it yet, make time soon. The woman are like us, they’ve lived, they’ve lost, they’ve learned, and they’ve decided that from here on out, they’re doing it their way. They’re tired of rules, boxes, and expectations. They’ve got stories, depth, and an edge. 

 

That’s the kind of woman I want in my orbit. The ones who are unlearning, unsausaging, and unapologetically showing up as themselves. Not performing how they think they should, but connecting. 

The online world’s been very noisy lately. Social media, marketing formulas, the endless talk of “six-figure launches”  and I’m finding it’s all felt a bit stale. Even networking started to feel like hard work last year and I don’t know about you, but I’m over it. 

 

What I really miss is energy, proper human energy. The kind that happens when you’re in a room full of creative souls, who all spark off each other. The kind that lingers long after you’ve left because something inside you’s been reignited because of the conversations. 

 

That’s what the Funky Diva Workshop is all about. It’s not just a class or an event-  it’s going to be an experience. A chance to reconnect with your own bold, brilliant self. You’ll pull a card from the deck, explore what it means to you, and then bring that energy to life by creating your own Funky Diva alter ego -  complete with a mantra, a name, and an outfit that captures her vibe. (Think Beyoncé’s Sasha Fierce, but make it you.) 

 

It’s going to be fun, creative, and a little bit rebellious - but underneath the fun and laughs, it’s deep work. It’s about self-expression, confidence, and owning your energy. 

 

Because I’ve learned that when you put on an outfit that feels like your truest self, when you embody your energy, everything changes. You walk differently. You speak differently. You show up differently. That’s enclothed cognition in action and the psychology of style doing its magic. 

Planning this workshop has felt like a homecoming, once a teacher always a teacher lol. I’m no longer chasing numbers, launches, or online noise. I’m creating from where I am personally right now from calm, from curiosity, from truth. 

 

The truth is, I don’t have the stamina I used to. My body reminds me of that daily. But rather than fighting it, I’ve chosen to listen. I’m designing my life around ease, creativity, and joy. Fewer moving parts, less proving, more being. 

 

This workshop is going to be a reflection of that. No PowerPoints or “shoulds”, just connection, conversation, and creativity. Real talk about identity, energy, and how we can all show up in a way that feels more aligned. 

 

It’s funny, isn’t it, how the older we get, the more we crave simplicity, (I’m meeting other people feeling the same way) but the deeper our work becomes? That’s the paradox of midlife. We’re done with complexity, we want less noise but richer meaning. We’ve shed so many layers throughout life that what’s left is real. 

 

That’s what this next chapter of my work is about. It’s not about reinvention, it’s a return. 

You’ll walk in curious and walk out glowing. You’ll rediscover that little spark of mischief that’s been hiding under practicality and people-pleasing. 

 

Expect laughter, lightbulb moments, maybe even a few tears, I’ll bring tissues. You’ll journal, reflect, share stories, and leave with your own Funky Diva identity  - a mantra, a name, a vibe you can tap into whenever you need a boost. 

 

You’ll also get to meet others who are on the same wavelength. The ones who’ve been through the burnout and come out the other side saying, “No more.” The ones who want joy, connection, and authenticity. The ones who’ll cheer when you step into your power, not compete with you for the spotlight. 

 

Because when women gather in a room like that, something special happens. We stop apologising, we stop shrinking and we start remembering who we were before the world told us who to be. 

This season of life has been teaching me to trust slow growth. To create from rest rather than rush. To follow what feels good, not what looks good. 

 

For me, that means fewer online programmes and more face-to-face experiences. More creative expression, less admin. More energy in the room, less noise in the inbox. 

 

Maybe you’re feeling that too? That pull towards simplicity, the desire to connect, not scroll. To feel seen and to create something meaningful, even if it’s small. 

 

If that’s you, you’ll love what’s coming. This first Funky Diva Workshopis the start of something new. A gentler, joy-fuelled way of doing community, a space for conversation, creativity, and connection. 

 

And who knows - it might just be the spark that helps you reignite something in yourself too. 

 

Come and Join Me 

 

If your soul’s been whispering slow down and shine differently, this might be your sign. 

 

Bring your notebook, your curiosity, and an open mind. Leave your inner critic at the door. We’ll pull cards, create alter egos, and share stories. You’ll leave lighter, clearer, and maybe even a little braver. 

 

It’s happening on Saturday 13 December, 1 – 3.30 pm at Arnold Library, Nottingham NG5 7EE, £35 per person. I can’t wait to be back in the room - real people, real laughter, real connection and I’d LOVE you to join me. 

 

Because this next era of Funky Diva energy is slower, simpler and it’s so much more me.