Women in Design — Finding Power in Creative Community

There’s something powerful about being surrounded by women who just get it. The ones who know the thrill of designing something that makes your soul sing — and also the fear of not being “enough” in a space that can feel overwhelming, technical, and fast-moving.

I used to think I had to do it all alone. That if I didn’t know everything, I wasn’t really a “real designer.” That was before I found my herd.

💛 The Women Who Made Me Brave

When Julie from Brandiwork took a chance and hired me for my very first design job, everything shifted. I was a newbie with passion but not much experience (and let’s be real, even less confidence) — and she saw something in me I couldn’t yet see in myself.

In the two years since, I’ve learned something new from her almost every week. Her patience, her brilliance, and her generous teaching style helped me fall in love with the design process — and helped me believe I could do this.

Through Jules, I found the Heart-Centred, Soul-Driven Entrepreneurs community — a beautiful community of women-led, purpose-driven businesses that opened my eyes to what support can look like. Recently, the incredible Jules also managed to get me out of my comfort zone once more, and to a speed Networking event run by Women in Business — a powerful network of regional women who regularly gather for connection, inspiration, and the kind of collaboration that reminds you you’re not building alone. Now a member and attending things like Lego luncheons and just having the best time, while meeting some truly inspiring women.

Then came the Designer Boss Summit in February — and with it, the radiant force that is Emma Kate. ✨ Her energy, openness, and success instantly drew me to her. Em built a business around her life (not the other way around), and now she gives back through WP Mavens (Alongside the brilliant Haley Brown — a tech genius and fellow lover of a co-working sess), The Designer Boss Summit (with Anna Dower – her humour, wisdom and creative fire – goals) and so much more. These women have created a community of support that feels like home for women designers.

Community is the Antidote to Imposter Syndrome

These women showed me something game-changing:
✨ I don’t have to do it all.
✨ I don’t have to know it all.
✨ I do have a place in this industry.

There’s no gatekeeping here. Just encouragement.
There’s no competition. Just collaboration.

Having a group to bounce ideas off, troubleshoot tech hiccups with, or just co-work beside? That’s magic. It turns isolation into inspiration and transforms self-doubt into self-trust because chances are, someone else has had the same trouble you’re facing right now – and they have the road map or at least some suggestions on what to try.

🐴 What I’ve Learned (and What I’m Still Learning)

I’ll be honest, I’m still figuring it out. Still working on saying no, without guilt. Still building systems that support my life and protect my energy. But now I know this: With the right support, you can build a business that’s beautiful, functional, and deeply fulfilling — without burning out.

And the best part? You don’t have to trade your soul to succeed.

If You’re New (or Scared, or Stuck) — This is for You:

Find your people. Look for the ones who lead with heart and aren’t afraid to tell the truth. The ones who will answer your questions, lift you up, and remind you that your voice matters — especially when you’re new or struggling.

You’re not too late. You’re not too much. You’re not too old. You’re not too behind.

You’re exactly the right kind of magic.

Find your herd. We’re out there.