Whilst we continue to see positive shifts in the worlds willingness to entertain open conversations about mental health, diversity and equal opportunity etc, I believe that we still have a long way to go in being more communicative, accepting and open in talking about how this effects us in our daily lives.

Something I believe isn't spoken about enough in society is the sheer hard work and grit it takes to be a female entrepreneur. I've been developing my freelance career and business for over a decade now and I honestly continue to be challenged every single day. -The things we don’t always talk about, right?.

Throw being a solo parent to two little girls in the mix and It does start to feel strange to voluntarily ‘expose’ myself in sharing the challenges that I face on a day to day basis both as a business owner and parent. In a world of influencers, bloggers and social media hustlers, it’s very easy to perceive that everyone else life is rosy, however when you pull down the filters, we’re all living the real, human experience. I see there being more social pressure than ever to be great in all areas of life. To get to the gym, do business, eat well, thrive, have a social life, strive for financial freedom, be all the things to all the people… the list goes on.

Parts of my journey I've shared, some I've not, however over the past decade it's taken a whole lot of getting to know myself to get to where I am today. The journey continues, but as of right now it's taken letting go of those that didn't believe in me, investing scary amounts of money in developing my skill set as a business woman, an 'I can't even imagine' number of hours and 3am-ers of commitment and hard work and, let's face it, a shit ton of coffee. All of these being things that we don't talk so much about.

When did you last feel the pressure to do better at work, do better for your family, to make more money or be a better parent? One of my keen loves in life is personal development and so these are all things that are in my consciousness on a day to day basis. It really comes down to the desire to the the best version of myself that I can be and as I continue to shift into new areas in my business, I am becoming increasingly aware that it is my purpose in life to talk more about this and support other women in being the best of themselves, both internally and externally. -This goes way beyond the realms of just great hair and makeup people. :) The inner work is essential to our ongoing expansion as individuals and I feel passionately about supporting and inspiring others to do the same for themselves. To be the best of themselves too and supporting them through navigating their own journey in that process.

I want to to encourage you to be great, to feel great and yes, to look great, because it's when we become the best of ourselves that we can truly be in best service to others. Let’s not forget all of the phenomenal, rule breaking, boundary leaping women that have gone before us, using themselves to be greater, to stand up for more, to create true and lasting change for the better in our world. This must continue and as a mother to two amazing little girls, I feel inspired and also dutiful to be a constant reminder to them that they can achieve their biggest dreams, be exceptional and contribute to the world in hugely powerful ways, however they choose.

In this month that celebrates both Mother's Day and International Women's Day, I want to show my gratitude to the women that have and continue to inspired me. I wouldn't be me without you.

For those of you that continue to support me and my vision, thank you.

For those of you closest to me that have been unwaveringly by side side through both the shit storms and the joy, I love you.

For those of you with a similar dream that are here for guidance and support, I believe in you.

So I want to say Happy Mothers Day to all of you women out there who continue to contribute in nurturing others around you and invite you to take a moment to celebrate and nurture yourself. You are so deserving of self love, self acceptance and self appreciation. Anything over and above that we’ll call a wonderful bonus and gift from life. ;)

Love & Grace,

Brooke xo