Being recognised as a finalist in two categories at the Kent Women in Business Awards (KWIB) 2025—Mumpreneur of the Year and Digital Business of the Year—is a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. These nominations represent a journey of balancing family life with entrepreneurial growth, and they highlight how passion and persistence can lead to impactful outcomes.
This blog delves into why events like these are more than celebrations—they’re powerful tools for networking, business growth, and community support.
My History with the KWIB Awards
This is my third time attending these amazing awards, and each year has been an inspiring milestone in my business journey. In 2021, I was honoured to win Mumpreneur of the Year and be named a finalist for Home-Based Business of the Year. In 2022, I was the Runner-up of the Year and a finalist for Digital Business of the Year. To be back again in 2025 as a finalist in two incredible categories is a testament to my growth and the continued support of the amazing business community in Kent.


Celebrating Women in Business
The KWIB Awards are about more than just individual success—they represent the strength of the collective community. I’m delighted to congratulate all the talented finalists, including:
Mumpreneur of the Year:
Laura Burke – Laura Burke Training and Consultancy Ltd
Lucy Weston – Little Music Stars
Samantha Searle – Boogie Tots
Sophie Drury – Baby Bliss
Jess Nelson – Once Upon a Wish Events Ltd
Boo Phillips-Burt – Boo-tiful & Pristine
Clare Stokes – Mortgage Advice Bureau – Kent
Kareena Ross-Cumming – Ross Company
Ali Tait – Ali Tait Coaching
Digital Business of the Year:
Karen Davies – Pink Lemon
Michelle Newman – Flow Business Support
These incredible women are shaping the future of business in Kent, and I’m honoured to share this moment with them.
Why Business Awards Matter
Being part of the KWIB Awards is more than a personal achievement. It’s an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and gain exposure. Networking events like this have been instrumental in helping me build valuable partnerships and enhance my business’s credibility. Here’s how they’ve impacted me:
Collaboration: I’ve built key partnerships through connections at events.
Inspiration: Hearing others’ stories motivates me to keep evolving.
Credibility: Being recognised by such an esteemed organisation adds to my business’s trustworthiness.
Celebrating Women in Business
The KWIB Awards are about more than individual success—they represent the collective power of women coming together to support one another. I’d like to congratulate two incredible women I’m proud to know:
Cat Salisbury, founder of Level Up Socials, is a finalist for Women’s Champion of the Year. Her dedication to empowering women through digital marketing is truly inspiring.
Rosie Baylis, my client and a finalist in the same category, is a shining example of creativity and innovation through her work as a Grey Blending Expert.
Their stories inspire me to keep pushing boundaries and setting bigger goals.
How Networking and Awards Have Impacted My Business
Over the years, networking events and business awards have played a significant role in my professional journey. Here’s how they’ve helped me grow:
Collaborative partnerships: Many partnerships and projects started with a simple conversation at a networking event.
Credibility and trust: Clients are more confident when they see your work recognised by credible institutions.
Motivation: Attending events and hearing other success stories drive me to improve, expand, and innovate.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful one conversation can be—it can lead to new collaborations or even the inspiration to pivot your business strategy.
Why You Should Attend Networking Events
If you’re a business owner, I can’t stress enough the importance of showing up. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards—it’s about creating genuine relationships, learning from others, and sharing your experiences. Every connection you make is a potential opportunity.
Events like the KWIB Awards bring together people who have faced similar challenges and found success. These connections are what help small businesses grow and thrive.
Looking Ahead
Being a finalist is an honour, but it’s also a moment to reflect on what’s next. The lessons learned from networking and awards events have shaped my business strategy, making me more focused, creative, and resilient. I’m excited to attend the ceremony, connect with other finalists, and share this journey with those who have supported me.

A Moment to Reflect and Celebrate
As I prepare for the awards night, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the growth I’ve achieved since my first year attending. The journey has been filled with challenges, growth, and rewarding milestones. While winning is exciting, the real win lies in the connections made and the lessons learned along the way.
I’m ready to celebrate this next chapter with the talented women of Kent who inspire me every day. Thank you to the KWIB Awards for highlighting the importance of women-led businesses and to everyone who has supported me.
Let’s keep building, supporting, and uplifting one another as we strive for success. Stay tuned for updates after the awards night—I can’t wait to share the experience with you!
Feeling inspired? Share your favourite moment of female empowerment or business success in the comments below!
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