Julie Hawkins is the founder of the Single Mums Business Network and the Director of KIH Products. She is also the co-organiser of the Find Your Power Event 2021, which has been rescheduled for 23 October at Heythrop Park Hotel and author of ‘Finding Happiness’ and ‘Freeing Your Spirit’.
A re-birth
Determined not to bring her child up with depression and adversity, Julie embarked on a Law Degree, she was now working to her child’s timeline instead of her own. During her pregnancy, she designed a pregnancy cushion called the KIH Bed and during her maternity leave she concentrated on both business and study. Then she realised childcare didn’t finish late enough for work. Her work would not let her leave early enough for childcare. She was forced out of her job, and for the first time in her life, had to turn to the state. Her house was repossessed, bailiffs on her door. She endured a long battle to work in childcare hours for a nominal wage, complete the degree, build the business, without barely a penny, and heal her own depression. She did it all, she cried, she broke, she contemplated ending it all, but for her child she pushed through. Once her adversity was behind her, she set-up the Single Mums Business Network to help other women facing similar challenges. Her mission, to raise awareness of these challenges faced by all parents and other primary carers.
About the Single Mums Business Network
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Single Mums Business Network was a profitable business aimed at selling networking tickets for single mums in business. When you look a little closer you will learn that it is a private members club that is much more about empowerment and politics than it is about networking. Jules fought solo as a single mum in business and she put the network together because she wanted to help others. She knew others would likely be battling the same challenges that she had endured.
Julie charges members a nominal £5 per month membership fee, so that they all contribute to greater exposure without feeling like they are asking for charity as is already the stigma faced by many single parents. For this nominal fee they are included in magazines that are distributed to a range of businesses, public bodies and at exhibitions. Julie pays for professional PR and SEO optimisation to help members gain exposure to their businesses. She works hard to help to reduce stigma, challenge misconceptions and help people understand how work and childcare need to be in sync, and how part-time work should not mean sacrificing skillset or salary scale.
With annual national awards, nominations for the 2021 awards open on November 29th, 2020, and the ceremony will be tied in with the second National Conference for Single Mums in Business in October 2021.
Join us here
Julie has joined forces with other leaders to bring us the Find Your Power Event 2021. This will be held at the stunning Heythrop Park Hotel in Oxfordshire, where she will be speaking with others who have flourished despite adversity and want to see you do the same. The intimate, low key event brings together some incredible workshops and exhibitors who will be talking about Emotional, Physical, Financial, Professional and Sexual wellbeing.
Other speakers include, Susie Mackie, Paul Wakefield, Bridget Daley and Marie Hall.
Find Your Power Event 2021
Sunday 28th March
10am – 4pm
Heythrop Park Hotel, Oxfordshire
Contact Jules on 01452 471819
Zoom monthly meetings:
singlemumsbusinessnetwork.com/
Testimonials
Happy members of Julie’s Single Mums in Business Network group
Julie works tirelessly to support and connect single mums in business. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and if there’s a way to get something done, she’ll find it.
As a single parent, I have found this group very inspiring and useful. We all encourage and support each other . “Julie Hawkins just want to say thank you very much for this mornings SMBN Members Only Weekly Open House Meet-up. I really treasure these sessions, and today I had an amazing light bulb moment. At a time when I am trying to develop my business, thanks you for helping me see clarity. I am now working on your wonderful suggestions and tips.” I recommend the SMBN because I have benefitted a great deal since I became a member and know many others who have also benefitted.
Genny Jones – https://www.gennyjonestraining.com/
Absolutely love being part of this Network and their meet ups. Such an inspiring, positive and wonderful bunch of women. Julie is amazing for setting this up and is always petitioning for the best for all women, mums and parents xxx
Nehaya Zitawi https://www.hiyashealing.com/
Julie works tirelessly to support and connect Single Mums Business Network. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and if there’s a way to get something done, she’ll find it.
Kirsty Tyler https://www.wyefieldwm.co.uk/kirsty.html
I am really grateful for this award I have wine and absolutely so blessed to be a part of Single Mums business network and also honoured to be a county coordinator for Surrey. Thank you to the founder Julie Hawkins for your heart and passion and all you give back to us Single Mums in Business.
Lidia Peto – Holistic Fitness and Coaching
Absolutely can not thank this network enough, its more than networking and more than business!! Today I find myself totally overwhelmed by the support from Julie in helping my family.
Kirstie Hall
I am so grateful to have found the Single Mums Business Network. They have been an immense support through my transition to full-time business owner. Julie Hawkins the founder is so passionate, encouraging and supportive, I honestly would not be doing what I am doing today if it wasn’t for her and the lovely ladies in SMBN.
Shannon Andrews – The Hand Lettering Studio
You may also enjoy reading https://darlingmagazine.co.uk/headline/athena-women-network/
