IWD Fest 2023 – Celebrating Women in Business, Wellness and the Creative Industry

Green Bean Studios’ founder Anita Frost recently attended Cultureville’s International Women’s Day Festival in Manchester. The event featured leading women in business, politics, wellness, digital and the creative industry against the backdrop of the city at ABC Building's spectacular Roof, Deck and Dome venue.


Guests were able to listen to a range of speakers sharing insights on business, online growth, inclusivity and sisterhood. Speakers included Anita Frost, author and Founder of Green Bean Studios, Zara Street, Founder of Keep it Bright, Emma Tasmin Hill, influencer and founder of All Body UK and Dr Penny Trayner, Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist. Guests also had the opportunity to participate in discussions impacting the community and network with potential female partners and mentors.

Following panel discussions guests participated in a beautiful sip and paint session led by Sip and Paint MCR where they got to create paintings while having drinks and networking. Next was an unforgettable creative performance evening featuring music, poetry, and comedy hosted by author, Loll Perkins.


IWD Fest had a fantastic lineup of performers including Funmi Says, Yemi Bolatiwa of the Untold Orchestra and Maria Kayum who entertained guests throughout the evening. The night ended on a joyous note with music from the talented Dj FYA playing Afrobeats and Amanpiano

Founders of IWD Fest Producers, Cultureville stated: "Looking at pictures of women at IWD Fest connecting brings us so much joy! This is exactly what we hoped for when we pictured IWD Fest, from women overcoming fears of public speaking to those finding new friendships and building sisterhood. Simply beautiful!". 


Guest Davina Campbell stated, "What a beautiful way to celebrate womanhood. The IWD Fest was excellent!" and speaker Eve Holt, Director of GM Moving stated "Such a beautiful, joyful event & space to meet, move, talk, eat, dance, create and connect." ​

Furthermore, the black owned business market hall was a huge success with caterer Milly B's Kitchen stating "No crumbs left" after she sold out of all her delicious desserts during the event and designer, Bittany  stating, "Yesterday was just perfect in every sense! It felt great spending a whole day with other amazing women - celebrating, encouraging and having fun with one another. I got home at midnight feeling reinvigorated!". Nathan Wrigglesworth who represented IWD Fest sponsors, ABC Building wrapped it all up saying "A really successful event all in all".


Mentoring other women and inspiring them to follow their own entrepreneurial path for success is something Anita is passionate about. Anita was honoured to speak at Cultureville’s event amongst so many other talented women for the global celebration of International Women’s Day.

Eve Holt, Director of GM Moving and Greater Sport speaking on the Wellness Panel

Please find below details on the speakers and businesses that were at the event. ​

Wellness panel speakers
1. Annie Campbell (@ancalifecoaching)
2. Rachel Isaiah (@rache_fit)
3. Eve Holt (@evefrancisholt)

Entrepreneurship Panel Speakers
1. Zara Street (@keepitbright)
2. Anastanzia Banda (@bellabyanna)
3. Fikayo Agboola (@bybittany)

Inclusivity Panel Speakers
1. Anita Frost (@frostanita)
2. Annie Efosi Mbako (@annie_efosi)
3. Lisa Maynard Atem (@stylisa)
4. Fern Pritchard (@fernshalom)

Digital Panel Speakers
1. Mimi Labesa (@mimilabesa)
2. Emma Hill (@emmatamsinhill)
3. Shelley Fleuridor (@shelleys.corner)

Sisterhood Panel Speakers
1. Nubian Mumpreneurs (@nubianmumpreneurs)
2. Dr Penny Trayner (@djpennypower)
3. Tania Emmanuel (@fitbytania)
4. Emma Kalumba (@emmanuella_kxx)
​

Workshop Hosts
1. Doretta Maynard - Meditation (@dlmfitness)
2. Sip and Paint MCR - Sip & Paint (@sipandpaint_mcr)
3. Luxe Mobile Spa - Pop-Up Spa (@luxespa_and_wellness)

Canapes by Ruth's Super Kitchen

​Presenters
1. Ronke Jane Adelakun (@thishartofmine)
2. Loll Perkins (@loll.thepoet)

Creative performers
1. Ronke Jane Adelakun (@thishartofmine)
2. Funmi Adeyo (@funmi_says)
3. Janine Reid (@jarpoetry)
4. Divine Neza (@divine_98)
5. María Kayum (@mariakayum_)
6. Pinky May (@pinky.mayy)
7. Yemi Bolatiwa (@yemi_bolatiwasoul)
8. Lucy Lawless (@lucylawless007)
9. Chie Bad (@chiebadd)
10. Loll (@loll.thepoet)--

Black-owned Businesses
1. Ruth's Super Kitchen (@Ruthssuperkitchen)
2. Milly B's Kitchen (@Millybskitchen)
3. Naanu Care (@Naanu.care)
4. Craftspiration Jewellery (@craftspirationjewellery)
5. Bittany (@bybittany)
6. Cultureville (@cultureville)

Sponsors
1. ABC Building (@abc.buildings)
2. E11even Agency (@_e11evenagency)