Empower Women’s Conference: A Recap of Inspiration, Connection, and Growth

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Empower Women’s Conference in Exmouth, hosted at the beautiful Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort. This event has become a staple for the local community, and as always, it was a much-needed break from the day-to-day hustle of running a business. It’s not just a conference—it’s a day filled with inspiration, connection, and self-care, all wrapped in the support of like-minded women.

This year’s event, the third of its kind, didn’t disappoint. Each speaker brought something unique and incredibly moving to the table, reminding us all of the importance of self-care, personal growth, and supporting one another—especially in the context of being business owners.

Self-Care and Resilience: Lessons from Virginia (Gini) Brookes

The event was MC’d by the incredible Virginia (Gini) Brookes, the powerhouse behind Resolver Recruitment. Her story struck a deep chord with many of us in the room, especially when she opened up about her battle with breast cancer, diagnosed in 2022. Gini shared how she has managed to build two seven-figure businesses while raising two children, a feat that already commands respect. But her journey through cancer was an emotional reminder that we, as women, often prioritise others to the detriment of our own health. I don’t want to share too much but if you ever have to opportunity to hear Gini speak about her journey don’t miss it.

“Life has a way of throwing you curve balls to see if you really have what it takes to go after what you said you wanted.” – shared by Gini

In light of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, her message was timely: take care of yourself. Just like your car, your body needs regular “servicing.” This powerful reminder resonated with everyone in the room, urging us to prioritise our health. So, ladies, let this be your reminder—check your breasts regularly!

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Katie Louise

Another standout session came from Katie Louise, a business coach who specialises in helping entrepreneurs overcome the limitations that hold them back. She led a workshop on imposter syndrome—something I, and many others, have struggled with, especially after making the leap to work full-time in my own business just recently.

Did you know that up to 82% of people experience imposter syndrome? It’s that nagging feeling of not being good enough or deserving of success, despite our achievements. Katie’s insights helped break down the thought patterns that fuel imposter syndrome and offered practical strategies to combat it. A few of her tips included:

1. Identify the Feeling: Acknowledge the imposter syndrome when it surfaces and write it down.
2. Celebrate Your Success: Focus on your accomplishments and what’s true, rather than dwelling on doubt. Note down the oppositive positive feeling to what you first recognised.
3. Take Action: Shift your focus towards where you want to go and take small, actionable steps.

It was empowering to hear these ideas laid out so clearly, and I highly recommend checking out Katie’s work if you’re struggling with these feelings or think you could benefit from some of the workshops and coaching she has to offer click here to visit her website.

Thriving in Business and Health with Marcelle Carrol

Marcelle Carrol, a certified Health Coach, Massage Therapist, fitness enthusiast, and self-proclaimed nutrition nerd, delivered a truly eye-opening and inspiring session about the importance of thriving rather than just surviving in both business and life. She delved into the detrimental effects of chronic inflammation and poor metabolic health, which can lead to issues such as low energy, increased joint pain, and insulin resistance. What really struck me was how easily these things can be triggered by everyday factors like diet, stress, and lack of movement.

Marcelle explained how chronic inflammation is often linked to insulin resistance, which is largely influenced by our carbohydrate intake, the consumption of seed and vegetable oils, and stress management—or lack thereof. One of the key takeaways was that metabolic health is not just a buzzword but a foundation for optimal performance in both our personal and professional lives.

She broke down the five pillars of health that are essential for thriving:

• Nutrition – Focus on eating whole, organic foods as much as possible. Avoid processed or refined foods, and prioritize high-quality, nutrient-dense meals that fuel your body and mind.
• Movement – Daily movement, whether through structured exercise or simply staying active throughout the day, is critical for maintaining energy levels and avoiding the stagnation that leads to inflammation.
• Stress Management – Chronic stress is one of the biggest contributors to inflammation. Prioritise stress-relief activities such as meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking a break.
• Sleep – Sleep is essential for recovery, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night can drastically improve how you feel and perform.
• Community – Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can have a significant impact on your health. Humans are social creatures, and having a network of people who encourage and support you can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.

Marcelle emphasised that many of the issues we face in modern-day living stem from lifestyle choices that can be adjusted with small, sustainable changes. It’s not about crash diets or extreme measures—it’s about making smarter, long-term choices that support a healthy, thriving body and mind.

Her session left me buzzing with energy and ideas on how to integrate these pillars into my life and business. If you’re ready to start thriving, not just surviving, Marcelle is locally based in Exmouth but offers online consultations, making her accessible to anyone interested in improving their health and well-being. She’s also a fantastic massage therapist, so if you need that extra bit of self-care, she’s got you covered! Click here to visit her website and learn more!

The Business Social: New Ventures and Holistic Business Support

One of the standout moments from the conference was connecting with the T’s (Teegan and Teagen), the dynamic duo behind The Business Social. These two incredible women shared their journey of overcoming disappointment and how they turned setbacks into opportunities to create something truly special—a holistic business support service tailored for women in regional businesses.

Their concept was born out of the common need they noticed during their time as business advisors in previous roles. Many business owners, particularly women, struggle with more than just the operational side of their businesses. Sure, things like marketing, HR, and financial management are critical, but there’s often a deeper need for emotional and mental support. Business can be lonely, and sometimes what’s missing isn’t just a strategy—but someone who understands, someone to talk to, and someone to remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.

That’s where The Business Social comes in. It’s not just about mentorship and business advice, though they offer that too. It’s about creating a community of like-minded women and business owners who support one another, sharing not just their professional experiences but their personal ones too. The Business Social provides tailored mentorship programs, workshops, and social events that help women in business connect, learn, and grow together.

What truly resonated with me was their focus on regional businesswomen, many of whom don’t have access to the same networking opportunities or resources as their city counterparts. The Business Social offers a safe space to ask questions, share ideas, and get the kind of emotional and mental support that’s so often lacking in the business world.

And here’s the best part—since stepping into my business full-time, the Teagan’s reached out to me to become part of their incredible team! I’m thrilled to announce that I will be working alongside these amazing women to offer business support services, workshops, and social events in Exmouth and the wider Gascoyne region. Together, we’re going to empower even more women to not only survive but to thrive in their businesses.

Our next event is just around the corner—on October 10th at Exhale in Exmouth, we’ll be hosting a social night for women in business. This is the perfect opportunity to network, learn, and share your experiences with other amazing women in the community. Spots are limited, so be sure to grab your ticket before they sell out!

If you’re interested in learning more about what The Business Social offers, from mentorship to social events, head over to their website. I can’t wait to see where this new venture will take us and how many women we’ll be able to support through this incredible initiative. Click here to learn more.

Lastly…

The Empower Women’s Conference continues to be a source of inspiration, encouragement, and growth for all who attend. It’s not just about listening to incredible women tell their stories—it’s about learning from each other, lifting each other up, and reminding ourselves that we are not alone on this journey.

If you couldn’t make it this year, keep an eye out for next year’s event—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. And if you’re in Exmouth, I hope to see you at our upcoming social event for women in business. Until then, here’s to thriving, not just surviving!

Remember: It’s important to celebrate your successes and be highly aware of your own worth, but it’s also important to remain humble, be kind and supportive towards other women.

Image Credit: Blue Media Exmouth & The Exmouth CCI