Alison's first Afternoon Tea at the Jean Byer's Hub
This International Women’s Day we are celebrating the achievements of women in our local communities including Alison who has turned her dream of running a travelling tea room into a reality at our Jean Byers Hub.
MSV is proud to be a partner of ‘Our Happiness Factor’ an organisation who have been running Creative Women in Neighbourhoods workshops. So far, 25 women have attended these workshops and have gone on to establish an informal network with some beginning to collaborate on their ideas.
Alison’s story
Before joining the Creative Women programme in 2022, Alison was no stranger to feelings of self-doubt. Second-guessing herself had become second nature.
Alison had a dream of creating a travelling vintage tea room. She could picture a painted van, vintage china, and delicious home-baked cakes. It would be a real community place with people of all ages coming together.
At this point, Alison hadn’t shared her idea with anyone else, although she secretly collected vintage china to keep her dream alive.
During the workshop at the Jean Byers Hub, Alison spoke her idea into the room for the first time. It was a real turning point. Instead of the feared negative response, she discovered she was surrounded by a supportive community of creative women who wanted her to make that dream happen.
Alison realised how much she had been doubting herself, coming up with reasons why it couldn’t work before she’d even tried.
Once her idea was out of her head, it felt real. As Alison shared her story, she was struck by how many ingredients she had already. Her daughter was a brilliant baker, and her son spray-painted cars. She started to see the world differently, spotting connections and opportunities to take action.
Suddenly, it dawned on her that the room she was in for the workshop had a small kitchen. At 4pm, as soon as the workshop finished, she asked MSV’s Neighbourhood Officer whether she could use the Jean Byers Hub for a community tea room. The dream was set in motion.
Just ten days later, Alison was furiously preparing triangle sandwiches before her guests arrived. She hosted her first community afternoon tea event in the very room she had first shared her idea. It was a great success, and Alison had a taste for more.
Now, hundreds of sandwiches and scones later, she has hosted multiple afternoon teas and secured several contracts for the community tea room at the Jean Byers Hub. Alison has also catered for various MSV events including the 5 year anniversary celebrations at Trafford House.
Alison spoke about her experience of the workshop: “The big lesson I took away was how much energy I have been using second guessing (allowing my press secretary to entertain me) and that I can step into that part of me, my intuition which will guide me towards my goals and dreams if I allow it to. I know I can be successful in my business because now I believe I can be.”
Gary Loftus, Director and Chief Creator at Our Happiness Factor said: “We've seen first-hand the powerful impact women bring as catalyst for change when they connect with each other, share their innate wisdom and take inspired action towards transformation on any level.”
As part of the International Womens’ Day celebrations, why not join a Creative Women in Neighbourhoods workshop yourself and take a step towards making your big dream a reality?
The next workshop is taking place in Gorton on 14th April, 10am – 4pm
Please keep an eye on the website for dates of future courses.
https://www.ourhappinessfactor.co.uk
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