inspiring women

I was looking for a gift for a favourite friend on Friday and remembered Queen B candles. These beautiful beeswax candles are handmade here in Australia. I called the number on the website to find a Melbourne stockist and was lucky enough to speak with Cate, the owner of the business.

We talked for about twenty minutes and realised some serendipity - we have a shared friend, we like the same blogs and we're passionate about similar things.

I came away from that call feeling completely inspired. It made me reflect on the fact that in the past week my path has been crossed by at least a dozen inspiring women - some friends, some clients and some, like Cate, complete strangers.

Here are a few I consider worthy of a mention.

I had an impromptu coffee at Eclipse with Liz from Lizzy C on Tuesday. She's an amazing young woman. As well as being a brilliant photographer with a very successful little business, she lives a creative, adventurous life that's aligned with her values. Every time I see her she has some new project on the go or a new trip in the planning.

On Thursday I made an appointment to see a kinesiologist because my hip has been quite sore after all the yoga. I contacted Kerry from Awaken Kinesiology who I felt I already knew after following her blog for a year. She was as warm and as genuine as she comes across in her posts - and she's obviously completely passionate about her work.

I chatted with four beautiful women who have all walked away from mainstream jobs to do something creative that they're passionate about. Shelley from Galerie Montmartre, Stef from Nest PR, Sarah from denu and Nadine from Think Nimble.

And while I didn't speak to them this week, I have to include Lucy from The Design Files and Jodie Fried from Bholu on this list. These gorgeous girls are two of the most inspiring I know.  Lucy has created a business that I'm sure she'd say is beyond what she ever imagined it would be. I have no doubt that a huge degree of her success comes from the fact that she's genuinely one of the nicest (and most humble) people I have met. As is Jodie. As well as establishing a socially conscious business, Jodie has an ongoing commitment to give back - designing, building and sustaining ten pre schools in India for a community who were desperately in need.

And finally, I want to mention for a treasured friend, Lindy. Like the other women I've mentioned, she's doing what she's passionate about. She walked away from a regular job years ago to set up a couple of small businesses, but both are on hold for the moment because she's found her dream role - being a mother. And she's undertaking that role with a wholeheartedness that is a joy to be around.

I am completely inspired by each of these women and it's an absolute pleasure to have them in my life. If you have time, read their stories. Hopefully you'll be inspired too.