“Know your numbers inside out.”

I’d just moved to Brighton when I saw a girl staring out to sea. I wanted to feel part of this amazing city, but I was struggling to find like-minded friends. I wondered if she felt the same. That’s when I decided to set up Brighton Girl: a community which evolved into City Girl Network.

Ten years on, we run 50+ events a month across 27 cities, enabled by a small team and 150+ volunteers. Standing at the Brighton Girl Awards, surrounded by the community I’ve built – that’s the moment I knew I’d made it.

By the time I quit my job, things had already gained traction. I initially worked on it alongside my full-time role, growing relationships, testing events, and developing early revenue through sponsors. When I made the leap, I had proof of demand. 

We’ve grown through an advertisements-model – we don’t believe in people paying to make friends. We partner with local businesses that become sponsors. Many sponsors start off as members, so they really understand the level of trust within the community.

Pitching to investors was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced and not just because of the pitch itself. I was told on numerous occasions that my age, my gender, and my state-school education worked against me. There were conversations that didn’t progress, doors that didn’t open.

I was rejected for entrepreneurial investment left, right, and centre. But what I gained from the process was invaluable. Once you truly understand your margins, your runway, and your growth levers, you may realise that you’re capable of scaling sustainably without external capital – that was me. 

Or you may seek out investment with even more determination. For fellow state-educated women, my advice would be: overprepare. Know your numbers inside out. Anticipate the hard questions. Walk into the room expecting to be tested. And remember: rejection is part of the process. It’s not proof you don’t belong.

Without any true financial backing, we’ve created the UK’s largest women’s network, with over 250,000 members. I’ve gone from feeling lost and disconnected to meeting so many different people – and helping others connect. I’m an ordinary person, but I get to live an extraordinary life through my business.

The article above includes general information and should not be taken as financial advice. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, please speak to an independent financial advisor.