Western Sydney University School of Business and Women of Colour Australia hosted its inaugural International Women's Day High Tea for CALD Women Entrepreneurs today.
This event emerged directly from research I am conducting with Tendai Chikweche(FAMI,FCIM,SFHEA,CPM,Chartered Marketer) in partnership with Women of Colour Australia. During our yarning circle last year, participants expressed two key needs: a supportive, mindful networking environment and more institutional procurement opportunities.
In the sacred space of that circle, we heard not just business challenges but heart-centered yearnings for connection and recognition. These women sought a place where their whole selves—their cultures, stories, and purposes—could flourish alongside their enterprises.
Responding with intention and care, we created this High Tea as a living embodiment of mindful community-building. The event featured the extraordinary talents of Malar (Sangee's Kitchen), Racha (Racha Syrian Kitchen), and Ayesha (The Tea Cake Lady), with vintage teaware from Aliyah's Vintage Moments. Each entrepreneur brought her unique cultural heritage to our shared table.
The morning unfolded with presence and meaning - an Acknowledgement of the Country honouring the land that holds us all, heartfelt welcomes, a "Brand Story Circle" where guests shared the 'why' behind their brands, and a meditative art session by Rupa P. that allowed creativity to flow freely among us.
This gathering has allowed us to expand our CALD Women Entrepreneurs' Collective—a sisterhood that formed organically after our initial yarning circle. The Collective embodies the mindful, supportive network these entrepreneurs envisioned, moving beyond traditional networking to create a true belonging and mutual growth space. One guest captured the essence perfectly, "We felt pampered and spoiled after a long time"—words that speak to the nurturing environment we collectively created, where business conversations became soul conversations, and where networking transformed into true sisterhood. This is the embodiment of mindful impact.
If you are interested to learn more, whether you are a CALD woman entrepreneur looking to join our collective, a researcher interested in our approach, or someone who wants to support this research initiative, please email me at [email protected]. I would be delighted to share more about our research, upcoming events, and opportunities to engage with this growing community of mindful entrepreneurs.
#CALD #Womenofcolour #mindfulmarketing #NSWSMEs #diversity #inclusion #womenentrepreneursinaustralia #UNSDG #consciousbusiness
