About this Event
What would you do differently if you were starting your business again, knowing what you know now?
Local creative business network Hive Collective is taking over The Big MOB Meetup this November 27th, for a special panel discussion with four local mums who have built their own businesses while raising children who are now in secondary school.
We're looking back at what it's really been like to build successful businesses alongside a growing family, from the early years of managing the childcare juggle, to making big decisions, expanding the business and figuring out how to give yourself room to breathe.
With many years of experience behind them, our speakers will be sharing what worked for them, what didn't and what they've learnt along the way.
We'll be talking about:
- Starting and growing a business while raising young children
- Managing time, family commitments and business ambitions
- The decisions, sacrifices and compromises they've made along the way
- How their businesses and priorities have changed as their children have grown
- What they'd do differently and the advice they'd give to their younger selves today
Meet our host and speakers
HOST : Nathalina Harrison – ADHD Career and Business Coach, Ayama Coaching and Co-founder of Hive Collective CIC
Nat is an ICF accredited career and business coach and Gold Mind Specialist-ADHD Coach. She helps ambitious neurodivergent business owners build businesses and craft careers in a way that truly works with their brains. Prior to becoming a coach in 2011, Nat was a VP in Commodities Technology at JPMorgan and had a 15 year corporate career.
Nat is one of Small Business Britain’s for 2026, as she is also a co-founder of E17’s creative business network . She is passionate about connecting the local community and is on a mission to inspire small business owners to support, partner and collaborate with each other.
In addition to their regular networking events and socials, Hive Collective partners with organisations delivering business programmes and their clients include Arts Council funded Creative United, Art Clubbers CIC, and local authorities across London.
Nat is a soloparent of 2 boys aged 9 and 12.
Alexa Sutheran – CEO, The Together Project
Alexa is the CEO of The Together Project, an award-winning charity bringing generations together.
After a career in the fast-paced fashion industry, Alexa first discovered The Together Project as a parent attending its Songs & Smiles baby and toddler sessions in care homes. What started as a personal connection soon became a new career direction.
She went from attending sessions to volunteering and eventually helping grow the charity from working with one care home a week in 2017 to nearly 70 today.
Alexa brings her experience of changing careers, growing an organisation and navigating professional ambitions alongside family life to becoming their CEO.
Alexa has 2 girls ages 9 and 12.
Emma Bond – Illustrator and Artist
Emma is an illustrator and printmaker, working from her sunny studio at Cell Studios in E17, Emma creates original artworks and prints inspired by nature. Self-taught in printmaking, she delves into the intricate lines, colours, and patterns of the natural world.
Utilising recycled tetrapak cartons as printing plates, Emma crafts botanical-inspired collagraphs that seamlessly blend a meticulous printmaking process with intricate illustration.
Emma also designs for private clients including oHHo seltzer and Yoto Player Book Covers and licenses artwork with Woodmansterne Card Company. She also runs creative workshops in gardens and galleries.
Emma has 2 boys, ages 7 and 13.
Cher Brighton – Movement Practitioner, Yoga teacher, and Community Space-Holder
Cher is based in Walthamstow and many local mums have had a right of passage taking their little one’s to Cher’s 'Held' Mothers Circle mornings and her therapeutic weekly Flow Dance Meditation classes at Yonder.
Cher’s somatic dancing page on Instagram has amassed 43,000 followers, including Erica Badu and she has led dances for corporates and at the OM Yoga Show. She has recently expanded her services, training as a ceremonial DJ and made her DJ debut this year at Buddha Field Festival.
Cher also holds seasonal rituals and sharing circles for women, as part of “The Witches of Walthamstow”.
Cher has a girl aged 11 and boy aged 8
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Whether you're just starting out, growing your business or trying to work out how to make it all fit around family life, come and hear from mums who've been there and have plenty of experience to share.
There'll also be time for your questions and a chance to meet other mums running businesses locally.
WHAT IS MUMS WHO BUILD?
Mums Who Build is a professional network for ambitious mums who want to build a career, business and income that actually works with motherhood.
Our mission is to reduce the motherhood penalty and close the wealth gap by giving mums the systems, tools and environment they need to get seen and get paid — so they can build a financially secure future on their terms.
👉 Download the app to get involved:
https://app.mumswhobuild.com
There’s never enough time in the day.
You’re being pulled in every direction.
And building a career or business alongside motherhood can feel impossible.
You’re not the problem — the system is.
That’s why we built MOB Sprint — a 28-day accountability programme designed to help you get visible, take action and build real momentum.
👉 Find out more about Sprint:
https://www.mumswhobuild.com/sprint
Event venue & nearby stays
Food Hall @17&Central, Food Hall, 17&Central, Selborne Rd, London E17 7JR, Woodford, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.