We are an online membership, media & events platform.
Hi, I’m Lara, a Brighton and London based entrepreneur on a mission to close the opportunity gap for female founders. I’ve experienced first hand the loneliness of running a business and after having my son I knew I needed to find a community I could be a part of, have fun with and feel empowered by.
Whether you’re founding your own dream business and miss the support of colleagues and working in an office environment or simply wish you had a lovely community of like minded, ambitious and kind women to support you, we got you.
Found & Flourish is your go-to online membership for women in business, we exist to support you every step of the way, to hug out the lows with and celebrate the highs with.
We’re a community of like-minded women, offering support, accountability and friendship, as we believe we are stronger together.
Business is tough business, we’re right here with you
JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP
“When it comes to entrepreneurship, according to the OECD, women setting up a business attract less funding than men, and suffer from the general lack of support for founders.”
[Source: The FT]
That’s why Found & Flourish exists
Our Purpose
We exist to provide community, connection and education for women entrepreneurs and those who aspire to start companies and build projects. Founding and running a business is both a tough gig and a lonely one. Found & Flourish exists to help female founders stay sane, learn valuable insights and join an ambitious, empowering network.
We’re On A Mission
We’re on a mission to close the opportunity gap for female
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where more women have the confidence, knowledge and connections to launch successful businesses in a way that is authentic to their own values and is designed around their ideal lifestyle. We see a world where there is less oppression of feminity, creativity and individuality in business, and where we’re all empowered to make more conscious decisions about our careers, passions and methods of generating income.
Lara Sheldrake, Founder
Lara is a social media strategist, community builder and entrepreneur – combining a background in digital advertising and strategy with her passion for community and empowering women.
Lara has been working with early stage startups and household brands for over a decade and she set up Found & Flourish in 2018 to be able to offer a place of solidarity and community to others.
She has now launched an online membership and consultancy service, empowering women in business with the tools, confidence and know-how to truly flourish in their careers and businesses.
Lara regularly speaks on panels, podcasts and in the media; challenging the status quo, championing women and talking about how we can harness the power of community to close the opportunity gap for future female leaders and entrepreneurs.
Natasha Addison, events
Natasha is an Event Manager and Producer who has worked within the events industry for almost 15 years as part of, and alongside, many credible event agencies, charities, brands and high-profile stakeholders.
Natasha applies her passion, dedication and enthusiasm to each project she works on, bringing the events to life!
Branching into the freelance world last year, Natasha set up her own events company, the first time working as an independent. It was then that she discovered Found and Flourish, a welcomed supportive community with lots of like-minded women in business.
Found and Flourish has been a truly positive influence on Natasha since joining and she is now excited to be a part of the team helping to deliver their events, empowering more women.
Jess Sophia bruno, MArketing
Motivating business owners and entrepreneurs for 10 years with a holistic approach to Social Media, Marketing and Events. I bring out the best in people by focusing on what they want and I share my know-how with them.
Starting in the music industry mentoring artists, then moving on to kids parties then finding my way into London’s nightlife scene and even throwing in a wedding or 2, I found one common denominator and fell in love with it. Marketing! This year I have taken the leap into the freelance world and want to share my knowledge with like minded business women.
As I started creating content on instagram I discovered an amazing community at Found & Flourish, they not only helped me take that leap into freelancing but have cemented my goals and are helping me further my career each day.
Leah williams, operations
Leah is a Personal Assistant at Ooohh Ltd which is a Virtual Personal Assistant company. Her specialities include administrative duties, social media, lifestyle support, blogging and travel.
She joined the Found & Flourish team in October 2019, where her responsibilities include uploading blogs, scheduling and posting to social media, replying to enquiries and emails, and editing the website.
Leah is a friendly, bubbly person who enjoys helping others and getting to know new people, especially, new clients as she gets to hear stories from all walks of life, which inspires her to continue to do better as a PA!
Phoebe Dodds, Editorial
Phoebe is a business writer and the founder of content strategy consultancy BURO155. She’s been writing for publications like the Huffington Post, the Guardian and the Holland Times since the age of 15, and founded her first business at the age of 19.
Phoebe writes a monthly column for Found and Flourish, a female founders’ network that empowers women to turn their business ideas into a profitable and sustainable reality.
1. We must learn to enjoy the process
In life, there is no end-game. All we have is the present moment and how we choose to use it. It is crucial that whatever businesses we endeavour to create, we surrender to embracing the process, rather than viewing it as a means to an end. We aspire to be light to lift and not take it all too seriously. Read more.
2. The workplace is changing
The concept of 9 to 5 work schedules is outdated. Our lives and careers are becoming intrinsically linked and boundaries are blurred. Technology has irreversibly changed the workplace, but we need to make it work for us rather than take us hostage.
3. We’re all winging it
Nobody was born with an innate ability to pitch for investment or deliver a content marketing strategy. We’re all a culmination of our experiences, influences and knowledge gathered throughout our lives. We must not be intimidated by others or let our fears block the road ahead.
4. There is a place for femininity in business
The next phase of female empowerment in business requires us to be loyal to our strengths, authentic in our approach and not to simply emanate existing power structures. We must stay true to ourselves, be sharp on our value and resist the urge to simply “fit in”.
5. It is entirely possible to manifest your business idea into a profitable reality
You simply need to be armed with the right knowledge, the right connections and the right mindset.
6. Connection and community are incredibly powerful
Entrepreneurship can be an incredibly lonely existence, but you are not alone. By coming together, we eliminate loneliness, stir creativity and foster incredible friendships.
7. We are capable of more than we think
Whatever you think you can do, there’s more within you. Growth is found at the edge of our comfort zones and you will always surprise yourself with your resiliency, aptitude and energy.
8. Comparison and expectation is the root of unhappiness
The path to a successful business won’t look remotely like you’d planned, and nothing like anybody else’s! Do not tie yourself closely to expectations within particular timeframes or compare yourself to others, this will only create a very unhappy existence.
9. You are not an island
You do not need to have all the answers, all the skills, all the connections and do all the work. Surround yourself with great people and ask them for help. Give help willingly and openly.
10. Choose the adventure
It is better to have risked, failed and lived than to play safe and never know. Choose the adventure, you’ll never regret it.
11. Ideas change the world
If you can imagine a better future, then create it. Everyone has the power to change the world with a great idea that’s an alternative to the status quo.
12. Wellbeing is essential to success
Burnout, overwhelm and stress will ruin your business if you allow it. Wellbeing is absolutely essential for your creativity and productivity. Look after yourself, first and foremost.