Going on the hunt for a supportive, non-intimidating professional network can feel daunting. You can’t exactly ‘find your tribe’ by simply ordering it from a delivery menu.

Just witnessing social media behaviour, recalling your school years, or (if you’re a parent) navigating the school gate cliques is reminder enough that it’s rare to find a community where you don’t feel sized up, judged or – worse – invisible.

That’s why SHE Malta’s tenth anniversary this March is particularly significant…as a milestone that goes beyond longevity.

If you think back to 2016 (pre SHE Malta), women’s networks were rare. Remote work was less common, surreal as it now feels typing those words! Frank conversations about burnout and boundaries, confidence and visibility, pricing and USP weren’t mainstream, again strange as this may now seem. Over this past decade, the way we work has changed profoundly, forever shaped by the Covid era. 

One thing that hasn’t changed: entrepreneurship can be isolating and lonely.

Which is why a decade after its launch, what stands out about Malta’s first network for women in business is not just the number of events held or panels hosted. 

It’s the community that’s been tirelessly and steadily built, curated and sustained by founder Sarah Woods (and former partner Julia Perry in the initial years).

While recently writing about SHE Malta’s membership benefits, from the Real Talk series, Bridging Communities events and numerous seminars and workshops to coworking sessions, social events and of course networking opportunities, something became clear to me… Although each year’s programme of events is obviously intrinsic to SHE’s offering and identity, community is an equally essential part of the SHE story.

As you’re about to see, community stems from something deeper than programming itself. Because beyond the business learnings and advice, there’s something intangible and special that happens at a SHE Malta event.

It’s the warmth and the connection when you enter the room.
It’s the unspoken “step this way, we’ve got you” energy.
It’s the eureka moment when someone offers a helpful perspective on a challenge you’ve been carrying quietly for months.

Busy lives and work schedules mean not everyone attends every gathering. Some faces become familiar quickly; others surface less frequently. But the constants are connection without competitiveness, ambition without intimidation. And no matter who you run into at a SHE event, everyone is a valued part of the SHE Malta family.

The sense of belonging is felt immediately by newcomers and longstanding members alike. In an age of increasing competition, disconnectedness, AI and social media artificiality, that sense of belonging is hard to come by – and even harder to create.

For Rebekah Kamsky, Founder of Little Isle Digital Strategy & Ecommerce Studio, community has translated into not only connection but commercial momentum:

“Joining the SHE community has been a wonderful experience. As an entrepreneur, it can often be isolating at times, so it’s imperative to surround yourself with like-minded people and to invest in yourself. Not only have I had the opportunity to share my own skills and insights in my field with others in the network, which led to further business development and leads, but I’ve also learnt so much from other members of the community. If you’re looking for a place to network, grow, share and thrive, then joining the SHE community is most definitely the best decision you could make, for yourself or your business trajectory.”

It’s a reminder that community is not simply emotional support. It’s exchange. It’s collaboration. It’s professional acceleration.

Mireille Petit-Pellegrini, Founder and Coach at Thrive Positive (whose eagerly awaited post-event summaries perfectly capture the SHE ethos), reflects:

“Through each of the stories shared at a recent SHE brunch, it was evident that no matter how tough the year may have been… there is such amazing growth in everyone. Belonging to this group is one of the things I have treasured most about the year. Hopefully newer members got a feel of what a special “tribe” ⁨Sass Woods⁩ has grown and nurtured and the love and respect in the room for one another. Here’s to continuing to support one another, grow, learn from each other and collaborate together. It’s a community like no other and one of women at their best!” 

Diana Iskander, Founder of LANOUR International, also sees community through a thoughtful lens (no pun intended):

“As a business owner, photographer, and proud member of the SHE Malta community, capturing these moments feels deeply personal to me, as I witness women supporting one another and shaping their own entrepreneurial paths. Being behind the camera allows me to preserve genuine connections and meaningful exchanges that live on far beyond the event itself, while contributing to a visual story that truly reflects the heart and values of SHE. I am sincerely grateful for this community and for the warmth, openness, and shared belief that growth is stronger when it is experienced together.”

Finally, as owner of boutique editorial and copywriting service, WriteContent and a SHE member myself, I can personally attest this network has provided me with a safe, non-judgemental environment, and has also made me feel less ‘remote’ as a remote-working solopreneur. It has strengthened my belief in my work, sharpened my confidence in my business journey and offered education I might otherwise have sought alone (not necessarily with a fruitful outcome).

No community sustains itself for ten years by accident. Behind it all is the highly intentional – and gently powerful – leadership of its director.

The tone, the values, the balance between professional growth and human connection have not been incidental. They have been intentionally shaped and quietly driven.

“Each day, I’m fueled by the incredible stories of our members; women who embark on new ventures, forge meaningful collaborations and pursue their dreams with renewed self-assurance. I’m super proud that through this community, women have banded together to support one another’s endeavours, pass on knowledge and mentor other women who wish to carve out their own unique path. It truly embodies the SHE motto of ‘collaboration over competition’.  – Sarah Woods, Director, SHE Malta.

Community can’t be manufactured or downloaded overnight. It is built, conversation by conversation, event by event, collaboration after collaboration. As SHE Malta reaches ten years of building community – in an increasingly digital, fast-paced business world – its role as a space prioritising connection, generosity and shared progress feels more essential than ever.

So I’m toasting ten years of SHE Malta (and quietly hoping we’ll be celebrating ten more).

Getting past the first three years of running a business and then reaching the five-year mark is good going, requiring financial viability, operational stability and strong understanding of one’s customer base/audience.  As time goes on, however, a business (or rather its management suite) needs to display even more resilience and aptitude for market adaptation, continuity and creativity. 

Recently, SHE Malta marked eight years of building, empowering, supporting, educating and sustaining a community for female entrepreneurs, freelancers and aspiring founders.  That is eight years of business continuity by a small company that started out hosting a few annual public events which grew in momentum, before  making a strategic pandemic-led pivot to launch a membership programme and online events.  

SHE Malta’s eighth anniversary presents the perfect opportunity to hear from the community on what SHE means to them and what it has done for them.  But first, let’s delve into the company’s back story and hear from SHE co-founder and director Sass Woods.

“The SHE Malta journey began in 2016 when I teamed up with Julia Perry as we had both already been pursuing our own projects highlighting women’s achievements and supporting small businesses.  We never thought that a casual chat between the two of us would evolve into such a beautiful community that has inspired so many other female communities to do the same! 

I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community in business that has not only helped countless women step into their power and build confidence but has also shaped me into the leader I am today. Starting as a co-founder and now serving as the sole owner and director since Julia’s 2020 relocation to the UK, I have found my voice through the unwavering purpose of our mission.  Each day, I am fueled by the incredible stories of our members; women who embark on new ventures, forge meaningful collaborations and pursue their dreams with renewed self-assurance.  I’m super proud that through this community, women have banded together to support one another’s endeavours, pass on knowledge and mentor other women who wish to carve out their own unique path.  It truly embodies the SHE motto of ‘collaboration over competition’.  

My biggest highlights from the last eight years would be:

> hosting Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament for an exclusive SHE online member event in 2021.

> featuring the likes of Helga Ellul (one of Malta’s top business leaders and founder of management consultancy firm Advise Ltd) in 2021 for an “Ask-the-Expert session” on negotiation

> building an on-going relationship with the Malta Chamber of SMEs, working closely with CEO Abigail Agius Mamo

> winning the JCI Entrepreneurial Accomplishment Award in 2018 for my work with SHE

> hearing the accomplishments of SHE members during a ‘sharing circle‘ at a Christmas event at Marilu’s in 2023.  The positive feedback about the community was nothing short of priceless.

> and an event that will always remain very close to my heart is the 2019 Luzzu event where Amy Camilleri Zahra, Claire Zammit Xuereb, Trudy Kerr and Gulja Holland allowed themselves to be so vulnerable on the panel.  Hearing how they overcame major life obstacles and hurdles put so much into perspective.

Some of my favourite pearls of wisdom from SHE event past speakers and collaborators are:

“If you don’t innovate, you get left behind.” – Bettina Falzon, Co-owner, Director & COO of Lovin Malta: IWD collaborative event with Malta Chamber of SMEs, Palazzo Parisio, March 2023.

“Just show love. If you show love, it will come back to you.  Find loyal people because without them you have nothing.” – Claire Abela, Director Franks: ‘Leading with Love’ event, Lucy World, April 2024.

“Not making a decision is making a decision…except you’re making it as a victim instead of making it as a winner.” – Catherine Hurley, Head of Global Accounts at AIS Interiors, Energy Specialist, NED on Confident Decision Making: Ask-the-Expert online session, February 2022.

“Finding balance and what feels right is a very personal choice for each woman and one that takes time to resolve.” – Elisa Krantz Co-founder  & CEO at Mindbeat.app on entrepreneurship, personal struggles and triumphs as a wife, mother and leader of a growing firm: Lily Agius Gallery event 2017.

“Channel competition to something positive; always surround yourself with people better than yourself and you will do better.” – Sarah Kennard, Public Relations Consultant, MPS Marketing Communications on staying focused and open to constant learning: Active Spirit event, 2018.

And so we come to some thoughts from the SHE community.

As a member of SHE, I have had the incredible opportunity to connect with numerous business owners who are brimming with innovative ideas. This experience has been transformative for me in several ways as it provided me with a platform where I can engage with like-minded women who are passionate about their different ventures. The diversity of perspectives and the wealth of knowledge shared within this community have expanded my horizons and inspired me to think creatively about my own business endeavours. Every event I attend leaves me feeling more empowered to face challenges. Through SHE, I have learned that no idea is too small and no dream is too big. I am grateful for the friendships and professional connections I have made, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and inspiration with SHE. – Giannella Barbieri, GB Legal 

I always look forward to SHE Malta sessions and make sure to be available because it’s a place where I can truly be myself, meet genuine people and find inspiration for my work’s next stages. There’s no pretence from anyone; it feels like a community of newfound friends.  SHE has helped me believe in my projects, work on them and share them with people who genuinely support them.  I always take away something valuable from each event and have grown to love the creative sessions because they helped me tap into my creativity which was probably buried before. The IWD event in particular, affirmed that creating innovative projects will keep our culture alive and encouraged me to keep working on them.  – Stephanie Bonello, Co-founder, Crispy Studio

I think my biggest take away from SHE was one session where succession planning was touched upon. The insights shared were incredibly valuable and have significantly impacted my understanding of this critical topic. The expertise and practical advice provided will undoubtedly help many SHE community members to plan for the future of our businesses more effectively. Thank you SHE  for organising such an enlightening and empowering event.  Rebecca Bonnici, CEO, BELS Malta 

After one year of being a SHE Malta member, I can strongly state that the decision to join SHE was one of the best!  I found a community of amazing women who never stop learning or evolving and who genuinely support each other.  In SHE, I found the beauty of sincere human interaction, inspiration and motivation.  Thank you Sass for creating and curating SHE and thank you to all the extraordinary women who are part of it!  Happy anniversary and many, many years to come! – Deea Buzdugan, Photographer 

Since the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur in Malta with Sip and Paint, this group of empowered women has been a cornerstone of my experience.  Every month, I look forward to our meetings where I’ve found support and a sense of family.  As an expat, finding a community can be challenging but here I’ve discovered a welcoming hive.  Thank you.  I eagerly anticipate many more wonderful moments together. – Victoria Chan, Founder, Sip and Paint

When I think of community building, I think of SHE.  It is more than a professional network.  It is a space in which you can be fully seen and heard; a space where you can grow, collaborate and contribute.  The SHE community becomes a family and even though I am often far away physically, there is a constant connection with other members.  Everyone is always ready to support you professionally and personally from recommendations and brainstorming solutions to emotional and mental support.  I love the culture within the group, the value of togetherness and collaboration and the variety of meeting types. I highly recommend SHE for both new and seasoned female entrepreneurs. Best wishes and Happy Anniversary! – Hannah Cremona, Business and Marketing Strategist

I joined SHE Malta six months ago and was immediately struck by the friendliness and sense of belonging.  There is a genuine intention to collaborate and support which is not easy to come across in the business world.  As a solo entrepreneur, this network of formidable women helps me feel a bit less ‘solo’ in the journey. – Elaine Dutton, Business and HR Consultant, Founder, The Change Agent 

SHE Malta is such a pivotal part of my entrepreneurial journey!  Before I discovered SHE, I felt utterly lost as an entrepreneur.  I was just finding my way, hesitant even to write down the name of my business or explain what I did.  SHE transformed that uncertainty into confidence, allowing me to proudly declare “I’m the owner of Little Isle Studio”.  It gave me a place to call home when I felt adrift and alone on this new path and provided a network of incredible people and invaluable friendships that have blossomed over the years.  It took the loneliness out of entrepreneurship and gave me the colleagues I had dearly missed. I am incredibly proud to be part of this remarkable network of special women. SHE has spurred my personal and professional growth and I’ve learned so much through all that SHE offers.  The collective strength, resilience and support of this community continually inspire me to push forward in my entrepreneurial journey.  Well done sass on creating such an amazing community! – Rebekah Kamsky, Digital Strategy and Ecommerce, Little Isle Studio

I have been a member of the SHE community for over two years and I can say confidently that the sessions and topics are always well-planned, well delivered, interesting and in line with the continuous community feedback. There hasn’t been a single session from which I didn’t take away something and there is always some special insight.  What amazes me every time within this community is that you realise that people at all stages of their life/business journey have common fears, doubts and struggles – even those who have succeeded!  That truly is a proof that we are all human and highlights the need for genuine connection and support – priceless.  Sarah always manages to make each space feel safe and supportive whether it’s online or in person. Well done to her as the brains along the way – and also to us members for always interacting and pushing each other in the right way! – Kenzie Sammut, Owner, Health Coach & Fitness Trainer at Body Dynamics 

As for yours truly, like I said last summer on my first anniversary of writing the SHE blog, SHE Malta has a special place in my heart.  It has brought me camaraderie and unexpected friendship with humble,  approachable women in business.  It has exposed me to inspiring commercial stories that I wouldn’t have known about without SHE.  It provides eye-opening exposure to the drive, determination and guts of the female entrepreneurs whom I meet through the events.  The SHE motto of ‘collaboration over competition’ is not a fashionable mantra that is trotted out mechanically; Sass has accomplished the real deal…  I ‘feel the motto’ simply walking through the door to a member event or conducting interviews for the blog articles with fiercely intelligent yet genuine and warm businesswomen.  It’s an honour to be part of the story through my blog contributions.  – Prabs (Prabjit) Chohan-Patel, Writer & Editor, WriteContent

The conclusion belongs to the brains behind SHE Malta: 

“SHE has always been about putting purpose first…and it has been an interesting journey of self-discovery to say the least. Our community is a testament to the strength that comes from unity and mutual support and it continues to inspire me as we grow together.  I look forward to what the future holds for SHE and thank all the wonderful ladies that have shared the SHE space until now.” – Sass Woods, Co-Founder & Director, SHE Malta.

Whether you are new to business or not, there are some common challenges we all face as female entrepreneurs. Not to mention, running your own business in a heavily competitive environment might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re going at it alone. But what if we told you that there is a safe and encouraging space for female-led businesses here in Malta?

If you want to surround yourself with female entrepreneurs who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities, or even better, who would create new opportunities WITH you, I urge you to read on …

​SHE has created a membership involving the perfect mix of online and in-person meet ups tailored to suit entrepreneurs and freelancers just like you and it’s brimming with variety and value!

Need a little help with your marketing strategy or SEO? Trying to combat the fearful imposter phenomenon and not quite managing it? Or maybe you could use some tips and tricks to become more confident with managing your finances?

Our workshops are structured with small businesses in mind. We want you to succeed and we want you to feel empowered, so we bring in experts to show you how it’s done. From self-management techniques, leading with authenticity and emotional intelligence to brushing up on business basics, the importance of intellectual property and mastering the budgeting process. We’ve got you covered.

Our workshops are presented in a caring, fun and supportive way, with no judgement or unnecessary jargon. And because we know that you are busy, we’ll give you true value in no longer than 90 minutes tops!

Joining the membership gives you the opportunity to list your business in our private directory, where you can browse fellow members and the services or products that they offer. We make it easy for you to reach out and connect with community members directly.

“Especially now, community is so important, to equip women with the tools they need, as well as give them a boost of confidence and a good dose of optimism to pursue their goals. The SHE family aims to provide continuous support on both a social level as well as a business one. That community feeling is what SHE stands for and we want members to feel this too.” – SHE Director, Sarah Woods

An easy and relaxed way to network and engage with each other from the comfort of your home or office. Don’t be shy, your authenticity is your superpower! Meaningful conversations have been held and new friendships forged. Members can share advice, brainstorm ideas or find collaborators for new projects. Maybe you’re looking for a photographer or a content writer to help you with your new website? Or perhaps you need an extra push and are searching for a mentor? No matter what or who you need, there is a great chance you might find it within the SHE family.

Our discussion clubs are where we cover topics like how to cultivate healthy habits, how best to navigate Instagram or how to optimise our morning routines. So if you ever feel like you are the only night owl in the business world, or the only one procrastinating, you will feel relieved to discover that others can very much relate. SHE discussion clubs are all about support, sharing and inspiration. There’s a seat at our table and it’s waiting for you!

Did you know, that when you become a SHE member, you will get a monthly reward? YES! Besides all the other benefits, every month you’ll receive a special discount or gift highlighting local businesses that we love. We understand how hard you work and so we’d like to treat you! Not once, not twice but every month for the duration of your membership!

So maybe next month you will finally go to the spa you’ve been talking about for ages. Or you’ll be in with the chance of receiving a package of healthy treats straight to your door. And since you spend hours working on your laptop, we’ve thought to treat you to a pair of screen frames. There’s always a surprise lurking around the corner, what will we treat you to next?

Get your questions answered by experts in their field and set yourself up for success with the resources and support you need. On your business journey, you might feel a little confused about certain topics. We get it, no one can be an expert in every department. And that’s when these types of sessions come in handy.

You might be asking yourself questions like:

How can I tap into EU funding?
Is crowdfunding a better fit for my business?
How can I up my negotiation skills?
Are there any schemes locally that will help me to grow my team?
How can I confidently approach decision-making?
How do I leverage PR as a branding strategy?

These and other topics were discussed in previous sessions and the results proved to be game-changing! Don’t waste your time googling the best strategy. Ask our experts! Or share your expertise with our audience.

Success stories from business leaders and founders that inspire and motivate. How they scaled their business, their failures and lessons learned. It’s like watching a TED talk but live with your local superwomen. And you get to directly engage and ask questions too.

We were honoured to welcome women like Roberta Metsola, whose exciting journey we could follow just a short time before she got elected as President of the EU Parliament. Winner of the female entrepreneur of the year award; Krystle Penza from M Vintage and Rachel Cachia & Martina Zammit from Vsquared (Nominees for the EY Entrepreneur award).

Diverse, exciting, inspiring!

We’ve also thrown in various social meet ups into the mix. From group meditation, to business breakfasts, we guarantee variety, connections and fun! Events that take all of the fear out of networking and that deliver memorable experiences.

“Joining the SHE community has been a wonderful experience. As an entrepreneur, it can often be isolating at times, so it’s imperative to surround yourself with like-minded people and to invest in yourself. Not only have I had the opportunity to share my own skills and insights in my field with others in the network, which led to further business development and leads, but I’ve also learnt so much from other members of the community. If you’re looking for a place to network, grow, share and thrive, then joining the SHE community is most definitely the best decision you could make, for yourself or your business trajectory.”  – Rebekah Kamsky, Founder at Little Isle Studio (Digital Strategy & Ecommerce)

“SHE has been the best investment I have made in myself since I started my entrepreneurial journey. It has helped me both professionally and personally. Thanks to SHE I have collaborated with other SHE members and have set plans for more collaborations soon. I also had an opportunity to write a guest blog on the SHE website which in turn helped me gain a larger following on my business’ social profiles and visits to the online store itself. Above all, the monthly SHE workshops give me the motivation needed throughout the month and the chance to meet and communicate with like-minded, powerful and absolutely wonderful women. Very grateful for SHE!” – Vanessa Grech, Founder at The Minimal Stories

Stop putting your success on hold and invest in yourself. Because you deserve it!

Available membership packages:

*3 month membership at EUR 95 = 1.05 € a day (cost of an espresso)

*6 month membership at EUR 180 = 1 € a day (less than a coffee)

*12 month membership at EUR 300 = 0.83 € a day, less than 6 € a week or 25 € a month!

Secure your preferred membership package here

For more information, reach out to the SHE team here with any questions you may have.

Written by Monika Kopcilova