The Xara Lodge
SHE Networking Event
28th March 2019, The Xara Lodge, Rabat
Torrential rain from the day before had nearly all died up on the morning of the 28th of March and sunshine flooded the entrance hall of the elegant Xara Lodge in Rabat where a couple of hundred women had gathered. Guest speakers Ms Bernie Mizzi of Chiswick House School and St.Martin’s College, also co-founder of EC Language schools and The Storm Petrel Foundation, Dr Roberta Lepre of CSR firm WEAVE Consulting, Ms Lisa Grech of the Definitive(ly) Good Guide Co, Malta Baby and Kids Directory and The Malta Artisan Markets and Ms Christina Busuttil of Artemisia Fine Arts and Antiques stepped up onto a podium intent on sharing their journey and expertise to the wonderful audience before us. We had tears and laughter, we saw the passion in many women’s eyes and heard their stories.
A first for SHE, the Power Networking Circles was a particularly welcome highlight of the event and saw ladies separating into smaller groups led by mentors. Also during the event we were served speciality teas by Tettiera, delicious bites courtesy of Xara Catering and treated to a taster workshop by Yasmin De Giorgio of Sanya Eco-Spa and Theobroma: A Cacoa Collective and a spot of shopping from our specially selected Indie stalls among them Eclecticist, MGO Manuka Honey Malta, L’allee by Pippa Toledo, Marpesia & Co, Sanya Eco-Spa, Bee Gratious by Pattern Talk, Hajja by B-biche, Flavours for Health and Theobroma: A Cacoa collective.
It was certainly fabulous all of it and to top it all we got to walk away with exciting goodie bags sponsored by Monsoon Malta, MAC Cosmetics, Tettiera, The Definitive(ly) Good Food Co and Malta Baby and Kids Directory.
Our competition winner for a one night stay with breakfast at the elegant 66 St. Paul’s in Valletta was Thea Saliba! > Hair and team gift vouchers by Leonard’s Hairdressers in Sliema > Videography by Vitonis Media > Photography by Majda Toumi > Audio-visuals by Power House Audio Visuals Malta.
What We Spoke About
Bernie Mizzi
“I was fortunate to have my mother as a mentor. I watched her start up and run a school before joining her to continue the “newly founded” institution at the time.” – Bernie Mizzi
Honoured and truly humbled to have welcomed seasoned entrepreneur and educator for over 40 years – Mrs Bernie Mizzi to our special guest panel on Thursday 28th March at The Xara Lodge.
Serving as principal, company director and teacher at leading Independent institutions in Malta; Chiswick House School and St. Martin’s College she is also Co-founder of EC English and more recently Founder Trustee and Administrator of The Storm Petrel Foundation – A non-profit voluntary organisation promoting art, literature and popular culture. Proud mother to her daughter Stephanie, Bernie also enjoys sharing her passion for all art forms “but especially: Film, Poetry, Theatre, Painting and Sculpture”
Dr. Roberta Lepre
“Better gender balance in key decision-making roles would benefit the economy and society as a whole.” – Dr. Roberta Lepre
“Doing Good at Making Money” is a motto which sums up brilliantly the intention of boutique advisory firm and CSR Specialists WEAVE CONSULTING Malta. Behind the brand and the face of the company also – Lawyer, wife and mother of 2 daughters Dr. Roberta Lepre is busy putting much of her energy, focus and 15 years experience in human rights and sustainable development to advantageous use!
Former director at Victim Support Malta (NGO) for 9 years and a woman who has made it her mission to work towards a better, more sustainable future of equal opportunities while supporting businesses to achieve a competitive edge through implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Roberta believes that better gender-balance in key decision-making roles would benefit the economy and society as a whole. She is also a strong believer in building partnerships and collaborations.
Lisa Grech
“I always say, in office, you have to persevere in your ventures and persistence pays.” – Lisa Grech
Following a colourful career path both at home and abroad mumtrepreneur Lisa Grech will be joining us and relating more about herself and the businesses she created through her quick-thinking ability to spot gaps in the market! With a background in Marketing, PR, publishing and events, Lisa set up her first business – The Definitive(ly) Good Guide Co 20 years ago evolving into several projects including the online portal www.restaurantsmalta.com and numerous events in collaboration with top restaurants on the island of Malta. Additionally @maltababyandkids Directory which was created while Lisa was pregnant with her first son, is now reaching its 12th year and continuing to deliver as an objective guide for parents and parents-to-be in Malta. In 2011 Lisa and her team launched the @malta_artisan_markets which takes place at mainly historical venues around the island and supports local artisans. It’s been noted women in particular appear to “start out with what they consider a hobby and through the markets they are able to develop into a proper business”.
What’s more? Lisa’s company which originally began with herself and business partner Colin Best who sadly passed 6 years ago, consists currently of “a hard working all-female team” and have 7 children between them! Their newest venture is Offbeat Malta Food Trials – an offshoot of the restaurant guide aiming to promote Malta as the ‘Gastronomic Centre of the Mediterranean’. This involves a walking food tour off the beaten track in Valletta with a professional guide who speaks of the history of food in Malta while grazing on delicious eats at selected venues along the way!
Christina Busuttil
“I’ve always been surrounded by achievers, enterprising spirits and had financial support to pursue my dreams. With that, you can achieve anything!” – Christina Busuttil
Former Arts Graduate at the prestigious @christiesinc and founder of @artemisia_antiques (A Fine Arts and Antiques dealership)- the warm, philosophical and eclectically cool Christina Busuttil graced our guest panel on the 28th March at the @xaralodge .
Having previously worked in her family business Francis Busuttil & Sons (Marketing) Ltd. (part of the Foster Clark Group) for 8 years, Christina’s long-time passion to enter the arts world would eventually lead her to pursue her own dreams of entrepreneurship. Indeed her lucky break came when she was awarded an internship at Christie’s Auction House (Victorian Art Department) on King’s Street, London. Despite “being in the right place at the right time” however, Christina says she owes much to her family for their wonderful support in allowing her the means and encouragement to fulfil her ambitions of opening her own business and becoming the first female in her field on the island of Malta.
Of herself Christina says “I’m on a mission to improve myself and the community” and continues she is “inspired by nature and the beautiful, moved by music and good people”.
