Harleston's female business community has joined forces for a photo opportunity to celebrate International Women's Day

Female members of Harleston’s business community have come together to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Local owners of thriving businesses – an unusually high number of which are women – have formed a close-knit community within the town, and wanted to celebrate their success by marking the day with a photoshoot.

Lisa North, owner of Lisa North Photography, took the photos and was quick to praise the business community and its sense of togetherness.

“There are lots of independent businesses here and few empty shops, and it’s amazing to see how many of those business owners are women, who are actively supportive of each other in their enterprises,” she said.

“We connect with each other daily through WhatsApp messages, and any message is guaranteed to get a quick answer.

“It was great to be able to get everyone together last week because some hadn’t met in person before.

“We had great fun and hope to make it an annual event. We are very lucky in Harleston to have this supportive network within our town’s businesses.”

Among those present for the photo were Jane McKee, of Kee Car Parts; Juliette Morron, of My Sister’s Wardrobe; Hayley Bell, of The Apiary; Justine Johnson, of The Pink Trolley; Jo Carter, Carly Newton and Natasha Searle, of The Little Beauty Room; Kerry Root, of Kids Stuff; Judith Balls, of Kids Stuff; Daisy Holden, of Soul Cafe; Julie Whitbread, of Handsomes of Harleston; Sara Whiting, of Sue Read Shoes and Clothing; Virginia Skoyles, of Utility Warehouse; Georgie and Trina Chandler, both of Adjandek; Carol Harris, of Close Essentials; Sharon White, of Gingerbread Cottage Hair Salon; Jean Youngs, of Reflections Hair and Beauty; Claire Myers Lampety, of The Old Post Office; Sally Scheffels, of Daisy and Co; Paula Stacey, of The Floor Place; Jane Aldridge, of Aldridge Crafts; and Kerry Halls, of Infiniti Hair Salon.

Claire Myers-Lampety, from The Old Post Office, said: “It’s like a sisterhood. The ladies here are hard-working and inspirational, with diverse backgrounds. Together, we share a passion for entrepreneurship”

Paula Stacey, from the Floor Place, added: “I am proud to be part of an amazing collective of inspirational women who serve our town.”