International Women's Day: Forging meaningful connections

It’s no exaggeration when Lou Feltham Smith says she has her hands full.

The mum of four runs a beauty products business, is the driving force behind the not-for-profit Miracle Mums Movement, which supports and empowers women after abuse, and the networking leader for Moreton Bay with Mums in Business International Australia and New Zealand.

Lou says she makee it all work with careful scheduling and learning to prioritise what’s important.

“It’s a tight schedule, so I know when I get work done and when it’s kids’ time,” she laughs.

Hectic her life may be, but Lou says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Supporting others

Leaving an abusive relationship five years ago, Lou found herself on a journey of self-discovery.

“Through that process I found myself and did some intense personal development and decided I wanted to help other mums,” she says.

Through the Miracle Mums Movement, Lou and her colleagues support women who have left abusive relationships, helping them connect with the services they need.

“I’m empowering women and connecting them with services in the community, holding their hand through the process and supporting them.”

Lou is also connecting women in her role with Mums in Business International, which started in America and is now the fastest-growing child-friendly business networking group in the world.

“We understand that mums are juggling everything and we offer a place that’s non-judgemental and they get to bring their kids along to the events as well,” she says.

“It’s really informal but we have guest speakers – often other mums from the group – who speak about their expertise.

“We want ladies to be able to network and not feel overwhelmed

Continuing the child-friendly, inclusive theme, Mums in Business meetings are held in a café with a play area and the venue is booked as a private function to allow people who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend.

“That’s been really well received because they feel that everyone’s welcome.

“It’s so important for women to find their place – it’s not just about networking, it’s about making friendships,” Lou says.

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