Introducing 'Chapel Chats’
Have you ever been left wondering where Southampton is hiding your creative tribe? While our city isn’t quite the centre of creation just yet, it’s on its way and The Design Chapel is the perfect place to get involved 💒
We're very happy to announce a BRAND NEW event that ticks all the boxes, and it made its debut in our space yesterday evening. If you’ve never heard of Ladies, Wine & Design you’re in for a treat - and we don’t just mean the fact that it really DOES involve wine. Aimed at creative ‘ladies’ (non-binary, females, she’s, her’s and gender non-conforming people), LWD is a global non-profit focused on increasing diversity in the creative industries and the people that lead them.
According to LWD, less than 0.1% of creative agencies are founded by women and non-binary people, and that number becomes even smaller with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & people of colour) stats.
Big mission right?
If you’re wondering how you’d achieve that - just think of your favourite creative person. From Beyonce, Kae Tempest to Ru-Paul, there’s a common thread other than creativity... Community. Whether you’re a freelancer, creative hobbyist or one of the many other forms, there’s nothing quite like getting down to the nitty-gritty in an intimate and safe space with people who can relate, understand AND help. These kind of conversations are the perfect way to get ideas to grow your creative side hustle, hear stories or even break out of your 9-5! 🤯
Did you know you can hire our space too?! Our door is always open to events new and old, but read on to find out why it was perfect for Ladies, Wine & Design…
The Design Chapel creates a creative yet intimate vibe that was perfect for LWD Southampton, and we were super happy to be able to offer them our space at an affordable rate. This first chapter of ‘Chapel Chats’ saw the group touch on a range of topics (coincidentally on National Freelancer Day) including comparison & social media, life experience and even the complications of charging for freelance work. BUT as the name suggests, LWD kicked off the workshop with an icebreaker and a glass of wine or 2 before the honesty began to flow.
“It was so lovely to see everyone really connecting on a level that’s often forgotten while we’re busy hustling with our heads down. There’s nothing like meeting new people and hearing their experiences to get the creative juice (or wine) flowing. It’s comforting to know behind social media profiles and a seemingly ‘perfect life’, we’ve all had pretty similar challenges”
Thinking of joining us for the next chapter of Chapel Chats, or just curious about hiring our space?
Quench your curiosity here:
☑️ Who comes to the events? We usually hand over promotion to the host, but we will support and promote on our social media channels
☑️ Do you have to be the ‘right’ kind of creative? Nope. You can be creative in any sense. Yoga, crafts, photography, writing or talking - it’s all welcome
☑️ What about drinks? You don’t have to serve alcohol (BYOB). Tea, coffee, water and alternative milks are available at the chapel free of charge
If you’re interested in hosting your own event in our space on Southampton Common, check out the information below or send us an email💒
