When she first set up the Freelance Mum podcast and blog in June 2013, broadcaster Faye Dicker had no idea where it would lead her. With a one-year-old baby in the mix, she simply had a desire to connect with other freelance parents and provide a platform to encourage and support them.

But she soon realised that wasn’t enough – she wanted to meet up with other freelance mums face-to-face as well as helping them tell their stories online. Her second daughter was just 11 weeks old when Faye led a group of 15 women and their little ones on a facilitated walk around Bristol’s Harbourside in July 2014. It was a huge success… and so Freelance Mum networking was born.

Today Faye has been recognised for her work with Freelance Mum and been listed as one of 100 most influential women in the west and shortlisted as Freelance Ambassador of the year award in 2018. Not bad for a mum, on a mission, while bringing up little people.

Today there are two monthly meetings where up to 40 mums (and a few dads!) gather with their babies and toddler in tow to network with likeminded business folk. Each event kicks off with a bonkers ice breaker and features an inspiring expert speaker and freelance mum showcase, plus a quick fire structured networking round. The facilitated ‘netwalk’ is still an integral part of each event – as are the delicious baked treats the Freelance Mum team always provides! And throughout the two hours, there are toys and craft activities on offer to keep little people entertained.

The digital hub still plays a central role in the Freelance Mum offering, acting as a showcase for the many incredibly talented businesswomen Faye meets every week. At the heart of the site are podcasts packed with insightful interviews with freelance mums. Have a listen to their stories about juggling families and freelancing, plus their tips on everything from how to get started to how to create the working space at home.