A former teacher has left the classroom to start a new career aimed at helping women in business.
Julie Baldwin, who worked as an assistant headteacher at Nailsea School, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund an online magazine, members network and shop.
Julie’s new business, Imagine Creative Me, is aimed at women over 40 – to help them grow their self-esteem and find new passions including hobbies, careers and clubs.
Donors will be rewarded with perks such as shop discounts, free memberships and early bird rates for forthcoming events.
Businesses who donate will receive discounts on advertising in the magazine.
Managing director, Julie, said: “Mid-life is a time when people evaluate what they have achieved in their lives and often feel stuck in some kind of rut.
“Instead of seeing it as a time of crisis, mid-life can be seen as a good time for change.
“imaginecreativeme.com will empower women to try new things in a supportive environment that enables them to uncover their passions.
“When people find their passions - that will lead them to purpose.
“As someone who has changed career at the age of 44, I am testament to the fact that it’s never too late to change and that leading a happier more creative life is possible.”
Julie’s venture also supports local businesses by sharing their work and linking them with women.
Julie added: “The online shop will retail products manufactured in the South West using locally sourced materials wherever possible.
“From showcasing the work of artists to environmentally-friendly self-care products – everything sold in the virtual shop must support the socially responsible ethos of the business.”
Imagine Creative Me is part of Imagine Creative Ltd, a socially responsible business run by Julie.
Imagine Creative works with other sustainable businesses, organisations and individuals in the South West in order to maintain a carbon footprint
The company will donate 10 per cent of its profits to charities chosen by readers of the magazine.
Julie’s crowdfunding appeal can be found at igg.me/at/crowdfundimaginecreativeme/x
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