Igniting, guiding, and networking are the backbone of the Industry Girls Network (IGN). Established in 2014, IGN is a non-profit voluntary organisation that provides a forum for women business owners in the design, decor, and construction world.

IGN is the vision of co-founder Laura Tofts-Joscelyne who imagined an organization where professional women meet to support each other, connect, and share business ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. IGN members network with other like-minded women, and mentor up-and-coming young women in business.

Membership is open to all women over the age of eighteen who own or who are an equity partner in a company, as well as women who occupy a senior executive position or are key decision-makers.

Members represent a cross-section of different sectors and areas of industry, including women entrepreneurs, businesswomen and senior decision makers, as well as allied industry professionals, artists and those that support them.

Harare News spoke to co-founder Laura Tofts-Joscelyne, who said, “Before IGN was founded, we met regularly as experienced women in the design industry to discuss new things, our challenges in business and exchange ideas. That was when the idea of forming IGN as an organisation for women in business was born. All of our committee volunteer their time.”

She added that next year, they plan to expand IGN’s reach.“Our plan for 2016 is to launch an IGN app – a mobile-based technology, which will be an advertising platform for everyone and include a directory of various women in business. As IGN, our goal is to go regional, bringing together women in business in the fields of architecture, manufacturing of fabrics, and handmade tiles, service providers, etc. so that people can start buying from Zimbabwe.”

The IGN committee organises a function every six weeks. Events range from breakfasts, lunches, and evening functions, workshops, and specialist member events. Each meeting includes activities ranging from business-focused skills development, to economics and design sector training. Each network event has a guest speaker, and always provides a valuable networking opportunity, as well as entertainment.

An invitation to showcase at an IGN event provides women in business with a great opportunity to test-drive their products, as the entrepreneurs will receive instant feedback on their ideas. The networking events offer discounts to members, and are an excellent chance to win customers and secure new business partnerships for the future.

The IGN celebrated their one year anniversary on 4 December at The Studio in Borrowdale. The anniversary event ran under the theme, “Decadent Display of Design Inspiration this Christmas for Him and Her.”

Email all enquires about IGN to secretary.ignite@gmail.com

Image: IGN members at a recent event

Image credit: IGN