Lauren Greene, founder of Chic Networking & Events, will this weekend oversee the third annual North West Fashion Festival at the city’s St George’s Hall. Tony McDonough reports.
It is often said that parenthood can change a person’s perspective – that’s certainly been the case for Liverpool events and PR entrepreneur Lauren Greene.
The founder of Chic Networking & Events will this weekend oversee the third annual North West Fashion Festival at the city’s St George’s Hall.
The event, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, will feature a fashion exhibition, which includes both indoor and outdoor events, a luxury shopping experience, VIP Champagne Lounge, Beauty Bazaar pamper suite and live performances and DJs.
Inspired by motherhood
And the second day, says Lauren, will be “family friendly” – unusual for a fashion event and it’s all down to her recent special arrival.
Her son, Carter, is just one and she said that, in some ways, her perspective on life and business had changed since he was born.
“Liverpool is a very fashion-friendly city,” Lauren told YBNews in an interview.
“Even children here are very fashion-conscious and so I wanted to make one day of the festival focused towards families and children.
“Becoming a mum for the first time inspired me to do that – it has given me a different direction.”
Career in law
Lauren was originally set for a less glamorous career in law. After studying law she joined well known Liverpool legal practice, Weightmans, as a paralegal.
“I would attend networking events and I found them very corporate,” she said.
“I realised there was a niche for events that catered for people in the fashion, beauty and creative business sectors.”
Events take off
She started organising her own events and, after a spell of living in the Spanish resort of Marbella, she returned to Liverpool to set up Chic Networking & Events.
“I was organising three or four events a year and people just went crazy for them,” added Lauren.
“They were completely selling out and we had about 1,000 people coming to the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool.
“Then Carter came along and I was obviously wanting to spend more time with him. Organising events is very time-consuming so I had the idea of having one big event in the year.”
Plans to grow
Chic now employs five people and is based out of The Women’s Organisation in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.
Lauren said: “As well as events and PR we also offer business development for the creative sector.
“That sector just keeps getting bigger and we now have a waiting list of clients who want to use our services.
“I would like us to have our own premises and my ambition for the business is for it to double in size.”
Experts on hand
At the North West Fashion Festival Guests will also have the opportunity to discover some of the region’s finest food and drink with a range of exclusive bars and restaurants on site.
It is also offering a programme of Q&As, panel discussions and masterclasses to give guests the chance to hear all about the experiences of leading fashion and beauty experts.
From stylists to editors, designers to buyers, each session will offer valuable insight into the wide range of careers on offer.
Lauren added: “We are expecting people from all over the UK to flock to the event.”
And on her career as an entrepreneur, she said: “I used to think the years I spent working in the legal sector were a waste but now I have realised the experience gave me transferrable skills that are helping make my business as success.”