The world is a wonderful thing, technology and the internet has developed in ways no one could have ever imagined it to.
Glasgow Girls Club was initially just a Facebook Group, which allowed women to promote their businesses, get advice and just simply meet new people, today it is widely recognised throughout Glasgow and the surrounding areas as one of the up and coming businesses to keep your eye on. There are several Facebook Groups of the like out there but I have been a member of Glasgow Girls Club for several months and I have watched it grow and become the success that it is today.
In December 2018, due to the success of the Facebook Group, a GGC Private Members Club was introduced which you can purchase online at their website.
For a personal membership it is £39.50 for your first year and from then on it is £35 per year.
There are several perks to being part of the GGC Private Member Club and some include:
- You receive a rose gold GGC keyring that helps you unlock exclusive discounts with some of the city’s coolest locations and brands, some include Blythswood Square Hotel, NAF Nail Salon, Fake Bake and loads more!
- You get access to an exclusive quarterly magazine bringing you the best the city has to offer when it comes to grub, style, beauty, interiors, people and more.
- You will be a part of a community of kick-arse females who are randomly selected to review products, events and locations in Glasgow.
- You get the opportunity to attend exclusive member events, openings and previews as well as discounted workshops and networking events.
- There is a categorised blog with multiple contributors covering topics including health & wellbeing, mum & baby, style, beauty, women empowerment pieces, reviews and more.
- Subscription to their e-newsletter, ensuring you are always in the know about upcoming events and offers.
Picture Credit- Kirsty McElroy of Cherry Blossom Photography UK
There is also a business membership available, allowing you to receive even more perks and the ability to promote your business and attend exclusive business meet-ups where you can receive tips and tricks from business experts.
I had the privilege of speaking to Laura Maginess the founder of Glasgow Girls Club. Laura has been in the marketing industry for ten years and she wanted to set up something to bring women together.
Picture Credit- Charlotte Kensington Portraits
- What made you want to set GGC up in the first place?
“I had a vision about six years ago about setting up a forum for women, then when Facebook groups became a ‘thing’, I thought this would be a good place to start. There was nothing like it for Glasgow women at the time and after launching, members grew to 800 in 3 days! I also had friends with their own businesses who were struggling to connect with their target audiences and I hoped that creating this community would help them and others grow their brands. My background is marketing and so the much-used saying of spotting a ‘gap in the market’ comes into play”.
- Could you tell me a little more about the Facebook Group and what kind of things are discussed in it?
“Everything! The Facebook group has over 12K women from Glasgow and the surrounding areas in it and so as you can imagine, the chat varies every day. I love the fact that there is a real mix of women in the group from all ages and stages in life and from every type of profession too. Ladies use the group to promo their businesses, to ask for recommendations and advice, share reviews and more. City events are shared ensuring we do not miss any Glasgow gems and GGC events are promoted too. A few ladies have asked if the group is just for business women, but this is not the case, it is a totally inclusive community and there are a wealth of fabulous mums, students and retired ladies making use of the tips, info and more too”.
- Why do you think it is important for women in today’s society to stick together?
“Most women are natural nurturers and from my own personal experience and experience with the GGC, we love to feel like we are part of a community offering help and support to each other. One of the ethos of the group is to grow by helping others and really what better way is there to progress yourself than by lifting other like-minded women up too”.
- Would you recommend setting up a business to someone thinking about it? If so, what are your recommendations?
“I would say ‘Glow’ for it! There is something massively liberating about being your own boss and if you never try it, it may end up being a regret in life and who wants to have those!? When you have your own business, it is very likely you will do more work than you ever would in a 9-5 – it is really hard to switch off. However, with that being said, often what you do doesn’t feel like work as it is your own business and you love it”.
- How did you go about getting all the free discounts which are available if you are a member?
“Last year I worked really hard to get out and network in Glasgow. Having connections is so valuable and so if you are thinking of starting a business, make it your mission to network as much as you can. I confirmed an array of offers from iconic Glasgow brands (created by iconic people) and now I am very lucky as brands approach me looking to feature an offer. Members can expect deals with brands such as Fake Bake, Rawnchy, NAF! Salon, Mud, BLOW, Blythswood Square Spa and Restaurant, Good Times Roll, Moya Wren, Tasting Scotland, Ministry of Laser, Van Winkle, Mharsanta, Sew Confident, Sarah Haran, Glasgow Gin, House of LBD, Champagne Central, Theatre School Scotland and all get the Entertainer app absolutely free for 2019 (normal cost is £30) and this gives you 2 for 1 deals across the country. Business members get all of that alongside business offers and access to the GGC Business Facebook Group and business brainstorm meetups”.
- Where do you see GGC in two years time?
“I have big plans for the GGC community that includes a Youtube talk show, massive member events and more. I am working on added value offers and benefits for the web members every day and so hopefully I can encourage as many women in Glasgow to sign up as possible!”
If anyone fancies joining they would LOVE to have you and you can find out more at their website.
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/glasglowgirlsclub/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ggcbusiness/
Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/glasglowgirlsclub
Feature Picture Credit – Kirsty McElroy of Cherry Blossom Photography UK
