#FollowGoodVibeClanTalkandWalkNI
Good Vibe Clan Talk and Walk NI, founded by Janet Grew, is a beacon of support and empowerment, through weekly Talk and Walk events and wellness gatherings, Janet fosters honest, authentic connections among women, aiming to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. With a background in podiatry and a passion for research, Janet brings a unique perspective to her mission. Committed to family and authenticity, her vision is to expand Good Vibe Clan's reach across Northern Ireland, guided by her six words to live by: authenticity, resilience, gratitude, growth, kindness, and balance.
Janet is part of our SheGenerate 3.0 cohort. With special thanks to our SheGen3.0 Partners for making the programme possible - Taylor Wessing Ireland, AIB, Catalyst NI, British Business Bank and Ulster Bank Northern Ireland.
Where are you from and where do you live?
I am from Glengormley and now live in Templepatrick.
Describe yourself in 6 words or less:
Inquisitive, resilient, compassionate, boundless potential.
Describe your business and what prompted you to start it:
Good Vibe Clan and Good Vibe Clan Talk and Walks NI were borne out of my own struggles with mental illness, having been diagnosed in 2018 with a breakdown. Through my recovery, I have learned many coping skills and have realized the importance of self-care and self-compassion. I now help other women improve their wellbeing by sharing my lived experience and helping them lead honest, authentic lives where the stigma of mental illness is broken down. I organize weekly Talk and Walk events for women, women wellness events, and work as a guest speaker. My aim is to reduce loneliness within the community, which I believe to be a major issue for society at present.
Tell us a little bit more about you:
I graduated from QUB in 1984 as a Podiatrist and worked in the NHS for 30 years, most recently as an advanced clinical specialist in the Belfast Trust. My area of specialty is the high-risk foot, and I hold an MSc in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair from the School of Medicine, Cardiff University. I have a keen interest in research and have had articles published in several academic journals. I am 51, married with four children ranging from 12-21. I enjoy regular exercise, have run 9 marathons, and am a keen Crossfitter.
Fill us in on your female founder journey:
I have found it difficult because I do not have a tangible product; I suppose I am the product! Determining how to register my business is difficult, and I’ll do this with guidance from the AwakenHub community. Obtaining funding and sponsorship is challenging. I have recently secured a contract via Derry and Strabane Council to establish Good Vibe Clan Talk and Walk events for women who are asylum seekers and refugees to help their integration into their new community. This has been a great win for me. As a female founder, I want to empower other women to use their life experiences for the good of others. I want to challenge society to see the importance of the role of women in society and encourage a more gentle attitude towards business and success.
How has being part of the AwakenHub community helped your business?
Being accepted onto the She Generate 3.0 program has boosted my confidence, and to be surrounded by women who have a can-do attitude is invaluable. I hope to build up a network of like-minded women who I can work with in the future as I grow the Good Vibe Clan brand.
Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?
I would like fellow Awakenhubbers to know the value of self-care in this frantic world we live in and to take time to listen to those around them, be compassionate in business, and always ask of yourself and others, "HOW ARE YOU... REALLY?"
As a founder, what are your non-negotiables?
My family are at the forefront of all I do, and they come first always. The phrase I live by is 'see beyond the smile'—look past all the bravado and see the real person. People who have come through adversity and used their experience for the good of society.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years' time?
In 12 months, I see myself registered as a CIC, being funded by at least one more council organization, and having run my first women-only mental and physical wellness event with several speakers and facilitators drawn from the AwakenHub community. In 5 years, I see Good Vibe Clan Talk and Walk events having corporate sponsorship and taking place weekly in at least 30 venues in NI/Ireland.
What are your top three tips for other women founders?
Take time to learn who you are and what your passion and purpose in life are. Don't be scared of mistakes as these are the portals of discovery and do no harm.
To finish up, what are six words to live by?
Authenticity, resilience, gratitude, growth, kindness, and balance.
#Follow
Instagram: @goodvibeclantalkandwalkni
LinkedIn: Good Vibe Clan Talk and Walk NI
Twitter: @goodvibeclantalkandwalkni
YouTube: Good Vibe Clan Talk and Walk NI
