Nothing Changes Unless You Do: Why I Started Glow Forward CIC

"Nothing Changes Unless You Do."

It’s a phrase I’ve heard so many times (maybe you have too). But recently, it really hit me.

The Moment of Truth

One morning, I pulled into the car park ready for work and just sat there, sobbing. I couldn’t stop crying. I tried to give myself a little pep talk,“Come on, you can do this, just get through the day,” but it wasn’t working. The tears just kept coming. I felt completely lost. I kept thinking, What is my purpose?

Something had to change.

A Shift Begins

I had all these skills - qualifications, courses, real-life experiences - but I wasn’t thriving. I was working part-time and feeling unfulfilled. Deep down, I knew I wanted to do more and give something back. I wanted to make a difference.

That’s when things slowly started to shift.

Discovering a Different Path

I’d been following Emma Cooper on Facebook, who’s well known for empowering women to build businesses on their own terms, and I’d joined her inspiring online group. She talked about different ways to start a business, and one option stood out: a Community Interest Company.

That led me to Kelly Coles, who specialises in helping people set up and grow Community Interest Companies, businesses designed to create lasting social impact and make a real difference.

This really resonated with me. I signed up to one of her masterclasses and after watching, something clicked. I thought, this is it.

I immediately sent Kelly a voice note on Instagram and shared my CIC idea, and she was genuinely excited about it. Her support gave me the clarity and confidence to get started. She’s been such a key mentor in helping me bring Glow Forward to life.

What is Glow Forward CIC?

Glow Forward CIC is a not-for-profit, Community Interest Company based in Stafford. It's designed to support women who’ve experienced domestic abuse, mental health challenges, long-term unemployment, or low self-esteem.

It’s a space where we use creativity, beauty, wellbeing, and connection to help women rebuild from the inside out - rediscovering their identity, confidence, and purpose through a variety of free workshops.

Why Glow Forward?

I’ve always loved creativity. I’m a qualified makeup artist with a graphic design degree, and I’ve worked in a busy advertising agency. I know what it’s like to juggle your passions with the real world. I also know how tough the job market can be, especially if you’re looking for something flexible or part-time.

As a qualified HR professional, I’ve screened CVs, interviewed people, and I’ve seen just how much confidence plays a role in whether someone moves forward or stays as they are.

I wanted to bring all of that together and turn it into something practical, uplifting, and genuinely transformative.

That’s how the idea of a 10 week transformation program was born. A starting point for a better life...or at least a better direction.

Because the Truth Is:

• Life after trauma is hard

• COVID knocked a lot of people sideways

• The world can feel heavy

• People lose jobs, relationships, self-worth

• Sometimes we just need a space to begin again.

Glow Forward CIC is That Space.

A place where beauty, creativity, wellbeing, and community come together to help women rediscover their spark and build something brighter for themselves.

And if we make a few new friends along the way? Even better.

You're Welcome Here

If you’re reading this and thinking, I could do with something like this - please know, this space is for you. Whether you want to join a free workshop, collaborate, volunteer, or just follow along, you are always welcome here.

We’re based in Stafford and just getting started, but I already know this is going to be something really special.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Always in your corner,

Lu