Jenni Kravitz, 57, lives in London and has two grown-up children. She runs Simply Dancing Partners dance school.
“I joined Athena women's network one year ago, originally as a way to find venues to host dance classes for my new business. I came up with the idea of a dance school that guarantees expert partners for every student after I tried – and failed – to find a class for myself.
I lost track of the number of times I was left sitting on the sidelines. I knew there was a hole in the market. But although I'd had my own business before, it had been in IT, so I didn't have any contacts in the dance industry.
When I heard about Athena through a friend, I was a bit resistant about going along. But I'm so glad I did. It's a women's-only network and each monthly meeting is held over lunch. Before the food is served, everyone passes their business cards around the table and says a little bit about themselves.
The women come from all walks of life but, because it's a career based network, everyone is like-minded. Membership costs £235 for the year and you pay £20 for each meal, but it's worth it. I've never come away without at least one new business contact or an exciting idea for expanding my company.
My business would never have grown as successfully as it has without the help of Athena. It's also enriched my social life. I've become close friends with a number of ladies from my local group and I now often see familiar faces when I walk down the high street, which is a real boost.”
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