TWO entrepreneurs from North Wales who launched online membership groups during lockdown have hosted a joint first birthday party.

Kat Massey, 46, from Connah’s Quay and Lisa Williams, 36, from Rhyl, welcomed more than 40 female business owners to the Celtic Arms in Northop this week.

The emotional event was the first time most attendees had met each other in person - having networked solely online for 12 months.

“I am filled with overwhelming gratitude,” said a tearful Kat, whose dog walking business folded in August 2019. “I picked myself up from that disappointment, became the ‘Visibility Queen’ in January 2020 and hosted my first networking event - only to then go into lockdown that March.

"I had to polish my crown again - launching the VQ Visibility Academy membership online last September. To finally be able to meet up in person, with some members travelling from as far as Edinburgh and Alloa in Scotland, feels amazing!

"Today, I want to remind any women who may have forgotten who they are: You’ve got this.”

Vision board coach Lisa launched her private membership group the Vision Board VIP Lounge the same day as her associate Kat got the VQ Visibility Academy off the ground.

The mum-of-two had recently given birth to her ‘rainbow baby’, Talia-Beau, after three devastating miscarriages.

“I have visualised this moment in crystal-clear detail, and it is everything I expected and more,” said Lisa, addressing the room.

“I am nobody special. If I can do it, then you can too. My vision is for you to leave today feeling inspired and motivated to chase your dreams and shine your visibility glow.”

The pink and orange-themed ‘Visibility & Vision’ first birthday event was sponsored by marketer, Callie James, of St Asaph-based ie instinct.

Guest speakers included ‘The Positivity Queen’ Keeley Roberts and Sue France, who is the founder of Creative Connecting in Cheshire.

Surprise ‘Queen Awards’ in a range of positivity-themed categories were presented to Fiona Dalziel, Jen Craighead, Jen Griffiths, Steph Jones and Sue France, as well as Michelle and Christian Ewen.

Live music was provided by vocalist and guitarist Daisy Kate, who created a setlist of songs that celebrate female empowerment.

“Lisa and I would especially like to thank Tracey Toulmin of Bryn Woodlands House, Fiona Dalziel and Lisa Preston for donating our raffle prizes,” said Kat, author of the Amazon best-seller Living with Dolls.

“We are also very grateful to our table sponsors Amy Rowlands, Nicky Kilnan, Kerry Evans, Lisa Jane, Adele Hughes and Joanne Osborne.

"So many amazing women came together to make this event an incredible success and our vision is that it will be the first of many!”