THE FOLD.
noun :
A community of self-employed and freelancing women, who get it.
Ey up!
I'm Christa (waves)
Photographer and Mum to Eadie by day, community builder (and still Mum to Eadie) by night. But I am definitely not a superhero.
I launched The Tribe Network at the beginning of 2024, at Further North in Leeds, with the hope that I'd be able to bring together women, who like me were self employed. Women who worked for themselves but wanted to help cheer each other on, lift each other up and see each other succeed. I wanted to create a support network as much as a business network. (I also wanted a child free evening once a month and the opportunity for a glass off wine.)
I wanted to create a Tribe.
What started as a room full of women cheering each other on, lifting each other up and helping each other succeed, evolved into The Fold: a whole community for self-employed women in Leeds, built on a foundation of in-person support.
Hey!
What is The Fold?
The Fold is a collaborative community for self-employed and freelance women in Leeds.
It's a ready-made support system. A roomful of women in your corner, cheering you on (and picking you up when you fall). Down-to-earth chat about real business and real life and everything in between.
No awkward small talk. No feeling weird about “competitors”. No secret handshakes. And definitely no breakfast meetings.
It's networking for women who don't like "networking".
MEET UPS
COMMUNITY
#NOTNETWORKING
Who is it for?
The Fold is for self employed / business owning / freelancing / side-hustling women from all backgrounds and sectors.
It's for women, who want to meet other women.
Women who want to learn from others, share their own experiences, knowledge and cheer each other on.
Whether you're just starting out, you're somewhat of a pro or you're somewhere in the middle, there is a space for you at The Fold.
NO BOYS
ALLOWED
We just think its better that way.
Sorry.
Why do I need it?
Working for yourself, doesn't mean working by yourself. Having a supportive community around you is powerful, trust me, I've seen it happen.
Networking shouldn’t feel intimidating or awkward. All our meet-ups are relaxed and informal, so you can show up exactly as you are. We believe in collaboration over competition, because when we share our experiences and knowledge, we all become stronger.
There’s no pressure to pitch or chase referrals. Instead, it’s about building genuine connections with like-minded women who get it; a community where you feel less alone, more confident, and surrounded by people who want to see you thrive.
Join The Fold.
Sound great?
FAB!
Everyone* is welcome.
You can find out what's coming up soon here.
If you've got a story you want to share, would like to run a workshop or host a guest speaker spot,
get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!
*Sorry, no boys allowed.