The Project Me Book Launch Party

Whew! My feet have barely touched the ground since my Project Me book launch party and I want to capture it here in photos and words while it’s all still fresh in my mind.

I’ve written before about how I used a Vision Board to make my book publishing dream come true and the journey of doing Marie Forleo’s B-School that led me to turn Project Me into an online business. My book launch party truly was the mark of it all coming full circle.

The party took place at The Soho Collective, a beautiful, light-filled, blank-canvas space where my colourful Project Me branding could pop and shine. And boy did it ever!

Located directly above Ed’s American Diner and with Her Majesty the Queen on the discreet entrance door, a guest pointed out that the venue suited my American-British nationality perfectly. Of course, that had been my criteria all along as I searched for a venue. (Er, kidding! It’s where I have my Driven Woman monthly meet-up and I just love the space.)

I reached out in my business Facebook groups for a photographer, florist and cupcake maker – and came up with absolute gems! I love it when things come together so beautifully.

The gorgeous Auguste of Googgis Blooms turned up early to fill the room with bright, cheerful flowers. I had a teeny flower budget, so she chose tulips – which happen to be my favourite flower. At least I have cheap taste in something! They even matched my dress by sheer coincidence.

Samantha Lehner of Sam Cakes made the cute flower cupcakes to match the Project Me Life Wheel. And they tasted very yummy too!

Sarah Saunders of Taste Adventures, is a friend of a friend and was an absolute angel. My brief was yummy, healthy food and she whipped up fabulous canapés with a ‘Veganuary’ theme. She also helped me stick to my own ‘Dry January’ goal by serving alcohol-free mocktails. Sorry people, but when I say I’m going to do something, I stick with it to the bitter end – and if I’m not drinking alcohol you aren’t either! Ha ha!

I love connecting people and one of my favourite parts of the whole book launch party was seeing all of the amazing women I’d invited, all clicking so beautifully.  There were a handful of my most supportive amigas alongside women who have either been through my online programmes (Project Me Goal Diggers!), or been on a Project Me Ibiza Retreat (what happens in Ibiza, stays in Ibiza.), worked with me 1:1, or attended a Project Me workshop or event.

I also invited the guest experts who helped me with the book. Believe it or not, I don’t know everything there is to know in all eight life areas! My Treasure Trove of Resources at the back of my book is pure gold.

With Elaine Halligan of The Parent Practice

With Miisa Mink of Driven Woman Network

Julie Marah, Wife Coach and Nicola Huelin, MPower biz coach

Elizabeth Sheinkman my agent and Amanda, Olivia and Leanne from Orion Spring Publishing

It was fun to introduce everyone to my new baby (she’s a girl this time, isn’t she pretty?) and I assured them that unlike with my first born, they didn’t have to sterilise their hands and were free to cuddle her and even take her home with them!

In my speech I gave a heartfelt thanks to my Power Posse members, Suzie and Anna (who very sadly couldn’t be there), as well as all of the people who’ve helped me along the way. Writing this book has felt a lot like giving birth – including that final painful push at the end. But just like childbirth, as soon as I held my baby in my arms I was filled with pride and joy.

I’m told that my speech was funny and inspiring. Thank you Annik from Speaker Express for helping me to get past the stupid story I was telling myself that I was much better at writing than speaking. Once I got going, I couldn’t seem to shut up!

In true Project Me style I ended it with a call to action: Everyone had to team up with someone else to share a dream or goal and a first step action they will take on it.

Then it was time to do what authors do and sign books! I loved every minute of it.

It was a magical book launch party and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

A huge thanks to Charlie Flounders Photography for capturing it all so beautifully! (She managed to avoid the camera herself…) She’s a fellow mum of boys who travelled to London from Warwickshire to do the work she loves. A true #projectme mama, as is Rachel James, my Virtual Assistant who travelled from Swansea in Wales to be there in person to help make the day go completely stress-free. Can you see the halo over her head?

In my book I write about assembling your support squad and not trying to do everything yourself. This is the wonderful Marcia who is not only supports me at home, but also came to the launch party to help out. She’s a mother of three little ones and manages to get to the gym in the morning before going to work. If you don’t think you have time to fit fitness into your busy life, speak to Marcia!

These are the two amazing women who put Project Me on the radar of Elizabeth Sheinkman, who became my agent. Kirkland Newman-Smulders of mindhealth360 and Nathalie MacCarthy (who flew in from Madrid for the party!).  So grateful to you both!

Last, but not least, here is my amazing  husband and our two incredible boys. I wouldn’t be a mother if not for them – and I’d certainly not have the material to write a whole book about balancing motherhood with the rest of life.  Thank you for the love, the support, the challenges – everything that has to do with being in a family. I love you guys so much! xxx

And so, as I gently glide back down to earth, it’s time to move into the next chapter of Project Me. The one that doesn’t involve me writing a book! It’s been such a huge part of my life and I think of all of the extra time I’ll have now for other things. Look out for my online Productivity Bootcamp soon, as well as workshops, events and opportunities to work with me one-to-one to help you with your own dreams and goals. Never be afraid to #dreamBIG

Project Me for Busy Mothers: A Practical Guide to Finding a Happier Balance is available now. A huge thanks to everyone for buying the book. I hope it inspires you to create your own #projectme.