But what was it, that good feeling? We wanted to know more. So one Friday morning, we were excited to find ourselves by the lake doing coffee and finding out what drives The Powerhouse, with one of its founding team members, Kate Hughes.

We hope you are inspired as much as we were.

Zuri Girl: So Kate, where did the Powerhouse come from?

Kate Hughes: The Powerhouse evolved out of a small group of us meeting once a month around the kitchen table. We were all international, in different situations with our careers: some not working because of young family or visas, some looking for something new or voluntary, some starting out their own enterprise … but all wanting to keep open the dialogue and share information, contacts and the skills they had. And for my part? I just love helping people connect.

Zuri Girl: What was your particular situation back then?

Kate: I arrived in Zurich from Australia, into the depths of winter, with two small children, no friends and no contacts. It was a challenge.

What did I do? I joined a couple of international forums, stumbled a bit, but then found my way and my first friends. Some of them I met randomly: I met one of my great friends (and another co-founder of The Powerhouse) answering an ad to buy a bed.

But I wanted to work. I’d left my career as a Human Resource Professional working with Blue Chip Companies and been told I wouldn’t have much luck finding the same here in Zurich. I hadn’t ever considered doing consulting, but circumstances meant that there were limited options, so I set up my own consultancy and pretty soon got my first clients.

Working on your own can get pretty lonely, though, and that’s where the hunger for the conversation came that ignited The Powerhouse.

Zuri Girl: So how did it go from kitchen to, I heard 70 people at your first event?

Yes, we were amazed too. Once we decided to make ourselves a website, it meant we existed, we were a group. And so we decided to have a launch event. We made up a survey and sent it around to all our contacts. We got 90 responses! Then 70 women came to our first event! We didn’t have an underlying agenda other than to create a forum for connection and conversation.

Zuri Girl: We found The Powerhouse a wonderfully warm, welcoming and inspiring group, after going to other group events where we’d come away feeling stressed and with no real contact.  You’re an HR pro what’s your secret to a great group?

Authenticity. We want to be real. It’s not a business card passing place. We don’t even assume you’ve got one. We have these little filing cards and pens so you can write a phone number when you want. It’s rare that you even find out what someone does till much later in the conversation. We are much more interested in topics for discussion and action, so we invite a speaker and then questions that are brought up in the talk continue in small groups, rolling them around further, giving everyone a chance to be involved.

Zuri Girl: So how can a girl get involved? When’s your next event?

We have four events a year, and because of our origins I love the small groups. There are five groups that meet monthly around the lake. Our next event will be June 5 at The Hub.  The Topic – Navigating Organizational Politics: Playing Your Own Game, Part 2.  You can join our mailing list via our website.

Zuri Girl: What’s the biggest tip about work you’ve received that you love passing on?

Always say, “I can do that.”  I’m overcoming the tendency to add any ‘but’s or ‘maybe’s because the person who can say yes – not the one who can do it better – will most likely get the job.

Zuri Girl: Seems like you have a lot of great stuff going on all around you now and you live in Zurich. What’s the best part about that?

The opportunity to meet so many fantastic people and enjoy the buzz of living in a European city where so many different cultures and languages come together.  When you live away from home you are more likely to open yourself up to new experiences and people and it is amazing how doing that can enrich your life.- in ways you never imagined!

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PS. We took up the invitation and went to a small group meeting …We were invited into someone’s home (hey, we brought some chocolate) and there was wine and nibbles and an opportunity to discuss new ideas, some of the challenges we had, share an ear and some information that might help and encourage each of our next steps. It felt easy and fun, and full of fresh input and potential friends.

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Article contributed by Zuri Girl Kaye Llewelyn.  Australian surfer far from the sea, she can be caught gazing wistfully out at the lake, but mostly find her writing about being bold (being you) on her blog, painting or looking for adventures around Zurich on her bike, with the red spotted seat.

An event designed exclusively for female entrepreneurs to showcase their products and connect with visitors (men too!) Whether you are curious for a new hobby, seeking a manicurist or desperately need an activity for the rug rats, you’ll have the opportunity to meet, mingle and perhaps even get a sample of over 80 women business owners.

Connect  & Celebrate Women’s Success is their tagline and Zuri Girl is excited to help cheer them on!

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Event Details

What: The Women’s Expo

When: Sunday, 26 May | 10.00 – 16.30

Where:  Kongresshaus Zurich (map)

Cost: FREE

RSVP: Pre-registration is not necessary but enters you to win a few fantastic prizes!

Additional Information: Check out Zuri Girl’s interview with the women behind the expo, Lusa Chuma.

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PS. Stop by and say hello to us! We’ll have special treats and the announcement of our Feeling Fabulous Makeover winner. Don’t forget to submit your entry by Saturday.  

Curtain opens in the Yorkshire WI with the women Tai Chi arms waving in unison (well almost in unison). The characters are real and funny and immediately draw you in. You stand there with them doing wobbly Tai Chi and singing along, giggling at the lines and cringing a little together.  But then…Annie’s husband John dies.

We could all go on doing the same old things  – but what if we did something, else?  You feel it with them.  John’s death and a lumpy couch turn their world around. It’s a true story that started with wanting to raise money for a new sofa in the family waiting room of the local hospital and turns into their to date profit of over three million pounds for Leukaemia Research. This bittersweet story became a major film, a best selling stage play and for the first time – it’s here – on limited release in Zurich.

Zuri Girl sneaked in behind the scenes the day before opening night and found out what you want to know, do they really get naked?  Yes! But as Jessie puts it in the play “I’m in, just no front bottoms”.  It’s fun and all so beautifully choreographed, there’s not a nipple out of place.

The players joke and tease each other and we laugh with them.  Our eyes are opened to the different threads – characters share poignant life-changing speeches as friendships are tested and stories are revealed. “The script is so well written it still gives me goose bumps” Stephanie (Elaine) slips us as she races backstage to make up.

These women don’t meet to be the perfect jam makers or knitters, or even calendar girls – they meet to be together…to brighten up their day…to laugh…and share and support each other.

Just like the Zurich Comedy Club who have been meeting since 1954 for the love of English speaking theatre. They are open to everyone’s talents. Like Calendar Girl Ruth says “We’re not all Chrises in this life. Some of us are Ruths.” Everyone plays their unique part in the ZCC. It’s not just what you see up on stage. For example for this production all backstage crew are women. Zuri Girl was lucky to meet a new member at her first show excited to join in and to meet new friends.

Whether you miss a bit of Yorkshire, WI’s, CWA’s or Frauen Vereins, or just a bit of sunshine, come along to see “Calendar Girls”, you might not lose your clothes but you might:

• Lose yourself  in some naked life, you might find some of your story too
• Be inspired at what a bit of vulnerability and boldness can do
• But above all you can do something fun and laugh together, it’s healing

PS. A percentage of all ticket sales in Zurich goes to Krebsliga and a percentage of all ticket sales worldwide still goes to the original Calendar Girls charity for Leukaemia Research.

PPS. Warning: may cause tears, and laughs, out loud.

Last PS…we promise!  Favourite line:  Chris: “Lawrence, we’re going to need considerably bigger buns.”

Event Details

What: The Swiss Premier of “Calendar Girls”

When: 15 – 18 May & 21 – 25 May

Where:  Theater im Seefeld (map)

Cost: CHF 28 – 38

Additional Information: Website

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Article contributed by Zuri Girl: Kaye. Australian surfer far from the sea, she can be caught gazing wistfully out at the lake, but mostly found painting or writing about being bold (being you) at emBOLDed or seeking serendipity around Zurich on her bike, with the red spotted seat. 

Zuri Girl Tip: There will be drink stands, but packing your own picnic is always fun. Bring along food and drinks and arrive early to enjoy before the show.

Zuri Girl Tip #2: It’s common that Lenzburg Theatre Performances sell out so plan ahead and reserve your tickets.

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Event Details

When: 4 – 5 June | 19.30

Where:  Schloss Lenzburg. 5600 Lenzburg (map)

Cost: CHF 38. Unreserved seating.

Ticket Purchase: Before 18 May – 062 891 61 77 / After 18 May – 062 892 07 00

Additional Information: Website

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PS. Email info@mygirlfriendguide.com and enter to win tickets!

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Article contributed by Zuri Girl, Susanne Prochnow. After living on three continents, this native Berliner has settled in Zurich, where you can find her exploring the city by bike, humming opera.

Started in 1990 and grown to welcome over 70,000 visitors a year, the festival entertains with workshops, performances, street performers, photography exhibitions, concerts and a market featuring 300 stalls showcasing Africa’s tastes and handicrafts as well as more serious issues and causes. The whole family is welcomed and kids will love the camel rides through town.

The concert series is kicked off Friday with Reggae Night and jams all weekend long with up and rising newbies and international stars all loaded with rhythm.

Zuri Girl Tip: Be part of the festivities by trying a belly-dancing course given by the lovely and talented Alia, based at ZEOT, Switzerland’s largest oriental dance school.

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Event Details

What: Afro-Pfingsten Festival

When: 13 – 20 May

Where:  Throughout Winterthur

Additional Information: Website

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Photo: Courtesty of Iyeoka and Afro-Pfingsten

150 museums around Switzerland are planning special activities all with the theme “creativity” with special tours, activities and events planned throughout the day.

Enjoy!

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Event Details

What: International Museum Day

When: Sunday, 12 May

Where: Throughout the town, country and abroad!

Additional Information: Website

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Photo: View of the exhibition «Collections Gallery» 
© Swiss National Museum

With vineyards in every direction and taking just a few hours to reach, Zurich was made for weekend road trips. The wine team at Steinfels will make planning easy (and tempting) by leading us through a discussion of suggested vineyards to visit from Lake Geneva, Ticino, South Tyrol and Piedmont.

They’ll provide the inside scoop on where to go, what to expect and tips for exploring wine villages including where to stay, eat and drink.

Never been to Steinfels La Maison du Vin? Check out Zuri Girl’s inside scoop and why we love this wine shop and readers always get 10% off purchases. Just mentioned Girlfriend Guide at checkout.

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Event Details

What: Girlfriend Guide Wine Tasting – Summer Road Trip

When: Wednesday, 8 May | 18.30 – 20.30

Where: Steinfels La Maison du Vin (map)

Cost: CHF 40

RSVP: info@mygirlfriendguide.com

Zuri Girl Tip: Can’t make it Wednesday, but looking for fun things to do. Check out our upcoming Girls Night Out events.

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Zuri Girl teamed up with a few of Zurich’s most stylish professionals to provide one of our readers with a head-to-toe makeover. All you have to do is email us [info@mygirlfriendguide.com] a photo and how the teams at U’Nique Personal Grooming and Pedro Sanchez Boutique Coiffeur can help you feel fabulous this summer.

For double entry, share our newsletter with a friend, ask them to include your name as the referral and you’ll get 2 entries!

Good luck ladies and we hope everyday is a “feeling fabulous” from head-to-toe day!

Official Rules and Information

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How to Enter

Email [info@mygirlfriendguide.com] a photo of yourself and why you want the teams at U’Nique Personal Grooming and Pedro Sanchez Boutique Coiffeur can help you feel fabulous this summer. Limit entries to 500 words or more.

For double entry, share our newsletter with a friend, ask them to include your name as the referral and you’ll get 2 entries!

Official Prize:

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Unique Personal Grooming by Demee will offer:

Brow Shaping

Natural looking eyelash extensions

Manicure and Pedicure

A “Reveal Apero” for the winner and up to 7 friends
will be hosted following the services

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Pedro Sanchez Boutique Coiffeur will offer:

Hair color

Cut

Hollywood blow out

Makeup application

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Asalea Santamaria, personal stylist, will offer:

A complete personal styling
session to complete your look

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*If, for any reason, one of the prize components listed is no longer available,
Girlfriend Guide will substitute an equal value prize.

Timeline:

Entries may be received from 12:01 AM 1 May 1, 2013 – 25 May, 2013, at midnight.
A random drawing will be conducted on 26 May, 2013.
The winner will be notified upon being selected.

Eligibility

• Women over the age of 18 are eligible to participate.
• Winner must provide own transportation to / from services.
• Winner must be a resident of Kanton Zurich

Prize Redemption

• Girlfriend Guide will coordinate with winner directly to schedule prize Redemption and reveal party.
• Winner must redeem prize by 15.07.13. After then the prize will no longer be available.
• No partial acceptance, transfer of prizes or cash redemptions from unused portions of the Prize will be permitted.

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Just imagine…

this summer you, magically whipping up a nice garlicky bruschetta from your own garden and sharing it with your babes over a gorgeous glass of white wine before dinner!

Dreams do come true!

YES… it gets even better. Here in Zurich, you can grow your own rare variety of tomato indigenous to the region. No green thumb necessary. All you need is a pot and to enjoy culinary delights!

There’s a group in Switzerland called ProSpecieRara and they’ve organized “Die Stadt-Tomaten.” Literally “The City Tomatoes.” They are charged with encouraging the growth and use of rare local Swiss varieties of tomatoes. From Bern to Basel to Lake Thun tomatoes, they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Never eat boring greenhouse grown grocery store tomatoes again.  You can check out the pictures here.

What does this have to do with you!?

Pick up your free seedling! You can find Die Stadt-Tomaten at IKEA starting from the 10^th of May till the 25^th of May 2013. They are offering free seedlings (as long as supplies last) at the following locations:

IKEA Spreitenbach: Friday, 10. Mai 2013, 12 till 19:00

IKEA Rothenburg: Saturday, 11. Mai 2013, 8 till 15:00

IKEA Pratteln: Friday, 17. Mai 2013, 11 till 19:00

IKEA Lyssach: Saturday, 18. Mai 2013, 9 till 16:00

IKEA Dietlikon: Friday, 24. Mai 2013, 12 till 20:00

IKEA St. Gallen: Saturday, 25. Mai 2013, 9 till 16:00

Why is our Health Coach Vanessa Gatelin recommending this?
Well…

For one… there’s a huge movement going on towards growing your own food. You will be so freakin’ trendy… OMG.

Two… you will start to eat seasonally and locally. The idea here is that your body will feel better when eating foods that match the season and your local climate. i.e. You might have noticed that it’s easier to eat salads in the spring/summer, which happens to be when the leafy greens are all coming into season. If you are eating foods that are grown here in Zurich, you’ll start to feel more grounded.

Three… you are supporting the reintroduction of rare species of tomatoes. How boring will the world be when there’s only one type of tomato left due to industrialization?

We hope you make the time to get out to IKEA and give balcony gardening a shot.

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Article contributed by:

Vanessa Gatelein

Health Coach

Change your lifestyle and change your life.

Website: Food Changes Everything

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Girlfriend Guide is proud to help sponsor this wonderful event created by and especially for women in business. Have no fear, the lucky man in your life is more than welcome to attend, as most companies in attendance cater to both men and women.

Zuri Girl sat down with Lisa M.Chuma, Entrepreneur and founder of the Women’s Expo to get the inside scoop of what we can expect from this inspirational event.

Zuri Girl: What should attendees expect at the Women’s Expo?

Women’s Expo: Attendees should expect a day filled with fun and inspiration. An opportunity to network and enjoy plenty of personal attention from a variety of experts!

Zuri Girl: Why launch the Women’s Expo in Zurich?

Women’s Expo: This is my personal view… I believe Zurich is the commercial hub of Switzerland, to an extend it is central and open minded. I also live close to Zurich.

Zuri Girl: What types of businesses should guests expect? 

Women’s Expo: To start off – Girlfriend Guide will be there including many other women from different sectors ranging from beauty to jewellery designers, interior designers to nutrition experts including business solutions providers and photographers the list is long….. 

Zuri Girl: Are Men Allowed?

Women’s Expo: YES and children too.

Zuri Girl: How does Swiss Aids Care International fit into the Expo?

Women’s Expo: We launched an initiative to incorporate a charitable component into The Women’s Expo because we feel it is vital to have a positive impact in our community. I personal chose Swiss Aids Care International as I have lost family members to HIV/AIDS so I know the work they are doing is saving lives in a country where I was born and raised – it’s close to my heart. 

Zuri Girl: What do you hope visitors leave the Women’s Expo thinking?

Women’s Expo: I hope visitors will leave the women’s expo saying because of me or someone they met at the women’s expo they were inspired to follow their dreams.

Zuri Girl: Who / what inspired you to launch the Women’s Expo?

Women’s Expo: Having realised that more and more women are starting small- to medium- size businesses in Switzerland, the idea of an event to celebrate, promote and showcase women in business made sense.

Zuri Girl: Are businesses only based in Zurich?

Women’s Expo: No – we have businesses from all parts of Switzerland exhibiting for example Geneva, Bern, Zug, Basel  – the list goes on.

Zuri Girl: Are there any special activities during the day for guests?

Women’s Expo: Yes -  too many to mention but here are a few: we will have quick make-overs, photographers, pulse reading, health tests, message chairs and more… 

Zuri Girl: What challenges are there in launching a new expo?

Women’s Expo: hahaha well – I would say the biggest challenge is to measure how far the word about the event has gone because visitors and exhibitors are both important and vital in making the women’s expo a success.

Zuri Girl: Where would you love to see the expo in 5 years?

Women’s Expo: Well – I would love to see the women’s expo in different cantons throughout Switzerland attracting international exhibitors.  I would also love to see it moving from a one day event to a full weekend event with seminars and workshops also taking place.

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Lisa M.Chuma is a mum of two who recently relocated to Switzerland from the UK. She is the Editor in Chief of Inspirational Woman Magazine – a magazine launched on Women’s Day 2011 and representing the “modern day sisterhood” with a pledge to support women all over the world by giving them inspirational content and a place that will uplift, educate, inspire and encourage women to connect and unite with each other. This busy woman is also an Executive Committee Member of The PWG and founder of the Mumpreneurs Switzerland Business Directory. Read more about the Women’s Expo here.

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Girlfriend Guide is proud to help sponsor the Women’s Expo and we hope to see you there!

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