Question: What happens when you put several women in a room together with stunning clothing brands, delicious coffee and the best styling team from Smart Works Bristol?
Answer: Absolute joyous chaos!
Last week we had the joy and privilege of taking our current group of trainees to visit Smart Works Bristol - a fantastic charity supporting women into employment by providing interview coaching, mentoring and workwear clothing. We were inspired by their warm welcome and by the life-changing impact of their work.
From the beautifully laid out dressing room, to the goody bags containing skincare treats and make-up, to the personal stylists giving tips and ideas, the whole morning was a riot of colour and fun.
If you haven't heard of them, Smart Works is a national charity with 12 hubs across the country supporting women who may be facing significant barriers to employment, helping them build confidence, feel prepared, and walk into interviews believing in themselves. They recently launched in Bristol and it was wonderful to connect as organisations who share a heart for empowering women at pivotal moments in their lives.
Smart Works partners with some brilliant brands, and the choice of clothes from the rails is superb! The women had great fun rummaging through the clothes, holding up weird and wonderful outfits on each other, looked on by Imy Franklin, Smart Works Bristol's lead, and Pia, their service delivery assistant, who were more than happy to tips and style ideas. Each of our women will be able to go back soon for a bespoke 121 session with one of their employability coaches, and a styling session where they will get to take home an outfit once they have an interview lined up.
In the lead up to International Women's Day 2026, it is really exciting to partner with organisations like Smart Works. When we champion one another's work, we strengthen the whole community, and the women's sector in Bristol has so much to offer.
'Today was absolutely wonderful, I enjoyed it so much. Thank you everyone.' Sabina*
Thank you, Smart Works Bristol!