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No7 returning to work with confidence event feedback thread - non-attendees, tell us what makes you confident every day - win a No7 hamper NOW CLOSED

315 replies

AmeliaMumsnet · 28/03/2017 09:08

This thread is for the 100 MNers and bloggers who attended the No7 returning to work with confidence event on Monday 27th March. Thanks so much for coming along, we hope you enjoyed it! The event was all about “returning to work with confidence” and was for those parents who had either recently gone back to work after a break for children or who are planning a return.

You can view our Facebook Live Stream here

Here’s what No7 had to say about the event:

"At No7 we believe that when a woman feels in control she has the confidence to go out and do anything and so we are delighted to have the opportunity to support MNers and bloggers who are returning to work. We know that beauty for many women is about more than looking pretty which is why we’d love to give MNers the chance to hear from some inspirational women on how they faced getting back in to the workplace as well as share some top tips from our No7 advisers on quick ways to get their make up just right - especially in those early days back at work when you're juggling a million things at once and getting into a new routine."

Attendees:
Below are a few feedback questions for you to answer - if you have any more comments, please feel free to add them to your response. Do share your story using #No7Ready. If you are a blogger, we'd love to see you post a link to your blog post on this thread.

Why did you want to attend the event? What’s your current working status?
What did you learn from the event?
What did you enjoy about it?
Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?

All those who share feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will win a £300 Boots voucher. We'd also love attendees to share their thoughts on social media using #No7Ready.

Non attendees:
To be in with a chance of winning a No7 hamper (worth £150), please tell us what makes you feel confident every day. This can be literally anything at all, even if it’s a very small thing such as your morning coffee to wake you up! Everyone who does so will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win the goodies!

Thanks, and good luck with the prize draws!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

No7 returning to work with confidence event feedback thread - non-attendees, tell us what makes you confident every day - win a No7 hamper NOW CLOSED
No7 returning to work with confidence event feedback thread - non-attendees, tell us what makes you confident every day - win a No7 hamper NOW CLOSED
OP posts:
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needalittleL · 28/03/2017 11:17

I didn't attend the conference but the thing that makes me confident every day is a good skincare routine.

When I get in from work on an evening I love taking my makeup off with care, then washing my face, then moisturising with a thick cream (I have dry skin) and when that has soaked in I add some vitamin E oil to keep my hydrated. I reapply the oil before bed.

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Mrsmonkeymoo1 · 28/03/2017 11:38

I didn't attend the conference but I feel confident when I feel good about myself. I'm 43 and I use no 7 skincare, I like the protect and perfect range this makes me feel like I have an inner glow.

I feel confident when I'm dressed well, new do and I look in the mirror and feel pleased with what I see. I also love it when my 6 year old tells me I'm beautiful or pretty, if I'm like that in his eyes I feel a million dollars

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JASWITHUS · 28/03/2017 12:12

I attended the conference with my friend Rebecca. Both of us are quite impressed about the content covered during the conference. There was hardly any talks that would make you feel that it is an advertisement for No7, the conference was fully focussed on giving tips to moms about going back to work after childbirth and a lot of good points about how to ask for flexible working and approach the approving board with confidence and of course with lot of braveness justifying why you can still be very efficient working from home.

I thought of having a makeover but actually didn't as it was quite busy over there. But got some tips about the shades and foundation I could use for my skin colour and how to apply makeup evenly so I don't look like a clown after I finish the makeup! :)

The food was yummy, got to taste everything and can't complain :), I was worried about catching the train back home starving, but actually didn't :) - Thank you Mumsnet and No7 for being so thoughtful about the moms who had to leave home eating nothing so we don't have to show up too late to the event! :)

I am quite happy about the goodie bag too! I was actually thinking if I would receive some shades of blush and foundation that wouldn't match my skin! But it wasn't the case. Happy to receive a voucher so I can choose the shade I like rather than staring at something I received in the goodie bag wondering what I would do with it! Filling the bag with common goodies that would be well used by most of us without doubt, is very thoughtful as well.

Overall, it was the evening well spent getting some tips on how to go back to work with confidence and still looking good after childbirth, meeting the blogging circle friends and saying hi to some new faces.

Thanks to Mumsnet and No7.

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DaisyBlameless · 28/03/2017 12:25

Non attendee, but what makes me feel confident is having clean hair. If I don't wash it every day I feel self confident and uncomfortable all day.

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Mummychoochoo3 · 28/03/2017 12:34

I attended the event as I am soon to return to work after pregnancy number 3. I having 3 children under 5 is a challenge and I've lost my confidence a bit and I was worried about being back in a work environment. The event showed me that I'm not alone in my concerns, even though my employer has been very flexible throughout all my pregnancies.

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Mummychoochoo3 · 28/03/2017 12:36

Having a makeover and a glass of bubbly was a lovely treat to a lovely motivational evening. My friend I brought along, related to the topic more than she could imagine and was even very pleasantly surprised with the No7 makeup match.

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Gazelda · 28/03/2017 12:38

Non attendee.
Absolutely agree with pp - clean hair. Without it, I try to be invisible.
Also, I've got a pouch in my handbag which has all essentials - nail file, tissues, aspirin, spare contact lenses, hair tie, antibac gel etc. It goes everywhere with me and it's frequently very handy.

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OnMyShoulders · 28/03/2017 12:57

Non-attendee

Good skin makes me feel confident. I look much better with makeup but have 5 DC and am generally flying by the seat of my pants, so often have no time and have to go without.

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uniquehornsonly · 28/03/2017 13:09

Non-attendee.

What makes me feel confident when returning to work is knowing that I'm valued for my brain and not my appearance.

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Ratbagcatbag · 28/03/2017 13:17

Non-attendee.

For me it's my short hair being styled well and it being kept nice with regular dying sessions (it's very bright red). When it's looking fab I feel amazing. It gives me confidence and lots of people comment on it. I change the style regularly too. Just because I love to change it and see how it goes.

Well fitting clothes and clean shoes also add into the feeling confident when entering a work environment. My work space is very male dominated so getting that extra boost of confidence before I start the day sets me up in a positive mood.

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TheSnorkMaidenReturns · 28/03/2017 13:47

Non-attendee

What makes me confident is knowing I have packed my bag the night before, and I am fully prepared for the day ahead. This includes having my packed lunch ready in the fridge to grab and go.

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Hopezibah · 28/03/2017 14:11

Will link blogpost once written up but in the meantime here are my feedback Q's:

Why did you want to attend the event? What’s your current working status?
I returned to work last year after a 12 year career break. During that time I did work part of the time but not in what I considered to be 'my career' so last year was the first time back to doing what i studied at uni and what i did pre-children.

In many ways it was my dream job and very flexible but I didn't manage to put my own boundaries in place which meant I ended up working many hours until midnight and weekends too - so in the end I stopped to get my home life back under control.

This year I've once again taken small steps back into the world of work but it's beginning to take up more hours and despite my best intentions of keeping things in balance, I was beginning to struggle again.

I hoped the event would give some guidance in relation to this and it did.

What did you learn from the event?
I loved the key messages at the end - especially about your career being long so that has stopped me feeling the urgency to get things sorted.

I also have major confidence crises at times and i loved hearing how confidence can grow and seeing the examples of that with the guest speakers.

What did you enjoy about it?
Lovely to hear the personal stories and great to meet with others.

I loved that although No 7 were there - it wasn't sales focused as the discussion was about everything else that is so important.

Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?

It has made me have a long think about what is important to me and ways of prioritising those things.

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JASWITHUS · 28/03/2017 14:19

Realised my feedback may not have answered for the questions :)

So here are my answers with bullet points :)

Why did you want to attend the event? What’s your current working status?
I am a SAHM for the last 6 years and DD2 is now at full-time school. So, I am considering to go back to work but very reluctant to go only for the flexible opportunities. (Quite hard to find though as I am looking for the last 4 months :) ), Looking good boosts your mind and improves your confidence level, But being at home, except while going for events, I hardly do any makeover and wanted to get some tips on both Working from Home/flexible working and looking good!

What did you learn from the event?
Ask - Don't be shy to ask when you are confident that you are right! And no need to explain in detail that I am a mom to two, need flexibility bla..bla.. It is totally, implicitly understandable when you are a parent! Get hold of the opportunity and ask your partner if you could ask for flexibility in his work and balance between both!

What did you enjoy about it?
Food the most :)
The conference was very oriented towards returning to work/flexible working/working from home opportunities and a bit about No7 except that the banner was at the background :) I definitely liked the way it was presented.
The Goodie bag was filled with goodies that everyone would use! - Very thoughtful

Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?
Yes! It definitely inspired me and made me feel I am not alone while looking at other moms! Confidence - I am yet to build it! and I understand it is entirely up to me to make up my mind and feel confident about my look and skills.

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Helspopje · 28/03/2017 14:19

Non attendee
Feeling loved - squishy snotty children hugs or those little acts of kindness by my partner
Working out - love a barbell or kettlebell squat workout!
Wierd one- feeling put-together under my clothes. I always wear a really lovely matching lingerie set under my usual work wear when i know i have a tough day coming up

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CopperPan · 28/03/2017 14:25

Why did you want to attend the event? What’s your current working status?

I'm currently working and studying and hoping to change career direction once I finish my course.

What did you learn from the event?

I learned a lot from the panel talk, it was good to hear about their experiences.

What did you enjoy about it?

The nibbles were lovely and I got a makeover which was fun! I had my foundation colour-matched which I've wanted to do for a while. The goody bag was great too, I'm looking forward to picking up a new foundation.

Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?

I found it inspiring to be amongst so many other women with similar experiences and aspirations.

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dinodiva · 28/03/2017 14:41

I attended the conference, as a recently returned to work (full time - my choice) working mum, I'm becoming more and more passionate about women's rights to choose to have a career post childbirth. What concerns/terrifies me is how I'd make it work with more than one child.

I found the event interesting, but felt that the panel was entirely women who had changed career after having kids, it would have been nice to have had a broader range of industries represented - people who had continued in their original career and continued to succeed - I think I would find that more inspirational but perhaps that's just because it relates more to me and my situation. Also, the discussion concentrated a lot on their individual experiences and stopped just as it was actually getting interesting - talking about differing attitudes in the workplace to mothers compared to fathers.

I can't say the event necessarily inspired me or gave me confidence, although it was a interesting and entertaining evening. It's actually quite sad that in this day and age we still are talking about equality in the workplace and how many people find that being mothers has a negative impact on their careers.

I did enjoy the No7 element - i find that presenting a good appearance helps me to feel like I'm coping with my lot, regardless of the multiple wake ups, nursery bugs and constant rushing.

Thanks mumsnet for a great event.

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HamletsSister · 28/03/2017 14:49

Confidence is something that comes from within - but, that said, it can be boosted.

I like to get up and wear something that I have thought about while in the shower. I like to plan what it is (I have dozens of dresses that I wear to work every day - all 2nd hand and much loved) and then think through shoes, lipstick etc.

My confidence is then good as I go downstairs but is usually boosted by DD and DH who often tell me if they like something or give me a smile or a sign of approval.

However, my biggest boost comes when I get to work (teacher - a school) and I get lots and lots of good mornings from staff and pupils and people seem pleased to see me.

So, good working relationships, a lovely family and a wardrobe of things that make me feel good.

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CheeseEMouse · 28/03/2017 16:54

Confidence: trusting my own abilities and insight and holding my ground. I've built that over time by creating a network around me at work and learning that what I have to say is of no less value than anyone else. They are probably winging it too...

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Polyanthus · 28/03/2017 17:47

A great playlist on Spotify while I'm getting up and dressed gets me in the mood if I need to be extra confident but actually inner confidence comes from being happy with who I am. I'm middle aged but that just means I've got the experience and wisdom to know how much I can do and what I can achieve when I set my mind to it.

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KateOnThinIce · 28/03/2017 20:27

Lovely event where No 7 is really lucky for women struggling to remember who they used to be as they return to work after time out of the workplace as stay at home mums.
It is important to celebrate the individual you are and make-up can be a fun way to do that so long as you don't feel you have to do it for anyone else.
I returned to work last year in a very fashionable company which can be quite daunting as a mum who last worked in an office 8 years ago.
Lovely to see women getting makeovers and having fun with it. It made me think I could have a go as someone who has not really worn make-up since the eighties and to realise that advice and support is available

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theresamustgo · 28/03/2017 21:13

Non-attendee. I feel confident everyday through preparing myself for what I need to do, reading the paperwork for tomorow's meetings, carefully going back through email threads, checking the diary, just keeping on top of what has got to be done. If I don't do that I feel Ike a muppet. Oh and killer red lipstick helps too.

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Miniangel · 28/03/2017 21:24

I attended the event last night and loved the panel discussion and the makeover. The panel discussion was very relevant and was an honest discussion about returning to work and did not feel like an advertisement for No 7 at all. The goodie bag is good too. Had a fantastic evening and look forward to attending more Mumsnet events.

Thanks Number 7 and Mumsnet.

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CMOTDibbler · 28/03/2017 21:31

Non attendee. I'm pretty confident at work, but if I need an extra boost - big presentation to lots of people for instance, my secret confidence booster is sparkly toenail varnish. For some reason it makes me smile inwardly

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Miniangel · 28/03/2017 21:32

I realised I didn't answer the actual questions
This thread is for the 100 MNers and bloggers who attended the No7 returning to work with confidence event on Monday 27th March. Thanks so much for coming along, we hope you enjoyed it! The event was all about “returning to work with confidence” and was for those parents who had either recently gone back to work after a break for children or who are planning a return.

You can view our Facebook Live Stream here

Here’s what No7 had to say about the event:

"At No7 we believe that when a woman feels in control she has the confidence to go out and do anything and so we are delighted to have the opportunity to support MNers and bloggers who are returning to work. We know that beauty for many women is about more than looking pretty which is why we’d love to give MNers the chance to hear from some inspirational women on how they faced getting back in to the workplace as well as share some top tips from our No7 advisers on quick ways to get their make up just right - especially in those early days back at work when you're juggling a million things at once and getting into a new routine."

Attendees:
Below are a few feedback questions for you to answer - if you have any more comments, please feel free to add them to your response. Do share your story using #No7Ready. If you are a blogger, we'd love to see you post a link to your blog post on this thread.

Why did you want to attend the event? I returned to work after my sending child last Nov and also co-incidentally working on my look (I have lost 3 stone and changed the make up) so this event was relevant for me on both accounts
What’s your current working status?
I work full time and have returned to my old job.
What did you learn from the event?
I learnt to not feel guilty about using the support network and that I am not alone in facing the issues I am facing.
What did you enjoy about it?
Enjoyed the makeover, the goodie bag and the conversation.
Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?
It gave me motivation to go in, seeing the other successful women out there and putting make up on that looked good on me as commented on by a few other ladies is always a confidence booster.

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25bottles · 28/03/2017 21:35

Non-attendee.
I find chewing gum and a smart well fitted jacket make me feel confident.
The jacket brings the outfit together and makes me look and feel more professional and the chewing gum makes me feel fresh.

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