What is YYC Girl Gang? It’s been almost two years since we started YYC Girl Gang, and it seemed like a good time to re-introduce ourselves, and let you know a little bit about what we’re about.
We want to start this post off by quoting Alexandra Issabel, who photographed our Beer + Markets event:
YYC: A unique + beautiful city tucked in beside the Rocky Mountains that provides creatives + entrepreneurs with the space, communities, platforms, etc. to learn + flourish. Sprinkled with local shops, micro-breweries, + an endless amount of ways to connect with neighbours + the city itself, YYC is constantly amazing its occupants with its spirit of community + love of art.
Girl: An umbrella term we use in this context to describe the cis + trans women, non-binary, + gender fluid individuals who make up this inspiring group at any given time; most well known for their general badass-ery, boundless strength, + determination to get shit done.
Gang: An organized group of locals with a common goal. In this case, that goal would be to promote community over competition; support, network, + inspire fellow boss babes; + motivate each other to continually be breaking through glass ceilings + basically take over the world.
We think she hit the nail on the freaking head.
YYC Girl Gang is a come-as-you-are, community-oriented, group of ‘girls’ from Calgary (and area), who believe strongly in the power of community over competition.
The girls you’ll find at YYC Girl Gang Hangs are the kind of girls who WANT to get to know the other women in their industry. They’re the kind of girls who seek collaboration with their peers. They’re the kind of girls who cheer other girls on when they succeed. They’re the kind of girls who you can count on to answer questions, provide support, and lend a hand when you need it.
via @jennakutcher
YYC Girl Gang started completely organically by a group of entrepreneurs, who wanted to meet more entrepreneurs. We soon found out that we had so much to offer each other – advice, friendship, feedback – and we knew there needed to be more of this in Calgary. We officially launched our Instagram account in November 2015, and had our first event in January 2016. Since then, we’ve expanded to not only hosting our bi-monthly hangs, but hosting workshops every second month, a Galentine’s Day market, a blog, and weekly features of local bossbabes.
If you’re reading this, and you’ve never been to a Girl Gang Hang before – maybe you’re nervous – we can promise you five things:
1.) YYC Girl Gang is for everyone. Whether you’re a maker, a photographer, a blogger, a realtor, a hair stylist, or a student – YYC Girl Gang is for EVERYONE.
2.) You can come exactly as you are. No dress code, no expectations. Bring yourself, and maybe a business card or two.
3.) You can talk to ANYBODY in the room. Take a seat next to anybody, and start a conversation!
4.) You will make valuable connections – even if you don’t realize it right away. Nothing makes us happier than watching you refer one another to friends, clients, and each other.
5.) You will learn something new. There’s always an educational component – there’ll always be a speaker or panel to share experiences, suggestions, and answer questions.
Whether you’re new to YYC Girl Gang, have come once or twice, or have come to each and every event – we’re so excited to have you at each and every event. We love the energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes that you bring to the YYC Girl Gang Hangs. We love watching your collaborations take shape. We love watching your businesses grow. We love watching you form friendships. We love this community of girls, and wouldn’t change it for the world.
If you ever have questions, feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected]. If you want to connect with your Girl Gang peers online, check out the YYC Girl Gang Group on Facebook!
If you haven’t been featured yet, check out “A Week in the Life“, or our “Meet Me Monday” features. We love to show you off.
xoxo, Nicole, Chantal, and Jillian