GEORGE NEWS - "I think it's one of the prettiest venues I've been to in a long time in George," said George Mayor Jackie von Brandis at the opening of the new creative hub called Her Empire Collective. The opening of the hub, which is situated in Merriman Street, took place on Friday 26 July.

The hub boasts a bistro, coffee and juice bar, clothing emporium, perfumery, art studio, light specialist, wellness centre as well as a hair and beauty salon.

It aims to provide services that empower and equip women and youth with the skills to either launch or grow their businesses or to gain employment. For this, the hub also boasts a co-working space, STEM area for kids, technology hub and a skills development centre.

"Our core focus is to empower women by creating jobs and employment," said Natasha Kent, owner of Her Empire Collective.

"Women can come here and learn any skill, from woodworking right through to coding and even doing your taxes. We also focus on helping small female-owned businesses to grow; women who are passionate about their craft and industry, who need help in supporting and growing their business."

Von Brandis said there is a huge need for this concept in George. "There are a lot of women of different ages that need somewhere to learn a skill and be able to compete in the market," she said.

"We know how difficult it is to compete against big brands, especially in a market like George where real estate is particularly high. It's important to work with women because women don't always get opportunities - and this place gives that."

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