The Soapbox Newsletter
January '25 Edition: The Story Sessions; reflections, taking yourself on a date, and moving forward
Morning pals,
Welcome to this month’s edition of The Soapbox Newsletter!
Happy 2025!
I was reminded recently that this is the third calendar year I’ve been doing Soapbox events, and it’s prompted me to reflect - mostly on community; what it looks like, how I want it to feel, and what sparks my curiosity. If you’ve been around for a little while you’ll know that Soapbox started with a gentle networking event called Blether & Gather in March 2023. And for the 18 months, 3 wonderful sponsors, countless cups of coffee, and excellent attendees that came along - it was incredible. I felt fulfilled and excited every month to see who would pop along. The thing that kept coming up during those interactions was meeting new people and hearing their stories; how they came to be where they are, why they started doing the thing they’re doing, where they plans to go, and why they decided to come along to Blether & Gather. I noticed that my interest was falling more towards hearing the stories and less about the networking element. After taking stock of what I was feeling, and realising there might be an exciting thread to pull - I put on the very first Story Sessions in June 2024. Then another in August, and another in November. Each time there has been a theme, and gathering with people from all walks of life with different backgrounds and experiences it became blindingly clear that we all have stories within us. And not only that, we felt connected by hearing other people’s stories that echo’d loudly in our own lives. And so, I’ve made the decision that going forward to focus on The Story Sessions and continue creating an event that brings me a lot of joy to host.
For everyone who enjoyed coming to Blether & Gather for the networking, there are some great networking events in and around Edinburgh below I’ve created a list of my favourites.
The Story Sessions
As you could probably tell from the above, January invited a period of introspection. It’s been a month of learning lessons I didn’t know I needed and revelations I wasn’t expecting to have.
Then, during a walk up Arthur’s Seat and a soul-nourishing conversation, the theme for this month’s Story Sessions came into focus: Reflections.
Our next event is taking place on February 14th, which as I’ve been spreading the word has garnered some excited and interesting responses. Is it a Valentines day event? No. It just so happens that this date was the best one - the most middle point of February. A time when we’re 6ish weeks into the year and maybe have some reflections on how it’s been to determined how we continue to move forward. However, I also think it would make for a cute date night activity - both if you’re bringing a partner and if you’re coming along solo (which a lot of people do!)
If you’ve never been to a Story Sessions event I couldn’t recommend it more; it’s my favourite event that I’ve hosted. In a room of approx 30-40 people, we gather to connect, to be inspired, and to listen to personal, authentic, and usually vulnerable, stories. It’s a place for voices to be heard and celebrated. There is also popcorn, and you can BYOB.
Tickets are free, there are also some pay-what-you-can tickets with a suggested donation of £5. Hope to see you there!
You can find tickets, and more information, here.
There are also a couple of slots left for people who would like to share a story. Some great facts to know are: Most people who share a story have never done it before, and there is something pretty magical about sharing a story knowing that someone out there will connect with it. If you’re interested, curious, or have any questions about sharing a story please email Ellie at soapboxforcreatives@gmail.com
Theme Suggestions:
Whilst most themes come to me whilst I’m thinking about the next event, or while I’m on a walk up Arthur’s Seat, grabbing a coffee, chatting with pals, or through a DM from an excited audience member - I’m always open to hearing your suggestions. If you’re feeling called to suggest something feel free to email me, comment below, or send me a DM on instagram.
Things happening in our community that sound pretty ace:
[Synonym] session #6 is a facilitated group run by Gallery Bagging (AJ-Reynolds and Eliza Coulson) to create a setting to help initiate writing, conversation and community through art and exhibitions. If you’re looking to attend and write about exhibitions with others this is for you. Taking place on February 15th, reserve your space here.
As part of EAF x Rhubaba Refractions programme, travel with photographer Chantelle Gomez along the northeast coast, documenting the landscape however you choose. Bring along your camera, wander the path, and explore what Edinburgh’s landscape reveals about place, process and intuition through film and photography. Taking place on Sunday 9th Feb from 10:30-1:30pm, reserve your free place here.
Something interesting to end the newsletter:
Thank you for reading
If you’d like to stay up to date with more events, jobs and opportunities, do consider following Soapbox on Instagram!
If you have something you would like to share with the community please feel free to email soapboxforcreatives@gmail.com!
I hope to see you at the next Story Sessions if you’re local, and in the meantime please feel free to share The Soapbox Newsletter if you enjoyed it.
Until next time,
Ellie ✨