THE GATHER: FEMALE OCTOPUS SERIES - Gemma Ogsten

Kicking off a new series with The Gather - introducing THE FEMALE OCTOPUS with special guest, Gemma Ogsten on Thursday 27th February.

This series comes after multiple conversations founder of The Gather, Deanne has had with friends over the years...on how she feels as though she needs to turn herself into an octopus and or grow more limbs to be able to juggle the many roles, hats, purpose and passion she has in this one life!

As females, we can often seemingly have the capability to juggle many many things - from building a career, sustaining a relationship or partnership, possibly parenting multiple children and being able to support their individual and often complex needs, as well as our own. Then those needs of the people around us, from nurturing friendships, connections and relationships with colleagues and family. Throughout the journey of a woman comes many changes, hormonally, physically and mentally. Women of a certain age are advised to lift weights, go to yoga, be flexible yet, strong, yet fluid. Some of us have entrepreneurial minds and are female founders of creative projects. We keep a house, manage the social calendar of multiple people. We want to look fresh and get sleep and eat well and MUCH MORE. We, are, a race of ruddy octopus'...and so this series has been born. To open up conversations with interesting, insightful women - who seem to be smashing this #octopuslife!

First up in this series is Gemma Ogsten - Gem is the epitome of an octopus - a busy mama to two incredible kids who are now stepping into their teenage years...which is an exciting and ever-evolving journey! Alongside family life, she has launched 'Mama Shrooms', a functional mushroom business designed to support women’s health, particularly the hormonal challenges of peri menopause, whilst also gearing up to launch a brand dedicated to teenagers.

Gem's background is in food, and after running a food business in Brighton for years, she's shifted her focus to brand collaborations, events, and charity work. Gem's passionate about making healthy eating accessible, and works closely with schools, Public Health Brighton, and the council to create low-cost, nutritious recipes for families.

Beyond that, she's proud to be an ambassador for Young Minds UK, supporting youth mental health, and Bear Share, tackling food waste. Gem loves spending time with her family, enjoying their little retreat in Spain, and embracing life’s simple pleasures—great food, good music, and the perfect glass of wine. Because, after all, it’s all about balance!

This event will see us collectively open up and explore the theme of the female juggle and how we manage to create a state of balance with all that we do, with insight on how Gem manages her many limbs so well in all that she does.

There will be some shroomy delights created by Gem on the evening too.

Join us in launching this series at Flow State.

Thursday 27th February 7-9pm.