A Room of Her Own: Why She Sheds and Other Private Spaces Are Vital for Women's Mental Well-Being and Personal Fulfilment

What do Virginia Woolf, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Ayn Rand and Marie Antoinette all have in common? They knew the power of private space. Women have always been challenged by myriad responsibilities and the persistent feeling of "losing themselves" in the care of others. It is seldom feasible to run away; instead, the solution might be in carving out a little personal space, a cozy quiet realm where you can hear yourself think.

Get ready to join the She Shed Nation, a quest to find the perfect space for "repose and control." This talk opens up a unique historical perspective on women's "rooms" through the centuries as well as a blueprint for establishing a place of your own today. Where can we go when the going gets rough? Why do women crave a personal space, something they often cannot get in their own home? What benefits can be had from a small shed with windows and a pretty door in the back yard? What are some practical ways to create that space?

Does This Shed Come with a Chandelier?: Why Traditional Shed Builders Just Don't Get It

The first glimpse of a she shed came to many in 2017, when Sheryl called her State Farm agent about coverage while looking at her darling little white shed go up in flames. Aside from the humour of that ad, the shed itself "caught fire" for its attractive design and details. Sadly, you can find lots of over-the-top she sheds on Pinterest but you won't find them so easily in traditional commerce. much in reality.

Making and building small structures is a niche business that no one is serving. When it comes to the multi-billion outbuildings industry, most companies choose to mass produce and offer few quality details or customisation. Is there potential in scaling a high-concept she shed company? Which companies are coming close and which ones refuse to touch the small-project market? Is there room for a business to succeed in the customised shed category?

This session is geared to builders and outdoor products companies tap into the market of women homeowners, looking for outbuildings they won't want to hide.

The Post-Pandemic Cubicle: How to Make Your Office Look (and Feel) Like a She Shed

With workers coming off a two- or three-year hiatus from being in the office five days a week, there has been some adjusting to do. Employers grapple with finding and retaining workers willing to give up their home office, matching sweat outfits and lack of commute. Employees experience culture shock staring at those dull gray walls they left back in 2020. The days of generous office space with lots of windows and a bit of privacy are long gone, in many cases. Open office space with partial walls and no doors are the way we roll now.

This is a fun talk that explores the many ways you can become the arbiter of inspired office design, by turning your cubicle into a fun, comfortable and personal space. Lots of ideas for color, art, decorative accessories, lighting and furnishings will be explored, transforming your surroundings into a sanctuary you won't recognize. Not only is it an effective way to exercise your personal expression, the new cubicle will likely enhance productivity and enjoyment of your work.