International Women’s Day: Meet the speakers: Chloe Farrelly
"Women really do empower other women," says Sheffield-based property investor, Chloe Farrelly, who will be speaking at the NRLA's International Women's Day event next month. "But if you're not in a community, you can feel very, very isolated. It can be a very lonely business, especially as a woman in business on your own."
Chloe, who was named Property Investor of the Year in last year’s National Property Awards, will be joining a host of inspirational female property professionals at the event, at The Lowry in Salford, where she will deliver the keynote speech.
The mum-of-three, who hosts the Mums in Property podcast, will talk about how she balances a successful property business and motherhood – including homeschooling her children, who are all under six.
She will also address the challenges she has faced, including everyday sexism she’s experienced, such as tradespeople asking ‘’Where's your husband?’ on site. She says these early experiences have shaped her attitudes as she’d gained more experience. "If you've had someone round to quote and you don't feel comfortable, you don't need to work with them.
“You don't need to feel any less because they're more experienced or because they're male. It's about finding who you want to work with and sticking to your values."
How it all started
Chloe’s property roots run deep - her grandfather, father, and uncles all worked in construction. At 19, she bought and renovated a beauty salon, and 10 years ago bought and flipped her first residential property. "I hated it at the time - thought it was the most stressful thing. But then I saw the rewards."
At the time, she worked as a business development manager, a corporate role which involved a lot of travel and not enough time with her growing family.
So, when the offer of voluntary redundancy came up, she took it. On the surface, with two children at home and a third just weeks away, it seemed like a gamble. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Flexibility and freedom
"Starting my own business gave me flexibility and freedom," she says of that pivotal moment.Now, she combines her own property flipping business around homeschooling her three children, who she frequently takes to business appointments. If that sounds like she has enough on her plate, there is plenty more.
She hosts a monthly women in property networking group, called Hard Hats to Heels, that's been running for seven months and is passionate about creating spaces for women, so they don't have to navigate the industry alone
"Every month I share my struggles and strategies and each time there are new women I've never met who've just discovered it it and want to come along ."
Chloe now plans to invest in commercial property and flats and has recently filmed an episode of property show ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ in Chesterfield.
When it comes to succeeding as a women in property she has some sage advice. "Surround yourself with the right community, with other women of all different levels and experience who've probably been through it all before. Not only do you have a support system, you can also hear all about the amazing things women are doing across out industry."
Join the celebration
The NRLA International Women's Day event is on 5th March at The Lowry Hotel in Salford. This popular event, which will include refreshments and afternoon tea,will showcase and celebrate the achievements of women across the sector. All ticket proceeds will be donated to an International Women's Day charity. To book your place, click here and for a full itinerary of what promises to be a wonderfully inspiring day, visit our events page.
