VIVA le DONNE!

A few years ago, I was in Italy with few fabulous friends, we were walking along a very quiet road to go for dinner, when an elderly Italian man leaned out of his doorway, raised a hand in triumph, and shouted, “Viva le Donne!” 

Viva le Donne – hooray for women! It was funny at the time, but what that man said was so simple and so very true!

 It made me think about the incredible women I’ve met through Solo Mia over the years. My business might be about clothes, but it’s never just been just about clothes. Shopping, as I’ve come to realise, is a very social activity. You talk, you share, you laugh, and if you’re lucky, you leave not just with a new dress but with a fresh perspective, a great piece of advice, or even a new friend.

In my showroom I’ve met, physiotherapists, fitness coaches, GPs, nutritionists, and women from every walk of life – all brimming with knowledge and wisdom. Over the years, I’ve picked up enough tips, tricks & life lessons for women’s health, happiness, and well-being. And I thought … why not share the magic?

So I invited five incredible experts in their own fields, to a special evening dedicated to women’s well-being, covering everything from exercise to menopause, mental health to gut health. They generously shared their insights with our lively audience. The event was an absolute powerhouse of positivity, full of laughter, learning and more than a few lightbulb moments.

 I for one walked away feeling energised, inspired, and slightly alarmed by how little I knew about my own pelvic floor (more on that in a moment).

In the spirit of sharing, here are some of the top takeaways from our Viva le Donne evening:

 Top Tips from our Expert Panel

 Fitness:

• 150 minutes of exercise per week keeps you in good shape, but strength training is the real game-changer as we age. If you’re not lifting weights, start now. Your muscles (and future self) will thank you for it.
• Resistance training really is key and the earlier you start, the better!

Nutrition:

• Your gut is a garden – and fibre is the fertiliser. Feed it well with plenty of fruit and veg in every colour of the rainbow.
• Happy gut, happy mind! The balance of bacteria in your digestive system can affect your mood. Eat well, feel well.

Physiotherapy:

• Pelvic floor muscles are bigger (and more important) than most of us realise. We should be exercising them three times a day from as young an age as possible. No one wants a surprise sneeze situation.
• Your pelvic floor and vaginal health are linked. As we get older, the cushioning in that area thins, but vaginal oestrogen (prescribed by your GP) can help keep things plump and in tip-top condition.

Mental Health

• Socialising isn’t just fun, it’s vital! Whether it’s a coffee with a friend, a gym class, or a book club, staying connected is key to good mental health.
• Hormones and mental health are besties – and not always in a good way. If you’re struggling with anxiety or low mood, don’t just suffer through it. Talking therapy can really help and remember to check in with your GP too.

Women’s Health

• Menopause symptoms? Speak up and visit your GP! Whether it’s hot flushes, anxiety, sleep issues, or vaginal dryness, there are solutions – including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is now safer and more widely recommended than ever.
• Check your breasts once a month. No excuses. Changes in shape, size, or feel? Get it checked. And if you are not sure how to do it, ask your doctor! 

 

Hooray for Women – and for Giving Back!

Viva le Donne isn’t just about celebrating women, it’s about supporting them too. That’s why at the event we’re raising money for STOP Domestic Abuse, a charity doing incredible work to help women in crisis.

 Join the Movement!

 Viva le Donne started with a shout in an Italian street, but it’s grown into something much bigger than that. It’s a celebration of strength, knowledge, and the power of women supporting women. I’ve even designed a collection of colourful sweatshirts with the slogan “Viva le Donne” now available to order online! 

 So, let’s raise a glass to incredible women everywhere. Let’s lift each other up, share what we know, and keep the conversation going.

Ciao Ciao

Erika x