Catch up on the latest from Willow — from event announcements and community stories to media coverage and updates about what’s ahead.
21 January – 7.30 – 8.30pm – Online
What would it look like to take just 1% of your day for yourself?
That’s 14 minutes and 24 seconds. Not a big overhaul. Not another habit to maintain. Just a small, intentional pause.
This live online session is hosted by Deirdre Treanor, The Confidence and Style CEO, a professional stylist and life coach. It will focus on a simple idea: using just 1% of your day (14 minutes and 24 seconds) with intention. Deirdre will show how using this small amount of time deliberately can build confidence, clarity, and direction—without pressure or unrealistic goals. The focus is on realistic, manageable actions that fit into real routines.
Check Deirdre out on Instagram and Facebook.
This event forms part of Willow’s January theme. New Year. Same You.
Practical, thoughtful, and designed to feel doable.
To register for the event, click here.
Willow, a digital community platform for solo women, is approaching January differently this year. Rather than promoting reinvention or sweeping resolutions, the platform is focusing on supporting the solo lifestyle as it already exists.
For many women, the Christmas period and the start of January prompt reflection. For solo women, that reflection can be shaped by social assumptions that solo life should be temporary or changed. Willow’s message is clear: living solo is a valid and often fulfilling way of life.
To support that approach, Willow is running two January initiatives designed around small, sustainable practices rather than dramatic life overhauls.
1 January: #100DaysofWalking
A community walking challenge inspired by Irish journalist Ciara Kelly’s original initiative. Participants walk regularly over 100 days in whatever way suits their life. There are no targets for pace or distance—the focus is on consistency, headspace, and shared momentum.
21 January: Using 1% of your day with intention
A live online session with Deirdre Treanor, The Confidence and Style CEO, a professional stylist and life coach. The session focuses on a simple idea: using just 1% of your day (14 minutes and 24 seconds) with intention. Deirdre will show how using this small amount of time deliberately can build confidence, clarity, and direction—without pressure or unrealistic goals.
To access both initiatives, women can visit mywillow.ie where full instructions are available for accessing the Willow community via the Mighty Networks app.
“January doesn’t have to be about becoming someone new,” says Willow founder Imelda McAloon. “For many solo women, Christmas and the New Year can reinforce the idea that they are behind. Some women are happy with the life they have. Others are still figuring things out. Both are valid. What helps is support that respects that reality.”
Willow is a free community designed for women navigating life solo, by chance or by choice. It offers online and in-person events, resources, and a supportive network focused on friendship, knowledge, and joy.
The ‘Safe and Smart Solo Travel’ event will be led by Gráinne Bankhead, founder of the travel safety app Help You Home, who will share practical advice on:
Participants will come away with realistic, empowering strategies to help them feel prepared and confident — whether travelling at home or abroad.
Founder of Willow, Imelda McAloon, from Roslea In Fermanagh, said:
“Solo travel opens up amazing opportunities to see the world differently and meet new people, but it can also feel daunting at times. This session is about helping women feel equipped and reassured, so they can plan their trips with confidence and really enjoy the journey.”
Founder of Help You Home, Grainne Bankhead, from Ballymena, said:
“Travelling solo can be one of the most freeing things you’ll ever do — but it’s normal to feel nervous about safety or getting around. My aim is to take the fear out of it and replace it with confidence. With a few simple habits and practical tools, every woman can travel independently, safely, and on her own terms.”
