Startup Sunday: Christmas Sewing with Ana Espina

Startup Sunday is a free monthly meetup for women and non-binary people who are self-employed or starting a business. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space to connect, share ideas, and build confidence together over a cuppa.

Each session includes a short workshop to support your personal or professional development.

Join us for a festive, hands-on workshop with designer and maker Ana Espina, who will show us how to bring sustainability and creativity together this Christmas. Ana will guide you through a few simple hand-sewing techniques that anyone can master, even if you’ve never picked up a needle before.

Using reclaimed and recycled fabrics, you’ll learn 3 or 4 basic stitches and use them to create your own festive decoration; a Santa’s boot, Christmas tree, star, or any shape you fancy! It’s a relaxed, mindful activity that’s perfect for winding down before the holidays and making something truly personal to take home.

All materials will be provided (but contributions of fabric, beads or buttons appreciated!); children are welcome to join in with supervision.

🗓 When: Sunday 14 December
📌 Where: Southsea Library, 19–21 Palmerston Road, Southsea, PO5 3QQ
💰 Cost: Free to attend

Startup Sunday runs on the second Sunday of each month. You’re welcome to drop in at any time during the session and stay for as long as you like.

Southsea Library is a bright, accessible and family-friendly venue with level access, accessible toilets and space for buggies. Children are always welcome, so there’s no need to choose between your business and your babies.

☕ Free tea, coffee and light snacks are provided.
💬 No elevator pitches or pressure, just genuine conversation.
👶 Child-friendly activities and space for little ones to play.

Ana Espina is a Southsea-based designer, dressmaker and milliner with over 20 years of experience creating bespoke clothing and accessories. Through her brand, Ana Espina by Anaisa, she combines timeless craftsmanship with a love of colour, texture and individuality.

Whether designing elegant occasion wear or upcycling vintage fabrics into something new, Ana’s work reflects her belief that fashion should be both personal and sustainable.

You can take a look at Ana's work on Facebook and Instagram (@anaespinabyanaisa)

The Lark Network is a Portsmouth-based community supporting women and non-binary people to start and grow their own businesses.

We know that self-employment can be exciting but also challenging, especially if you’re balancing caring responsibilities, health conditions, or confidence barriers.

Our mission is to help female founders sing while they fly, building businesses that fit their lives, not the other way around.

You’ll find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, where we share updates, inspiration and opportunities to connect.

Join our Facebook group here: The Lark Network

The Lark Network CIC is a non-profit community organisation that exists to make business support more inclusive. We keep our events low or no cost so they’re accessible to everyone, thanks to the generous support of our community.

🎟 buying a ticket and choosing The Lark Network as your cause
🌿 subscribing to our , where you’ll get behind-the-scenes updates and exclusive digital resources
🤝 joining our paid events, which fund free community activities like Startup Sunday. (Members of our Facebook community and get an exclusive discount on tickets!)

Every contribution helps us create spaces where women and non-binary people can connect, learn and grow with confidence.

Info: Time to meet people, chat and connect. Enjoy some free tea, coffee and refreshments and get to know everyone.

Info: Each month we have a different workshop, led by a guest facilitator. See the description above to find out about this month's session and speaker.

Info: Time to reflect on what you've learned and disucss it with other attendees; a great way to get to know everyone and expand your network!

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