ARE you lacking the confidence to follow your dreams? Well meet your fairy godmother.

York mum-of-two Gemma Stow knows at first hand how to turn passions into reality – and has made it her business to share that knowledge with others.

She runs her own empowerment coaching service in York and the popular, confidence-building, Facebook group, fiercemums.

Now she is bringing both these worlds together with a live event at Grays Court in York, where women can learn to be, well... a bit more fierce.

Feeling Fierce Live will take place on Friday September 8 in what is a new venture for Gemma, a former York probation officer. "It is mainly for women who want to follow their passions and work for themselves."

Gemma adds: "For the past two years I have been building an online presence and doing my coaching. So I decided to put on a face-to-face event because there is nothing more beneficial than meeting people face to face. I will have people speaking about setting up their own business and it will be an inspiring event."

It's not just for mums – but Gemma says often mums need that little bit extra to help them follow their dreams.

"When I became a mum, I lost myself and lost my confidence. It was work that saved me," says Gemma, mum to Matilda, aged nine, and Grayson, four.

"When I had Matilda I suffered from post natal depression. It made me realise that I couldn't be a stay-at-home mum and needed to work."

Gemma left the probation service and set up her own business, working with challenging school-aged children. Her coaching service is the second business she has set up, and says she draws on the experience of working for herself in her work with clients.

"I am helping with people's confidence and being a mentor, sharing everything I have learned from setting up two businesses."

Fiercemums on Facebook is another way to boost women's self belief, she says. "Women need to put themselves first. I believe if you put yourself first then you can look after everybody else."

Gemma has booked some inspirational speakers for Fierce Mums Live, including Yorkshire entrepreneur Rachael Dunseath and Abbie Coleman, (CHECK) editor of Mothers Mean Business.

Gemma says: "Rachael suffers from a skin condition and so does her two daughter so she set up a business selling their own products and is now stocked in John Lewis."

Also taking part is one of Gemma's clients, former teaching assistant Fiona Meakin who is now living her dream by working as an illustrator.

Gemma will also be speaking at the event, which will run from 3pm to 6pm and include a glass of Prosecco, a goodie bag and the chance to network. "It is very much a social event, and an opportunity to be inspired and meet people like you, who you can make a connection with."

Gemma has this advice for women seeking to follow their hearts and launch their own business.

"Firstly, be clear about what you really want. Sometimes that is not obvious. It may not be lots of money. What is going to make you feel happy; what lights you up?

"Secondly, say 'yes' to opportunities. Overcome that fear of overthinking things. Say 'yes' then figure things out later. It is a really positive way to deal with things.

"Thirdly, grow a support network. Be around positive people who will lift you up – a group like fiercemums."

Find out more at: gemmastow.com and check out fiercemums on Facebook

Book tickets to Fierce Mums Live at: eventbrite.co.uk/e/feeling-fierce-live-tickets-35932959449