Here to champion, connect, and support women in the South Hams to build thriving businesses.

Meet Hayley

Hey! Hello! Howdy! I’m Hayley Maxwell - A content marketing and messaging coach, and the face behind South Hams Women in Business. I’m so happy you’re here!

I was born and raised in the South Hams (Malborough girl 👋) and in 2005 I set off to see the world. I ended up spending 18 years in New Zealand, building a life, a family, and a business working with talented women business owners around the world: The States, Australia, Europe, the UK, and NZ.

When my family and I moved back home in 2024 - kids, husband, animals, and many boxes in tow - I found myself starting my business all over again. New networks. New connections. New realities of what it’s like to run a business in our lovely pocket of Devon.

And one thing became really clear, really quickly:

There' was no specific community for women juggling busy, messy, REAL lives and trying to run a business here.

And let’s face it, not everyone can just pop up to Exeter or Plymouth for networking or a marketing workshop.

The need for connection, opportunity, collaboration, and genuine support for women in business here is huge.

So I decided to build what I wished existed when I returned home.

  • A space where inspirational, likeminded South Hams women can find each other.

  • A directory to help locals (and visitors) discover and support the brilliant businesses run by women here.

  • Events and meet-ups that feel welcoming, worthwhile, and actually useful. Where no one is left standing awkwardly at the edge of the room.

  • Learning opportunities run by local female experts to help you grow your business.

South Hams Women in Business is here to champion, connect, and support the brilliant women of the South Hams to build thriving businesses.

If you’re carving out a business in our beautiful patch of Devon you, my friend, are SO welcome here.

I cannot wait to get to know you. x

OUR VALUES

OUR VALUES

Worthwhile action only.
Everything we organise or create must be worth your time, effort, & energy. Because if it’s not helping you to move forward (even in some small way), or to feel more connected, or supported, then why are we doing it?

GROWTH

We share what we know, what we’ve learned, and who we’re connected to because business gets easier when we lift each other up. Knowledge, experience, contacts… it all circulates here.

SHARING

Business gets lonely fast.
But when you’re surrounded by likeminded women? New ideas spark. Opportunities show up. Confidence grows. Connection is the catalyst for so many good things — and we’re here to make it happen.

CONNECTION

No performative nonsense.
Just honest conversations, genuine support, and women who show up exactly as they are. Real life, real businesses, real talk. That’s what builds trust and makes this community feel different.

REAL

No cliques, no awkwardness, no bitchiness, no one left hovering alone at the edge of a room. A place where every woman, who resonates with these values and our vibe, is 110% welcome!

BELONGING