A magical first member-led event
Last week, the first member-led egg event took place in the most unexpected setting. A tower. A real one, right in the heart of Portobello. There was something magical about gathering in such an unusual space on a cold November night, especially when the goal of the evening was to tackle two issues so many women share.
Too many of us believe we are not creative. Too many of us struggle to carve out time for restorative creative activities. And too many of us hold insecurities about our bodies that shape how we move through life and business.
Sip & Draw set out to offer an antidote. A warm, welcoming evening where women could take time for themselves, explore creativity without pressure, and see the art in the human form.
Why life drawing matters
Life drawing is not necessarily about drawing. It is about seeing. Noticing. Reframing. The act of sketching a real body creates a shift in how we perceive both others and ourselves. Research supports this.
A study from Anglia Ruskin University found that regular life drawing participants showed higher body satisfaction and more positive self-image than the general population (BBC, 2018). Drawing real bodies makes us appreciate individuality.
Creativity also plays a powerful role in how we think and lead. A McKinsey study found that companies scoring highly for creativity outperformed their peers by 67% in organic revenue growth and 70% in total return to shareholders (McKinsey & Company, 2018). Creative thinking helps us solve problems, adapt, and see new possibilities. All essential skills for women in business.
Sip & Draw was created to bring these two worlds together. Creative play and human body appreciation. Reflection and community. A moment to breathe deep into our bellies.
How the idea began
The idea came to Zoe a few months ago, at that time of year when the light shifts and the darker season begins to creep in. It felt like the perfect moment to create something cosy and nourishing. Something for women to look forward to.
But everything is better in good company, so Zoe reached out to Edinburgh artist Susie Collingbourne, who responded with an enthusiastic “yes, let’s do it”. The partnership was born.
Why a tower?
Zoe had been keeping an eye on Tower Portobello for quite some time.
You enter through a private courtyard that feels hidden from the world. Inside, every room has been designed with intention. Warm lighting, thoughtful decor, carefully curated pieces. The living room on the upper floor has an open fire and a sweeping view of the sea. And above it all, a rooftop terrace looking out across the Firth of Forth to Arthur’s Seat.
For Zoe, who is sensitive to her surroundings, the space mattered.
“I feel best in beautiful environments, places designed with care. Good cosy lighting is essential to me (no glaring overhead lights, please!). Tower Portobello had everything I wanted for this event.”
A frosty night, warm drinks and open minds
The night of the event arrived. A frosty November Thursday. The Tower was glowing with candles and soft lighting, waiting for the guests to climb its narrow staircase and step into something a little different from the everyday.
Guests were welcomed with a glass of fizz or a mug of tea from Eteaket, who kindly supported the evening with their new blend Sea Within. A beautiful mix of rosehip peel, fennel, chamomile, birch leaves, rose petals, ginger, blue cornflower, linden blossom, willow herb and spirulina. Our life model Jay loved it especially.
Stepping into the drawing room
With everyone gathered, we carried our drinks upstairs into the living room where art materials were waiting on each chair.
Zoe opened the session by sharing where her love for life drawing began:
“I first got curious when my older sister brought home her drawings from art school. I could not wait to start studying and learn life drawing myself. I run a business now and do not draw as often as I would like, but every time I return to it I am reminded that the human body is art.
It expands and shrinks. It gains scars. It changes shape. Some things yield to our will and some don’t. But the last thing our bodies should be is uniform.”
Susie introduced the plan for the evening, and then our model Jay joined us. Calm, serene and impressive at holding her poses, Jay brought a warm presence that spread across the room like a magic spell.
Warming up the creative muscles
The evening began with two-minute loosening exercises.
Drawing with eyes closed.
Drawing with the non-dominant hand.
Continuous line drawing.
Rotating the page after every two minutes and sketching over the shapes already there.
Laughter filled the room as everyone let go of perfection. Little by little, the marks became more expressive. The atmosphere softened.
Then we moved into a few longer poses, accompanied by dreamy music and the quiet sound of charcoal on paper.
The room became an oasis. A meditative space where time slowed and every woman was fully present.
A feast downstairs
Meanwhile, downstairs in the kitchen, Maria from The Edinburgh Canapé Company was preparing a selection of delicate canapés. Maria is meticulous, calm and precise. You can taste her care in every bite.
After the drawing session, we made our way down to enjoy her creations. Beautiful little one-bite pieces that felt nourishing without the worry of spinach-in-your-teeth moments. The perfect companion to a creative night.
Success on every front
The evening was everything we hoped for.
The venue.
The activity.
The guests.
The drinks.
The food.
Warm, easy, inspiring. The kind of night that stays with you in your body.
The feedback has been wonderful. Some women shared that they had always been scared to draw but felt safe and encouraged. Others said the evening helped them see themselves in a more accepting way. And many asked, “When is the next one?”
What comes next
This was only the beginning. Zoe and Susie are already dreaming up ideas for the new year. More creativity. More connection. More chances for women to gather in beautiful spaces and feel good in themselves.
Whatever comes next, it is going to be good.