The Hopeful Notary

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The Hopeful Notary

Sharing stories of hope, innovation and life from Ashford, Kent

01/02/2022

A HUGE thank you to everyone who pledged to back the Kickstarter campaign, the level of support has been phenomenal and I’m so grateful.

Unfortunately, the Kickstarter didn’t meet its funding target. I’ll be honest, over the last week I have definitely wrestled with the disappointment of realising this was likely.

Disappointment has a way of trying to shake the foundations of a dream, and I have certainly felt that in the last few days. In spite of that though, I still wholeheartedly believe in this project and remain convinced of the need for a magazine that highlights hope and good news in our town.

I am so encouraged by the number of people who believe in this project with me and moved by the ways in which people have come forward over the last several weeks to offer what they bring to the table to help this project move forward and grow.

“Tolerance for disappointment, determination and a belief in self are the heart of hope” according to Brené Brown, research professor on courage, vulnerability and shame, and New York Times Best Selling author.

Chasing a dream is rarely straight forward or easy. Which means the rewards will be all the sweeter! I’m excited to figure out a Plan B over the next week or two for how to get this magazine off the ground.

So, watch this space 👀 spread the word 🗣 and thank you for your continued support! 💛

30/01/2022

Less than 24 hours remaining on the Kickstarter! Not long left to get your pledges in to enable the production of the first edition of The Hopeful Notary magazine!

The campaign closes at 2pm tomorrow afternoon. Head to this link to back the project: http://kck.st/3zedtuc

26/01/2022

5 D A Y S L E F T !

To back this project, follow this link: http://kck.st/3zedtuc

24/01/2022

😲 Just one week left to back this project on Kickstarter!

If you haven’t backed it yet and you’d like to, please click on this link http://kck.st/3zedtuc. If you’ve backed it already, please share this project with your friends and families!

22/01/2022

The Hopeful Notary featured on BBC RadioKent on Thursday! 📻

I was invited to speak to Anna Cookson on The Wake Up Call about The Hopeful Notary project in the ‘Make a Difference’ slot. We discussed why I’m launching a new magazine for , what it’s all about and how people can get involved.

Did you miss it? Don’t worry! You can listen back from 3:43:43 by clicking here: https://bbc.in/3Il7qY4.

If you’d like to support this project, you can back it on by clicking on this link: http://kck.st/3zedtuc

21/01/2022

⏰ Just 6 hours remaining until this competition closes!

The Hopeful Notary is partnering with Life Coach Charlotte Rawling to offer the chance to win a FREE one-on-one coaching session (worth £60!) based on a theme which you get to choose from Charlotte’s ‘Cultivate’ menu.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity, see original post for all details of how to get involved. Competition closes at 6pm this evening.

All the best!

19/01/2022

📣 IT’S GIVEAWAY TIIIIIMMMEE! 📣

The Hopeful Notary is partnering with Life Coach Charlotte Rawling, aka to offer the chance to win a FREE one-on-one coaching session (worth £60)!

🔸You will get to choose one theme from Charlotte’s new ‘Cultivate’ menu (see gallery), a selection of 12 sessions which Charlotte has developed that blend coaching together with teaching.

🔸Charlotte is a qualified and experienced Transformational Life Coach, as well as teacher and mentor. She is passionate about seeing people launched into their purpose.

🔸Charlotte has a natural gift in drawing out the best in people and helping them to become who they were born to be.

🔸I am convinced that I would not be launching this magazine without her - she is a brilliant champion, encourager and has an uncanny ability to help you see fresh perspectives.

🔸And I am thrilled that Charlotte is going to be a regular contributor to the magazine editions where she will have a featured coaching page!

To be in with a chance of winning:

🤳 Follow and

💛 Like and share this post to your timeline

👫 Tag 3 friends or more in the comments below on this original post

Good luck!

T&Cs: Competition closes 21st January at 6pm. Winner will be chosen at random and notified by DM. The winner will then have 14 days to get in touch with Charlotte to choose a coaching focus and book the session. Sessions will be run online, unless local. Failure to do this will result in the session being offered to another competitor. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram.

19/01/2022

I think my face says it all 😂 exciting things happening today and tomorrow! Head to my stories to find out more!

17/01/2022

We are halfway through the Kickstarter campaign to see The Hopeful Notary magazine for Ashford launched!

It is often the case that gossip, click bait and bad news gets more attention than local success stories or celebrating new independent businesses.

It’s a downward spiral on our mental health, sense of courage and hope for the future. It’s time that changed.

If you want to be a part in seeing that changed, then please consider getting involved in supporting this Kickstarter! There are lots of different rewards available, whether you’re a local business owner or an individual, there is something for everyone!

Click on this link - http://kck.st/3zedtuc - to find out more. I hope you choose to get involved, it isn’t the same without your support!

13/01/2022

A massive thank you to those of you who have pledged on the Kickstarter to help see this project become a reality - I’m so moved and grateful to you all! And I can’t wait to get the first edition in your hands! 😄

If you haven’t pledged yet and wanted to look into the project in more detail, head over to the Kickstarter page to find out more: http://kck.st/3zedtuc

11/01/2022

🎁 G I F T R E V E A L ! 🎁

The Hopeful Notary has teamed up with Adele to offer you a gift with the first 100 magazine orders!

This stunning hard enamel pin with rose gold detailing will come pinned to a backing card with the first 100 magazines pledged for through the Kickstarter.

A reminder of the beauty of simply putting one foot in front of the other.

Adele is an illustrator and creative in Ashford who’s passion is all things yellow and positive! Go follow her page to see her other affirming designs and illustrations.

Head over to the Kickstarter here - http://kck.st/3zedtuc - to take a look at the different rewards available to choose from, there’s still time to get your free gift!

08/01/2022

We are 7 days in to the campaign to raise the funds for the first edition of The Hopeful Notary magazine for Ashford!😅 thank you so much to all those who have backed this project so far 🤩

⭐️ Do you want to see a better story written for Ashford?

⭐️ Would you like to read inspirational stories and thought pieces that reflect the beauty of the people of Ashford and this town?

⭐️ Do you want to be a part of building a message of hope in and around Ashford?

⭐️ Do you want to celebrate local creatives such as writers, artists, illustrators and photographers?

Even if you answered yes to just one of those questions, then I think this project is right up your street!

Head to the link below to find out how you can support this publication.

http://kck.st/3zedtuc

06/01/2022

Over 10% of the project is funded already! 🤩 Thank you SO much if you have pledged to back the launch of The Hopeful Notary magazine for Ashford, I’m hugely grateful!

The first 100 reward-based pledges receive a gift with the first magazine edition from the talented so if you’re thinking of backing this project, head to the link below to pledge on

http://kck.st/3zedtuc

05/01/2022

⭐️ The purpose of this magazine is to offer courage, inspiration and hope to a wide audience across Ashford.

🧍To shine a spotlight on people and places who have inspiring stories of hope that have never been told, while also supporting local creatives, entrepreneurs and businesses.

👏🏻 Celebrating Ashford and its people, helping to bring those who live and work there closer together.

🤳 Check out the campaign for this project on Kickstarter - I am so excited about this project and believe wholeheartedly that the time for this is publication is *now*! http://kck.st/3zedtuc

🔗 Together with your support, we can make this magazine a reality!

03/01/2022

The Kickstarter is live! Have you checked it out yet? 👀

Head to the link below for more information and to back this project.

http://kck.st/3zedtuc

Thank you for your support!

01/01/2022

WE. ARE. LIVE!!

The Kickstarter campaign for The Hopeful Notary magazine is now LIVE!

Head to this link http://kck.st/3zedtuc and take a look. With many different rewards on offer, there is something for everyone!

Really hope that you choose to back this project. Please follow, like and share this brilliant project - thank you so much for your support!

31/12/2021

Tomorrow!! 🤩

Pre-launch page is now live! Click on the link here: https://bit.ly/3JvIO0f

This Kickstarter campaign will enable the production of the first printed and digital edition of The Hopeful Notary magazine, out in Spring 2022.

There are a variety of different ways that you can back this project, whether as an individual or a business with some great reward packages!

It wouldn’t be the same without your support in seeing this project become a reality. Check back tomorrow to back The Hopeful Notary magazine for Ashford on Kickstarter!

30/12/2021

T-minus 2 days!

Launching live on New Years Day, this Kickstarter campaign will fund all the necessary costs to produce the first printed and digital edition of The Hopeful Notary magazine, out in Spring 2022.

There are a number of different ways that you can back this project, whether as an individual or a business. You can be a part of seeing it become a reality. It wouldn’t be the same without your support!

29/12/2021

🥁 Kickstarter countdown! 🥁

Launching live on New Years Day, this Kickstarter campaign will get the project off the ground by funding the publication costs for the first printed and digital edition of The Hopeful Notary magazine, out in Spring 2022.

There will be a number of different ways that you can back this project and be a part of seeing it become a reality. It wouldn’t be the same without your support!

24/12/2021

⭐️ Merry Christmas 2021! ⭐️

If you’re new here, I thought I would reintroduce myself!

🖊 My name is Kat, I’m 34 and live in Ashford with my husband Josh and two brilliant kids.

🖊 I have an oversized floofball called Barney, a standard and bouncy goldendoodle 🐶

🖊 When I’m not working on this project, I teach singing and beginner piano and work for as a pastor.

🖊 I’m setting up The Hopeful Notary magazine as a triannual, digital and print magazine for Ashford. It will be an A5 magazine filled with stories of hope, life, innovation and beauty and interspersed with stunning local photography and illustrations.

🖊 Keep your eyes peeled for the Kickstarter campaign launching in the New Year, where you will have a number of different ways that you can back this project and be a part of seeing it become a reality!

Thank you so much for your support and from my family to yours, wishing you all a very Happy Christmas!

13/12/2021

✨ Blog Post special: Carnival of the Baubles ✨

On Saturday, after a paired back ‘carnival at home’ last December due to covid restrictions, the Carnival of the Baubles returned in all its festive glory to Ashford high street. (Link in bio)

Written by Kat Brown, founder and chief editor of The Hopeful Notary. Photographs used with kind permission of Pradeep Javedar a local photographer and vlogger in

Were you at the Carnival of the Baubles at the weekend? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!

09/12/2021

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed today then here’s some positive, more hopeful news to think on instead.

09/12/2021

The Hopeful Notary is all about sharing stories of hope, innovation, life and beauty in Ashford. The main focus of the magazine is building hope, inspiration and courage in others. This can be through sharing your own story, writing a thought piece or poetry etc. The topic of article submissions must relate to the theme and feel of the magazine.

We are currently open for article submissions for the first edition of the magazine in Spring 2022! If you’ve got an idea of something to write, click on the link in the bio and you’ll be directed to an article pitch form on the website. While the form on that page may feel intimidating, it’s one of the best ways to review an article pitch depending on its suitability for the audience, theme of the magazine issue, content of the article and amount of articles submitted for the magazine.

Don’t want to write, but have a story to tell? Get in touch via the link in the bio or DM, and we’ll get in contact with you!

06/12/2021

〰️ N E W G U E S T B L O G 〰️

“A million pin pricks of hope pervade each day whether in tiny, intentional acts or splendid and optimistic dreams. Most of the time, I don’t think we even notice…”

Nicki Herring is a writer and novelist living in Ashford who believes that writing is for everyone, and that reflective writing can help us to stay emotionally healthy. Her debut novel ‘This Place of Happiness’ is due for publication next year. You can find Nicki or head to her website www.nickiherring.co.uk

You can read Nicki’s article by following this link: https://linktr.ee/the_hopeful_notary

03/12/2021

📣 New blog post landing on Monday 📣

Written by local writer and novelist Nicki Herring whose debut novel ‘This Place of Happiness’ is due for publication next year.

Nicki’s article goes live at 10am, 6.12.21 in the Blog section of The Hopeful Notary website www.thehopefulnotary.com or click on the website in the bio!

08/11/2021

🥁 Aaaand the first guest blog is LIVE!!

Emily Davies is a local writer and editor in Ashford who passionately believes that words can make the world a better place.

Check out her blog post on ‘Giving Hope the Last Word’: web link in bio.

Emily is going to be a regular contributor of thought pieces to The Hopeful Notary. You can follow her blog at www.loveemily.co.uk.

01/11/2021

If you’re an illustrator or an artist in Ashford and the surrounding areas, and would like your work to be featured in printed and digital editions of The Hopeful Notary magazine, then I would love to hear from you!

The Hopeful Notary is all about sharing stories of hope, innovation, life and beauty in Ashford. The main focus of the magazine is building hope, inspiration and courage in others. Illustrations and art work will need to relate to the theme and feel of the magazine, and content of an article.

Get in touch via the contact page on the website (link in bio) or email [email protected] for more information. Looking forward to hearing from you!

26/10/2021

🍂 How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done
Colours gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare
Exhausted, drop to the earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow

“Leaves” by Elsie N. Brady

20/10/2021

If you’re a photographer in Ashford, and you have a particular lean to nature photography, photo journalism, headshots, architecture etc, and would like your work to be featured in printed and digital editions of The Hopeful Notary magazine, then I would love to hear from you!

Get in touch via the contact page on the website (link in bio) or email [email protected] for more information. Looking forward to hearing from you!

15/10/2021

“Your life is happening right now: don’t let procrastination take over your life. Be brave and take risks. Your life is happening right now.” Roy Bennett

Anyone else find procrastination an attractive alternative to pursuing bravery and risk taking? It can be a significant internal struggle between your goal and your confidence. At least, that’s what I find. And it can feel exhausting just to dig your heels in each day, and tell yourself ‘let’s do this!’ Sometimes though, in the long run of days of digging in, it is good to pause. Take a break. Go for a walk. Nap. Drink coffee and do nothing.

Today I’m taking some time to pause, and it’s really good!

Just remember, sometimes later becomes never. So if you do pause, remember to get back up and go again. You’ve got this!

16/09/2021

Just in case you’re thinking about telling your story but you’re feeling the fear…do it anyway! Your voice is important, your story is unique and your vulnerability will connect people together, inspire and encourage, and it might just create opportunities for strong community to be built. How amazing would that be?!

We are looking for hopeful stories from people in Ashford and the surrounding areas, from stories behind startups and small businesses, courage in adversity, pushing through disappointment…just to mention a few!

If you’d like to have a conversation about sharing your story, send me an email or DM and I would love to hear from you!

24/08/2021

Stories is going to be a key feature in all editions of The Hopeful Notary, but particularly so in the third of the three themed editions of The Hopeful Notary magazine: ‘You have a beautiful story’

Stories are powerful; they can provide narratives that we live by, individuals with whom we can identify and journeys that we are inspired by. Stories can shift perspectives and expand our sense of our own potential future.

Telling your story is a courageous and powerful thing: it can help to build and strengthen community, forging connections among and between people and ideas; often boosting trust, compassion, empathy and relatability to the human experience. Research among people in Ashford has shown that people are craving a wide range of stories: from the stories behind startups and small businesses, to interviews with women and men in different industries as well as stories of how people have moved out of hardship or challenging circumstances, just to name a few. We want to hear your story!

“Nah, no one wants to hear my story” I hear you think. Tosh. You have a beautiful story. And I’d invite you to consider sharing it even just for the one person it may impact and inspire. Get in touch via email or send me a DM, I would love to hear from you!

19/08/2021

The Hopeful Notary is all about sharing stories to build courage, inspiration and hope in others. We are actively gathering stories from ordinary people in Ashford like YOU, and would love to hear from you if you’d like to share yours and have it featured in one of our editions! Simply send me a DM or email [email protected]

16/08/2021

📣 Coaches and cheerleaders are vital to our courage levels and growth - we all need someone in our lives who encourages us, help us see where we’re winning in life, uncover our blind spots and equip us with tools to help us keep moving.

I’m delighted to introduce you to Charlotte, also known as (Believe Inspire Grow). Charlotte is a qualified and experienced life-coach with a passion for self-care and seeing people launched into their purpose. I’m thrilled that she will be a regular contributor to The Hopeful Notary magazine editions where she will have a featured coaching page. Charlotte has a natural gift in drawing out the best in people and helping others become who they were born to be, and offers one-to-one coaching, group coaching sessions and workshops in Ashford. She also works for the Beehive as their Learning and Development Manager overseeing all their volunteers and leading in creating a culture of dignity and joy.

I have had the privilege of working with Charlotte for 10 weeks in a one-to-one coaching partnership where she has been instrumental in helping me break out of a rut of overwhelm and fear, and step into the things I’ve been dreaming for. I’m convinced that I would not be launching this magazine without her having gotten alongside me to cheer me on. I am thrilled that she’s going to be bringing her experience and expertise to The Hopeful Notary, and have no doubt in my mind the impact that she will have on our readership in Ashford and beyond.

Charlotte says, “I am thrilled to be part of The Hopeful Notary, I love the vision behind the project and I am a huge fan of a story. I hope to be able to bring some insight and time for reflection through the pieces I write and really look forward to becoming part of this wonderful community.”

If you could ask Charlotte anything, what would it be!?

02/08/2021

“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.”

Arthur Ashe, 3 times Grand Slam Tennis Champion and first black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open.

Our starting point is the launchpad to new and good things! What was your starting point and where are you now? The Hopeful Notary is all about sharing stories to build courage, inspiration and hope in others. So send me a DM if you’d like to share yours and have it featured in one of our editions!

21/07/2021

I can’t be the only one who’s ever had a dream or an idea that feels daunting; where procrastination, distraction and comparison can slyly seduce us away from taking action. Paralyse us even. Perhaps you’ve faced consistent set-backs along the way and the discouragement ear-worm has whispered to you ‘It’s probably not meant to be’ or ‘You’re never going to get to where you want to be.’

‘Start where You are’ is the second of three themes that will be the focus of The Hopeful Notary. Starting is stepping out of your comfort zone and into new territory. If distraction and comparison is resisted and we accept that our starting point is the launch pad for the process into new things, we can start to take steps forward into courage and adventure! Sure, we may wish for more favourable conditions and our starting point may not be ideal but we can still choose to accept these factors and act regardless.

What was your starting point for your dream? And with all the steps you’ve taken and setbacks you may have faced, where are you now? It can be about anything - freedom from debt, starting a new business or a project, rebuilding relationships…sharing stories can build courage, inspiration and hope for others to do the same. So if you have a story to share, send me a DM - I’d love to feature it in one of our editions!

14/07/2021

Time to bite the bullet, show my face and introduce myself!

Hi 👋 my name is Kat, I’m 34 and married to Josh .coffee - together we have two kids and a fluffy pup called Barney. Outside of these squares, I’m a part-time singing teacher and pastor at , lover of crisps and more crisps (I have zero self-control 😬), appreciator of beauty in many different forms (people, music, landscapes, architecture, interiors, good food, nature) and have far too many pairs of boots!

I’m in the process of setting up The Hopeful Notary as a triannual, digital and print magazine sharing stories of hope, life, innovation and beauty in Ashford. Thank you so much for coming along with me as I move this idea from conception to reality!

I would love to hear from you what kind of stories or written pieces you’d like to read below in the comments and if you want to contribute through writing, photography, illustration or have a hope-filled story that you’d like to share, please send me a DM!

📸 Photo taken by local photographer Rob Anderson www.coreaphotography.com

07/07/2021

Do you have any habits of hope that you’ve built in your day-to-day life?

Here are just a few habits that we can start to build in our daily lives no matter what life looks like:

☺️Express gratitude - count your blessings, not just your problems

✋ Be present - Stop. Look. Listen. Slow down your mind to be present in the here and now, so that you can notice the beauty in life

🫂Be part of a community - a problem shared is a problem halved, and someone’s perspective on a situation may help to influence yours for the better

How have your habits of hope changed your perspective on life and helped you feel more hopeful about tomorrow?

30/06/2021

The dream behind The Hopeful Notary is to share stories of hope, innovation, life and beauty in Ashford. My goal is that this magazine will be a triannual digital and printed magazine, each focussed on a different theme.

The first theme is Hope Builds the Future. I believe that if we have a confident perspective and attitude towards the potential and possibilities of life, it sets us up with the determination and perseverance to work towards the things that can help to establish and create a better tomorrow. It’s the antithesis of the vicious cycle of hopelessness which leaves us feeling like there’s nothing that we can do or want to do to effect our future.

What have you persevered through in life to see your ‘now’ (then future!) change because you held on to hope? You may not think it’s of much importance, but I reckon someone in Ashford needs to hear your story to encourage them that their tomorrow can be better too. Send me a DM if you want to chat more!

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