A WEAVERHAM mum has earned herself a place on the shortlist for a prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating parents in business.

Ashley Costello, founder of The Might Acorns and a mum of two, is in the running for two prizes at the Mpower National Business Awards.

With her business dedicated to empowering and inspiring young minds through courses, coaching and activities, Ashley is up for the ‘Inspire’ and ‘Woman of the Year’ categories.

She said: “I am humbled and excited in equal measure.

“It means a great deal to me – I want young women to see they can have their own business.”

The ceremony – part of the Mpower Gala – will be held at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury in London on June 23, with judges including a panel of top parent entrepreneurs.

The Mpower Gala has been called the ‘networking party of the year’ and is open to all entrepreneurs and business owners for an evening of networking, inspiration and celebration.

“There are a lot of awards out there, and we are proud about what makes these awards, and the women who enter, different,” said Nicola Huelin, multi-award winning business coach, founder of the Mpower awards, and mum to four children.

“Often invisible to most, mums in business are changing the business landscape, while raising and inspiring the generations of the future.

“We believe their efforts and successes in overcoming the unique challenges of combining business and motherhood, particularly in those first few years when it’s the hardest, need to be recognised and celebrated.”

Mpower for Mums in Business is a business support community providing events, coaching, mentoring and masterminding for mums in the early stages of business.

Ashley’s venture came about as a result of 18 years of counselling work with children and teenagers.

She decided that teaching and building skills for resilience and good mental health are the most effective ways combat the big issues and empower children.

n mpowerawards.com