It is one year since I launched The Riviera Woman website and I had no idea if I would have the ability to make it a place that had purpose and contained some of the real women that live on the Riviera who believed, like I do, in 'making a difference', no matter how small...

It was actually more than one year ago when I first had this crazy idea of developing a site that would allow mainly women here, to feel that no matter where they lived, they could still have contact with other inspiring women, even if it would only be through the world of technology.

Much of this desire derived from my own need to bond with like-minded women to help me realise my own strengths and to find self worth, at a time when my own self esteem had reached rock bottom. I began to feel that the place that everyone dreamed of living, which was indeed my paradise, was nothing more than a living hell. For me the sunshine had come at a very high price. A series of painful twists and turns, led me down the path that I now find myself on… it is sometimes a little rocky and unpredictable but has an amazing outlook that is forever changing. At every turn there is a new scene, a new inspiration and a new Riviera Woman.

And so it began… email one followed by two and three, connected me to some of the most talented and fascinating women that I had met in a long time and each one in their own right, emanating brilliance and with a story to tell. The idea of bringing together professional and artistic women was not the hard sell I thought it was going to be. It became evident to me very quickly, that I had stumbled on a concept that was welcomed much more than I could have at first imagined and the encouragement and support I received was loud and clear. I have begun to build a community of dedicated people who believe in themselves first and really do have something to offer. In many areas of the website, it has been constructed in a way to drive itself or to be chauffeur driven. If you have the experience to use it yourself, you can, or an email to me with all your wants and needs, will find itself proudly in place. The intention then, is to put like-minded women in contact with each other, to share ideas, support and encourage one another. And from another angle, those needing a professional can feel reassured of the kind of service they could expect.

After hours, days and months of watching, listening and learning, and persisting, The Riviera Woman is beginning to achieve little things. I have indeed discovered what I have been saying all along, that women need women and need to feel part of an entity that allows you to be who you are and to be able to think how you think, without being judged. I do want The Riviera Woman to be populated by women in the know, who are demonstrative and determined who believe in working hard and playing fair. There is no better time than in this unpredictable climate for women to re-invent themselves and achieve great things. We have a great deal to offer and the world is ready to listen. The Riviera is beginning to listen. Women don’t want to compete; they want to succeed. Their goals come from within. From inspiring artists to therapists and agents to trainers, The Riviera Women will support and unite.

I was delighted to meet some of the women and friends who have supported The Riviera Woman over the past year at a get-together in Monaco at the end of February in a challenging venue that was LOUD. Nevertheless, the feeling of wanting more of the same has made me hunger and crave for more opportunities to meet others. The Riviera Woman, is not about me, on the contrary, it is about each and every one of the contributors and supporters of the website. Without that it would be a hollow and yet another networking site that was not actually listening. I can only develop this with your help and this is what makes The Riviera Woman, your website. I am inspired by your needs and I try and make something happen. I will never promise what I cannot deliver but I will promise to be as honest as I can be. I admit that I am a conforming non-conformist, which probably best describes me… a total contradiction and a bit stubborn when confronted with situations that I am told I should agree with and clearly don’t. If there is anything you can conclude from me, is that I have tenacity and a determination to keep on going. If I get blown over and my legs are still kicking, then I am still walking. Goodness, I hope that I never come across as militant or arrogant because that is not my intention. If you think I am not normal and surreal, then you have indeed paid me a compliment.

I look forward to hearing more from you and once again, thank you for helping me, and The Riviera Woman. ANNA FILL