DURING her time as a DJ and radio journalist Anna Fill deftly linked between music tracks and news events.
Now Anna has brought those same skills to the online world with the creation of The Riviera Woman website, which looks to offer ways for people on the Mediterranean coast to link up, share ideas and network.
“I moved across to France in 2002 and whilst I was busy with music engagements in the UK, the amount of travel involved was hard,” Anna said.
“There was little chance of me being able to do the DJ work down here in France as it’s much too seasonal, but I wasn’t ready to pack up and do nothing, so I had the idea for a website that looked to help women.”
Anna’s own career within music and journalism saw her operate as a DJ for 17 years working with clients in the City of London as well as providing the musical entertainment at military events, with the occasional trip to France also required for special occasions.
But seeking a change of scene, and with a nod to her Italian roots, a base on the Riviera appealed as it allowed her to dash between the two countries, yet also experience a different pace of life and meet people from a variety of backgrounds.
“As I spent more time on the Riviera I began to meet women whose husbands might be in the yachting industry or high up in international firms and this often meant they were left behind as their partner travelled on business,” Anna said.
“So I thought about creating a site that would allow people to communicate with each other, but also let them contribute articles and pass on their advice in a neutral place with no political agenda.
“Thanks to my webmaster he built a site that provides this framework and lets them upload information to create a small site for their business and so others can contact them if they have a question or wonder how something works.”
The Riviera Woman site features articles and news stories from the area, as well as a forum and messaging service, with a growing number of businesses and creative people already taking advantage of the site.
“I’ve met many artists who produce some real quality work but find it difficult to display especially if they live in a small village in the hills, so we’ve enabled a gallery section which lets them show off their artwork,” Anna said.
“I also hope that local businesses take advantage of the site as it can be very hard to start up, and it is particularly hard for women as I have crossed some prejudice, and I’m no right-on feminist.
“Hopefully though people will see it as a way to promote themselves but also be part of a community that helps each other wherever they are on the Riviera.”
Comments
10 responses to “Bringing together Riviera women”
Dreadful site, nothing there of any interest let alone help. Content is trite at best with most “articles” taken from other sites. There are far better sites for women on the Riviera than this one. As can be seen from the lack of users that others agree. I am compiling a list of sites that are far better suited and will post them here when completed.
Hi Annabelle, I look forward to hearing from you as it seems you do have a bit of an issue with the site.
All the best, Craig
At least the people with RivieraWoman.com
are TRYING to do SOMETHING to bring people together, in a positive way… I MUST say, WHAT THE HELL have you done lately but put positive efforts down??!.. We need LESS people like you in this world and MORE like ANNA!
Thank you Annabelle. It is only by ‘constructive’ criticism like this, that actually spurs me. It is a user site, so please use it. But you do need to be a ‘registered’ user. I know your email address now and can look out for it. In being registered, as a ‘user’ on the site, you can steer the website and ‘make a difference’! It is all up to you.
The Riviera Woman
As the webmaster for The Riviera Woman I look forward to hearing about alternative sites that better “suit” women living on the Riviera so we can learn from them. I would also point out to Annabelle that in order to properly criticise any website one should have experience of it. Since we do not have any Annabelle registered on our user list, he or she is unaware of the full depth of interactivity available and is not well equipped to post hostile comments such as the above. Come on, join us and make a difference!
As a struggling artist living and working here on the Italian Riviera I would like to add my support and thanks for the opportunity to showcase my work. It is not easy to succeed here without an element of networking with likeminded people with similar vision and expectations. I have my own website but I am more than happy to be apart of this enterprise. It enables me to interact with many more people which can only result in further opportunities for all concerned! I applaud Anna for her courage, determination against petty and mean spirited people ( Annabelle appears to be on her own with her views!!! ) to drive this site forward and bring creative people together. You GO FOR IT GIRL ! BIG RESPECT!!
Well, I applaud this initiative, and I will be watching its development with interest – I’d love to think we could get the ball rolling on the Normandy coast too, as there are a lot of enterprising, dynamic women around (plus it is also just where I happen to live!). I’ll be in touch!
I couldnt agree more. Annabelle you were not even registered as a site user so you cant really comment. AND big hats off to the people trying to get this site going. It is driven by its users and so its all down to us guys! Tell your friends, post your info and lets see it grow which is great for us all down here trying to live, meet others, work and play.
I have just registered recently on recommendation of a friend. I was wondering how to find out about advertising as the link doesnt seem to work. Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Good to see women taking a positive step forth in generating constructive opportunities for business and sharing ideas/point of view.
Hi Gill, I have forwarded your message on to Anna and I am sure you will receive an email soon.
All the best, Craig