About Athena
Who We Are
Where it all began
Founded by Fran Minifie and Stacey Sheppard, Athena Magazine is a passion project by two Devon-based businesswomen, created to give a voice to the brilliant female-led businesses of Devon.
We believe in the power of community, connection, and celebrating success — and that’s exactly what you’ll find in every issue.
Our Mission
To empower, inform, and inspire women in business across Devon, offering practical business tips, small business advice for women, and showcasing relatable role models you won’t find on the big business pages.
Why we started Athena Magazine
Athena Magazine was born from a simple conversation between Fran and Stacey who saw a real gap for women in business in Devon. Both working closely with female-led businesses in different ways — Stacey through her coworking space and Fran through photography, marketing and mentoring — we kept hearing the same thing: “Where can I find support, advice, and people like me?”
We were constantly being asked for recommendations, business advice, contacts, funding info and events to help local women grow their businesses. And while there’s a brilliant network of women in Devon, it wasn’t always visible or accessible.
So we decided to team up and create something together. Athena Magazine is our way of bringing all of that into one space — a free online magazine for Devon women in business, full of inspiring stories, practical tips, opportunities, and a directory of brilliant female-led businesses.
It’s a platform built on community, connection and collaboration. A place where women can tell their stories, shout about their successes, and find the support they need to grow.
Stacey Sheppard
Founder
Stacey Sheppard is a freelance writer, journalist, and multi-award-winning blogger specialising in interior design. Her blog has ranked in the UK’s top 10 every year since 2012, and she’s recognised as one of the country’s leading interior design influencers.
After realising the isolating nature of working from home, Stacey founded The Tribe — a coworking space in South Hams designed for women who crave connection, creativity, and a gentler, more inspiring way to network.
Passionate about supporting women in business, Stacey’s mission quickly evolved beyond coworking. She now works to help women overcome the unique barriers they face in business, believing community is key to empowerment. In 2024, she became a delegate for UN Women UK and took part in CSW68, with plans to continue her advocacy in 2025.