ON Monday night April 17, a group of 25 women entered the soft blue painted doors of Mansfield's INVOKE store.

Except the store itself looked a little different.

The rows of multi–coloured clothing racks were gone and mannequins had vanished.

The porcelain bench had been ripped out and the curtain changing room had disappeared.

In their place were canary garden chairs with rainbow crocheted cushions and large maroon armchairs.

Women gathered around the furniture and waited for the night to begin.

Dressed in an auburn pantsuit, store owner Janet Druce addressed the crowd.

"I once read that people are more afraid of public speaking than dying," she said.

"So tonight, let's acknowledge each speaker's bravery and celebrate them."

This was My Story Begins, a new storytelling initiative for Mansfield women.

The evening's theme was Endings and Beginnings

Janet was inspired to create the women's group by her friend and colleague Karen Garton.

"My friend Karen started a similar storytelling group in Melbourne and always said how enriching they were," Janet said.

"So when INVOKE clothing store came to an end, I still had all this space.

"So I decided to bring storytelling to Mansfield."

Throughout the evening, six speakers were invited to stand and share their stories for six to 10 minutes.

Some women reminisced on funny childhood anecdotes, while others recounted stories of career triumphs.

Some women shared moments of profound grief and life–changing loss.

Janet said she was overjoyed with the evening's success.

"I was really nervous that people wouldn't want to stand up and put their name on the blackboard to speak," she said.

"I'm absolutely thrilled people stepped up to talk.

"My heart is full, as is our blackboard."

Janet said it was important for women to have a space to connect and share their stories.

"I still believe that women are sometimes not encouraged to use their voices," she said.

"I really wanted to create a space where they [women] feel safe to use their voice and practice using their voice."

She said all stories were welcome, whether they were funny, joyful or sad.

"I came into this whole journey believing and trusting that all stories have the right to be heard," Janet explained.

"So if there are difficult stories, I think the empathy women naturally feel will support those storytellers."

Janet had many aspirations for the new group and space.

"I'm really excited to see where this group goes, but storytelling isn't the only thing that will happen," she said.

"We are hoping to start up a lot of other enriching community based things.

"Above all, we are very open to feedback and want to hear what people want and need."

My Story Begins will be held on the third Monday of each month, with each session inspired by a different theme.

The next session's theme is Lost and Found and will be held on May 15.