With the launch of the Ladies First Charity Calendar 2027, Nub News is meeting the local women behind the project to discover the personal stories, passions and causes that inspired them to take part.

From stepping outside their comfort zone to raising money for charities close to their hearts, each woman has their own reason for getting involved. In this series, we find out their 'why' and what the experience has meant to them.

Bia – Leamington, Miss January

From running restaurants in Brazil to publishing her own cookbook and stepping in front of the camera, Bia Rodrigues-Perry has built a career around creativity, food, and telling stories.

But her involvement in the Ladies First Charity Calendar has given her another opportunity to champion something particularly close to her heart: mental health.

Bia, who now lives in Leamington, initially became involved in the calendar through her background in production, helping bring the creative vision behind the project to life.

Speaking to Nub News, Bia shared she had not originally expected to appear in the calendar herself, but was eventually persuaded to step in front of the camera.

Fortunately, her husband was taking the photographs, which Bia said helped make the experience less intimidating.

Bia's why

"I didn't know that I was going to be in the calendar when I first got involved," laughed Bia.

She continued: "It was more my vision with production, as I am originally a producer, that made me think, yes, let's do this. And then Tracey said she wanted me to be in the calendar too, and I was like 'oh my god,' but luckily my husband was the photographer, so it was a bit less intimidating."

She described the photoshoot as quite empowering, explaining that the aim was to create something real and important, showcasing all different shapes and sizes and ages.

"The idea was not to be sexy or cheesy but to bring women together and for them to face their fears, all while doing something important for charity."

Alongside her involvement in the calendar, Bia produced a documentary about the project, which premiered at the calendar's launch night back in early October.

The documentary gave the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, capturing the calendar ladies' reactions, initial nerves, and enjoyment of the experience, while also giving them a chance to expand on their chosen charities.

Bia's passion for food and cooking has also played a significant role in her personal journey.

A trained chef who previously owned restaurants in Brazil, she has combined her culinary background with her interest in helping independent food businesses through marketing and production.

She has also published her own cookbook, A Culinary Journey of Gratitude, reflecting her passion for food and the positive role it can play in people's lives.

For Bia, cooking is about much more than preparing a meal. It has also become an important part of how she looks after her own mental health.

Bia's chosen charity: Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind

She is raising money for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, a cause particularly close to her heart following her own experiences with depression and suicide within her family.

Bia spoke openly about previously experiencing severe depression.

The subsequent death of her brother-in-law by suicide also had a profound impact on her and her family, becoming a turning point that encouraged her to seek ways to improve her mental health and support others.

She believes that finding activities that bring happiness and purpose can play an important role in managing difficult periods.

For her, these include cooking, walking, and writing.

Bia explained that not everyone experiencing depression necessarily needs the same approach, and that discovering what helps an individual can make a difference.

She shared: "Sometimes it's doing things that really make you happy. It doesn't always even need to cost too much money."

Through her work, Bia hopes to encourage others to explore things they enjoy while helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

"Because sometimes one conversation can change a life," added Bia.

Whether through her cooking, creative projects, or the Ladies First Charity Calendar, she continues to bring together her passions while raising awareness and money for a cause that means so much to her.

The Ladies First Charity Calendar launched on 15 October and is now available to purchase here.