UK Women-Owned Businesses to Support
March is almost over and as we say goodbye to another Women’s History Month, we’re thrilled to present 20 UK-based businesses founded and managed by women that you can support not only during one month but all year-round. In 2022, the number of businesses founded by female entrepreneurs in the UK was record-high, and while that’s great news, there’s still a long way to go before it’s a level playing field.
At forward2me, we are all about connecting you with your favorite brands and helping you discover new ones, so we’re happy to introduce you to these women who have harnessed their talents and creative prowess to turn their dreams into successful businesses that bring innovation, uniqueness, and inspiration with each product.
Female-owned businesses On the Rise
According to a Treasury-commissioned Rose Review report, more women than ever are starting new businesses. The report shows that there were more than 150,000 all-female-led incorporations in 2022, accounting for 20% of all incorporations. These figures show the determination and resilience of female entrepreneurs and by supporting women-owned businesses, we can help continue this trend and promote the growth of female entrepreneurship.
Award-winning jewelry designer Rachel Galley launched her business in 2009. Made from sustainably sourced materials, her designs blend craftsmanship with contemporary glam for a versatile and luxurious style without the expensive tags.
Daisy London was founded in 2009 in London by Ruth Bewesy. Made from 100% recycled silver, the brand's collections include unique pieces that look like trendy accessories while encapsulating complex messages underneath their beautiful exterior.
All of the pieces in the brand's collections are designed by the founder, Maya, then handcrafted in small batches by a team of skilled jewelers. The luxurious designs encourage people to express their individuality by stacking bracelets, layering necklaces, and mixing materials.
Loel & Co is an independent boutique run by Andrea Flamini who took over the business from her mother. Handmade by the best of up-and-coming European designers, the pieces in the brand's collections are designed to be noticed.
Launched in 2016, Waring Brooke is an award-winning knitwear country and luxury fashion brand created by designer Samantha Brooke. The brand offers knitwear from locally sourced yarns, including bespoke pieces adorned with a monogram pattern or a minimalistic motif.
Minycled, portmanteau of minimalism and recycle, was founded by Karen Anderson who set out to create one-of-a-kind women's fashion pieces using sustainable, eco-friendly, and recycled fabrics with commitment to zero fashion waste.
After a career in healthcare, Magi Rose created her eponymous brand to offer men and women a versatile range of stylish, bold, and fun clothes that are comfortable to wear. The distinctive designs are manufactured in Britain in a sustainable and ethical manner, using the finest fabrics.
Having worked with some of the biggest high-street names, Withnell’s founder Paula eventually decided to start her own fashion venture focused entirely on the concept of slow fashion and harmony with nature, creating versatile pieces designed with sustainability and quality in mind.
Laura Rudoe, founder of Evolve Organic Beauty has always had keen interest in natural remedies and nature. By launching Evolve, she created a range of organic beauty products that are affordable, effective, and healthier for both the people and the planet.
Michelle Paul launched BeBamBu to make people healthier, stronger, and happier with marine collagen supplements in various flavors. The brand's collagen products are made from sustainably sourced ingredients and bottled in eco-friendly packaging.
Lucocoa was founded by Amarachi Clarke in 2015 when she started exploring her fascination with the chocolate-making process. Ultimately, she established a bean-to-bar method that creates handmade chocolate from the best beans imported from all over the world.
Founded in 2009 by Charlotte Knight, Ciate London is known for its innovative and trend-setting beauty products made from high-quality products. The indie makeup brand is certified as cruelty-free, with each new launch being vegan-friendly.
With the 2015 launch of Kohl Kreatives, Trishna Daswaney introduced inclusive makeup lines that cater to communities whose needs are not being met by mainstream beauty brands. In 2018, the brand launched an industry-first range of brushes designed for people with disabilities.
Michele Scott-Lynch created the brand as she felt there was a lack of products in the UK that really catered to curly hair, especially for Black men and women. The curlcare products are plant-based, carbon-neutral, and come in recycled packaging.
World-renowned facialist, Emma Hardie is considered the pioneer of rejuvenating cosmetics thanks to her innovative techniques. Her award-winning range tof skincare products uses botanical extracts and natural ingredients to repair, restore, and rejuvenate.
Maua Gang creates truly one-of-a-kind toys designed with sustainability in mind. Stumbling into plushies by accident, she began putting her ideas into quirky characters and now makes kids' ideas come to life by designing creatures they have drawn.
The founder of Rodial, Maria Hatzistefanisshe, is a former beauty editor who identified a market gap in 1999 for targeted products that deliver instant and long-lasting results. With over 2,000 prestigious luxury department stores in 35 countries, Rodial is now available worldwide.
Prick is the brainchild of Gynelle Leon, an award-winning photographer. Prick is London’s first boutique dedicated to cacti and other succulents, offering a selection of the most unusual and exotic plants sourced from across the UK and Europe as well as quirky souvenirs and decor.
Jeane Chung opened her first ALKEMI store in London in 2017, originally selling Japanese garden tools. Today, she owns a second location and a website selling Korean art, homeware, and lifestyle items that she describes as "beautiful objects for everyday life."
Art historian Karolina Merska is reviving the tradition of creating beautiful pajaki, traditional Polish paper chandeliers made from rye straw and paper. Her London store and website offer objects of modern craft with a focus on authentic folk art from Poland.
why supporting women-owned businesses is essential
Despite the progress made in recent years, women still face unique challenges when it comes to starting and growing businesses. These challenges can include limited access to funding, lack of mentorship opportunities, and societal biases. By supporting women-owned businesses, we can help overcome some of these obstacles and promote greater equality in the business world. You can show your support them by purchasing their products, leaving reviews to recommend them to new customers, following their social media channels, and getting involved in the causes they stand for.