Why women-led SMEs are a key driving force in London

In 2025, women comprise more than half of the population but they own just 21% of the country's businesses.

This statistic highlights the persistent gender imbalance in entrepreneurship. But organisations like Grow London Local are working tirelessly to change this narrative and more than 50% of the businesses we've supported are women-led.

As we mark International Women's Day, we highlight these women entrepreneurs who have not only started their own ventures but are defining success on their own terms.

From passion to purpose: the stories behind the businesses

Natasha Orumbie, The Vegan Patty Lady

A transformative switch to a plant-based diet made Natasha realise the lack of culturally diverse and tasty vegan foods on the market.

What started out as a hobby became The Vegan Patty Lady – a company that specialises in Jamaican-inspired vegan and gluten-free patties.

Despite juggling a full-time career and gruelling 20-hour working days, Natasha's passion for health, culture and taste keeps her going strong.

Shakira Roberts, The Candle Bar

A childhood passion for making things and a lifelong love of nature led Shakira to set up The Candle Bar, where she hand-pours natural soy candles and runs candle-making workshops.

To Shakira, this is more than a business venture – it's a way to unite people, inspire their creativity and honour the life-changing power of fragrance.

In the future, she sees herself diversifying into other natural self-care products, staying true to her personal philosophy of sustainability and sensory experiences.

Edia Chow, Mode London

With a passion for high-end fashion, Edia launched MODE London, a formalwear brand blending Hong Kong's modern aesthetics with London's classic elegance.

Catering to people who desire well-tailored tuxedos and suits, Edia wants her clients to feel confident during special occasions. Venturing into a new market while remaining committed to her high standards hasn't been easy, but Edia feeds off the energy to innovate and take her brand to the next level.

Anita Zaimovic, Fayglow Organic Skincare

Fayglow Organic Skincare started as a dream, but Anita's passion for pure, natural beauty turned it into reality.

Creating small batches of handmade organic skincare by hand, she prioritises wellness and sustainability in every product. Like many small business owners, Anita struggled with online marketing and branding but has continued to fight, showing that even the smallest business can leave lasting impacts.

Soraya Khalil, Parentree

A tech founder in a constantly evolving industry, Soraya saw the challenge of keeping pace with how quickly technology was advancing. Her app Parentree supports parents by connecting them with knowledge and support networks.

Local communities proved invaluable to her growth, showing that rich community engagement holds the key to success.

Overcoming challenges with determination and support

All entrepreneurs encounter difficulties, but for women business owners the learning curve is usually steeper.

• The biggest challenge for Natasha was balancing full-time employment and the demands of a growing business. Though she often felt exhausted, she carried on, securing grants and planning to scale up production of her patties.

• For Shakira, self-doubt has been a long-time obstacle. Nevertheless, she considers growing her business a matter of developing her own skills and welcomes any opportunities to learn, network and expand her reach.

• Edia broke into the London fashion scene and has had to adapt to suit local tastes while remaining true to herself. At the same time, Soraya embraced the breakneck speed of technology by keeping abreast of developments and seeing change as a positive.

• Anita's struggle has been marketing and financing her small business. Yet she knows that there's an audience for her products and believes remaining true to her own principles will ultimately bring her success.

Words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs

What advice do these women have for others wanting to start their own businesses?

• Natasha: remain faithful to your vision and be prepared to put in a lot of effort. Get support from organisations such as Grow London Local and don't be shy about asking for advice.

• Shakira: it's all about visibility. Get yourself out there by networking, launching pop-ups and promoting yourself on social media.

• Edia: trust yourself and network with fellow entrepreneurs. Together, you can unlock massive opportunities.

• Soraya: tap into local resources and engage with your community, as these support networks can save your life!

• Anita: never be shy and always be yourself. Have faith in what you're providing and other people will too.

Women who inspire: the icons behind the entrepreneurs

Behind every successful woman is a story of inspiration – figures who paved the way, challenged norms and shown the power of resilience.

For the women-led businesses Grow London Local has supported, inspiration comes in many forms: from literary icons and business moguls to family matriarchs and cultural trailblazers.

These figures have shaped the founders' entrepreneurial journeys, reinforcing the belief that success isn't just about profit but purpose, passion and perseverance.

Finding strength in words and leadership

For Natasha, the visionary behind The Vegan Patty Lady, inspiration comes from two towering figures in history: Michelle Obama and Maya Angelou.

Both women epitomise strength, grace and authenticity – qualities Natasha strives to embody in her own entrepreneurial journey.

She says:

"These two women have profoundly shaped my perspective on resilience, leadership and purpose.

"Michelle Obama exemplifies grace under pressure and an ability to remain authentic and impactful, despite the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye.

"Maya Angelou, on the other hand, was a force of wisdom, courage and artistic brilliance. Through her words, she empowered people – especially women of colour – to own their voice, embrace their identity and walk confidently in their truth.

"Both women embody strength, resilience and the power of purpose, and their influence continues to shape the way I approach my own path in business and beyond."

The power of authenticity and creativity

Shakira, founder of The Candle Bar, finds inspiration in women who have transformed their passion into thriving businesses while staying true to their roots.

"Rihanna, with her revolutionary Fenty Beauty brand, exemplifies this by blending creativity with Caribbean pride – a balance I strive for in my own work.

"Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter, also inspires me. She began making natural beauty products in her kitchen, championing authenticity and community, which resonates with my mission of helping others connect with their creative selves.

"Closer to home, the women in my family – my mother and grandmother – have been profound inspirations. Both were entrepreneurs in their own right, showing me firsthand the strength, resilience and determination it takes to build something meaningful."

A beacon of hope and determination

MODE London founder Edia takes her inspiration from Michelle Yeoh, the groundbreaking Chinese-Malaysian actress who shattered barriers in Hollywood.

Yeoh's story is one of perseverance – of pushing past limitations and society's expectations to achieve greatness. Edia explains:

"From a young age, she understood the value of hard work and relentless pursuit of her dreams."

Yeoh's Academy Award win, coupled with her powerful speech reminding women never to let anyone define their prime, resonates deeply with Edia.

"She stated, 'You know, as you get older, people start saying, Oh yeah, you should retire. You should do this. You should… No, guys. Do not tell me what to do. I should be in control of what I am capable of.'"

This philosophy underpins Edia's approach to her business. Expanding MODE London to a new market has not been easy, but like Yeoh, she refuses to let others dictate her limits.

Instead, she continues pushing forward, determined to leave her mark on the fashion industry.

Lessons from trailblazing entrepreneurs

Anita, founder of Fayglow Organic Skincare, looks towards women who have built businesses from the ground up while maintaining their authenticity.

"I look up to [entrepreneur] Sara Davies, who is an amazing person and also a mom and a woman like myself. Holly Tucker [co-founder of Notonthehighstreet] too.

"Both of them are amazing entrepreneurs and individuals who inspire me never to give up and to follow my dreams and passions."

As Anita continues to grow Fayglow, she carries with her the lessons from these women – lessons about resilience, innovation and staying true to one's mission.

The role of Grow London Local

These women credit Grow London Local with providing the vital support they needed.

Natasha benefited from useful business tips and chances to widen her network. Shakira came across Grow London Local on Instagram and has since been able to consult marketing experts for free.

For Edia, we opened doors to PR agencies and resources that have helped polish her strategy. Soraya connected with invaluable entrepreneur networks, while Anita gained confidence through being exposed to a wider support system.

Celebrating women entrepreneurs

While International Women's Day is a huge cause for celebration, it's also a reminder of the continued march toward gender parity in business.

These women embody the strength, innovation and determination needed to build successful businesses, in spite of a system that often works against them.

Through organisations like Grow London Local, more women business owners can find the resources, guidance and networks they need to succeed. By supporting women-led businesses, we move one step closer to a more diverse and level playing field in business.

To every woman with a dream of starting their own business – your journey matters. Your ideas are valuable. Keep going – you've got this!

Read more:

• Female entrepreneurs in London: where to find support for your small business

• Pioneering paths: Success stories of Black female founders in London's tech sector

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