As Women’s History Month kicks off - and hot on the heels of International Women's Day - there’s no better time to support London’s leading ladies... so we’ve complied a list of 6 of the best (and conveniently, ethical) female owned businesses that you’d be a fool not to add to your list of go-to’s.

Before we dive in, its essential to shed light on the broader context on female-owned businesses in the UK. According to recent statistics, women led enterprises in the country have been steadily increasing over the past decade. Despite this positive trend, female entrepreneurs still face unique challenges, such as limited access to funding and gender-based biases. Holly Tucker, the founder of ‘Not on the High Street’ stated “8 out of 10 young people are unable to name a single female entrepreneur. In fact, when they hear the word “entrepreneur” they are 4 times more likely to think of a man”. Supporting women-owned businesses not only fosters gender equality but also contributes to a more inclusive and dynamic economic landscape, with Grace Beverley, an inspiring female entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, claiming “Female-led companies hire more women, promote more women, and pay women more”.

Now let’s explore six remarkable female owned businesses in London that not only offer exceptional products and services but also stand as testaments to the prowess of women entrepreneurs.

1. Weino BIB

Nestled in the heart of Dalston, Weino BIB is a wine-lover’s paradise masterminded by the brilliant Kirsty Tinkler. This female-owned business is not just a wine bar, its an experience. With an extensive selection of natural wines and a commitment to sustainable practises, Weino BIB invites you to savour the complexities of each sip while supporting a woman at the forefront of London’s vibrant nightlife. 

Weino BIB’s commitment extends beyond wine with 100% renewable energy, waste management, and ecological detergents. The ecargo bike for wholesale deliveries embodies their dedication. The female-owned business prides itself on its innovative packaging- like “bag-in-box”, as well as the fostering of more sustainable alternatives to conventionally used glasses and bottles, reinstated by pouches and cans, ultimately lowering their carbon footprint by as much as 80%.

Weino BIB contributes to a sustainable future, where equality, diversity and environmental consciousness converge in a glass. Cheers to Kirsty and Wieno BIB’s commitment to a good tomorrow!

2. Know & Love

Venture into the world of sustainable homeware with Know & Love, a boutique situated in London’s Stoke Newington, founded by the visionary, Karen Sims. Embrace the art of conscious consumerism as you explore thoughtfully curated pieces that embody both style and sustainability. As proudly stated on their website, “Know & Love is all about personal connection and community, for every product there is a heartfelt story of friendship, family, memory or local connection. The products are practical, stylish and mainly hand-crafted homewares with an emphasis on simplicity, authenticity and natural materials”. Karen’s commitment to ethical interior styling makes Know & Love a go-to-destination for those who believe in the production of sustainably created items, along with the support of women in business to drive positive change for the bettering of communities, and in turn, our planet.

3. Sourdough Sophia

In the heart of Crouch End lies Sourdough Sophia, founded by baker extraordinaire Sophia Patel, the establishment is more than a bakery – it’s a community hub.

Sourdough Sophia started rather heartwarmingly in the fond comfort of the founder’s living room, and was created with the soul aim to “change the way us brits consume bread, one loaf at a time”.

The female-led impetus combined with their ethical choice to exclusively use flour made with regenerative farming practice, you can be sure to feast on award winning, freshly baked sourdough, all whilst settling in comfortably with the knowledge that each loaf represents a commitment to local sourcing and artisanal craftsmanship.

Sophia’s passion for bread extends beyond the bakery, creating a space where Londoners can gather, share stories, and break bread together.

4. Fair Shot Café

Bianca Tavella’s Fair Shot Café in Covent Garden is not your average coffee shop. With a mission to empower young adults with learning disabilities, every cup of coffee served carries a story of resilience and hope.

With 36 young adults already supported out of the unemployment cycle so far, Fair Shot aims to lower the currently saddening statistic that 95% of adults in the UK with learning disabilities are unemployed.

Via the combination of expert leadership and a profound partnership with distinguished UK charity Mencap, Fair Shot ensures that “each of their learners receive tailored support needed to thrive and succeed in their own journey”.

By supporting Fair Shot Café, you’re not just enjoying a caffeine fix; you’re actively contributing to community-driven initiative that believes in the transformative power of fair employment.

5. Gather

Step into Gather, an organic refillery and store in Peckham founded by sustainability advocate Tash. This female-owned business is not just a store; it’s a mission to make sustainable choices more accessible for everyone. Tash’s vision transforms this space into a haven for conscious consumers, offering a range of refills spanning from pantry staples to cleaning essentials and toiletries.

Gather boasts a diverse selection of eco-swaps, including beeswax wraps, reusable period products, and even biodegradable bin bags. And for those seeking a unique touch, there’s a sustainable wine collection and an irresistibly cool-looking peanut butter-making machine.

The female-owned business walks the talk of sustainability in every aspect, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, they received a Highly Commended recognition in the Marie Claire Sustainability Awards. The accolade underscores Gather’s impact in fostering an ethical business model.

As you enter this sustainable oasis in Peckham, you’re not just making a purchase - you’re contributing to a vision of a more conscious, equal, eco-friendly world that Tash and Gather are working tirelessly to create.

6. 34.4

In the cultural enclave of Stoke Newington, 34.4, founded by Elka, stands a natural skincare haven. This female-owned gem offers a range of cruelty-free and majority organic skincare products, inviting you to indulge in self-care that is as pure and authentic as the women behind it.

At 34.4, the philosophy is clear – kindness to your skin and kindness to the planet. It’s a call to ditch the overwhelming 20-step skincare routine in favour of sustainability. The small business champions the reuse and recycling of their glass jars. To sweeten the deal, for every six clean empty jars returned, they offer a product of your choice, up to the value of £30.

34.4 isn’t just a business; it’s a Community Interest Company (CIC) with a big heart. Elka and her team believe that a company should benefit the community it operates in, as well as the people who work for it. This commitment is reflected in their choice to donate 3.44% of every single sale to the Natural Beekeeping Trust.

This International Women’s Day lets celebrate the entrepenurial spirit of women in London and beyond. By supporting female-owned businesses, we not only contribute to economic empowerment but also inspire future generations of women to pursue their dreams. Whether you're indulging in a glass of wine at Wieno BIB or treating yourself to a new moisturiser at 34.4, remember that every purchase and every visit is a step towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

Cheers to London’s leading ladies and the flourishing landscape of female entrepreneurship!

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