Founder and CEO Trinny Woodall wanted to empower women to feel their best, so she launched disruptive beauty brand Trinny London. Winner of multiple prestigious awards, Woodall still finds time to engage with her online community, write a Sunday Times bestseller, host a chart-topping podcast, and promote female entrepreneurs through her Elevator Pitch series on Instagram.
Elizabeth Scarlett, the woman behind her namesake brand, studied at Central Saint Martins, where she began creating embroidered products from her hand-drawn paintings. Enthusiastic about nature, Elizabeth uses her brand to raise awareness for wildlife conservation worldwide. So far, she raised over £600,000 for projects across the globe, including the UK, Ascension Islands, Sri Lanka and Keny, and aims to raise £2 million for wildlife conservation by 2030.
Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood co-founded Collagerie after years in the fashion industry. Today, the digital platform highlights their vision in fashion, interiors and beauty, championing women-led brands and working with a diverse mix of female tastemakers, from chefs and authors to artists and designers. The company is proud to employ a primarily female team, reinforcing its commitment to empowering women at every level.
“As a founder, one of the greatest strengths you can display is the ability to adapt. At Collagerie, we endeavour to embrace change, pivot with purpose and view obstacles as windows to new opportunities. Success belongs to those who are not afraid to act.”
Rachel Ellen is the founder of Rachel Ellen Designs, an independent greeting card, stationery, and gift business. She grew the brand, from her kitchen table in her London apartment, to a multi-award-winning label, through hard work, constant innovation, and fearless spirit.
“My advice to female business owners would be to follow your gut instinct to feel what’s right for you and your company. Stick to the vision you have for your brand, tread your path and be unique.”
Caroline Gardner is the founder of her eponymous label. Growing from a small card and stationary brand to include a diverse range of products, the company always remained committed to thoughtfulness, kindness and empowering women, advocating for gender equality in the workplace.
“I’m privileged to lead a company that champions positive and proactive change.”
Spotting a gap in the modest fashion landscape, Maryam Khan created a brand that fuses style, quality, and modesty without compromise. Her goal is to reach global markets while developing collections that champion sustainability, support and empower women and innovate in digital fashion.
“At Daska, we celebrate the strength, creativity, and ambition of women by designing pieces that make them feel confident, elegant, and unapologetically themselves. I’ve been inspired by strong, entrepreneurial women in the industry who have paved the way for creative and business-minded designers alike.”
