“Why can’t every woman achieve what they want?” asks Sophia Mohamed, 39, as she reflects on her journey founding Aseel’s Kitchen and joining the newly-formed Lady Lane Catering Company. We are sat in Sophia’s new-build flat in the heart of … Continued
Walking into her 1960’s flat in Mile End, it’s clear that Carol Street, 60, loves interior design, and not just because of her impressive home sewing set up. Her grey and silver living room is immaculately coordinated with a selection … Continued
Nadaa Alssir, 38, is indomitable. She works as a medical interpreter, cares for her three sons, including her eldest who is autistic, and now she is setting up a business too, designing and selling traditional Sudanese jewellery. She grew up … Continued
Anila Babla no longer trades at Lady Lane Market. Anila Babla, named her business Lubjoo after the way she and her sister used to say “I love you” to each other growing up. In fact, she recounts, “we still sign … Continued
Lottie Lee-Gough, 31, hasn’t bought any new clothes in a year. As soon as she could successfully make clothes herself she ditched the high street and now almost half of her wardrobe is entirely home-sewn. “I would like it to … Continued
Walking into Jayne Amoah’s living room you can tell instantly that she is an artist. Against a backdrop of marigold yellow walls, art supplies and pieces of her work are scattered around her Bethnal Green flat. There’s a beaded necklace … Continued
Audrey Aymer has an infectious laugh and her eyes sparkle as she shows off her mermaid blankets that she makes and sells through her crochet business, East London Stitched. The pale blue blanket looks like it has scales but it … Continued
It’s rare that water cooler chat evolves into a fully-fledged business, but for Marilyn Crew and Susanne Nicholas that’s how they first started conspiring about Mazsu Naturals – at work. They have been colleagues and friends since Marilyn started working … Continued
Amiira Ismail, 30, doesn’t like cooking, but when it comes to her hot sauce, it’s a completely different story, so much so that she spends all her time making, packaging and selling it. “Normally I don’t like cooking but my … Continued
If you looked up the definition of someone doing it all, you might find Woin’s name listed. She has three daughters, teaches Ethiopian cooking classes, runs a catering business and as if that’s not enough, is starting to sell freshly … Continued