As International Women’s Day 2021 arrives on 8 March we thought we’d reflect on some of the women doing great things in business in Leicester.
We have some fantastic talent locally, women who are creating wonderful things, setting up new enterprises, and basically bossing it!
For International Women’s Day we’ve picked out a few who are worth you following.
The Bloom Project
Emma set up The Bloom Project on Queens Road in 2018 and has been a hugely popular member of the local independent scene ever since. With beautiful bespoke bouquets, plants, gifts and a flower fridge taking centre stage, Emma describes her style as “fun, wild and alternative”. Follow The Bloom Project on Instagram.
Fullalove Clothing
Millie studied lingerie and swimwear design at De Montfort University, before setting up her own studio in 2018. Her aim is to establish Fullalove as a leading, global, eco-friendly, fashion brand, with emphasis put on quality material and ethical practices. Check out the website for fantastic loungewear, dresses and lingerie.
Thread Famous
Jo, who is the talent behind Thread Famous, makes super cool enamel pin badges, embroidered patches and hand painted jackets, and everything comes with a pop culture theme. From Poirot to David Attenborough and necklaces to masks, the items are perfect gift ideas and well worth following for new product drops. Follow on Instagram.
Speckled Grey
Elle creates beautiful ceramics through Speckled Grey. She states that she’s inspired by simple materials and textures, often drawn to minimal, clean lines and beautifully finished surfaces. There are a beautiful range of items available via the Speckled Grey website, including a wonderful selection of colourful cups. Shop online via the Speckled Grey website.
Bitsy’s Emporium of Awesome
Bitsy’s Emporium is a lockdown success story. Having been doing bespoke orders and local fairs for a number of years, she smashed it on the postal brownie scene and has now opened a new coffee shop at The Mill alongside Graff HQ. Head down from Thursday – Sunday for fantastic coffee and bakes including stuffed cookies, ridiculous pies and awesome brownies. Follow Bitsy on Instagram for the latest news and info.
Feed Me
Verity set up Feed Me to sell her range of vegan wholefood bakes, and she’s now built up a brilliant following in Leicestershire. You can buy her treats from places including The Allotment, Market Harborough Eco Village, Grays and The Verandah, as well as ordering directly online. Feed Me’s feel good treats include raw cookie dough brownie stack, raw superfood crunch brownies, salted date caramel pecan pie bars, as well as monthly specials. Buy online from the Feed Me website.
Prints by Natasha Cole
Specialising in freehand digital art, Natasha Cole specialises in her own creative designed printed on 100% recycled paper, plus polymer clay studs, stickers and accessories. Designs include the adorable Tribal Fox Print, You Are My Sunshine print, and lovely range of greetings cards. Shop online via Etsy.
NADA
Lauren set up NADA in St Martin’s Square after finding herself frustrated with the limited options for plastic free shopping. The success of NADA has led to Lauren winning the Sustainabilty Award at the Leicester Business Woman of the Year awards and even received endorsement from none other than Sir David Attenborough, who described the shop as, ‘A wonderful addition to my beloved city’. The shop has allowed people in Leicester to make better choices about how they shop. Find out more and shop online via the website.
Silly Girl Club
Silly Girl Club recycle your childhood bedsheets to bring you nostalgic treasure you can wear as an adult. Set up by Nikki she’s become in huge demand for her fun and quirky range of clothing items and accessories. Describing Silly Girl Club as “on a mission to save the world by reusing childhood bedsheets to get you festival and park ready”, everything is handmade here in Leicester. Follow Silly Girl Club on Instagram for new products and availability.
Graffwerk
Izzy Hoskins is one half of Graffwerk, a company that has undoubtedly made a massive impact on the city in recent years. As well as being responsible for Bring The Paint festival, Izzy has played a key role in a number of incredible city centre design projects including the latest street art project to mark the opening of Savoy Street. Leicester is now on the street art map, with Izzy and Graffwerk fully at the centre of it all. Find out more via the Graffwerk website.
Mrs Bell’s Brownies
Holly at Mrs Bell’s Brownies describes herself as “on a mission to supply the UK with delicious, rich, dark and soft brownies.” Made using only the most delicious ingredients, you can guarantee the eggs are always free range, the chocolate is from Belgium and the taste is delicious. Brownie fans can sign up to Mrs Bell’s Brownie Club subscription, and also buy wonderful treats including individual brownie tins complete with your own spoon and home brownie making kits. Brownies come packaged in a lovely reusable tin. Shop via the website.
Lesser Than Three
If you’ve spotted a cool window design around Leicester chances are it’s probably been done by Lorna from Lesser Than Three. She’s been helping the city look more beautiful with her sign writing skills, and has put it into practice everywhere from Crafty to Northern Cobbler. You can also buy some interior and gft items online via the Lesser Than Three website or get in touch with Lorna for bespoke creations.