Female-owned businesses are on the rise in the UK, with the figure as of 2020 standing at 32.37%, rising from 17% in a 4-year period.
To celebrate, we’ve got 5 brilliant small businesses, founded by women, to celebrate. From clothing for mothers to software, each of these businesses are worth keeping an eye on as they continue to grow.
Laurella Mama
Laurella Mama is a fashion brand aimed at all women, but with a particular focus on mothers. Founded in 2017 by new mother Lauren, it was born from the frustration of not being able to find flattering, comfortable, easy-to-wash clothing. Since then, the business has grown in popularity, with 5 new employees joining the team.
Lauren handpicks every single item and tries them on herself to test them for certain criteria: is the item breastfeeding-friendly? Is it flattering for postpartum mothers? Is it trendy, but practical to wear? This authenticity is one of the key reasons why so many people trust Laurella Mama as a brand.
PomPom
PomPom is an online business, founded by friends Cecily and Katherine. The first UK-based plastic-free brand aimed at kids, PomPom sells a range of imaginative, fun toys and gifts, with not a shred of plastic in sight (including their packaging).
They have started looking into product design, creating their first original product, the PomPom Climbing Triangle (a climbing frame designed to grow with your child). PomPom is another example of a small business that really understands the needs of their demographic, and it’s great to have an option for environmentally conscious customers.
Thrive
Thrive is a social enterprise providing business support provision. It allows female founders and business owners to grow, giving them knowledge and connections. They offer practical business support, access to a community of women in business, and helpful information. Plus, they don’t have a membership model, which is unusual for this kind of business. Instead, you can access their support on a Pay-As-You-Go basis.
Thrive was founded by Clare Griffiths. She has over 18 years of experience as a business owner, and a Master’s degree in Women, Gender, and Development.
Valiant Lingerie
Valiant Lingerie was created by founder Eleanor after she went through a mastectomy in her early twenties. The resulting discomfort and loss of self-esteem drove her to create Valiant Lingerie, creating pretty, functional post-surgery bras. With no underwires, no uncomfortable underbands, soft fabric, useful seam placement, and inner cups with pockets for breast forms, these products are designed with real post-surgery women in mind.
Element
Element is a software company. Co-founded by Amandine Le Pape in 2017, it provides solutions to businesses. It’s designed to make communicating online safer and faster, offering end-to-end encryption It’s growing fast, with the technology being used not only by the UK government, but also governments in the US, Germany, and France. Element launched an app, Spaces, in 2021, allowing users to chat to like-minded people, making virtual networking much easier.
