International Women’s Day - Celebrating business in Hackney’s markets
Hackney is home to one of the most diverse and thriving business communities in London, boasting an exciting range of independents with unique offers. This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the women at the heart of this community.
This year, the theme of International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. Across the borough, it is crucial that businesses are creating a workplace where women can thrive or inspiring other women to pursue goals without bias or barrier, ensuring that Hackney is known as a place where women have equity of opportunity to thrive.
When wanting to witness Hackney business in action, there is no better place to go than one of Hackney’s vibrant markets. We caught up with two market traders to discuss their experience of doing business in Hackney and any tips for women looking to start or scale a business.
Louise Wade Jewellery - Broadway Market/Albion Parade
Selling handmade, locally sourced jewellery pieces, Louise Wade began trading in Broadway Market in 2018 and has since scaled her business to open up an additional store on Albion Parade last year.
“I would get such interesting feedback from trading at a market. I wanted to get that communication with the customer. It was such an incredible insight, you get to see the real person and who they are, as opposed to online. It fed into the design, development, and building of the brand.”
“It is special to me that everything is produced and made in Hackney and I have so many local people that buy into the brand. I enjoy being part of the community.” said Louise.
For many business owners, scaling can be an exciting but challenging time, especially in the midst of increasing economic difficulties.
“My advice to other women scaling their business would be - I think you have to take a leap of faith when you’re scaling, there’s never necessarily a right time. “
”There’s always other things that can scare you like the economic climate. I’d suggest taking things slowly, there’s lots you can do that don’t cost you too much”
Kate Oko - Ridley Road
If you’ve walked down bustling Ridley Road market in the last 25 years, there's a good chance that you have walked past Kate’s shop. A longstanding member of the Ridley Road market community, Kate has embodied resilience in business.
Selling a variety of items from clothing, to sunglasses, gloves and flags, she understands what it takes to steer and grow a business through change and shared this knowledge with women who might be considering starting their own local business.
“It is a tough time for the markets, but if you want to open up a shop, you truly need to know what you’re selling and what people will like. You have to do your research. You have to know the area and the sort of people who live here and walk by.”
Despite the many amazing female-owned businesses in the borough, there is more to do. The rapid economic growth of Hackney needs to be shared and shaped by women in the borough. At the end of last year, we funded the ‘Female Founders’ programme with its partner, Allia, to encourage women to take the next step in growing their business.
In addition to this, we also recently published the Diversity in Tech: breaking the barriers report, which shone a light on the inequalities in the tech industry and has provided the blueprint to ensure that women and underrepresented groups have a seat at the table in this rapidly growing industry.
To receive further business support, attend one of our funded sessions, created in partnership with Newable to help businesses become more resilient and efficient.
You can also read more stories about inspiring women in the borough here.