I am Mahira Kalim, founder of Spruce ethical cleaning products. I started Spruce after realising there is a need for an honest brand that offers eco-friendly, single-use plastic-free and non-toxic products without engaging in greenwashing. 

A simple yet versatile exercise tool for at-home fitness, the EX-BELT is manufactured in the UK and is the brainchild of father and son duo Alex and Tom Miles who lives in Wales.

At the same time, Abi and I had our first child Ezra, in March this year and this was a turning point as we started thinking about the legacy we’re leaving for our children. We, therefore, decided to take on the big names in wipes, and in June this year our company Pura was born and we launched our own range of 100% plastic-free 100% biodegradable flushable and non-flushable wipes. 

My name is Karen J. Gerrard, founder of SEAMS. I’ve been in the beauty and fashion industry since leaving school 40 years ago! I’m a wife, mother and I am based between the UK and the US.

We are Ali and Finn, co-founders of The Positive Planner. We both have a passion for breaking down the stigma around mental health. Our business is all about encouraging people to make their mental health and wellbeing a priority every day. During a period where we were both unwell with our mental healths, we decided to develop a product that could support others in a similar situation as us.

James Jardella set up Skin Sapiens, an independent, natural and sustainably-made skincare brand after he had just become a new father to his baby son, Alex. From working at a major beauty conglomerate to establishing supporting start-ups – James discusses how he transformed his kitchen table-run beauty venture into an award-winning business.

It all started when a young American came to Britain and had an expectation. But what I found was that Britain wasn't America! The natural lifestyle I had embraced in California just was not here. So I tried to recreate it in the way I knew best, and that was by using my knowledge in nutrition and herbalism.

My name is Eze, founder of alternative footwear brand Leather and Cotton London. I was born and raised in Nigeria, and from a young age I was very much into sports and fashion, thanks to my five trendy sisters and brother who were on top of their fashion game.

I was struck by an inspiration that literally changed my life's path. I think true innovation is recognised in any sector, but in my sector (being somewhat bereft of imagination), my inventions have struck a chord and we’ve been supported by both large and small companies.

I really wanted to make the hair and beauty industry a luxury experience which is accessible to everyone – that led me to set up the Silver Fern Group which includes Cecily Spa, Alchemy and Koha. My end goal is growing the businesses to be profitable, looking after my staff and expanding in as many cities at possible.

I’m Akin Onal and I am the CEO and founder of MORI. We’re a London based D2C retailer and create products that help to welcome a baby into the world and beyond, with a gentle touch from sustainable materials.

My name is Georgina, founder and creative behind AfroTouch Design. I’m a British born Nigerian and a proud mum of three beautiful children. I was brought up by a proud Nigerian Mother who instilled in me that I could do or be whatever I wanted in life, all I had to do was put in the work! That message has stayed with me.

Low Cost Glasses is an exciting new online prescription glasses retailer based in Manchester. They sell prescription glasses, including lenses, from £5 with stylish designer labels are also available. Their next-day glasses service means you can order and have your glasses delivered to your front door in just 24 hours.

Merci Maman was founded by my wife Béatrice de Montille in 2007 from our kitchen table in London. She wanted to improve her work/life balance to have more time with our two toddlers at the time, and quit her job after her application for part-time work was rejected. 

Curate Beauty was started by myself, an ex-beauty editor with over 12 years of experience within the industry, I take up the role of CEO. My partner Margot Vitale, our COO, has a background in luxury buying and merchandising as well as working as an Amazon growth specialist for luxury beauty brands.

My husband Will founded the business and ran it on his own for three years. I worked for the NHS and local government as commissioner for women’s services. When our first son turned two, business was really starting to ramp up and I was having a difficult time commuting in to London every day when I wanted to be near my young son, I left my role in the NHS to help run Herringbone.

Kerrine Bryan is an engineer, children’s author and co-founder of publishing house Butterfly Books, which produces stories that endeavor to tackle diversity issues across industries from the grassroots. Cited as one of the Telegraph’s Top 50 Women in Engineering...