Minnie, Founder of Minka Dink, currently at 324-326 Kings Road

Minnie started her business during lockdown.  Prior to that, she studied politics and went on to work in recruitment but left her job to pursue her personal passion in women’s fashion – “I started my business by pure accident, and I now absolutely love what I do”. 

Unsurprisingly, being a business owner does have its challenges – “Thanks so social media I think the path is now a lot clearer for today’s generation however there are still hurdles to overcome. The basics of finance and business aren’t taught in schools and should be. Many new businesses that start as a passion project fail when founders find themselves out of their depth and struggling to manage their finances” 

As a Covid born business, Minnie has already seen the next generation of post pandemic, young business owners stepping on to the scene. “There’s a second wave of aspiring entrepreneurs who look at businesses like Minka Dink, with the hope of creating their own take on it.” 

Amelia, Founder of Bijoux de Mimi (returning in May)

Amelia also founded her business during the pandemic. Previously a fashion student at Central St Martins, she went on to start a ‘dream’ internship at Condé Nast which unfortunately got cancelled due to Covid. It was then that she self-taught herself jewellery making and thus Bijoux De Mimi was born!  

Since her business took off, Amelia has had highs and lows – “Being a young, solo business owner can be lonely at times, many of my friends are studying at university or working in the city and I often don’t have the free time to see them. That being said, I’m so committed to Bijoux and I wouldn’t change anything. When you love what you do, it never feels like work.” 

Jenny, Founder of Love My Human & Love My Human Town House, 308 & 330 King’s Rd

A self-titled ‘mid-life entrepreneur’, dog lover Jenny longed for a grooming space for dogs where staff groomed with kindness and empathy, and where the wellbeing of a dog comes first. Love My Human was an endeavour inspired by her own personal desires – “Necessity is the mother of all inventions!”.  

She started her business later in life, following a long-term career in luxury design, with global experience under her belt (including designing for the Mandarin Four Seasons). “It’s very empowering to own your own business – it’s deeply fulfilling and I love the creativity of it all!” 

Launching Love My Human was a long process for Jenny, with challenges such as planning permissions and ‘copycat’ brands. Despite this, she took things step by step – “You’re always going to get copy cats who ‘ride your wave’ but you just have to keep evolving and stay ahead of the game.’ 

Karina, Founder of Backstage 335-337 King’s Rd

Salon chain Backstage, first opened in Ukraine becoming a nationally recognised brand with 15 years of success. Unfortunately, due to the war, Karina made the hard decision to move her business to London taking residency on the King’s Road. Starting a business can be tough but Karina applies a positive outlook -“It’s OK to make mistakes, don’t be afraid to make them – they help you grow!” 

Yana, Co-Founder of So Shell 307 Fulham Rd

Yana started her career in the City so when it came to starting her own business she was comfortable with finances and funding. She urged, “Don’t be afraid to negotiate and ask for a discount. More often than not there is room for improvement on any starting offer. The worst they can do is say no.” 

Getting to know the City’s Landlords has also served her well as she finds So.Shell actively being sought out by destinations across the Capital which has helped her secure 4 successful bricks and mortar sites and counting. 

Sian Bliss, Artist (mural artwork previously displayed on the Chelsea Fire Station wall, King’s Road)

Artist Sian began her career studying in Los Angeles and enrolling in an animation course at Disney’s Animation Academy. Following this she moved back to London and now works with numerous brands across the Capital. Creating art in the public realm is her passion as the community becomes part of the process. Last year, Sian hand-painted a mural on the Chelsea Fire Station wall celebrating the abundance of all the amazing foods that nature provides and the ingenuity of what humans do with it.

SETTING UP A BUSINESS – TIPS FROM FEMALE BUSINESS OWNERS ON THE ESTATE 

Starting up a business can be incredibly daunting but, in the end, extremely fulfilling. Here are some useful links and pieces of advice shared by the female business owners across the Sloane Stanley Estate. 

  • HMRC webinars – Subscribe to receive email updates, watch videos and webinars to help you understand the ins and outs of tax, VAT, minimum wage, employment law etc 
  • Get yourself a mentor – A mentor in a similar field or from a similar background can provide insightful guidance and advice to help steer your business on the right path. 
  • Seek financial advice – getting the right financial advice is critical. In the Sloane Stanley Estate, Metro Bank have stated they actively support women in business. For more information contact Igor Dzvinchuk, the local business manager.  
  • Enquire about small business relief – Some small businesses are eligible for a reduction in their business rates bill 
  • And lastly... Negotiate! – Always ask for a discount, you don’t have to be aggressive about it, ask in a way you feel comfortable with. 

 

Sloane Stanley is proud to support female business owners. If you’ve got a business and would like to speak to the team about a pop-up or more permanent space, contact one of the team.