Meet Islington Square’s female founders
Get to know the inspiring female founders behind our fantastic lineup of brands at Islington Square. From talented jewellery makers and fashion curators to skilled florists, baristas and homeware experts, discover more about this talented team of women.
Give Your Best
What inspired you to start your business?
In the UK there are 5.5M people living in clothing poverty while we throw away £140M worth of perfectly good clothing, and Give Your Best exists to bridge that gap. The impact that having choice and agency, even if only to choose what they wanted to wear, had on them made me realise that we could empower marginalised women one item of clothing at a time.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It's an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the resilience, achievements, accomplishments, creativity and overall joy of womenhood while raising awareness of the work we still need to do to achieve equality.
What advice would you give to women starting a creative business?
Take the first step and be clear on your ‘why’. Taking constant small steps will amount to your dream. If you let your purpose guide you, whatever the journey brings you’ll know what to do.
In what unique ways does your brand share an affinity with the Islington community?
Islington is blooming with second-hand shops and we feel right at home promoting sustainable fashion. We partner with local charities to support the Islington community and feel very supported on our mission by Islington Square.
Using three words , how would you describe womanhood?
Resilience, passion, compassion.
The Wearer
What inspired you to start your business?
I saw an opportunity to support independent designers while offering customers something truly special—jewellery with character, individuality, and a connection to the community.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It’s about recognising the importance of collaboration over competition and lifting each other up.
What advice would you give to women starting a creative business?
Trust in your vision, stay true to your values, and focus on what makes your work unique.
In what unique ways does your brand share an affinity with the Islington community?
By showcasing handcrafted pieces from local, mostly female designers, we give customers the opportunity to own jewellery rooted in local stories and creativity.
Using three words - how would you describe womanhood?
Resilient, multifaceted, unstoppable.
Selv Roastery
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to create a space where creativity meets purpose, and where people could feel empowered and inspired.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It's a call to action for gender equality and a chance to honour those who’ve paved the way for progress.
What advice would you give to women starting a creative business?
Stay true to your vision, be persistent, and never stop learning. There is no limit to what you can achieve.
In what unique ways does your brand share an affinity with the Islington community?
At Selv Roastery, every sip tells a story...Our dog-friendly atmosphere is also home for the lovely puppies.
Using three words - how would you describe womanhood?
Resilient, nurturing, evolving.
Percy Langley
What inspired you to start your business?
Creating products to be treasured rather than consumed and discarded.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It’s a chance to recognise the progress that’s been made over the past few generations in giving women the opportunities to work that were simply not available to previous generations.
What advice would you give to women starting a creative business?
Consider the challenge of running a small business rather than focusing on the exciting stage of setting one up.
In what unique ways does your brand share an affinity with the Islington community?
We’re about building a thriving community by empowering those who make our clothes as well as our customers who wear them.
Using three words - how would you describe womanhood?
Nurturing, self-sacrificing, resilient .
The Rooms
What inspired me to start my business?
A love of all things botanical.
What does International Women’s Day mean to me?
A day to celebrate every woman from all walks of life on how amazing they are.
What advice would you give to women starting a creative business?
It is tough out there, but do not let that stop you. If you fail, take the lessons you have learned and don’t give up.
In what unique way does your brand share an affinity with Islington’s community?
We are proud to be part of a large community of women-led businesses, building strong relationships with local residents and offering a personal touch often lost in larger corporates.
Using three words how would you describe womanhood?
Humanity, strength, humility.
In Residence
What inspired you to start your business?
My goal was to create an equal playing field for small brands, artists, and makers, regardless of gender.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
The recognition, solidarity, and empowerment of women.
What advice would you give to women starting a creative business?
Follow your instincts, but do listen to advice and surround yourself with supportive people.
In what unique ways does your brand share an affinity with the Islington community?
We work with several small Islington-based brands, giving them a platform to launch their work and brands.
Using three words - how would you describe womanhood?
Femininity, empathy, strength.