Here are 10 female-owned businesses to support across Northampton in 2024, which the Chronicle & Echo has been lucky to interview during the first month of the year.
Our commitment to supporting local and independent businesses has never been stronger, and it has become clear just how many women have decided to start ventures in areas they are passionate about.
From a luxury soft furnishings brand to making afternoon teas accessible anywhere, the following female-owned businesses deserve your support this year as they continue to go from strength to strength.
If you admire a female-owned business that you would like to see featured in the Chronicle & Echo, email [email protected].
9. Amy’s Vintage Teas
Amy Whiting, who revolutionised the way afternoon tea is offered in Northampton, founded Amy’s Vintage Teas in 2013 when she started collecting vintage china. Working as a waitress at the time and being a mother to two young children, Amy knew it was time to start something of her own. Though her initial idea was to hire out the crockery for weddings and events, she saw a massive gap in the market for the afternoon tea experience to be brought to people’s homes. She was the first business to introduce having afternoon tea delivered in the town – and has developed and built on the concept ever since. Photo: Amy’s Vintage Teas
10. Simply Sweetie
Dani Martin is the founder of Simply Sweetie, a premium brand confectionery company with more than 100 varieties to choose from. Along with collections from Dani’s home in Duston and local deliveries, the sweets are also available for nationwide delivery. Dani is a working mother and her children are the reason she started Simply Sweetie in the first place. The hope moving forward is to get involved in bigger pop up events and get a website up and running to push the business beyond Northampton. Photo: Simply Sweetie
11. Love Your Presence
Love Your Presence, a holistic gift shop and wellness studio founded by Mita Unalkat, opened last June with the aim of helping people become the best versions of themselves. Mita has lived in Northampton since she was 13 years old and first set up a beauty treatment business when she finished her studies 25 years ago. After undergoing a complete 360, Mita became a meditation facilitator and reiki practitioner – which is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. After going through a lot of life changes, Mita started this venture four years ago. Photo: Love Your Presence