Happy International Women’s Day from Ecoegg
At Ecoegg we believe that supporting others, especially female-owned and led businesses is not just important – it’s essential.
Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges and we recognise the hard work, dedication and sacrifices that go into building a business. That’s why we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women who have poured their heart and soul into their businesses.
We took the time to reach out to some inspiring female owned and led businesses to hear more about their inspiring journeys and we’re taking the time to showcase their wonderful businesses.
UpCricle and founder Anna
We got in touch with the wonderful founder of UpCircle, Anna, to learn a little more about their journey starting out, running and continuing to grow their business as a female founder.
Where did the inspiration for UpCircle come from?
“It all began when we learned that over 500,000 tonnes of coffee grounds are discarded in the UK every year, ending up in landfill where they produce methane,” Anna explains. “Upon discovering this, I decided to start collecting coffee grounds from cafes across London and turning them into skincare products.”
She continues, “But it’s not just coffee! We’ve come a long way since then and now upcycle more than 50 by-product ingredients – upcycled oat husks, rose petals, hibiscus acids and orange peel wax are now all being rescued for our latest launches. There aren’t that many brands or businesses out there that positively impact the waste outputs of lots of other businesses additional to their own!”
What’s the message that’s most important to you and your business?
“I’ve surrounded myself with a strong team of women to help build this brand,” Anna shares. “My official team is 75% women, our customer base is 96% women, our manufacturers are woman-owned and 90% of our external freelancers are women.”
She adds, “The beauty industry I DON’T want to be a part of can make people feel inferior. I want my brand to inspire confidence. We’re body positive, gender neutral, represent all ages and encourage diversity. Our products are modelled by real customers, family and friends and I’m passionate about using authentic visuals that are never photoshopped.”
Anna proudly concludes, “We stand for real, authentic beauty in all its forms.”
What sets you apart from the rest of the industry?
“The beauty industry is dominated by massive brands that have been unchanged for many, many years, that do not care about sustainability,” Anna explains. “For example, Dove produced 6.4 BILLION sachets in 2023 alone.”
She continues, “We understand why performance is a top priority for consumers in this industry, but frankly, a brand needed to come along to prove that you could create high performance products that were also environmentally pioneering and forward thinking. You can do both…”
Anna adds, “Skincare and beauty is also very competitive and I was getting bored that being vegan, natural or cruelty-free was considered enough. It’s not, it’s entry level. Again, more needed to be done, next steps needed to be taken. That’s why we decided to rescue by-products from other people’s products as core ingredients in every single formulation we make.”
“UpCircle has existed for 9 years now and I am so proud.”
Browse UpCircle and their ethical and zero waste skincare.
Green People and founder Charlotte
Green People is an all-natural skin care brand. Born after Charlotte, the founder, found that many so-called natural skin care brands used almost entirely synthetic ingredients.
We got in touch with Green People to find out a little more about the company and their journey of running a business as a female-owned business.
Tell us more about your journey of running a business as a female founder
For over 30 years, Green People, a female-founded company renowned for our commitment to certified organic ingredients and ethical, sustainable business practices, has been at the forefront of organic beauty in the UK.
We were founded by owner Charlotte Vøhtz, a true pioneer who fought to introduce standards in organic beauty, paving the path for natural beauty to transcend from niche to norm.
How has your business grown over time?
Today, our independently owned beauty brand is trusted by millions and remains committed to using the purest, sustainably sourced plant actives. Offering over 100+ certified organic, skin-kind products for all the family, we proudly wave the flag for independently owned British beauty in the international marketplace.
Discover Green People and their natural beauty products.
Iron & Velvet and CEO Debra
Iron and Velvet provide an eco-friendly cleaning product alternative. From air-fryer cleaner to bathroom descaler they have it all in a range of incredible fragrances designed to leave your home fragrant and clean.
We caught up with Iron & Velvet’s CEO Debra on her journey and experiences while working at Iron & Velvet.
Tell us more about your journey at Iron & Velvet
“After spending 25 years in the corporate technology sector, holding strategic roles both at home and internationally with blue-chip companies, I decided it was time for a change,” Debra explains. “Last year, I joined Iron & Velvet, a plastic-free cleaning brand, to align my career with my personal values.”
She continues, “Working with a small, female-led team has been an absolute joy. I’ve found a home in a company that offers an outstanding product, talented people and the potential to make a real difference. With 90% of our customer base being women, our goal is to make sustainable cleaning both easy and affordable for everyone.”
Debra proudly adds, “We’ve already saved the equivalent of 1.5 million plastic bottles from going to landfill, and in 2024, we were honoured to win Cleaning Product of the Year at the Clean and Tidy Home Show.”
Check out Iron and Velvet and their range of eco-friendly cleaning products.
The Slow Home and founder Jacquie
Meet Jacquie, the founder of The Slow Home. The Slow Home offers a variety of wellness-focused products and promotes a slow, mindful lifestyle, with an emphasis on creating a balanced and intentional home environment.
Read more about Jacquie’s experience of starting and running a business below.
Tell us more about your journey starting The Slow Home
“Starting my own business as a mother was never just about ambition—it was about necessity,” Jacquie explains. “Balancing a full-time job while raising children felt nearly impossible, and I knew there had to be a better way. I wanted to be present for my kids while still pursuing something meaningful and financially sustainable. That’s how my journey as a female-owned business began.”
She continues, “I built my business around flexibility, allowing me to work around my children’s schedules. Whether it was school runs, sick days, or simply being there for important moments, I designed my work to fit my life, not the other way around. It wasn’t always easy—late nights, early mornings, and plenty of self-doubt—but I knew I was creating something not just for myself but for my family’s future.”
What’s your mission?
“From the beginning, I was committed to making my business align with my values, particularly my passion for sustainability,” she shares. “I’ve always believed that businesses should be responsible for their impact on the planet, and I wanted to lead by example. That meant choosing eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and making conscious decisions about sourcing and production. I didn’t just want to sell a product or service—I wanted to create something that made a difference.”
She adds, “Being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated business world came with its challenges, but it also fuelled my determination. I learned to advocate for myself, trust my instincts, and connect with other like-minded women who shared my struggles and aspirations. The support of a strong community helped me push through the difficult days.”
Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Now, looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built. My business isn’t just a source of income—it’s a reflection of my values, a way to inspire my children, and proof that women can create their own paths without sacrificing family life. My journey is still evolving, but one thing remains constant: my commitment to balancing work, motherhood and sustainability in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.”
Browse The Slow Home products here.
Ecoegg and founder Dawn
Did you know Ecoegg is a female founded business? We’re proud to be a part of the female founded family. This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to us to continuously support and uplift other female founded businesses.
We caught up with our founder, Dawn to learn a little more about her journey with Ecoegg.
What’s the story behind Ecoegg?
Ecoegg was born after our founder, Dawn faced her own struggles with eczema.
After years of using detergents filled with harsh chemicals and nasties, which was often the cause of her eczema flare ups, Dawn decided that enough was enough and took the brave steps to branch out from the comfort of her career and the first Ecoegg Laundry Detergent Egg was born.
What’s the mission behind Ecoegg?
Dawn’s mission was clear, create a laundry detergent solution for eczema, psoriasis and allergy prone skin that was light on your pockets and gentle on the planet. That mission remains the same to this day. We believe that comfort for yourself and your children shouldn’t come at a steep price.
Finding the balance between motherhood and running a business
Dawn is also juggling being the mum of a young daughter with her own sensory needs, which adds another complex dimension to working in a fast-paced industry.
“Suddenly becoming a female role model at home adds more pressure and responsibility than any job I’ve known!” states Dawn. “I think any woman, parent or carer juggling a business whilst trying to make time for a healthy family balance deserves recognition today and every day!”
