This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and commitment of our incredible female business owners across the estate. But before we dive in…
What Does International Women’s Day mean to St Christopher’s Place?
International Women’s Day is extremely special to us as a collective, and this year we take a moment to pause and reflect on the impact our female business owners have on site, recognising the strength, wisdom, and unique qualities they bring to our space and truly acknowledge their contributions and efforts. From their diverse personalities to their varied experiences, they enrich St. Christopher’s Place with qualities beyond measure. Whether it's the nurturing spirit of those who always know how to lend a listening ear, the fierce ambition of women who inspire with their drive, or the quiet kindness of those who make everyone feel welcome – every woman adds something invaluable.
To mark the occasion of these celebrations, we focused on the voices of Nana, Rebecca, Carolina and Katie as they kindly shared their life experiences as female entrepreneur’s. Through these discussions, we learn how St Christopher’s Place has played its part in allowing their brands to evolve, as well as the challenges and triumphs faced as female founders in the competitive business industry. Each of their stories are filled with passion and a commitment to building something meaningful to inspire and empower women across the capital.
The Hour, a luxury size-inclusive clothing brand located within The Hour &Bleue, is dedicated to offering timeless high-quality fashion that celebrates all body types whilst embracing individuality and style. Founded by Nana, her transition from medicine to fashion may seem unconventional, but it is her deep understanding of the female form and her commitment to inclusivity behind her success. Nana's story is a testament to the power of passion and persistence, proving that it is never too late to make an impact.
1. Can you please introduce yourself and your brand?
‘I’m Nana, the founder and creative director of The Hour, a luxury size-inclusive women’s clothing brand. My journey into fashion was unconventional—I originally trained as a doctor, which gave me a deep understanding of the female form. However, based on personal experience, I found that luxury fashion often overlooked plus-size women, so I launched The Hour to create elegant, high-quality pieces for fuller figure. Our brand is about excellent fit, premium craftsmanship, and style, catering to sizes UK 12-28.’
2.What impact do you hope your business has on future generations of women?
‘I hope The Hour empowers women to embrace their bodies with confidence while setting a new standard for inclusivity in luxury fashion. I also want to show that it’s never too late to start something new, launching this brand after the age of 45 proved that passion and determination can lead to success at any stage in life.'
3.What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a female business owner?
‘Breaking into the luxury fashion industry with a plus-size focus was challenging, as many manufacturers and retailers didn’t initially share the vision. It took persistence to find the right partners who aligned with our commitment to fit, quality, and ethical production. Balancing creativity, business strategy, and sustainability has been a learning curve, but it’s made me more resilient.'
4.What do you admire about yourself?
‘I value my determination to challenge industry norms and create something meaningful. Transitioning from medicine to fashion wasn’t easy, but I trusted my vision and built a brand that truly serves women. I also take pride in my commitment to responsible fashion—I believe luxury should not only look and feel good but also be made with integrity and care for people and the planet.’
Eluroom, is a brand dedicated to inspiring women to radiate confidence and joy through fashion and is located within ‘Adeela&Friends’ as part of a collective store that celebrates empowerment and positivity. For founder Rebecca, the most rewarding part of her journey is witnessing the transformative power of confidence in her customers. Her drive and infectious positivity have not only helped her achieve her own goals but has also helped build strong relationships with her customers along the way.
1.Can you please introduce yourself and your brand?
‘My name is Rebecca, and I am the founder of Eluroom. Eluroom means joy of life in Estonian, which is where my father's from, and I'm committed to inspiring women to radiate joy through effortless style and mindset.’
2 .What are some of the most rewards aspects of being a female entrepreneur?
‘Inspiring women to radiate joy. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the transformative power of confidence in women. Seeing their faces light up when they discover something that makes them feel truly amazing is unparalleled. It's about more than just clothing; it's the most fulfilling part of my journey.'
3.Who are the most important women in your life and why?
‘Every woman who graces my life holds a special significance, I believe our paths cross for a reason. From the incredible women of Adeela&Friends, who create such a vibrant atmosphere in my shop, to my inspiring yoga and Pilates clients, and the wonderful women who visit my store, each one contributes to the rich tapestry of my life.'
4.What do you admire about yourself?
‘I am unstoppable, and my ability to combine relentless drive with an infectious, positive energy. I'm proud of my tenacity in achieving my goals, and even more so when that energy inspires others to shine.'
Carolina Wong is a luxury bespoke jewellery brand, which was founded by Carolina herself during lockdown. What started as a personal creative escape has blossomed into a brand celebrated for its sustainability and craftsmanship. Carolina’s unique approach to jewellery design focuses on transforming overlooked materials into extraordinary works of art, celebrating the beauty of the unconventional.
1.Can you please introduce yourself and your brand?
‘Hi, my name is Carolina Wong, and I launched my namesake jewellery brand during lockdown from my spare bedroom, while navigating the challenges of post-baby blues. What began as a personal creative escape has since evolved into an independent jewellery brand rooted in sustainability and craftsmanship.’
2.What advice would you give to young women wanting to start their own business?
‘Design your future self. Know who you are, focus on what you do best, and be open to advice—but never feel pressured to follow it blindly. There’s no universal “right” way to build something meaningful. Be patient. Success isn’t instant, but if you stay true to your vision, it will come.'
3.How do you balance home and work life?
‘I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing everything—it’s about focusing on what truly matters. For me, that’s my family and my business. I’ve become intentional about where I invest my time and energy, letting go of distractions that don’t contribute to my personal growth or creative journey.'
4.What do you admire about yourself?
‘I have a deep appreciation for beauty in all forms—not just the obvious or the traditionally perfect. Whether in life or design, I find inspiration in the overlooked, the imperfect, and the unconventional. My jewellery reflects this philosophy, celebrating raw, unexpected materials in ways that challenge norms and invite a fresh perspective.'
Katie is the founder of Nailuxury, a top tier nail and beauty salon. Katie believes that women have made incredible strides in business and aims to continue the legacy through her entrepreneurial journey. Her own story is a testament to resilience, and motivation as she proudly embraces her determination and commitment to never giving up on her goals despite hurdles, she has faced along the way.
1.Can you please introduce yourself and your brand?
‘Hi, I’m Katie Pham of Nailuxury your top tier nails and beauty salon in Central London.'
2.How do you think the role of women in business has evolved over the years?
‘I believe that as women, we have made significant breakthroughs in breaking "the glass ceiling" over the decades, demonstrating our leadership abilities in competitive industries and setting equally representations in the industry, and I do believe we have come a long way in setting a new standard for women in business such a competitive industry.'
What advice would you give to young women wanting to start their own business?
‘My advice is don't be afraid of failure, treat it as a lesson to grow and succeed and use it as your motivation to become successful.'
4.What do you admire about yourself?
‘This is a very hard question, but if I must choose, I would say I have never given up.'
Through their actions and strong mindset, these remarkable women of St Christopher’s Place have proved that the strength of a community lies in its ability to uplift each other, amplify diverse voices, and celebrate achievements, no matter how big or small. Their efforts serve as a reminder of the bright future for female entrepreneurs, highlighting how far society has come in breaking down gender stereotypes in the business industry. Let’s use this time to celebrate more women breaking barriers, creating new paths, and inspiring generations to come.
Want to hear their full stories? Watch the video below to find out more.
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