5 female creative industry leaders I’m in awe of
Celebrating out of the box thinking should be embraced. Especially when this thinking comes from creative industry leaders and female small business entrepreneurs. Ladies unite!
Drawing inspiration for design projects or my business comes in many forms. I constantly surround myself with creative people, and references I confidently feel will encourage ideas. So, I wished to share a selection of inspiration for you to enjoy too. A combination of female small business owners, friends and creative entrepreneurs that are simply doing clever things. Proudly, they all happen to be women. Truly creative females.
Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Creative small business owner Lalese of Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Lalese Stamp of Lolly Lolly Ceramics is a Columbus-based ceramicist. Lalese grew through her personal challenge, the 100 Day Project, to design and create fresh, innovative handle styles for her range of mugs. As a graphic designer by trade, Lalese’s project resulted in a wonderful mix of form. Look out for duplicated curves, unusually geometric handles, sculpted prisms and more abstract studs, faces and knobs.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lollylollyceramics
Nakkiah Lui
Nakkiah Lui: one creative powerhouse of a lady
Writer and actor of ABC TV’s Black Comedy and Kiki and Kitty, contributor at Sydney Theatre Company, and author of Black is the New White, Nakkiah Lui is one versatile, responsive and hella funny creative lady. She’s also one of my good friends. Having met when I lived in Melbourne 10 years ago, I’ve seen Nakkiah go from strength to strength. She has always been passionate about her career, speaking out against injustice, in particular racial injustice, and well, having a bloody good laugh. Proud of you, Kiki!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakkiah/
Nicole McGrew of Threadleaf & Company
Living sustainably with small business owner Threadleaf & Company’s Nicole McGrew
Threadleaf & Company was founded by Nicole McGrew, an attorney with a design background and strong interest in sustainable, slow living. Frustrated by the difficulty in finding stylish, thoughtfully-made apparel, Nicole opened her shop in Alexandria Virginia, just outside Washington D.C. to make it easier for other women. Her tagline ‘Good Clean Fashion’ reflects her desire to create an inviting space for considered shopping. One that DOESN’T compromise on style or craftsmanship. I discovered Threadleaf on a trip to D.C. in 2019, and quite simply, adored it. Come to London, Nicole!
Website: https://www.threadleafandcompany.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threadleaf/
Eat Ethio
The wonderfully creative Helina of Eat Ethio
Eat Ethio is run by Helina Tesega. A now London and previously Hong Kong based creative, Eat Ethio honestly celebrates the ingredients, artisans and culture of Ethiopia. The online platform provides a modern insight into the culture of Ethiopia. It celebrates Ethiopia’s rich history, music, design and of course, their coffee. A culture that has influenced me because of my partner, I am constantly seeking to be enriched and find new sources to learn about it. Helina’s array of recipes, events and contemporary references have been hugely inspiring for me. And helping lay my own foundation of knowledge before I finally get to visit one day.
Website: http://www.eatethio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatethio/
Phena London Circular Candles
The lovely Patricia Romero of small business Phena London
Founded by Patricia Romero, Phena London is a luxury aromatherapy candle business, focused on plant-based wax utilising waste cooking oil from local restaurants. It is a circular economy candle product, from packaging and branding ethos, right through to the end result. At the heart, Phena is committed to sustainable action and a softer touch on the environment. Simple Dawn and Dusk themed candles either invigorate or calm. As a devout candle lover, I am so thrilled I found this product. Thank you, Patricia!
Website: https://www.phenalondon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phenalondon/
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Note. Image credits to each photographer linked with these talented ladies.
