In the world of business, the path to success is rarely a straight line – especially for female entrepreneurs. From breaking industry norms to balancing motherhood with ambition, women continue to carve their own space in the entrepreneurial world. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the inspiring female founders behind some of the brands found in our gifts.
These women didn’t just build businesses; they created brands that empower, heal, and uplift – whether through wellness shots, aromatherapy, or natural skincare. Their journeys are a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of community. We’re excited for you to get to know them!
Anna Szymanowska, Founder of Fighter Shots
When Anna Szymanowska launched Fighter Shots in 2019, her vision was simple: to make wellness easy, accessible, and effective. Armed with a business degree from London Business School, she wanted to champion the ingredients she’d always believed in – ginger, turmeric, collagen, and manuka honey – by transforming them into powerful, health-boosting shots.
What she didn’t anticipate was just how much the human connections behind the business would mean to her. “The relationships I’ve built with my team, business partners, customers, and suppliers have been an unexpected joy,” she shares. “After six years, they’ve become more like friends than just business connections.”
For women looking to launch their own ventures, Anna believes there has never been a better time. “Women bring a unique perspective to business – we tend to approach growth with a more balanced and sustainable mindset,” she explains. “That kind of leadership helps create companies that last.”
And as for what’s next? Fighter Shots is expanding into the Middle East and US markets, as well as launching a new 100% wild blueberry shot. Because for Anna, innovation never stops.
Georgina Banks-Lyon, Founder of Banks-Lyon Botanical
For Georgina Banks-Lyon, entrepreneurship runs in the family. Her great-great-grandfather opened a retail store in 1887, and for over a century, her family has been known for quality craftsmanship. But Georgina’s own journey took a different turn – one rooted in self-care.
Having struggled with sensitive skin for years, she found that most high-street skincare products were packed with chemicals and preservatives. Frustrated, she started experimenting at home, mixing natural ingredients at her kitchen table with her husband, Simon. “What started as a few homemade soaps soon became Banks-Lyon Botanical,” she recalls.
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t easy, but Georgina believes that pushing beyond fear is the key to success. “Just go for it,” she urges. “You never know what you’re capable of creating. I’ve always tried to step out of my comfort zone – even though, I must admit, it felt easier before I had children! But that doesn’t stop me. Sometimes you have to do things that scare you.”
At its core, Banks-Lyon Botanical is about bringing joy and self-care to others. “I love knowing that our products offer people small moments of indulgence,” she says. But beyond the products themselves, Georgina is passionate about empowering women in her business and community. “Our team is made up of women I met when our eldest was a baby, plus a mum of one of my old colleagues. We support and uplift each other in so many ways,” she shares. “I also encourage them to take on new roles within the business, ensuring they’re multi-skilled. Honestly, I couldn’t run the company without them.”
From her grandmother to her sister, and the friends who inspire her every day, Georgina is surrounded by strong women. And through her business, she’s paying that strength forward.
Clare Cooper, Founder of Made by Coopers
For Clare Cooper, Made by Coopers isn’t just a business – it’s deeply personal. In her twenties, Clare struggled with social anxiety, at a time when mental health wasn’t widely discussed. Searching for answers, she turned to yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy. “I used to burn frankincense while meditating for hours and noticed how powerful herbs and essential oils were in my healing,” she says.
Determined to dive deeper, she embarked on a three-month journey to India, immersing herself in yoga and Ayurvedic practices. “Spending time in Ayurvedic centres was life-changing,” she recalls. “Seeing how plants and herbs were transformed into healing oils inspired me to create my own natural wellness brand.”
Now, through Made by Coopers, she helps others find peace in their daily lives. “I want our products to be more than just skincare – I want them to become part of someone’s ritual, something they look forward to using,” she explains.
Her advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs? Surround yourself with like-minded women. “Networking is so important,” she says. “You’re never alone, and there’s so much to learn from others who’ve been on similar journeys. And don’t be afraid to pick up new skills! I was a hair and makeup artist before starting this business, so it was a total career change. But we all have the power to learn and grow into new fields.”
Celebrating Women, Today and Every Day
Anna, Georgina, and Clare each followed different paths, but their stories share a common thread – resilience, passion, and a determination to make a difference. Whether it’s nourishing the body, soothing the skin, or calming the mind, these women have turned personal experiences into brands that empower.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not just these incredible founders, but every woman who dares to chase her dreams, lift others up, and create something meaningful. Because when women support women, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
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