As part of our celebration, we spoke with some of Putney’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs to hear about their journeys, what International Women’s Day means to them, and how they continue to make an impact in their industries.
Whilst International Women’s Day was on March 8th, we feel that one day simply isn’t enough to celebrate the incredible women of Putney! That’s why we’re continuing the celebrations all month long, highlighting the fantastic female business owners and managers who make Putney the vibrant and diverse community it is today. From speciality coffee to boutique fashion and hot yoga, these women are not just running businesses—they’re shaping our town.
Magda – Artisan Coffee
Magda co-founded Artisan Coffee in 2011 with her husband, bringing a taste of Australian coffee culture to Putney. “Coffee is more than a drink for me—it’s a passion, a ritual, and a way of life,” she explains. “Speciality coffee was something I truly believed in, so I wanted to create a space where people could enjoy it in a welcoming environment.”
On International Women’s Day, Magda reflects, “It’s a way to recognise the amazing women in Putney and beyond, who are making a difference with their independent businesses. It’s about celebrating success and resilience.”
Christine – Ben & Lola
Christine has been running Ben & Lola, a Scandinavian-inspired children’s clothing and toy store in Putney Exchange, for the past eight years. “For me, International Women’s Day represents not just the celebration of women’s success and achievements, but also a reminder that there’s still much more to be done.”
Her boutique is a testament to thoughtful curation and passion for quality products. “It’s been such a joy to watch families return over the years and see their children grow”.
Megs – Hot Pod Yoga
Megs, owner of Hot Pod Yoga in Putney Exchange, has created a sanctuary of warmth—literally. “Our yoga is practiced in an inflatable pod heated to 37 degrees, which enhances flexibility, boosts metabolism, and improves cardiovascular health.”
She acknowledges the importance of International Women’s Day: “Most of my yoga teachers are female, and they are incredible. So many of my customers are women, and they are all incredible too. It’s about celebrating these strong, capable individuals who show up for themselves every day.”
Sue – Roxie Steak
Sue, originally from South Africa, co-founded Roxie Steak with her husband after struggling to find a great steakhouse that was both high-quality and welcoming. “At the time, most steak restaurants were very male-focused, so we left our city jobs to create a space that was inviting for everyone.”
She has seen first-hand how women in the hospitality industry are making their mark. “International Women’s Day is one of the many ways we can celebrate the incredible contributions women are making in traditionally male-dominated industries. At Roxie, my management team is predominantly female, from waitresses to chefs, to my financial contractor Joanna—who started as a waitress and is now one of my most trusted employees. Their contribution to our business is invaluable.”
Shweta – Kashmir
For Shweta, Kashmir isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of heritage and resilience. “My husband is from Kashmir, and as the chef, he brings authentic Kashmiri cuisine to the UK. We are actually the only Indian restaurant in England specialising in Kashmiri cuisine!”
To Shweta, International Women’s Day is about empowerment. “It’s about celebrating personal and professional achievements, uplifting other women, and creating opportunities. We all have a role to play in fostering inclusivity and supporting each other.”
If you’re inspired by these incredible women and want to celebrate female empowerment in the workplace, don’t miss our Business Breakfast at Metro Bank, Putney High Street, on March 25th.
Agenda:
08:30 AM – Arrival
08:40 AM – Start the morning with a relaxing meditation session with Hot Pod Yoga.
08:55 AM – Panel discussion featuring Sue from Roxie, Magda from Artisan, Megs from Hot Pod, and Christine from Ben & Lola chaired by Nicola Grant from Positively Putney BID.
09:25 AM – Metro Bank’s insights on supporting women business owners.
09:35 AM – 10:00 AM – Networking.
Come along to hear these inspiring women share their stories, connect with like-minded professionals, and be part of a fantastic celebration of women in business.
Register now: Women in Business Breakfast Tickets, Tue, Mar 25, 2025 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite