Celebrating the Women of Her Biz - Where Are They Now?
As part of the Let's Do Business Group’s International Women’s Day campaign, we’re shining a spotlight on the inspiring women who have taken part in the Her Biz Women’s Start-Up Programme since its inception over five years ago.
This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, perfectly reflects the journeys of these ambitious entrepreneurs who have transformed their dreams into thriving businesses. Here’s a look at where they are now and how they continue to make an impact across East Sussex and Kent.
Banish, Sevenoaks
Founded by: Louise Tullin
Louise Tullin, founder of Banish, has been on an incredible journey since participating in Her Biz back in May 2023. Having launched her website, and graduating from her life coaching qualification, which is accredited by the International Coaching Federation, Louise has been dedicated to empowering women to banish negativity from their lives.
“Ultimately for me it’s about impact. I am proud to have coached many women through the most difficult challenges, helping them banish negative forces from their lives. This includes members of the NatWest Her Biz community, who have also been a brilliant support system!”
Louise Tullin, Founder of Banish
Reflecting on her time in the programme, she credits the finance sessions with helping her overcome a confidence gap in managing money. Since taking part in the programme, Louise has found a sense of community in a network called ‘Wildflowers’ which was set up by her friend Lou Nylander, with the purpose of supporting and uplifting other women. Louise has also been featured as a leading expert for relationship coaching in Stylist, National World, Women’s Own, and the Life Coach Directory.
Louise’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “I recently turned 40, and I feel a real urgency to make things happen. Life is short – follow your passion! Women have the power to create the workplace cultures they want by starting their own businesses. It’s time to redefine outdated structures designed in a bygone era.”
Sonya’s Healthy Kitchen, Maidstone
Founded by: Sonya Okubule
Since completing the Her Biz programme in 2023, Sonya Okubule has taken the time to review her business model to better align with her goals for Sonya’s Healthy Kitchen. Focusing more on educational workshops and nutritional guidance for managing diabetes and women’s health through plant-based solutions, Sonya found that the programme gave her the tools to look at her business from a fresh perspective and make strategic adjustments. She has also gone on to acquire certifications for a Level 1 in Enterprising Skills & Employability and Level 2 Award in Self Employment.
“One thing I will always remember is the supportive community of like-minded women who are passionate about their entrepreneurial journeys. The encouragement and insights that were shared during the sessions have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire me in my business journey.”
Sonya Okubule, Founder of Sonya's Healthy Kitchen
Sonya has also received additional business support through mentorships and networking opportunities, allowing her to expand her reach and forge new connections, as well as exploring grant opportunities to develop growth of her first diabetes support product.
Sonya’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Don’t wait until everything is perfect to start. Having a clear vision helps but be flexible and open to learning. Stay true to your mission, ready to be flexible and open to adapting your business idea as you learn. It’s vital for any new businesses to seek out support from programs like Her Biz and surround yourself with people who believe in you and your business goals. Having that support system can make a huge difference.”
Watch This Sp_ce, Brighton
Founded by: Mo Kanjilal
Mo Kanjilal took part in Her Biz in July 2020, and since then, her business, Watch This Sp_ce, has experienced remarkable growth. Now with a team spread across the country and clients from various sectors, Mo has achieved numerous milestones. Back in 2021, Mo won the Simply Business, Business Boost competition, securing £25,000 for Watch This Sp_ce, as well as grants from Invest4 and through the Shared Prosperity Fund, to further the business’s growth.
“One thing I’ll remember from taking part in the Her Biz workshops is the community with other founders and the safe space to ask as many questions as we needed to in those early days.”
Mo Kanjilal, Founder of Watch This Sp_ce
Now, five years on, Mo’s business has gone on to receive a multitude of awards, including the Dynamic Award for Start-Ups (2022) and Corporate Vision Award (2024), and was a finalist at the Start Up Awards (2022) and the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (2023). In 2024, she had a book published by Kogan Page and spoke at TEDx Brighton in April last year!
Mo’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Research your potential market carefully, grab opportunities for mentorship, support and advice, get to know other business owners, and protect your intellectual property as much as you can.”
Tsofanye, Sittingbourne
Founded by: Naa Adjeley Kwei
For Naa Adjeley Kwei, founder of Tsofanye, the Her Biz programme in November 2023 was transformative. Over the last few years, she has had some brilliant opportunities that have inspired the future direction of the business, creating a bigger sense of purpose since Tsofanye first came to fruition.
“Creating a business plan was the one thing I hated doing and had postponed until this point. I would do a few pages and get bored – but the competition gave me the incentive to do it. It was only recently when I was having a conversation about the future direction of the business that I mentioned that I already had a business plan, and I would be able to use it to show how many workshops I needed to do in a year to work on Tsofanye full time.”
Naa Adjeley Kwei, Founder of Tsofanye
Although she has faced setbacks with grant applications, Naa Adjeley remains determined, learning from each experience. 2025 has been a turning point, marking her first successful grant application, as well as an invite to Ghana to give a talk on herbal medicine at an in-person workshop! Another proud moment for Naa Adjeley was being invited back to her former school to speak about African Herbal Medicine – a true full-circle moment. Taking suggestions from the Business Coaches, she has hired the accountants that were recommended to her.
Naa Adjeley’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Seek advice first! This is my second business – my first didn’t last because I was winging it. But this time, I made sure to get the right support, take the necessary steps, and build the confidence to register officially.”
Charlotte’s Sweet Treats, Newhaven
Founded by: Charlotte Oatway
Charlotte Oatway took part in the Her Biz workshops back in December 2023 to better understand the practical aspects of starting her own business and how to turn her ideas for Charlotte’s Sweet Treats into a success. Since then, she has continued growing her business as a side hustle.
“My business is still running, but as more of a side hustle to not only help to keep it financially viable, but also to build up my market and my brand.”
Charlotte Oatway, Founder of Charlotte's Sweet Treats
Charlotte has since been attending pop-up events, and investing every penny back into her business. Although she is considering a business loan for further expansion, she is waiting for the right timing. Charlotte also won £250 towards her business through the programme’s optional business plan competition, helping her reinvest in her dream.
Charlotte’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Do it! Everyone needs a side hustle and if you can make it into a full-time career – even better! The Her Biz programme was full of inspirational women, and it was very refreshing.”
These incredible women embody the spirit of ‘Accelerate Action,’ taking bold steps to grow their businesses and make a lasting impact. The Her Biz Women’s Start-Up Programme continues to be a catalyst for female entrepreneurs, providing the support and confidence needed to turn ideas into successful ventures.
To all aspiring businesswomen: take the leap, seek support, and accelerate your dreams into reality! Want to learn how Let’s Do Business Group can help you? Contact us today!
Read the case studies from our previous Her Biz winners here:
