Celebrating Inspiring Female Founders at Chantry Place for International Women’s Day
News: 6 March 2025
Back to newsInternational Women’s Day on the 8th of March is a moment to honour the achievements of women worldwide. This year, Chantry Place in Norwich is celebrating by shining a light on some remarkable female founders whose passion, resilience and creativity have shaped thriving businesses. These brands enrich our community and inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs.
Lisa Angel’s home-grown brand began in 2004 when she took a leap of faith, leaving her job as a high-street buyer to pursue her passion for jewellery design. Lisa started by selling her beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations at local craft markets, and they quickly caught people’s attention. What began on her living room floor has grown into a global brand, loved for its unique jewellery and accessories. Over time, Lisa’s dedication to quality and design has built a loyal following. The brand now has two stores and a thriving online shop reaching customers worldwide.
Saiphin Moore’s passion for authentic Thai food and her dream of sharing it with the people of London led to the creation of Rosa’s Thai. From selling dishes at a Brick Lane street stall to opening the first permanent site in Spitalfields, London, Saiphin’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to flavour and hospitality. Her husband-and-wife team even sold their home in Hong Kong to fund their second location, showing the passion and dedication behind this now-iconic brand. Rosa’s Thai now has multiple locations and continues to be loved for its heartfelt and authentic dishes.
From humble beginnings baking in her garage to running a busy commercial bakery with multiple locations, Morgan Lewis’ journey with Bakeaholics is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for baking started young – from making packet mix cakes with her mum to asking for her first KitchenAid one Christmas (she now owns 10!). The lockdown days saw her delivering sweet treats across Norfolk and Suffolk, leading to the opening of the iconic Bakeaholics “Pink Palace” in Attleborough. Today, Morgan oversees a dynamic team, two permanent shops and a bustling pop-up in Chantry Place, all while maintaining the same love for her craft that started it all.
In 1976, Lucille Lewin founded Whistles, turning it into one of the most aspirational fashion retailers of its time. Her visionary approach to fashion, blending curated labels with an in-house range, created a lifestyle brand that resonates with modern women. Lucille’s eye for quality and trend-setting designs helped Whistles stand out, making it a go-to destination for stylish, everyday pieces. Over the years, the brand has continued to evolve, offering a mix of classic and contemporary styles catering to women who value fashion and functionality.
Patsy Seddon started Phase Eight in 1979 to create stylish, practical fashion for women. Her drive to fill a gap in the market turned into a brand known for its accessible elegance. Today, Phase Eight continues to empower women through fashion, remaining true to Patsy’s original vision. The brand offers timeless pieces that make women feel confident and elegant, whether at work, at a special event, or a casual day out. With a focus on high-quality fabrics and flattering cuts, Phase Eight has become a go-to for women seeking style and comfort.
Jacqueline Gold transformed the lingerie industry by putting women at the forefront and encouraging them to embrace their sexuality. Through the iconic Ann Summers parties, she created opportunities for women to gain financial independence and start their own businesses. Her legacy continues, with 13,000 party ambassadors and a strong commitment to empowering women in business. Jacqueline’s innovative approach reshaped how women viewed their bodies and financial potential. Ann Summers has grown into a community where women are supported and celebrated, and her impact continues to inspire new generations of female entrepreneurs.
Celebrate at Chantry Place
This International Women’s Day, visit Chantry Place to explore these iconic female-founded or run brands. These women prove that dreams can become reality with passion, resilience and vision.
