We couldn't let International Women's Day pass by without taking the chance to chat to the awe-inspiring women from a few of the incredible businesses currently operating on site. It's their hard work, resilience, and passion that drives their businesses forward and makes a space like Pop Brixton a hub of exciting projects and activities.
Sarah - Make Do and Mend
How did Make Do and Mend get started?
I had always had a dream of running my own business from a young age but it wasn't until about 8 years ago that I seriously considered it and then decided to go for it. I did a business course which taught me a lot about what I would need in order to seriously set one up and then I began doing market stalls, locally in the Brixton area which was a great introduction as I learnt very quickly what worked and what didn't.
The biggest challenge you've faced?
Just to keep the business going! To keep pushing forward and keep motivated. Even on your worst day when you've had no customers, no takings and everything feels like it's all going wrong. Running a business on your own I've discovered can be very lonely and you need as much mental strength as physical energy to keep going. Biggest challenge I face now is figuring out how I'm going to run the business and have a baby!
What do you love about running MDAM?
I absolutely love having a fantastic engagement with a customer who walks out happy with their purchase. We are so lucky to have some fantastic customers and to meet so many amazing people through the shop. It really makes your day when you've made someone else's.
And the most important piece of advice you’d give to other women looking to start their own business?
Just do it!! Stop thinking about it, thinking of all the what ifs and reasons why you're not quite ready. There never will be a good time nor will you be ready - just start! You learn along the way. Take small steps but just start doing!
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Aurore - Viet Box
Why did you start Viet Box?
I have been living in Brixton for nearly 15 years and I was working in fashion when, 3.5 years ago, I found out about the Pop Brixton project. It was my opportunity to start Viet Box. I've always been attracted to cooking and baking. My grandfather was a baker and growing up I used to love to cook and bake for my loved ones.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced?
Finding balance between my personal life and my business. Trying not to be a control freak...!
What do you love about running Viet Box?
Viet Box allows me to interact with and cook for people. Cooking is like traveling for me, tastes and smells sharpen my curiosity and creativity.
This year’s International Women’s Day slogan is #BalanceforBetter and focuses on building a gender-balanced world. What does this mean for you in your work life?
Before, the hospitality and restaurant industry was a man's world. But these last years it's started to change. I am not a feminist because for me there is no difference between genders. Skills come before gender.
And the most important piece of advice you’d give to other women looking to start their own business?
Just Do It, trust yourself, and don’t over think too much.
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Olivia - Blackstar
Why did you start Blackstar?
I decided after over a decade in the Music Industry working for other people, I wanted a change & new challenge, so I started the company in January 2018 with savings & have been building since then.
The biggest challenge you face on the job?
Managing people's expectations for their music's potential & how long it takes to build a sustainable, solid career or release.
What do you love about running Blackstar?
Every day is different.
This year’s International Women’s Day slogan is #BalanceforBetter and focuses on building a gender-balanced world. What does this mean for you in your work life?
One thing we do, when we commission videos & photos, is to ensure to target a 50/50 gender-balanced list of creatives (Directors/ Photographers etc.) - which is sometimes challenging but it's really important for us to do this.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to other women looking to start their own business?
It's OK to be scared.
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Tamara - Impact Brixton
How did you get involved with Impact Brixton?
The last company I worked for was based in WeWork. I really enjoyed the environment of a co-working space and decided thereafter that I wanted to work in one, especially a space that was community driven.
What's your role?
I'm the Events and Community Lead for Impact Brixton, so I'm responsible for programming a wide range of events for our members and wider public. I'm also responsible for growing our community and making sure our members get the best experience here.
The biggest challenge you face on the job?
I'm programming 200 events this year! That's a big task, but I come from an events background, and I love the fact that I'll get to create memorable experiences through events here.
What do you love about working at Impact Brixton?
It's a great feeling to know you're part of a community that's dedicated to making a change in Lambeth. A lot of our members here work in social enterprise and because of that, I get to meet inspiring people every day.
I've also had the chance to meet some cool creatives. I met a member recently who produces films for Hollywood, and we have members who work in fashion, art, film and more. You never know who you'll meet here either - the other day a well known DJ walked in for a meeting and I was like, 'Oh my gosh!'.
This year’s International Women’s Day slogan is #BalanceforBetter and focuses on building a gender-balanced world. What does this mean for you in your work life?
For me, that means having an equal number of men and women in leadership positions at work! It also means having more women in the workspace in general. A lot of Impact Brixton members are women, which is something I'm proud of.