International Women’s Day is coming sooner than we think, so it’s only fitting we look into some women-led independent businesses around Edinburgh. The women of Edinburgh are utterly talented, owning all sorts of businesses ranging from anything like bagels to skincare. So, let’s take a look at some of our favourite women-owned businesses around Auld Reekie.
1. Bross Bagels
Most of us have heard of Bross Bagels and Mama Bross by now. Larah Bross has been a significant presence within the city for a while now with her legendary bagel business, and is also impartial to some HOLEY puns. With four branches across the city in St James Centre, Portobello, Stockbridge and Bruntsfield, Bross Bagels the montreal bagel place often even have queues forming out the door. Plus, each bagel sandwich has a special story connecting to Larah and her upbringing in Montreal, and at Secret Edinburgh we’re always ready for story time.
2. Framework Theatre Company
Framework Theatre Company is owned by three women and is a charitable organisation that helps emerging theatre makers. They represent the under-represented, and helps create new opportunities for those who need it most. The three women in question are Emma Ruse, Jennifer Galt and Morna Ross, aiming to help shape the Scottish theatre scene by working with around 60% female, non-binary or transgender freelance artists.
3. By Jen Byrne
By Jen Byrne is not only an independent women-led businesses, but also an ethical one. Designer Jen makes everything from Vintage or reclaimed fabrics, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces. For those who are wanting to ditch fast fashion and switch to slow fashion instead, this is the perfect place to start. Plus, you will own pieces that no one else will ever have! Jen Byrne has made coats out of duvets, collars out of tablecloths, trousers out of curtains and tops out of recycled fabrics. While there are a number of ready to order pieces available as well as the occasional market the designer is present at, slow fashion lovers can also purchase made to order pieces where everything is tailored to the buyer themselves.
4. Lighthouse Bookshop
Lighthouse Bookshop is a queer-owned and women-led business that celebrates the beauty of diversity and expression of thought. Open seven days a week, the bookshop has every genre one could wish for. What is more, the business hosts regular events, such as a monthly book club at Native Edinburgh.
5. PekoeTea Edinburgh
What’s better than a delicious cup of tea on a cold wintery evening? PekoeTea Edinburgh is a local family business based in Leith, specialising in amazing tea blends, built in-house. With personal relationships built with tea growers around the world, the owners are able to source the best teas possible, and if you haven’t tried PekoeTea yet, it’s an absolute must!
6. The Little Chartroom
The Little Chartroom is a Leith-based neighbourhood restaurant, aiming to bring high quality dishes to everyone. The restaurant is available both for lunch and dinner, restaurant owner Chef Roberta Hall has also appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu to showcase her cooking. While you’re there, go for the Fresh cheese and sweetcorn manti with globe artichoke, leek, hazelnut, truffle and St Andrews Cheddar sauce.