Women of The Shed

Celebrating the Women of The Shed for International Women’s Day

At The Shed, we believe in community, creativity, and championing the incredible entrepreneurs who make this space so vibrant. This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the phenomenal women who are running businesses here, each bringing passion, innovation, and resilience to the heart of Whitehill & Bordon. Meet some of the inspiring women who make The Shed what it is today.

Emma – SiGNAL BiZHUB

Workspace, training, and community for business owners.
Emma is on a mission to support fellow entrepreneurs through SiGNAL BiZHUB, offering workspace, training, and networking opportunities that help businesses thrive. With a national award for Best Networking Group UK, she’s proof that a strong community can make all the difference.

Emma understands the rollercoaster of business ownership, but her advice is clear: “No one can build a business alone—find a great community and build strong relationships.” She’s passionate about lifting others up and ensuring that no business owner feels like they’re navigating the journey alone.

Her business soundtrack? FloRida and David Guetta – Club Can’t Even Handle Me Right Now – because every workday should have a bit of energy!

Piyawan – ISSAYA

Bringing authentic Thai flavours to The Shed.
Piyawan’s journey into the food industry started with inspiration from her grandmother’s incredible cooking. That passion led her to create ISSAYA, a place where people can experience traditional Thai cuisine made with love and authenticity.

Despite facing challenges as a woman in business—especially in a competitive food industry—Piyawan has stayed resilient and determined. She believes that food is about more than just taste—it’s about culture, history, and connection. Through ISSAYA, she’s bringing a slice of Thailand to The Shed and proving that dedication and love for your craft always shine through.

Her guilty pleasure? Chocolate peanut butter Häagen-Dazs ice cream—always the whole tub!

Tracy – Acorns Coffee & Cake

From a horsebox café to an award-winning coffee roastery.
Tracy’s business story began during lockdown, when she turned her love for coffee into a small mobile café. Fast forward to today, and Acorns Coffee Roastery has grown into an award-winning business, recognised for its high-quality, ethically sourced coffee beans.

Her proudest moment? Winning the Great Taste Award for two of her coffee beans! It was a validation of all the hard work and passion she’s poured into her business. Tracy is also a firm believer in work-life balance, ensuring she makes time for both her growing business and her family.

Her advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs? “Take the leap—if you want to do it, just go for it!”

Her workspace quirk? Empty wine bottles… strictly for BOSC wine menu testing, of course!

Penny– Betty’s Boutique

Natural pet treats, toys, and accessories.
When Penny adopted her Cockapoo, Betty, she realised how difficult it was to find quality, durable toys and healthy treats—so she took matters into her own hands. Now, Betty’s Boutique is a haven for pet owners, offering handpicked products that are safe, long-lasting, and loved by dogs (and their humans).

For Penny, running a business isn’t just about selling products; it’s about education and care. She takes the time to help pet owners choose the best treats and accessories, always prioritising pet health and happiness.

When she has a moment to relax, her guilty pleasure is any type of chocolate – it’s the perfect treat to unwind with!

Betty – Chief Product Tester, Betty’s Boutique

Bringing the paw-sitive vibes to The Shed!
Oh hey, hooman! Betty here, the real boss behind Betty’s Boutique (don’t tell Penelope I said that). My job? Sniffing out the best treats, testing all the squeaky toys, and making sure everything in our shop gets a solid four-paw rating. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!

I love meeting my furry customers and their humans—it’s always a tail-wagging good time. My biggest advice to all the pups out there? Always go for the biggest stick, never say no to belly rubs, and don’t let the humans leave without grabbing some treats!

Catch you at The Shed—I’ll be the one looking fabulous and waiting for snacks!

Prenti & Dee – Creation Kitchen

Bringing people together through incredible food.
Creation Kitchen is all about good food, great vibes, and community. Founded by Prenti & Dee, this dynamic duo has turned their love of cooking into a thriving business, offering everything from delicious street food to catering for special events. Their passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold flavours shines through in every dish, making them a much-loved part of The Shed.

Comments from the founders coming soon—watch this space!

What International Women’s Day Means to Us

For these women, IWD is about celebrating progress while recognising the challenges still ahead. From breaking down gender biases in business to championing the next generation of female entrepreneurs, The Shed’s women are redefining success on their own terms.

So, this IWD, let’s raise a glass (or a coffee!) to the women of The Shed—bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.