This International Women’s Day, we’re recognising the women behind the businesses at Courage Yard. From independent founders to team leaders, they play a key role in shaping the businesses and community here in Shad Thames.

The 2026 theme, #GivetoGain, reflects something we see every day – women backing each other, sharing experience, creating opportunities, and building spaces where people can grow. Here are a few of their stories.

Nicky – Sales Associate and Visual Merchandiser at MAX + BETTY

Nicky is a sales associate and visual merchandiser at MAX+BETTY, Courage Yard’s homeware and gift shop.

“Coming back to work at this amazing new shop after being a full time Mum has been such a boost to my confidence. It’s reminded me how much I genuinely enjoy connecting with people every day. My previous career as a District Nurse gave me skills I didn’t fully appreciate at the time: listening, understanding, supporting people from all walks of life, and those skills have helped me become part of a diverse and dynamic team here in Courage Yard.

The shops owner, Britt, took a chance on me and on all of us working here. That kind of belief in women at different stages of life truly matters. The commitment Britt brings to the shop, and the respect and dignity he shows to women of all ages and nationalities, sets the tone for everything we do.

The shop itself has generated a real sense of community. We have wonderful regular customers, and every day new people discover us for the first time. Who would have thought big old London could feel so small and friendly!! We’ve created our own little community here, an inclusive, safe space for everyone.

We’re also proud to hold charity events supporting organisations like Albert Kennedy Trust, which works to support LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness or hostile environments. Advocacy and action go hand in hand. Celebrating women is in the DNA of MAX+BETTY. After all, it’s down to two amazing Grandmothers Maxine and Betty who were the inspiration of this store! Happy international Woman’s Day! 

Amy – Co-Founder at Movement Collective

Mo.Co. really started with a lot of conversations. Meredith and I met in London, discovered we were both Canadian, both teaching, and both quietly thinking the same thing about the industry.

Most studios were starting to look the same – a room full of reformers, a tight schedule, same format all day long. Great workouts, but we kept feeling like something was missing. We wanted space to explore more of the movement world we loved.

So Mo.Co. became a place where lots of different things could live under one roof. Pilates, stretch, breathwork, hands-on work, workshops, experiments, ideas. It keeps us curious and it keeps the studio feeling human.

We also built it so we could be ourselves. We take the work very seriously, but we absolutely don’t take ourselves too seriously. There’s a lot of laughing in the studio. Probably too much.

The other thing that really drives us is developing teachers. We both care deeply about the craft of teaching and we love helping people grow into their voice. As the studio evolves, we’re finding ourselves spending more and more time mentoring our team – talking shop, refining ideas, and helping them step into being incredible teachers in their own right. That part feels really special.

The International Women’s Day theme this year, Give to Gain, hits home for us because Mo.Co. is very much the result of people being generous with us along the way.

One of those people was Jillian MacLean, founder of Drake & Morgan. Her advice and encouragement came at a moment when it really mattered. Sometimes you just need someone who has done big things to say, “yes, keep going.”

That kind of support sticks with you. It makes you want to do the same for others – share what you know, make introductions, cheer people on, and create opportunities where you can.

In many ways that’s what Mo.Co. has quietly become. A place where people move, yes – but also where people grow.

 

Anastasiya Chaban – Business Development Manager, Blue Duck Café

As a Business Development Manager, my role spans everything from driving sales to leading a team and navigating daily operations – its a wide and dynamic space. One thing I’ve learned from this diversity is simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment, funding, or confidence. I started, and I built as I learned. I’ve been fortunate to have strong female mentors whose leadership showed me that courage creates opportunities – and that’s the culture I strive to build within our business: a space where women, and everyone on our team, feel supported to grow, lead and thrive.

Blue Duck is a community focussed independent café built on connection, and being a part of Courage Yard strengthens that vision. It’s inspiring to be in a shared space that encourages collaboration between local businesses, allowing us to support each other and create something meaningful together.

 

We have more amazing female run businesses – from sisters Shefali and Shwaita, owners and principal dentists Londent Oral Care, to Kelly at the Luxury Flower Company. Across retail, wellness and hospitality, these creating jobs, supporting their teams and contributing to a strong local community.

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating their work, their leadership and the impact they make – not just today, but all year round.