Across the city centre, many of the businesses that help make Brighton vibrant, welcoming and creative are led by women. From long-standing independents to much-loved local institutions, these founders and teams bring passion, expertise and community spirit to their work every day.
While International Women’s Day offers a day to recognise and celebrate women in business, the impact of female-led enterprises across Brighton is something that deserves acknowledgement all year round. Within Brilliant Brighton BID’s city centre area, a number of businesses are proudly founded, owned or led by women whose leadership continues to shape the local business community.
Here are just a few of them:
Toby Tiger
Founded by Zoe Mellor, Toby Tiger is a proudly female-led brand that’s been spreading rainbow-bright happiness for over 25 years. From bold prints to planet-friendly organic cotton, everything the team do is rooted in creativity, confidence and care – values that sit at the heart of empowering women in business. As a Brighton-born brand with a big personality and even bigger heart, they’re passionate about championing individuality, sustainability and strong female leadership.
11 Gardner Street, Brighton
Number Ten
Independent jeweller Number Ten is led by owner Sarah and supported by an experienced all-female team who share a genuine passion for jewellery.
Together, they combine years of expertise with a strong focus on customer experience, creating a welcoming space where every purchase – whether a gift, a milestone piece or something chosen just because – feels personal and memorable.
10 Market Street, Brighton
The Lanes Health & Beauty
For more than two decades, founder Julie has led The Lanes Health & Beauty with a clear vision for beauty, wellness and exceptional service.
Over 24 years, the salon has become a trusted part of Brighton’s beauty scene, known for its talented female team, innovative treatments and personalised approach. The result is a space where expertise and creativity come together to help clients feel confident, relaxed and cared for.
5 Market Street, Brighton
North Laine Hair Co.
Owner Kate has been at the helm of North Laine Hair Co. for nearly two decades, building a salon that has become a staple of Brighton’s North Laine.
Supported by an all-female front-of-house team and a largely female group of stylists, the salon places strong emphasis on inclusivity, collaboration and professional creativity. It’s a space where team members’ voices are valued and clients are welcomed into an environment designed to help them feel confident and comfortable.
38 Gardner Street, Brighton
Simon Webster Hair
Simon Webster Hair was founded by Sophie Webster with her husband, Simon. Sophie runs the business-side of the operation and together they lead a team of eighteen stylists, trainees, educators and managers. Like the UK hairdressing industry more broadly, 80% of the Simon Webster Hair team are women; ranging from school-leavers starting out on an apprenticeship to experienced Brand Ambassadors. Not only that, 80% of their 3,000 clients identify as female.
The salon also supports the local community through fundraising and initiatives with the Brighton Women’s Centre, creating a network where women support and uplift one another.
16 Gardner Street, Brighton
That Little Tea Shop In The Lanes
Tucked within Brighton’s historic Lanes, That Little Tea Shop in the Lanes is owned by Gulseli (who left a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry to live her dream of opening an English tea room), who has transformed the tearoom into a warm and nostalgic destination for locals and visitors alike.
Known for its afternoon tea experiences, homemade scones and intimate celebrations, the tearoom celebrates traditional English tea culture while creating meaningful moments for guests.
17 Meeting House Lane, Brighton
