In our annual celebration of inspiring women, to coincide with International Women’s Day, SurreyFrills and Premier Magazine are excited to present the fourth anniversary of Women to Watch. Women entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth, characterised by their ambition, creativity, and engaging spirit. Here, we pay tribute to and highlight the women leading with prescience, passion, and poise.
Premier Magazine and Surrey Frills were proud to host a special event for these trailblazers at the beautiful Mitre Hotel in Hampton Court
The trailblazers in this list hail from Surrey and the surrounding areas and come from diverse fields. They are passionate and dynamic leaders who showcase their unique talents and innovations.
Ambition, aspiration, and achievement are recurring themes in their stories; we celebrate these narratives and their accomplishments, hoping their journeys inspire you as much as they have inspired us.
Jenny King and Katy Friedman
Wear
Meet the Surrey duo redefining luxury resale. As visionaries in this booming sector, Jenny King and Katy Friedman specialise in designer and superbrand collections, working with ultra-high-net-worth women & leading lifestyle influencers to resell their exquisite wardrobes.
Jenny & Katy launched WEAR in March 2023. With a bold vision, they set out to revolutionise the luxury market through an innovative two-fold approach.
First, they selected a group of sellers who personally own some of the UK’s most luxurious wardrobes. This partnership ensures that their events showcase only outstanding items from exceptional sources, prioritising quality and exclusivity.
Second, they create exciting and exclusive pop-up events focusing on vibrant, immersive experiences that feel like your best-kept secret. Their ability to cultivate a sense of desire and anticipation has firmly established WEAR as a leading luxury resale brand, celebrating the beauty of second chances. Since 2023, they have built a community of over 38,000 followers on Instagram, thanks to their informative, engaging and inclusive content, which has inspired more than 1 million views on their profile. They have also raised over £20,000 for charitable causes.
This spring, they will host an elite pop-up event in central London to showcase the wardrobes of their favourite influencers and UHNWI clients to their growing client base.
Instagram: @wear_ltd
Charlotte Staples
Firebird Ltd
As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives and the invisible threat of a cyber-attack looms, the demand for skilled data protection professionals is growing. Charlotte Staples, the Head of Privacy Management at Firebird Data Protection Consultancy, is well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead. With over a decade of experience supporting companies of all sizes, Charlotte supports businesses to get a crystal-clear view of their data protection risks, helping them make informed decisions and leverage their data for maximum business growth. She excels in simplifying compliance rules with a calm and compassionate approach.
Instagram: @firebird.dp
Amanda Flory
Amanda Flory Hairdressing
Looking for your forever salon? Amanda Flory’s eponymous salon offers outstanding hair services, harmoniously blending luxury with sustainability. Amanda is known for her high-end artistic work, having worked on London Fashion Week shows and editorial fashion shoots. Proudly crowned the 2024 Best Hair Salon in Surrey, she has also received prestigious awards for Most Sustainable Salon and Best Customer Experience. Honing her skills alongside some of the world’s top artists, Amanda is passionate about crafting stunning, wearable hairstyles that embody each client’s unique style and lifestyle. Amanda’s creative expertise shines through her meticulous attention to detail and transformative work. Recently, she stepped into the ambassador role for the renowned Australian brand NAK Hair.
Instagram: @amandafloryhair
Elle Wilks and Kate Cooper
Fearless Girls Club
In a world where growing up can feel overwhelming and fast-paced, young girls face jaw-dropping levels of anxiety and fear. Step forward visionary leaders Elle Wilks and Kate Cooper, who have launched Fearless Girls Club—a sanctuary for empowerment. A powerful belief drives these experienced nonprofit professionals: no young girl should be held back from achieving her full potential.
Their mission is to boost confidence, supercharge self-esteem, and strengthen resilience in girls aged 8 to 11. Their unique club offers tailored support through nurturing critical thinking, igniting curiosity and cultivating confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.
Every session is thoughtfully designed to ensure that each girl feels valued and heard, allowing young girls to rise, thrive, and live fearlessly.
Instagram: @fearless_girls_club.
Mizi Atkins
MiziAtelier
From a young age, Mizi has passionately embraced horses, hats, and all things beautiful. After relocating from New York to the UK 22 years ago, Mizi fully immersed herself in her passion for horse racing and prestigious events like Royal Ascot. When the perfect hats eluded her, she took matters into her own hands and began crafting her own creations, quickly earning praise and admiration. She founded Mizi Atelier, where excellence, creativity, and sustainability reign supreme. Every piece reflects her meticulous attention to detail. Whether for Haute Couture or innovative reimaginings, Mizi emphasises sustainable sourcing by using natural products, upcycling hats or fascinator bases, and selecting vintage, pre-owned, or repurposed materials whenever possible.
Instagram: @MiziAtelier
Sonica Beckmann
House of Kind
Sonica Beckmann is an accomplished solicitor specialising in retail, luxury, and fashion. By 31, Sonica had already established herself as the Head of Legal for a multi-billion-dollar corporation, navigating the complex landscape of senior leadership where women often face significant challenges. In 2024, in a steadfast commitment to her principles, Sonica launched House of Kind, a transformative fashion brand dedicated to fostering community, empowerment, and kindness. House of Kind specialises in providing high-quality and affordable women’s workwear, positioning itself not merely as a brand but as a meaningful movement aimed at cultivating a visible sisterhood within the corporate sector. This initiative seeks to catalyse sustainable change in contemporary workplaces, demonstrating that kindness is an essential strength and a powerful reminder in today’s society.
Instagram: @houseofkind.london
Emma Holland
Emma Holland Jewellery
Introducing Emma Holland, the founder of her eponymous demi-fine jewellery brand. With nearly two decades of expertise in the fashion jewellery industry, Emma launched her brand in 2019, crafting modern, sophisticated pieces that appeal to a diverse and discerning clientele.
Her stunning jewellery line is proudly showcased in prestigious retailers like John Lewis and Wolf & Badger, with ambitious plans for global expansion, including the eagerly anticipated launch of Wolf & Badger New York. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, responsibly sourced, and designed in-house, featuring 24-carat gold and 100% pure platinum plating—ideal for any occasion, from everyday elegance to dazzling events. Emma Holland’s jewellery isn’t just an accessory; it’s a statement of quality and style.
www.emmahollandjewellery.co.uk
Instagram: @Emmahollandjewellery
Eddie Judd
Eddie Judd Photography
When Eddie Judd’s dad handed her a Pentax 35mm camera at the age of 13, it ignited her passion for photography. In those formative years, she honed her craftsmanship and mastered the technical skills that laid the foundation for her career. Fast forward, and Eddie is now one of Surrey’s most sought-after brand photographers. She has an extraordinary talent for defining brands and enhancing their identities. By skillfully capturing her clients’ narrative ethos, Eddie creates stunning images that resonate with each brand’s vision and objectives. Eddie expertly captures the essence of brand photography and family portraits, recognising that the true magic comes from the genuine connections formed between individuals—whether they are celebrities or ‘kitchen table’ founders.
Instagram: @Eddie.judd.branding
Liane Spencer-Garnham
Lorelei London
In the vibrant realm of sustainable luxury fashion, Liane Spencer-Garnham stands out with her bold vision that beautiful style and eco-friendliness can coexist. With over 20 years of experience working with high-street and high-end brands, she founded Lorelei London, where luxury seamlessly intersects with sustainability.
Liane prioritises using natural fibres and eco-conscious practices, crafting exquisite garments that are made to be cherished, repaired, and passed down through generations. Her debut collection showcases elegant dresses epitomising modern elegance and celebrating British heritage through striking, hand-drawn prints. Every piece is a premium product, meticulously crafted to be timeless and produced in small batches. Lorelei London’s mission is to create timeless pieces honouring beauty and sustainability.
Instagram: @loreleilondonlimited
Hannah Chow
The Mum Club
When Hannah Chow moved to the Home Counties and started a family, she felt frustrated with typical mum-and-toddler clubs. In her quest for connection, she discovered The Mum Club, a vibrant community for women who happen to have children, and took the bold step to become a franchisee. Understanding the importance of support during motherhood, Hannah’s club encourages women to connect, share their stories, have fun, and participate in meaningful discussions. Hannah aims to empower mothers by fostering community and providing a platform for open communication. She cultivates strong, genuine relationships through local events, engaging guest speakers, and exclusive member benefits. Hannah’s club has been so successful that she has taken up a second franchise.
Instagram: @themumclubbracknellforest
Instagram: @themumclubbasingstoke
Dr. Theodora Bravis
Thames Dental & Skin
The beauty industry is rapidly evolving, making finding a trustworthy professional for facial enhancements challenging. Dr. Theodora Bravis, a functional dentist and facial aesthetics practitioner, stands out in this field. She founded Thames Dental and Skin, a premium clinic with 20 years of experience, including a thriving practice on Harley Street. Specialising in prosthodontics and aesthetic medicine, Dr Bravis offers tailored and personalised treatments incorporating nutrition and genetics for optimum outcomes. Her aesthetic treatments prioritise preserving and regenerating skin to enhance each person’s natural beauty. She highlights the importance of unique genetics and lifestyle in skin health and dedicates time to consultations to discuss nutrition and provide dietary advice.
Instagram: @drtheodorabravis
Janice Ahktar
Monice London
Monice London was founded in 1998 by two visionary designers, Janice and Ramona. The brand quickly gained recognition, establishing itself in high-street stores and boutiques across the UK and internationally. After a strategic break in 2003 to focus on family, Monice London has made a powerful comeback under Janice’s leadership: her debut solo collection garnered widespread acclaim. Janice is renowned for her exceptional ability to create silhouettes celebrating the female form through innovative design, signature ruching and back band. The result? Elegant, super flattering and timeless pieces that champion body positivity. With a masterful fusion of playful elements and classic femininity, Janice ensures every woman feels confident, empowered, and unstoppable.
Instagram: @monicelondon
Hannah Gibson
Hannah Gibson Glass
Hannah Gibson is a celebrated glass artist and geologist renowned for her nostalgic cast sculptural glass. During her Master’s degree in glass, she launched the series “Recycling Narratives: Whispering Sweet Nothings,” which emphasises sustainability through recycled glass and found objects. Her work has garnered international recognition, with exhibitions at notable venues such as COLLECT and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. In 2024, she received the Habatat Detroit Award of Excellence and won first prize at the Glass Art Society Exhibition in 2023. Inspired by her studies in mineralogy at the University of Edinburgh, Hannah’s art encourages a re-evaluation of material narratives. Last year, she participated in the Glass Beyond Borders project in Indonesia, where she taught women to create lampwork beads, empowering them with valuable skills for improving their livelihoods.
Instagram: @hannahgibsonglass
Jana Jurakova
Makeup by Jana
When it comes to beautifying brides, standing out is essential. Jana Jurakova transforms dream visions into reality, creating looks that reflect each bride’s unique style, whether timeless and understated or abstract and edgy. Her USP? Empowering brides to achieve radiant skin by starting their skincare preparation weeks in advance. “Your bridal makeup doesn’t start on your wedding day.”
With expert consultations and insightful advice, Jana helps brides create bespoke and realistic skincare and makeup plans. Her client-centred vision allows her to set specific goals to help her clients develop a personalised regimen, empowering them to realise the radiant skin they dream of for their wedding day.
Instagram: @makeupbyjanauk
Liz Trendle
The Gate Boutique
Liz Trendle is a renowned fashion talent scout acclaimed for her exceptional intuition in the industry.
Liz makes our Women to Watch list for a second consecutive year because she consistently delivers a fresh and compelling perspective on the season’s best styles. She reinvigorates fashion retail with her exciting selection of established and emerging labels.
With a strong commitment to customer care, Liz has assembled a dedicated team of style advisors, making The Gate Boutique an essential shopping destination at its new location on Guildford High Street.
She confidently showcases her latest fashion collections through captivating images and videos on her online platforms, engaging her audience and inspiring them to discover the brand further.
Instagram: @thegateboutiqueguildford
Fiona Stimson
Kora Coaching and Therapy
Fiona Stimson is an award-winning Health Empowerment Coach, therapist, and retreat leader who expertly creates sustainable change for her clients. She practices highly effective, person-centred approaches and is dedicated to guiding them towards optimised health and wellness.
Her mission is to empower clients to nurture their minds and bodies to become their greatest source of inspiration.
Specialising in coaching women impacted by cancer and chronic illness, Fiona is committed to supporting women in navigating the complexities, enabling them to live life on their terms and truly thrive.
Fiona has created strategies to enhance her clients’ mindsets and emotional well-being, helping them achieve clarity, better health, and a more balanced, fulfilling life.
www.koracoachingandtherapy.co.uk
Instagram: @koracoachingandtherapy/
Jimena Lemck
Hair & Makeup
Jimena Lemck is an accomplished and visionary makeup artist and hairstylist with over twenty-two years of experience in the beauty industry. With a passion for elevating the artistry of makeup, she has collaborated with world-renowned photographers, high-fashion designers, and prestigious global brands, bringing her unique talent to the forefront of international beauty. Known for her distinctive style, she effortlessly blends creativity with technical precision, leaving a lasting impression wherever she works. Her impressive portfolio includes a roster of iconic fashion and screen celebrities who trust Jimena to bring their visions to life with beauty and elegance. Jimena remains a sought-after figure in the world of makeup and hair.
@jimenalemckmakeuphair
Julia Jaconelli
Courtyard
Julia Jaconelli is a fashion buyer who stands out in her field. As the founder and owner of Courtyard Boutique in Guildford, she meticulously curates unique and on-trend collections. Her talent for sourcing a captivating mix of popular brands and emerging designers who emphasise individuality and craftsmanship earned her the Winner at the Drapers Independent Awards in 2017.
This exceptional skill has propelled Julia to remarkable success, securing her reputation among the best in the industry. She is passionate about sustainability and seeks ethical labels that uphold fair trading practices and minimise production impacts. This approach has established Julia as an inspiration for personal shoppers and stylists in Surrey.
Instragram: @courtyardsurrey
Dr Rebecca Bradbury
The Beauty Doctors
Most of us could use a little lift now and then, whether that’s an emotional boost or a physical change. Dr. Rebecca Bradbury combines both in her practice. The Beauty Doctors clinic serves as a sanctuary for those aspiring to achieve their best selves through exceptional aesthetic treatments in a nurturing, patient-focused environment. Dr. Bradbury dedicates time and energy to each patient, distinguishing her in the field. She is passionate about empowering clients to achieve beautiful, natural results and takes great pride in their satisfaction. By building rapport and leveraging her extensive training, Dr. Bradbury has cultivated a loyal base of clients who trust her for their treatments.
Instagram: @thebeautydoctorsuk
Sally Case
Number Six Boutique
Forever one step ahead, Sally Case creates exciting, eclectic, and commercially successful edits, ensuring her boutique, Number Six, embodies creativity and individuality.
With over twenty years of experience, Sally has crafted a dream retail experience featuring carefully curated selections, unhurried service, and accessible styling advice. Since opening in late 2018, Number Six has become a cornerstone of Cobham town’s vibrant retail scene, attracting locals and visitors.
A haven for women seeking personal style, Number Six showcases brands from around the globe. Sally’s hand-picked collection combines beautiful, distinctive pieces with versatile basics, driven by her belief that every woman should feel amazing and admired. Her infectious humour and passion for outstanding customer service elevate the shopping experience.
Instagram: @number_6_cobham
This article appears in the spring edition of Premier Magazine.
