Celebrating the Women of Lock29

Happy International Women’s Day

Today we’re celebrating the incredible women of Lock29 - our founders, business owners, team members and the many customers who support them.

Over the past few days, we’ve been sharing the stories of some of the wonderful women who make Lock29 what it is today. Each journey is different, but they are all connected by the same spirit of creativity, resilience and ambition.

Here’s to the women who lead, create and inspire - today and every day.

The Women Behind the Scenes: Dianne, Daryna & Amy

A big shoutout to Dianne, Daryna and Amy, the team behind the scenes who help keep everything running smoothly at Lock29.

From supporting events and assisting traders to making sure the space is clean, welcoming and ready for visitors each day, their work often goes unseen but never unnoticed. Their dedication helps create the warm and friendly environment that visitors experience when they walk through the doors.

Lock29 simply would not run the same without them.

Kayleigh – Smash Cow

Kayleigh co-owns Smash Cow, which has been proudly based at Lock29 since 2021. From day one, the focus has been on quality ingredients and creating as much as possible in-house, from their mac and cheese to their signature sauces.

Kayleigh is quick to credit the Smash Cow team for their consistency and high standards, and is especially grateful for the women within the team who play a key role in helping the business thrive.

For Kayleigh, being a woman in business is about inspiring others to step outside their comfort zones and empowering women to speak up and stand strong. She believes everyone deserves to take up space, have their voice heard and be listened to.

Tammy & Ava – Roses of Bloxham

Tammy Rose, owner of Roses of Bloxham, runs a much-loved family business serving crepes, milkshakes and gelato at Lock29.

Tammy has always been self employed, previously running a coffee and doughnut stall. When Lock29 first opened, she decided to try something different. Inspired by a friend who makes his own gelato, she introduced it to the business and it quickly became a customer favourite.

For Tammy, being in business is about showing her daughter Ava that girls can be independent and achieve anything they set their minds to. While she is proud of building her own business, she says her greatest achievement is being a mum.

Her biggest inspiration is her own mother, who she credits with teaching her everything she knows and continues to hold the utmost respect for.

Pavithra – Curry Corner

Founded by Pavithra Bhaskaran, Curry Corner is more than just a food business. It is a celebration of nostalgia, culture and connection.

Inspired by childhood memories of chai stalls and spice filled markets, and years spent recreating much loved dishes for friends and family, Pavithra has created a menu centred around warmth, comfort and authentic flavour.

“My love for chai and Indian street food has been a constant part of my journey – from family kitchens in India to student gatherings in the UK,” says Pavithra. “Curry Corner was born out of a desire to share those experiences and bring people together over food that tells a story.”

For Pavithra, being a woman in business is about honouring her roots while building something of her own, creating space for culture, community and conversation at the heart of Lock29.

Mahsa – Wings ’n’ Things & Chick ’n’ Bun

Mahsa, founder of Wings ’n’ Things and Chick ’n’ Bun, has been running her own businesses since 2020, driven by the ambition to build something meaningful from the ground up.

For Mahsa, being a woman in business means leading with confidence and resilience while staying true to your vision. One of her proudest achievements is managing two businesses alongside studying for her degree.

Inspired by the strength and support of the women in her family, she continues to carve out her own path, proving that ambition has no limits.

Heidi – Vintage Teas

Heidi launched Vintage Teas in May 2022 and has been serving the Lock29 community ever since.

Her café offers speciality teas and coffees, homemade cakes, freshly baked scones and sausage rolls, along with made-to-order sandwiches and toasties.

For Heidi, being a woman in business represents independence and creative freedom, something she brings to her café every day through the welcoming atmosphere she creates for visitors.

Carey – Essence Home

Carey, founder of Essence Home, began her journey online in September 2024 with a clear vision: beautifully curated, sustainable, and ethically sourced products that feel as good as they look.

Just five months later she opened the doors to her shop at Lock29 and hasn’t looked back since.

From award wins to growing a loyal customer base, it has been incredible to watch Carey’s business flourish.

We are proud to be part of her journey and excited to see what year two brings.

Denise – Zilfarni Soaps and Scents

Denise, founder of Zilfarni Soaps and Scents, built her business around one simple belief: skincare and home fragrance should be kind, thoughtful and genuinely nourishing.

From small batch soaps made with goat’s milk and rosehip oil to natural soy candles created with sensitivities in mind, everything she produces reflects care, integrity and sustainability.

Denise also hosts monthly candle making workshops in Lock29’s event space, giving visitors the opportunity to get creative and pour their own beautiful scent to take home.

The women of Lock29 represent creativity, courage and community. Each one has built something unique, and together they help make Lock29 the vibrant place it is today.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading the stories of these wonderful women business owners and team members.