Linda Birch

Founder & Owner
Brewery Market

Tell us about your Twickenham based business

Brewery Market is a little haven of hops nestled in the heart of Twickenham. It’s a place where craft beer meets community, and every beer poured is a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Our fridges and taps are adorned with an eclectic mix of beers, each telling its own story of innovation and passion. But beyond the brews, Brewery Market is about bringing people together, fostering connections, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

Introduce yourself to our followers

Hi there! I’m Linda, the founder of Brewery Market, where our mission is to demystify the craft beer world. Through thoughtfully curated events, we aim to welcome not just seasoned aficionados but also those just dipping their toes into the world of craft beer. It’s about creating a space where the diversity of flavours meets diverse interests, ensuring that everyone, especially women and solo visitors, feels at home and inspired to explore.

What made you start your business or embark on your particular career?

My journey into the world of craft beer started with simple curiosity and a deep appreciation for the art behind brewing. The more I learned, the more I realised I wanted to create a space that not only showcased these liquid masterpieces but also embodied the spirit of inclusivity and discovery. I wanted to create a cosy spot. We’re here to bring everyone together over great craft beer, making connections and creating a friendly community vibe.

What barriers have you encountered in the businesses you have worked in when it comes to inclusivity of women?

One significant barrier was the perception of beer as a predominantly male interest, which often overshadowed the diverse appeal of craft beer to all genders. I’ve been committed to changing this narrative by emphasising the wide range of flavours in craft beer that resonate with everyone, creating an inclusive culture at Brewery Market where women, in particular, feel encouraged to explore and enjoy the full spectrum of craft beer.

As a female in your sector, what challenges have you faced in terms of inclusion?

Navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry has had its moments where my voice as a female leader and the voices of female patrons needed more amplification. These challenges only reinforced my determination to cultivate a space at Brewery Market where inclusion is the norm, and every individual, especially women, feels heard and celebrated.

How have you or your business inspired inclusion (no matter how big or small the change)?

By organising events that cater to a broad range of interests— from true-crime nights to collaborations with local restaurants—we’ve opened our doors wider to include those who might not have considered a craft beer venue appealing. This approach has not only diversified our clientele but also enriched our community.

Who has inspired you to support the advancement of women and girls?

Every challenging encounter I’ve faced, from the dismissive attitudes of male superiors to the inappropriate moments that should never have occurred, fuels my determination to champion the advancement of women and girls. Each missed opportunity and every instance where I felt undervalued because of my gender serves as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done. These experiences have inspired me to create a space where women are respected.

Sandy Bedi

Founder
Rice Mill Thai Restaurant

Tell us about your Twickenham based business

Hello, I’m Sandy, the proud female founder and businesswoman behind the Rice Mill Thai restaurant in Twickenham.

What made you start your business or embark on your particular career?

I started this venture driven by a passion for Thai cuisine and a commitment to raising female profiles in this business world.

What barriers have you encountered in the businesses you have worked in when it comes to inclusivity of women?

In my career, I’ve encountered many barriers to inclusivity for women, but I’ve worked to overcome them, fostering a more inclusive environment.

As a female in your sector, what challenges have you faced in terms of inclusion?

As a woman in this sector, challenges arise, but they fuel my determination to promote inclusion.

How have you or your business inspired inclusion (no matter how big or small the change)?

My business actively inspires inclusion through various initiatives, big and small, fostering a supportive atmosphere for women.

Who has inspired you to support the advancement of women and girls?

I draw inspiration from trailblazing individuals who have championed the advancement of women and girls, motivating me to do the same in my community.

My mother, who was a petite yet formidable woman, raised nine children single-handedly after my father’s passing. Her strength and resilience inspire me daily, motivating my commitment to supporting the advancement of women and girls in both my personal and business endeavours.

Sandra Bohling

Owner/General Manager
The Shredquarters

Tell us about your Twickenham based business

The Shredquarters Twickenham is a boutique gym based in Twickenham. We are a functional fitness gym based on a class-based concept where experienced personal trainers design and lead all the group classes. Our membership base is over 70% female. Women appreciate both the community created by a class-based gym and also enjoy being told what to do and how to do it in a gym environment. We are very inclusive and offer an encouraging and supportive environment regardless of fitness level.

Introduce yourself to our followers

I took early retirement having had a 35-year career in the advertising industry, where I held board level positions. I quickly discovered that spending all day playing tennis or golf, was not fulfilling enough and gave me no purpose or direction.

What made you start your business or embark on your particular career?
I am very sporty and fit for my age and have a son who is a personal trainer so opening a gym franchise represented a wonderful opportunity to build a family business.

What barriers have you encountered in the businesses you have worked in when it comes to inclusivity of women?

I have been fortunate to work in industries where I do not feel my gender has had much impact. Many women held middle management roles in advertising in the 80s, but by the early 2000s there were also many women in leadership roles.
I was the first (of many) women to be promoted to the board of one of the agencies I worked for. It was a little more challenging to reach this level as a woman, but I feel I was at the start of women being seen as 100% equal in the advertising industry. I am sure this helped give me the confidence to run my own businesses going forward.

As a female in your sector, what challenges have you faced in terms of inclusion?

Much of the gym industry may be perceived as being very masculine, particularly at a senior level, which can be off-putting for many women who are intimidated by the gym environment.

Our membership base is 70%+ female with ages ranging from 24-64. As a middle-aged woman myself, I hope to lead by example for our members. The longer we stay active and exercise the fitter, stronger and healthier we will remain. I regularly take part in our classes alongside our members and still do a pretty good job of keeping up.

How have you or your business inspired inclusion (no matter how big or small the change)?

Because many women feel intimidated and often a little lost in a gym, our classes are designed to make everyone feel at ease. All of our classes can be adjusted to fit with everyone’s individual fitness level and around half of our new members are complete beginners when they first join us.

One area that makes us a little different to other gyms is our strength training (LIFT classes). As these are slower paced and focus on technique and building strength, they are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. For women in particular, the risk of osteoporosis increases with age. Our strength training builds bone strength as well as muscle strength and joint flexibility. These classes are particularly popular with women, regardless of age.

Who has inspired you to support the advancement of women and girls?

It has actually been the men in my life that have inspired me to push the boundaries and be whatever I wanted to be. My late father, my late husband, one of my CEOs in the advertising industry and my two sons have all helped me believe in myself. They have all treated women as equals and have supported me in all my endeavours. I grew up with two brothers (and no sisters) and went on to have two sons. I have lived in male dominated households, but never felt unequal as a woman.