Spitalfields Market Celebrates International Women’s Day

05/03/2025

Spitalfields Market Celebrates International Women’s Day – A Showcase of Diversity, Creativity, and Empowerment

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day this week, Spitalfields E1 – one of London’s most historical markets set in the heart of the East End – spoke with its community of trailblazing women located in the heart of the retail and foodie hotspot; including independent market traders, restaurant owners and retail founders, who all play an important role in shaping the market’s creative identity.

We spoke with the pioneering women behind leading brands located in the market, discussing proudest achievements, what inspires them and why they chose Spitalfields to locate their business.

Petulia Galvin, Senior Designer, OMNES

Petulia Galvin is the senior designer behind sustainable and ethically crafted women’s brand OMNES. Petulia discusses the importance of staying curious, finding brands that align with your core values, and the joy of connecting with customers in person at the Spitalfields store.

What advice would you give women making a career in the fashion sector?

Stay curious! It’s easy to lose that initial creativity and excitement, especially when working in the commercial side of fashion. My advice is to always be open to learning, growing, and finding inspiration—even outside of your field.

Are there any inspirational women that have guided you?

My sisters—they’re super creative and entrepreneurial, and we always bounce ideas off each other. I feel grateful to have them as my go-to support system.

What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Finding a brand that aligns with both your design handwriting and core values on sustainable, mindful production can be a challenge. Researching and asking lots of questions is important to finding the right fit.

What do you love most about OMNES being positioned on Market Street in Spitalfields?

I’m excited for people to experience OMNES and fall in love with the brand. It’s amazing to give customers the opportunity to see the collection in person, try on the pieces, get a feel for the quality and truly connect with the brand. Market Street in Spitalfields is the perfect spot for discovery and building new relationships as well as connecting with our existing community.

Tanique Coburn, retailer at Spitalfields Market

Tanique Coburn is behind her own British London fashion label that sets a new bar for sustainability through the upcycling and repurposing of vintage and current garments. Tanique discusses the women who have inspired her, the joy of connecting with diverse individuals at Spitalfields Market and the importance of remaining relevant in a constantly evolving industry.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

The recognition of the pivotal role that women play in our society.

Which women have inspired you most throughout your life?

The woman that inspired me throughout my life is my mother. She was an incredible woman who migrated from Jamaica in the late 80’s. Despite cultural and other barriers, she portrayed such strength and grace. At the time of her passing she had accomplished so much and in her own words. ‘ I lived a fulfilled life’.

What do you love most about trading in Spitalfields Market?

What I love most about Spitalfields are the interesting and precious people that I have the privilege of meeting. They are from all walks of life, who I may never have met otherwise. Some have become some of my close friends to date!

Have you faced any obstacles you’ve had to overcome in your career?

I think the greatest obstacle that I face in my career is for me to remain relevant to my industry.

What’s your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement is my faith. The second is being a mother to 2 incredible children, and last but certainly not least, is being a wife to the most supportive and loving husband Joshua. Who runs the market 90% of the time!

Ebby Yasar, Founder of Ebby’s Kitchen on Lamb Street

Ebby Yasar’s perspective on International Women’s Day is rooted in everyday celebration and appreciation for the multifaceted roles women play. As the founder of Ebby’s Kitchen, located on Lamb Street, she takes pride in creating a welcoming space where customers feel embraced by both delicious food and a sense of community.

Read more about what she has to say on International Women’s Day and women who inspire her:

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Women should be celebrated and loved every day. We wear so many hats and try and wear it with style (most of the time).  I welcome the recognition given to women on such a special day.

What do you love most about owning a business on Lamb Street in Spitalfields?

I love our location on Lamb Street. I was told recently that we have the prettiest kiosk on the street, a comment I took on board with a light heart. I truly hope people feel welcomed when they walk through our door and enjoy our food as much as we do.  I love being part of Lamb Street and the Spitalfields family and community. We have had the opportunity to build up a customer base.

What women in hospitality have inspired you most throughout your life?

I loved watching Mary Berry.  Her chocolate cake and scones always looked so good. I remember rushing into the kitchen to make scones myself. I also love Refika Birgül.  She is a female Turkish version of Jamie Oliver but better. Love her energy and her take on classic Turkish dishes! She really loves her food and is a great business woman, she has come such a long way and it’s been a pleasure following her growth.

However there have been many women who have inspired me. My mum (Mummy Cemile), she is probably responsible for my pure determination to keep going no matter what).  My grandmother, where I got my love of bread making from and she taught me traditional tricks first hand. Also my mother-in-law Mediha.  She taught me how to make pickles, jams, homemade eriste (like pasta) and more (the list goes on) – she keeps all these recipes in her head! She really truly rocks. I believe in successful women and the whole village that made her.