Support female entrepreneurs by shopping with Ascend this Christmas

This holiday season, why not support one of the businesses from our Ascend Programme? A collaboration with our friends Foundervine and OneTech, Ascend was designed specifically for female and non-binary entrepreneurs from across London's diverse communities, targeting sectors including food and beverages, fashion, wellness, and more. You'll find that each of these companies has a fresh take and a unique point of view!

Here's your guide to Christmas shopping with our Ascend entrepreneurs.

Food + Beverages

Amboora Transport your loved ones to the vibrant culinary world of Morocco with Amboora’s premium range of tagine sauces, preserved lemon paste, harissa, and more. Perfect for foodies who love experimenting in the kitchen, Amboora makes it easy to create authentic Moroccan dishes at home.

Bardo For the health-conscious snacker, Bardo offers 100% real food snacks infused with traditional healing plants. With blends like Calm, Focus, and Lift, these snacks are a wholesome gift that supports mood and well-being—great stocking stuffers!

Hey! Food is Ready This platform connects you to certified home cooks offering diverse cuisines, perfect for catering Christmas gatherings or giving the gift of a delicious experience. Support local cooks while enjoying authentic meals!

Just Fab Kitchen Ltd Catering to all dietary needs, Just Fab Kitchen makes inclusive dining easy. Gift a loved one an experience at this restaurant, where everyone can eat together without compromise. Or why not cater your Christmas gatherings with them?

SweetDoughThings Indulge the sweet tooth in your life with guilt-free, vegan, sugar-free treats from SweetDoughThings. Their innovative candy floss in a variety of flavours, such as Blueberry or Watermelon, is a perfect novelty gift for dessert lovers.

The Keto Elf For keto enthusiasts or anyone following a health-conscious lifestyle, The Keto Elf’s premium, gluten-free, vegan snacks are the ultimate gift. Their crackers make for a tasty addition to any holiday snack table.

Luxwells Elevate hydration with Luxwells’ botanical-infused water beverages. A unique gift idea for wellness enthusiasts looking to add some sparkle to their daily routine. Also a great no-alcoholic beverage option for your holiday parties!

Fashion + Accessories

Cece Finery Celebrate African heritage with Cece Finery’s handmade bags and accessories, featuring bold designs inspired by West African craftsmanship. A stylish gift that tells a story.

Joy's Crown Treat loved ones with curly, coily, or Afro-textured hair to Joy’s Crown satin-lined headwear, designed to preserve hair health while looking chic. Functional and fashionable!

Marion Ayonote Step up your gift-giving game with luxury footwear and accessories from Marion Ayonote. From stylish shoes to elegant leather goods, these handcrafted items exude sophistication.

Wellness + Self-Care

Clip-Knix Restore confidence and independence with Clip-Knix’s adaptive, front-fastening underwear. Designed for women with limited mobility, this thoughtful gift is perfect for post-op patients, pregnant women, or the elderly.

Gilguzi Gift the power of clean beauty with Gilguzi’s organic skincare solutions for acne, eczema, and sensitive skin. Perfect for someone who values minimal, high-quality ingredients.

Messiah and Eve Pamper your loved ones with Messiah and Eve’s luxurious vegan body care products, blending skincare and fragrance for a truly indulgent experience.

Zephyr Ease For new moms, Zephyr Ease offers thoughtful post-surgery underwear designed for C-section recovery. A supportive and practical gift that shows you care.

Yard + Parish Support BPOC communities with Yard + Parish’s eco-luxury products. From wellness items to home decor, they offer curated gifts that reflect style and sustainability.

Education + Kids

Deborah Day Theatre School Trust For over 40 years, the Deborah Day Theatre School has offered inclusive performing arts classes to children aged 3 to late teens. A perfect gift for budding actors and dancers! Enquire with Deborah about prices and other details.

Junction 5 Studios FOBBS App Creators of the FOBBS app, Junction 5 Studios highlights Black British figures through accessible media. Gift children and adults alike the opportunity to learn about inspiring historical and contemporary individuals by getting them the FOBBS app.

Kids Black History Spark curiosity and pride with Kids Black History’s engaging educational lessons. This is a meaningful gift for children to learn about the contributions of Black historical figures through fun and inspiring content.

PRIM PRIM offers stories and cultural narratives from African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latinx communities through curated books and events. Perfect for bookworms or those interested in exploring diverse voices.

Experiences + Entertainment

Adventuress in the Wild Perfect for the adventurous woman in your life, this startup curates group travel experiences that empower solo female travelers. Give the gift of unforgettable memories this season.

Off Piste Ski Trip Gift a winter sports enthusiast a curated ski trip that blends Afro-Caribbean culture with après-ski fun. It’s a unique experience for anyone who loves hitting the slopes in style.

Donations

Make a difference this Christmas by donating to these incredible organizations:

Proudtobeme Empowering young adults aged 13–25 from BAME backgrounds, Proudtobeme provides life skills, mentoring, and therapy to boost self-esteem and leadership skills. A donation supports their vital work in shaping future leaders.

The Motherhood Group This platform supports Black mothers in the UK by addressing maternal health disparities. Donations go toward improving healthcare access, mental health resources, and perinatal support.