People
Celebrating International Women’s Day and inspirational women in the Royal Docks
International Women’s Day on 8 March, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
Women play a vital role in enriching the Royal Docks community and our city, but they’re not always recognised. We’re celebrating some inspiring local women who are transforming the area through activism, creativity, and business. Happy International Women’s Day!
Alina
Alina is the talented co-owner of Prive London, a boutique tattoo and art studio based in Expressway in Royal Victoria Dock. The female-led team of tattoo artists specialise in delicate and fine line designs in the comfort of their cosy and quiet licensed studio. For more information and to book follow Prive London on Instagram. If you don’t want to commit to a permanent tattoo, try Alina’s temporary tattoos that won't stick around forever. The plant-based, cruelty-free formula means guilt-free indulgence in realistic designs that last 1-2 weeks before gently fading away.
Prive London, 1 Dock Rd, London E16 1AH
www.instagram.com/prive_london
Ana Lisa and Jen Umali
Local crafters and sisters, Ana Lisa and Jen Umali are the founders of Langis Essentials, a collection of handmade aromatherapy beauty products made with pure essential oils. The range includes bath salts, soy wax candle, pillow sprays, hair oil and more, all designed to promote wellbeing and bring harmony to the mind and body. Shop the full range of Langis Essentials products directly on the Langis Essential website.
Annamaria Michela
A talented local artist and educator, Annamaria Michela is based at Bow Arts studios at Royal Albert Wharf. Her practice spans painting, printmaking and drawing. Inspired by literature, cinema, and daily life her work often explores themes of memory and transformation. Visit Annamaria’s website to find out more about her creative art workshops and events that connect people while crafting beautiful masterpieces.
Anastasia Korabukhina
Royal Docks businesswoman, Anastasia Korabukhina is the founder and managing Director of VA Salon London which she has run for over 13 years. Located in Royal Victoria Dock, the salon offers a wide range of hair, nail, and beauty treatments using premium beauty brands, perfect for a top to toe pamper.
The Russian manicures and pedicures, pain free waxing and the Balayage and Ombre hair colouring are firm favourites with regular customers. The talented all-female team are multilingual too, fluent in English, Russian, Italian, Romanian, and Ukrainian showcasing the diversity of the Royal Docks.
VA Salon, 5 Excel Marina, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AT
Carmen Sanchez
Dog lover, Carmen Sanchez is the owner of Tongues & Tails a dog bakery, dog grooming salon and accessory shop. In 2020, she launched the business online and as demand grew, in 2023, she opened a physical shop in Caxton Works, Canning Town.
Carmen is dedicated to creating the tastiest dog treats and carefully selects all-natural ingredients to look after your dog’s health with sugar-free, low-fat, soy-free, and wheat-free options. The bakes include birthday cakes, pizza slices, parmesan churros and dog doughnuts. Tongues & Tails also have a range of accessories including collars, harnesses, soft toys and even bow ties! Pop into the shop or visit the Tongues and Tails website for more info.
Tongues & Tails, Unit 3, Caxton Works, Caxton St North, London, E16 1JL
Chelsea, Giulia and Faye
Friends and business partners Chelsea, Giulia and Faye are the trio powerhouse owners of Layers bakery. The bakery serves artisan bread, pastries and coffee and is a wholesaler supplier to specialty coffee shops and restaurant venues throughout London.
Layers was born out of passion and necessity as Chelsea was forever on the hunt for quality sourdough bread and viennoiserie products for her other London based cafes District and Where's Fred's. Together with Giulia and Faye they have teamed up to bring you Layers. Stop by to enjoy deliciously freshly baked goods, brunch and coffee.
Layers, 68 Orchard Place, London, E14 0JZ
Hana and Lela Mamma
Sisters Hana and Lela are the proud owners of With Milk, a vibrant café and community hub in the heart of Thames Barrier Park. The recently refurbished café offers specialty coffee and locally sourced food with a nod to their North African heritage and Tottenham roots.
Guests can also enjoy outdoor seating on the cosy decking with comfy seating or sit inside with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a stunning 180-degree views of the park and the Thames Barrier, which The Times voted London’s most underrated attraction. A stone-bake pizza oven will also be another exciting addition soon.
With Milk, Thames Barrier Park, North Woolwich Rd, London, E16 2HP
Nuzhat Khatun
Nuzhat Khatun is the owner of Plant Lovers in Custom House. The shop has a beautiful selection of house plants from flowering and pet friendly to cactus and almost unkillable plants for those not-so-green-fingered! This charming shop is also a café so it’s the perfect greenery-filled place to enjoy a cuppa alongside homemade cake, samosas and authentic biryani.
Plant Lovers, 29 Freemasons Road, London, E16 3AR
www.facebook.com/PlantLoversLondon
Rebecca Tembo
Rebecca Tembo is a gifted wedding dress designer who also specialises in evening dresses and occasion wear. Rebecca saw a gap in the market to incorporate personalisation, edge, and a hint of sexiness into her designs. Each piece is delicately crafted in-house with care and precision by Rebecca and her dedicated team based at the Pump House in Royal Victoria Dock. Over the years, Rebecca has worked with actress, Michelle Keegan, X Factor star, Louisa Johnson and American rapper, Cardi B. Visit the Rebecca Tembo website to view the stunning clothing range.
Rebecca is also an accomplished author, speaker and podcaster. Follow her on Instagram to keep up to date with her next ventures.
Rhianna Powell
Rhianna Powell is the driven founder and director of Sugar Island Clothing. Established in 2018, Rhianna launched the boutique that showcases the latest trends with a twist, encouraging women to embrace their individuality through her distinctive designs. Visit the Sugar Island website to view the youthful clothing range.
Meet the Dockers – International Women’s Day series
The Meet the Dockers interview series features stories from local people who live here, work here and are transforming the area. In celebration of International Women’s Day, browse the collection of interviews with amazing women in the Royal Docks.
