Femake Bermondsey will run every Friday, but we’re launching the initiative with a special Saturday market to coincide with our Let’s Make Music and Dance celebration — a day of live music, performances and community spirit.
The Blue Market and Femake Entrepreneurship are proud to announce a new partnership to launch Femake Bermondsey — a dedicated space for women-led businesses to grow, connect and trade in the heart of South London. This collaboration is rooted in our shared values: supporting new and emerging traders, creating inclusive opportunities for all communities, and boosting footfall to The Blue Market and wider Bermondsey area.
In this post, we interview Sharmin Haque, Creative Director and Founder of Femake Entrepreneurship Ltd
Femake Bermondsey, the beginning
The Blue Market: Hi, Sharmin, thank you for joining us. Can you start by telling us what Femake is and why you started it?
Sharmin: Thank you for having me! Femake Entrepreneurship was born in October 2024 out of a real need to create visible, supportive spaces for women entrepreneurs — especially those from Black, Asian, and minority backgrounds. Right now, women make up less than 20% of business owners in the UK, and the barriers are even higher for women of colour. Femake Entrepreneurship exists to change that. We’re here to empower women to not just start businesses but to thrive and grow with confidence.
The Blue Market: What does that support look like in practice?
Sharmin: We create real-world platforms where women can trade, connect, and build visibility. That includes outdoor markets, pop-ups, gallery showcases, and skills-based workshops. Everything we do is about helping women take bold steps in their business journeys — whether they’re just starting out or looking to scale. It’s not just about selling, it’s about being seen, building networks, and growing sustainably.
The Blue Market: What inspired you to bring Femake Entrepreneurship to Bermondsey?
Sharmin: We were so inspired by the spirit of The Blue Market and its focus on community. When we saw the opportunity to be part of it, we knew Bermondsey was the right place for our next step. There’s so much untapped potential here — women with talent, drive, and creativity who just need the right space to shine. Femake Bermondsey will be that space.
The Blue Market: What can people expect from Femake Bermondsey?
Sharmin: Femake Bermondsey will be a regular presence at The Blue Market — a space where women-led businesses can trade, test ideas, and grow their audience. It’s not just a market stall; it’s a launchpad. We’ll also be offering support behind the scenes: business mentoring, creative development, and community-building. We’re focused on making sure these women don’t feel like they’re doing it alone.
The Blue Market: You’ve already had success in East London — tell us more about that.
Sharmin: Yes, we currently run two markets: East Ham Market Place and Roman Road in Bethnal Green. When we launched Roman Road in April 2025, the space had been inactive for five years. We started with five women traders, and we’re already up to ten every Saturday. It’s incredible to see how quickly community builds when you give people the chance to show up and be seen.
The Blue Market: Why is this work so important?
Sharmin: Because the playing field isn’t level. Up to 40% of Black and Asian-owned businesses report zero profit in their first year, compared to just 15% of white-owned ones. These aren’t just statistics — they’re lived experiences. At Femake Entrepreneurship, we don’t just acknowledge those barriers, we actively work to dismantle them. That means practical support, real-world opportunities, and making sure women are never walking this path alone.
The Blue Market: How can local women get involved?
Sharmin: If you’re a woman entrepreneur — whether you’ve got an idea or a business already — we’d love to hear from you. You can follow us on Instagram or TikTok at @femake_org, or email us directly at femakebusiness@gmail.com. Femake Bermondsey is your space too. Let’s build something powerful together.
The Blue Market: Thank you, Sharmin. We can’t wait to welcome Femake Entrepreneurship to Bermondsey.
Sharmin: Thank you! We’re so excited to grow with you and to spotlight the incredible women of South London.
SAVE THE DATE!
The official launch of Femake Bermondsey will take place on Saturday 24 May as part of our Let’s Make Music and Dance event at The Blue Market. Join us from 10am–5pm for a celebration of women in business, live entertainment, and community vibes.
After the launch, Femake Bermondsey will trade every Friday from 11am to 6pm at The Blue Market — bringing fresh talent, bold ideas, and new opportunities to Bermondsey each week.
