Local entrepreneur Lulu Gwynne has been a regular face along Blythe Road for more than 14 years and she's just launched her newest business, Awaken London.
Her new venture, founded with business partner Elise Karia, is a holistic wellbeing studio and café. The space hosts meditation and yoga classes, offers massages and networking events, and has a treatment space for hire.
"The inspiration behind Awaken London came from a blend of personal passion and a clear vision," said Lulu, chair of Blythe Road Business Association.
"I wanted to create not just a business, but a community and place where like-minded individuals could come together, support each other, and grow. It's about empowering others to unlock their potential through communicating, collaborating, connection and healing."
Before opening Awaken, Lulu founded and ran the West Kensington famous, vintage style tearoom Betty Blythe for 16 years where residents could enjoy cakes and sandwiches, take treats home as a 'cakeaway', or enjoy dress-up birthday parties on site.
A helping hand
The pair worked closely with H&F's business support team to give Awaken London a strong launch.
"H&F goes from strength to strength to help local businesses thrive," Lulu added. "The council has been extremely helpful and supportive to us and also to the street we do business on."
The founders attended sessions with two of our dedicated business advisors on how to transition from one business to the next.
They also attended our Business Growth Hub sessions for specialist SEO advice, joined our Rapid Growth programme to help scale and grow, and are regulars at our monthly Networking.London events.
Growing in circles
The business' cool tone décor and earthy style, chosen to create an aesthetic that makes people feel good, was created with the help of H&F's business community.
The business' bespoke cream curtains came from local business Smart Dry Cleaners and the staircase runner has come from fellow Blythe Road store Sophie Cooney.
The sourdough bread served in Awaken's café comes freshly baked from Debbie Jo, two doors down the road. And local caterer Mimi is the new head chef, creating nutritious, organic recipes like her courgette, grain, beansprout bread.
Lulu and Elise are always looking for more creative partnerships and collaborative work. If you'd like to get involved, you can find Awaken London on Instagram.
