Where Are They Now? – HONEY CORN UK
From overcoming the challenges of Brexit and the pandemic to inspiring others as a motivational speaker, Ayesha’s story for her business, HONEY CORN UK, is one of true resilience. Recently, we caught up with Ayesha to find out where Honey Corn is now, and how the early support from Let’s Do Business Finance helped to shape her journey.
Back in 2020, we spoke to the founder of HONEY CORN UK, Ayesha Ibrahim, following a Start Up Loan from Let’s Do Business Finance, celebrating the early days of a determined entrepreneur bringing gender-neutral, sustainable skincare to life.
Since then, Ayesha’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Through the challenges of Brexit, the pandemic, and a saturated beauty market, she’s taken Honey Corn from a pop-up stall on Portobello Market to the global stage, with deals in China, products heading to airlines, and some exciting plans in the pipeline!
Here’s what’s happened since we last caught up with her, and how a little support from Let’s Do Business Finance helped set her on the path to growth.
The Buzz Begins
When Ayesha first approached Let’s Do Business Finance in 2018, she had a powerful idea but limited means. She was temping at the time and had been testing her skincare range at weekend markets. Realising she needed to reach more customers, she pivoted to corporate pop-up shops, showcasing her products in offices such as Meta, Barclays and Bank of America.
Her brand, Honey Corn, quickly found a niche with its sustainable, inclusive message. Honey features heavily in her signature formulations, though she also offers vegan alternatives. The range now includes twelve SKUs, from perfume oils to an award-winning facial serum that scooped Bronze at the Free From Skincare Awards.
But to move her business to the next stage, Ayesha needed financial support to unlock new opportunities.
“That first loan let me go on my very first trade mission to the Czech Republic. It completely changed things. Without it, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity.”
Approaching the British Business Bank for a Start Up Loan, Ayesha successfully received a £2,500 loan facilitated by Let’s Do Business Finance – the first funding she’d ever received for the business. Later, she secured additional support from a separate finance provider, bringing her total to £10,000 across the two loans.
Building a Business
While Honey Corn has spread its wings over the years, Ayesha is clear: it hasn’t been easy.
Accessing finance can be particularly difficult for women entrepreneurs. According to the British Business Bank, women are less likely than men to believe they have the skills to start a business and often face greater barriers when seeking funding. This includes a lack of access to relevant networks, fewer role models, and systemic challenges in the financial ecosystem.
Ayesha’s experience echoes these realities – navigating the early stages of her business without traditional financial backing, she highlights the reality that many women resort to personal credit to get their ideas off the ground.
“It’s been a struggle, especially as a woman in business. Access to finance is tough and we don’t talk about it enough, but so many women are funding their businesses on credit cards.”
That’s why organisations like Let’s Do Business Finance play such a crucial role. As a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), our mission is to break down those barriers, offering Start Up Loans and tailored business support to individuals who might otherwise be excluded from mainstream finance. For founders like Ayesha, this backing isn’t just financial – it’s a springboard to opportunity.
Ayesha strongly credits support programmes like the now-closed New Enterprise Allowance Scheme, which helped her craft a business plan in the early stages of operating. Working with a mentor through the programme, she was able to refine her pitch and application.
But the biggest success, she says, has come through sheer perseverance.
“Resilience is everything. You’ve got to keep going, even when it feels impossible. The only reason I’ve made it this far is because I didn’t give up.”
– Ayesha Ibrahim, Founder, HONEY CORN UK
That same persistence has led to major milestones, which includes:
A luxury retail deal in China with Boundless by Metro Group in Suzhou, opening up a market of over a billion potential customers.
A first- and business-class airline partnership with Dester, part of the global Gate Group.
Multiple international appearances, including Beauty World in Dubai, thanks to support from the Department for Business and Trade.
Inspiring Others to Take the Leap
As well as running the business solo while raising her 11-year-old son, Ayesha has become a motivational speaker, sharing her story to inspire others – particularly women – to pursue entrepreneurship.
“They don’t teach this in school. You’re making it up as you go along, and it’s scary. But if you believe in yourself and don’t give up, it can happen.”
Ayesha continues to run Honey Corn as a solo founder, occasionally calling on freelancers to help with specific tasks. “It’s just me, myself, and I,” she laughs. “Faking it till I make it. But I’ve learned that most entrepreneurs feel that way, we’re all just figuring it out.”
Let’s Do Business Finance are proud to have played a part in Ayesha’s journey – from that first market stall to international skincare success.
The Start Up Loan scheme, backed by the UK government, offers accessible funding options for aspiring business owners. It delivers fixed-rate loans to cover initial setup costs, alongside mentoring and guidance with business planning. Unlike conventional bank lending, these loans don’t require collateral and are tailored to individuals who may find it difficult to secure finance through traditional means. Provided by the British Business Bank and delivered through partners like Let’s Do Business Finance, the initiative supports early-stage businesses across the UK, helping them to launch, grow, and contribute to the local economy.
Not sure what finance option is best for your business? If you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business, we’re here to help you move forward – contact us today to find out how we can help!