Nothing makes us happier than celebrating successes in our City Centre and today is no exception - it's International Women's Day and we're lucky enough to have so many trailblazing ladies that contribute towards making the Potteries a welcoming and engaging place. We spoke to a handful of amazing business owners and key players about their roles in the City Centre:

Nicole Williamson and Steph Franklin - The Slamwich Club
"We’re Nicole and Steph, two best mates who own The Slamwich Club; a restaurant & bar based in Piccadilly that specialises in stacked, grilled sandwiches - but not just any average ol’ sandwich; we serve ‘Slamwiches’. A meal between two slices of bread, full of flavour and filled unique combinations that you wont find anywhere else.
We opened in 2017 with the aim of combining our love of food, music and good times - fast forward nearly 5 years and we now employ over 20 staff, we’ve survived a pandemic, voted no.1 in the area on Tripadvisor and have expanded, opening our outdoor event space ‘The Backyard’.
It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least but we’re so happy to still be here in 2023, serving all our amazing customers from Stoke and beyond. We have no intentions to stop now and can’t wait to see what the future holds…"

Julie Arrowsmith - Ambitions at Foundations
"I'm Julie, Managing Director of the company. Ambitions Beauty Training Academy opened in 2020, delivering accredited beauty courses to those looking to gain employment in the industry or those wanting to expand their business offering. Since opening, over 150 people have completed qualifications in various beauty treatments such as lashes, brows and facials. 
I set up Ambitions to give people an opportunity to train and reskill in an ever-growing industry which provides flexible working and career opportunities. What makes me the most proud is seeing individuals gain the confidence to achieve career and life goals that impact not only the individual but their wider family; seeing that happen makes everything worthwhile."
 

Rachel Simmonette - Charlie Browns Hair Studio 
"I'm Rachel,  Style Director and Salon Manager here at Charlie Browns on Cheapside in Hanley. I've known since school that I've always wanted to be a hairdresser, right from the moment my mum helped me to get my first job in the City Centre.

I've got 18 years of experience and I simply love my job. I've been at this salon for 9 years and worked with leading stylists. Whilst my specialties and favourite things to do are ombres and skin fades, there's not a lot I can't do and I always want to learn and train more to continue offering for our customers. It's great that our salon also offers a great range of other services too such as lash lifts, spray tans and manicures. 

There's a huge community feel not only here at Charlie Brown's but the City Centre. That closeness amongst colleagues that I have long considered friends? There's just no better feeling."

Dani Barnett - The Long Rest Boardgame Bar + Cafe 
"Hey, I'm Dani and the owner of The Long Rest. I've lived my whole life in Stoke and love to see that it's never lost it's sense of community and friendliness. 
It's inspiring for me to see so many people who've never met before come into our little cafe, play games and be part of this amazing community created around passions for gaming! I have met so many inspiring women since opening a year ago and I just feel really lucky to be able to offer this space to them!"

To all of the inspirational female business owners and trailblazers in our City Centre... THANK YOU for being you!

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