Her coffee

In 2011, First founded HER Cafe in Hackney with a bold vision to create a dynamic space for creativity and culture, where monthly curated programmes would inspire the community. With a hands-on approach, First led every aspect of the business—from branding and service development to building and empowering a dedicated team.

From its very first year, HER Cafe achieved profitability, supported by a passionate team of 12-14 employees. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, in 2016 First expanded the brand with the launch of HER Coffee, a consumer product line offering cold brew coffee concentrate and ready-to-drink options.

Just six months into the venture, HER secured a prestigious stockist at Selfridges, leading to the first venture capital investment. This milestone fuelled further growth, as HER continued to collaborate with renowned brands such as 1Rebel, AppearHere, Killik & Co., and Courier Magazine.

Through innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, HER Cafe not only became a thriving business but also a symbol of creative entrepreneurship, continually growing and making an impact on both the local and wider community.