Karen Hastings: Cupcake

Karen Hastings, 35
Company: Cupcake
Web: www.cupcakemum.com

In 2009 UK birth rates hit a high not seen since 1973, making Hastings’ decision to open a members’ club for newmums in 2005 a timely one. Cupcake now has two branches in London’s Putney and Wandsworth, where mums, pregnant women and their families can socialise, attend seminars or take part in fitness classes. The concept of having a spa and crèche in one place has proved popular and much of the angel investment she has received has come from the club’s members, a vote of confidence if ever there was one. The business, crowned ‘Specialist Salon of the Year’ at the 2010 Professional Beauty Awards, saw 60% growth last year. Hastings is now looking to open a third London site this autumn, with nine more sites and franchises to follow in and beyond the capital.

2012 update:

In February 2011 Cupcake opened a third family friendly members club in Parsons Green, London. Following a six-figure investment from Addidi, the UK’s first female-only business angel investment firm in April 2011, Hastings plans to expand even further through franchising, aiming for five new sites in the next five years.