It’s been such a whirlwind after 14 years of building our community out of church, school halls and gyms. As a black, female, small business owner who grew up in East London’s Walthamstow - Opening our studio in the exciting and diverse area of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a dream come true.

The Body People is my baby, she’s my first experience of owning a studio – a place where I could bring all forms of movement together, fitness, aerial disciplines and dance.

But I also wanted it to be a space where you can mix and blend – focus on spoken word, photography exhibitions or rehearsals, for example – a place that would be multi-faceted.

I knew I wanted somewhere I could pull communities together, somewhere I could put my unique black woman’s touch on – a place I could make beautiful the way I wanted it.

We’ve had a lovely reaction from the local residents who live above and around us. Everyone who comes in feels they have come into a tranquil space – it just feels safe and inclusive.

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the journey of women building, supporting, and uplifting their communities.

I’m Gul, co-founder of Ginger & Mint East, a family-run business that has proudly served the East Village community for the past 10 years. What started as a passion for creating healthy, nutritious food and drinks has grown into something truly special thanks to the support of our wonderful customers and neighbours.

We are incredibly proud to now be opening our second branch in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Being part of such a vibrant and active community means so much to us. The park represents wellbeing, connection, and community spirit — values that are at the heart of everything we do at Ginger & Mint.

Our aim has always been simple: to offer fresh, nourishing food and drinks that bring people together and support a healthy lifestyle. Seeing families, friends, and visitors enjoying our space makes the journey even more rewarding.

As a woman co-founder of a family business, I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow within such supportive communities and to contribute to spaces where people can gather, connect, and feel good.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Ginger & Mint East over the years — we’re excited for this next chapter and look forward to continuing to serve the East Village and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park communities for many years to come.

Twenty years ago we began with a simple idea called Olympic Bikes. East London was preparing for the Games, and I wanted that moment to leave something lasting for local people who were being left out. That idea became Bikeworks.

As social entrepreneurs, we recognised the humble cycle as a powerful tool for good, tackling exclusion and health inequalities through practical, everyday access to cycling. Today Bikeworks delivers more than 50,000 inclusive cycling experiences annually across London, supported by a social enterprise model that reinvests in impact.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is now home - bringing the story full circle. What began as a grassroots concept connected to the Olympic moment now forms part of the Park community, creating belonging and inclusion every day.