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Posted: Thu 22nd May 2025
It was during the first Covid-19 lockdown that Martina Schwarz founded Blackmarket, refillable hand soap that produces no plastic waste.
Most hand soaps are made of 80% water. But Martina discovered that it was possible to re-engineer the formula to be waterless, so consumers can dilute it with water themselves at home. Thus, Blackmarket was born.
Here, Martina talks about what prompted her to start to her own business, the challenges she faced as a new business owner and how Grow London Local has supported her business journey.
After many years of developing packaging design at a global design agency, I realised there was a gap in the market for handwash that is not only visually appealing and smells good, but better for the planet.
When starting a business, you're essentially the junior of everything and the master of nothing.
Suddenly, I needed to familiarise myself with the basics of how to register a company, find office space, do bookkeeping and protect intellectual property (IP). There's so much that goes into starting a business than just having an actual product.
Since becoming a business owner, I've faced many challenges relating to Brexit, compliance, rising costs – and just figuring out what to do next. The cost-of-living crisis has had a huge impact on small businesses like mine.
I was introduced to Grow London Local during a startup incubator I was pitching at. One of the Business Support Managers came over and spoke to me about how I could get additional small business support in London.
Grow London Local has offered guidance on so many aspects of the business, but particularly in terms of helping me navigate the tools available to me.
With its support, I've since learnt how to export abroad and find distributors. I've also re-evaluated my strategic business decisions, shifting the business focus from business-to-consumer (B2C) to business-to-business (B2B).
My Business Support Manager, Winnie, helped me understand how to gain access to additional support. This included guidance on finding interns, developing a marketing strategy and exporting goods as a small business in the UK.
Yes. I've benefited from a lot of support over the years, but it always tends to be quite specific and for a certain business area.
What I love about Grow London Local is how it covers everything, from how to export to how to create a website.
It offers guidance on so many different areas, and you can pick what you actually need to fill the knowledge gaps you may have as an entrepreneur.
I'd recommend that small businesses in London really investigate the different types of support out there, because there are so many interesting initiatives.
I would also suggest reaching out to Grow London Local and discussing what you need to help you on your small business journey.
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