Meet the three powerful female-run small businesses to hit TV screens this month

A trio of female-founded brands are hitting prime-time TV screens this month with their very own professionally produced commercial, thanks to an initiative by digital marketing platform Constant Contact, Enterprise Nation and Channel 4.

The three winning brands – sustainable skincare brand helloSKIN, innovative footwear business Calla Shoes and overnight oats brand Oatsu – were selected from thousands of applicants as part of the Small Business, Big Break competition.

It was their founders' unique journeys, innovative visions and readiness to take their businesses to the next level that really resounded.

Their adverts are airing around peak viewing programmes like Gogglebox and Married at First Sight and popular shows like A Place in the Sun.

To bring their brands to life on screen and authentically tell their stories, the entrepreneurs worked collaboratively with Constant Contact, Enterprise Nation and London creative production agency Dojo Films on a series of filming days.

The adverts have gone live in the same week as iconic big budget Christmas adverts from John Lewis and Sainsbury's.

As well as providing marketing support for the winning brands, Constant Contact’s marketing expertise has been brought to life through its own TV advert, which shares its mission to support SMEs and small businesses. 

Who are the winners? 

Natalie James | helloSKIN

Natalie's company specialises in vegan, organic and cruelty-free dissolvable skincare products for all skin types.

Stocked in Superdrug and online retailer Debenhams, Coast and Oasis, helloSKIN stands out for its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. The range is dermatologically tested and entirely free from sulphates and preservatives.

Natalie says:

"Constant Contact and Enterprise Nation have been absolutely brilliant in supporting me on this journey. I didn't think that after starting this business with just an idea in my living room, that I'd be filming an advert that's going to be on Channel 4.

"It means the absolute world to me and my business – the only way is up from here!"

Jennifer Bailey | Calla Shoes

Based in the North West, Jennifer's business aims to take the pain out of footwear with a range of shoes designed specifically for women with bunions, wide feet, plantar fasciitis and other foot problems.

What sets Calla Shoes apart, Jennifer says, is the emphasis on design and comfort, catering specifically to women who are typically underserved by mainstream footwear.

"The shoe industry's one-size-fits-all approach is outdated. We're focused on creating footwear that fits women's lifestyles and provides the comfort they need."

Jennifer adds:

"One of the hardest things about running a small business is getting that brand awareness, so this opportunity is absolutely unbelievable for us." 

Lauren O'Donnell | Oatsu

Lauren left her job in corporate banking to start her company, creating overnight oats without the hassle with an innovative ready-to-eat range. She features in her own advert, while all three winners feature in the Constant Contact advert.

She says:

"This opportunity comes at a pivotal moment in our journey. We recently achieved an industry-leading shelf life on our chilled range and now have the capacity to scale nationwide."

Lauren adds:

"Shooting a TV ad for Oatsu has been absolutely incredible, and to see it come to life has been a dream come true. I'm so grateful for the support of Constant Contact, Enterprise Nation and Channel 4."

Reaction to the winners

Frank J. Vella, CEO of Constant Contact, says:

"At Constant Contact, our mission is to help simplify marketing for SMEs so that they can focus on what they do best – running their business.

"This competition reaffirms that commitment by giving SMEs access to the kind of prime-time marketing typically reserved for major brands.

"Natalie, Jennifer and Lauren represent the innovation and determination we see across the small business community, and we're incredibly proud to support their growth through our marketing expertise and this unique opportunity."

Aaron Asadi, CEO of Enterprise Nation, says:

"When passion meets purpose, remarkable things happen. The power of these stories will resonate with millions in the important run-up to the festive shopping period. We're excited to see the response as Natalie, Jennifer and Lauren's journeys unfold on Channel 4."

Nick Archer, senior agency and client partner at Channel 4, adds:

"Television remains a powerful medium to build brand credibility for small businesses across the UK. Showcasing these profound and energetic winners' stories illustrates the power of TV, connecting brands with Channel 4's diverse, engaged audiences."