Her City, Her Stories
How to mark Women's Month in the city
Many women’s stories have begun in London, from creating in an art studio, to starting a new business, to beginning the journey into motherhood. London is a city where you can dare to dream, and make it real, so it’s no wonder so many women have chosen it as not only their home, but also the destination to reach their potential. This month we’ve curated a list of women making an impact in the creative scene, our favourite women-led businesses and where you can celebrate International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day in the city (spoiler alert – our hotel is the place to be).
Women making an impact in London’s creative scene
At art’otel London Hoxton we are lucky enough to work with a plethora of incredible women in the creative scene, both in Shoreditch and beyond. Currently in residence in our art studio is the talented Ekaterina Adelskaya, a multi-media artist working across sculpture, installation and video. Drop into our studio throughout March and April to discover what she’s been creating or sign up for one of her workshops if you’d like to create something for yourself.
Back in February 2025 Makiko Harris, made waves in the cultural scene and the art press with her exhibition that showcased in our very own gallery, “Needle Dance”. Inspired by her grandmother’s sewing kit, Harris created enormous needle sculptures and a film of dancers bound in red rope under water, reimagining domestic labour and exploring the quiet power of woman. This year, Harris has evolved this concept with a new exhibition, Sentinel, which opened in the South London Gallery in January, and a new live performance opening in London this spring.
Another curator we’ve loved working with is Isil Ezgi Celik, the founder of the London-based art platform capitArt and global x-media curatorial initiative capitArtX, who also holds a PhD in international co-operation in art from Nagoya University, Japan. Through her work as an art curator, Isil has brought together and platformed many upcoming and established artists, and until 12 March 2026, you can find her latest exhibition “Artificial Lines of Flight” in our Gallery. Isil works within thresholds — the spaces where categories blur and identities are not yet fixed. She curates between cultures, languages, disciplines and media, because it is in these interstitial zones that creative potential intensifies.
Our favourite women-led businesses
In line with this year’s theme “Give To Gain” we’re encouraging readers to be more intentional in supporting women-led businesses. For the fashion lovers, head over to Luna and Curious in Shoreditch, founded by three female creatives, Polly George, Kaoru Parry and Reheanna Lingham. This treasure-trove of a store is like a mini department store, where you can browse through an eclectic mix of womenswear, childrenswear, beauty, stationery, homeware, jewellery and accessories. Each piece reflects the personality of the owners and tells a story. Definitely one to add to your guide to Shoreditch.
If you’re wondering where next to eat in Shoreditch check out Rochelle Canteen, led by head chef Margot Henderson, and located just off Boundary Gardens. This restaurant feels a world away from the city, sitting in a walled garden serving a British classic made from the very best of local produce. A paradise in the summer with the outdoor seating, but you can still enjoy dining there in the cooler months, comfortably sheltered beneath the heated gazebo.
When it comes to standout women shaping culture and conversations in London, one name to have on your radar is Stefanie-Sword-Williams. Her top tips for women? To back yourself, to (as her famous catchphrase states) “f*ck being humble” and most importantly, to believe in yourself. If live talks are more your thing, you can catch her promoting her newly released book, Career Comedown, all over the city, we even had the pleasure of hosting her here at the hotel.
How To Celebrate International Women's Day in London
If you are wondering what to do in Shoreditch this Women’s History Month, we’ve got you covered. Whether you want to celebrate women’s month by admiring the art of other women, learning from visionary female founders, or simply spending quality time with the women that lift you up, we’ve got the event for you at art’otel London Hoxton.
On Sunday 8 March, we’ll be hosting the International Women’s Day Gallery takeover by HXR FEST, an immersive event that spotlights women-led creativity and culture. Read impactful works, watch thought-provoking screenings or move to the beats of Olivia Ema’s audio-visual. It’ll be hard not to feel inspired when you’re surrounded by so much creativity.
For those wanting to mark the month by spending quality time with the supportive female friends in your life, join us on Friday 13 March for the ultimate girls’ night in with a screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, hosted by the Film Club. If you fancy it, come along solo to create new friendships, because what better environment is there than a room full of women with the same taste.
For the women paving their own way in the business world, you’ll want to sign up for “Elevate and Thrive” on Saturday 14 March, an event for female founders, led by The Bold Woman Community. A live panel of successful founders will lead an authentic conversation around personal branding, leadership, wellbeing, and the power of community. Being a founder often is a lonely route, so events like this help both give you the needed advice and make connections with women who know exactly what you are going through.
Mother’s Day
For all the mothers out there, this month is a cause for double celebration, so make the most of it – because who deserves it more? If you are looking for things to do in Shoreditch this Mother’s Day, look no further than our latest Film House experience; lunch at The Brush Grand Café, accompanied by a film in our cosy screening room. We’ve lined up two iconic movies exploring mother-daughter relationship: Freaky Friday and Mamma Mia. Whether you fancy a body-swap comedy or a sun-soaked musical, escape for a little while with us. Either before or after the screening, enjoy a roast lunch in the restaurant curated by Executive Chef Ryan Matheson.
Whether you choose to mark Women’s Month by uplifting the women around you, discovering new female-led creativity, or investing in your own journey, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate in Shoreditch this year. We’re proud to offer spaces that honour connection, creativity and allow women to pave their stories in the city.
