When the scent of ambition meets the spark of creativity, extraordinary things can bloom. Tajinder Banwait MBE, a pioneering British entrepreneur, is living proof that dreams nurtured with perseverance can blossom into global impact.
With a journey that began humbly at her kitchen table in Leicester, Tajinder has not only built a multi-million-pound fragrance empire—Urban Apothecary London—but also spearheaded a plant-powered beauty revolution with her newest brand, Palette London. Her inspiring rise is a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, women in business, and the British export economy at large.
Tajinder Banwait: From Scent Memories to Signature Scents – The Birth of Urban Apothecary
In 2012, guided by her lifelong love for perfume and deep-rooted scent memories, Tajinder Banwait MBE launched Urban Apothecary London. She envisioned a fragrance brand that was more than just aromas in a bottle—it was a portal to personal stories, emotions, and nostalgia. Her unique take on scent as a “scented snapshot” resulted in a carefully curated apothecary collection for home, bath, and body that is now recognised worldwide.
What started as a small home-grown experiment—hand-pouring candles from her kitchen—soon evolved into one of the UK’s most dynamic fragrance companies. Her distinctive combinations of flowers, fruits, resins, and woods resonated with customers globally, and today, Urban Apothecary London products grace homes in over 34 international markets.
Breaking Barriers: Leading British Export on a Global Stage
Urban Apothecary London made history in 2022 by becoming the first candle brand to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. This was not just a win for the brand but a monumental moment for British-made products in a competitive global market.
As a Department for Business and Trade Midlands Export Champion, Tajinder Banwait MBE has emerged as an influential advocate for international trade. Her speeches, mentorship, and dedication to uplifting other entrepreneurs have empowered countless businesses to venture confidently into international markets. Tajinder’s success is a masterclass in how a singular idea—when executed with vision and passion—can become a tool for national pride and global admiration.
Tajinder Banwait: An Empowering Voice for Women in Business and Manufacturing
Tajinder is more than an entrepreneur—she is a role model. Passionate about enabling female voices in the business landscape, especially within the often male-dominated beauty and manufacturing sectors, she dedicates significant time to mentorship. Her involvement with the Prince’s Trust and the Santander Breakthrough Women Business Leaders’ Mentoring Programme speaks to her deep commitment to helping women rise, lead, and thrive.
She once said, “I consider myself fortunate to be doing what I love—from creating fragrances and hand-pouring candles in my Leicestershire factory to championing export, supporting British manufacturing, and promoting female entrepreneurs.” Her journey is not just about business—it is about building inclusive legacies.
Palette London: A Colourful Leap Into Sustainable Beauty
In early 2023, Tajinder introduced the world to Palette London, a revolutionary plant-based, vegan, halal-certified beauty collection with sustainability at its heart. Designed with the same attention to detail and sensory storytelling as Urban Apothecary, Palette launched with a vibrant range of gel-effect nail colours and treatments that blend luxury with environmental consciousness.
All Palette London products are:
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Made from a minimum of 70% plant-based ingredients
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Clinically proven to strengthen nails
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Free from 21 traditionally harmful ingredients
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Packaged using recyclable and eco-friendly materials
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Inclusive of all communities through vegan and halal accreditation
The innovative formula features the “Super 3”: Arginine, Tea Tree Oil, and Vitamin E, a powerhouse blend that not only protects but restores nail health. Even the brush bristles are made from castor bean oil, ensuring every element aligns with Tajinder’s values of beauty with responsibility.
This venture continues her mission to combine artistry, science, and ethics. In her own words: “I wanted to create a beauty collection for everyone. Palette London begins with nail paints, but it represents so much more—health, self-expression, and eco-conscious beauty.”
Recognition and Honour: An MBE for a Modern Alchemist
On December 29th, 2023, Tajinder Banwait was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year Honours List 2024 for her services to business and the beauty industry. The accolade is a tribute not only to her entrepreneurial excellence but to her role as a changemaker.
Reflecting on this honour, Tajinder said, “When I think back to Urban Apothecary’s humble beginnings at my kitchen table over ten years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined receiving such recognition for the positive impact of my work.”
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