Sahar Hashemi OBE

Sahar Hashemi OBE is a trailblazing entrepreneur, bestselling author, and business thought leader who has transformed the way Britain views entrepreneurship. She co-founded Coffee Republic, the UK’s first American-style coffee bar chain, and later launched the confectionery brand Skinny Candy. Recognised as one of the Top 35 Women in British Business Under 35 and among The Independent’s 20 Most Powerful Women in Britain, Sahar is celebrated for her mission to make entrepreneurial thinking accessible to all. She now serves as Co-Founder of Buy Women Built, a movement championing female-founded businesses, and continues to inspire audiences globally through her writing, leadership, and advocacy.

Sahar’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 when, leaving behind her career as a lawyer, she co-founded Coffee Republic with her brother Bobby Hashemi. Starting from their kitchen table, they grew the company into one of the UK’s most recognised high-street brands, boasting over 110 outlets and £30 million in annual turnover. As CEO for five years, Sahar led the business through rapid expansion, creating a brand that helped revolutionise the UK coffee market. Her first book, ‘Anyone Can Do It: Building Coffee Republic from Our Kitchen Table’, became an international bestseller and one of the most widely read entrepreneurship books after Sir Richard Branson’s, inspiring thousands to pursue their own business dreams.

After stepping away from Coffee Republic, Sahar continued her entrepreneurial path by founding Skinny Candy, a low-sugar confectionery brand, and publishing ‘Switched On and Start Up Forever’, the latter recognised as The Financial Times Business Book of the Month. She was appointed OBE in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to the UK economy and to charity, and has since held several influential positions, including Co-Chair of the UK Government Scale Up Taskforce, Non-Executive Director of the ScaleUp Institute, and Member of the Board of Advisors for Curaden Global.

A highly sought-after international speaker, Sahar is renowned for her energy, honesty, and ability to connect business with purpose. Her keynotes focus on innovation, intrapreneurship, and the entrepreneurial mindset within large organisations, encouraging audiences to stay agile and creative in an ever-changing world. Through her books, ventures, and advocacy, she continues to redefine what it means to think and act like an entrepreneur, proving that with courage and curiosity, anyone can do it.