Sahar Hashemi

Best-selling author and entrepreneur, Sahar Hashemi has paved the way in the confectionery and drink sectors gaining a global reputation as a powerful businesswoman. The mastermind behind Coffee Republic, Sahar has proven creativity and passion are the keys to success, and now supports others in building their own ventures. During speaking engagements, Sahar expands on her expert knowledge and experience and acts as a role model for determined businesswomen, a quality for which she has received industry awards, and an OBE from the Queen.

As the Co-Founder of Coffee Republic, Sahar brought the first US-style coffee chain to the UK in 1995, starting with a London Store. Growing the brand from a love for coffee to 110 stores UK wide and a multi-million-pound chain, Sahar pioneered the nationwide success. Finding her feet as an entrepreneur, Sahar soon moved on to her next endeavour in 2005 founding Skinny Candy, the sugar-free sweets brand, which achieved equally impressive reception from the market. Currently, Sahar supplies her expertise in the role of Co-Chair for the Government Scale Up Task Force encouraging people into work through improving skills and opportunities.

Outside of her role as a business mogul, Sahar has impressed in publishing, as the author of Anyone Can Do It, which became a best seller and was subsequently translated into 6 languages, inspiring budding entrepreneurs worldwide. Most recently, Sahar has authored Start Up Forever, which explores how to maintain a start-up culture in large organisations. For her extensive career and business success, Sahar has been named as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, in the 100 Most Influential Women in Britain and in Top 10 Original Thinkers by Director Magazine.

A renowned speaker on the international circuit, Sahar has previously inspired clients with her talks focused on creativity, leadership and being a powerful female in business. She has shared a TEDx talk on the qualities of an entrepreneur and for her impressive work as a speaker, has been named in the Top 5 Business Speakers in Britain by Speakers for Business.