Elham Asaad Buaras
Leila Zadeh has been named one of the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs in the 2025 f: Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign, recognising her significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape.
Zadeh, who founded Dordana in 2022, is one of 100 women featured for their leadership in running purpose-driven businesses, all while balancing various other responsibilities.
Dordana, a lifestyle brand known for its traditionally crafted glycerine soaps, is just one part of Zadeh’s entrepreneurial journey. Her recognition comes not just from the business success she has achieved, but also from her commitment to family values. Zadeh actively involves her husband and young children in the day-to-day operations of her business, embodying a balance that many women entrepreneurs strive for. She has built her company around a commitment to diversity, making sure her story resonates with women from all backgrounds, particularly those from minority communities.
The campaign, launched by Small Business Britain in 2017, highlights women who are not only leading successful businesses but are also making an impact outside of work through activities like mentoring, volunteering, and contributing to their communities. Zadeh’s inclusion in this campaign is a recognition of how she balances business with personal life and her efforts to promote greater visibility for women in the entrepreneurial world.
“Being named among the #iAlso100 is an incredible honour,” Zadeh said.
“When I started in business, the stories of how seasoned female entrepreneurs balanced business with their other life demands encouraged my first steps. I look forward to engaging with and learning from the many talented entrepreneurial women in the #iAlso100 community. I hope that my visibility in this campaign can motivate other women to pursue their business ideas,” she added.
Small Business Britain, the organisation behind the f: Entrepreneur campaign, works to champion small businesses across the UK. Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, praised the women featured in this year’s #iAlso100 lineup:
“It’s wonderful to have Leila Zadeh from Dordana featured in this year’s #iAlso100—all of the female entrepreneurs in this year’s line-up are simply phenomenal. It is vital that we recognise the impressive contribution of the UK’s female business owners and do all we can to support and encourage them throughout their entrepreneurial journey, from start-up to scale-up.”
Photo: Leila Zadeh, founder of Dordana
(Credit: f: Entrepreneur)
