A Twickenham photographer was spotlighted at a special International Women's Day event at the House of Lords last Friday, celebrating her success as a founder.

Valentina Rebeschini, whose business Photography by Valentina specialises in maternity, newborn, and women's portrait photography, was one of 100 female entrepreneurs from across the UK selected for Small Business Britain's annual #iAlso100 – a line up of 2025's most inspirational female entrepreneurs.

A part of Small Business Britain's f:Entrepreneur campaign, the #iAlso100 champions the impact of female business owners to the UK economy, communities and society. 

Rebeschini was named as one of f:Entrepreneur's #iAlso100 this year in recognition of her 'impressive' entrepreneurial journey.

She runs a successful photography business that not only captures the beauty of motherhood and family, but also empowers women over 40 through portraiture, 'helping them rediscover their confidence and sense of self'.

Alongside her photography, she has launched the Breastfeeding Awareness Project, a personal and community-focused initiative that highlights the realities and emotional depth of breastfeeding through powerful imagery and storytelling.

The photographer is also preparing to publish a book based on this project and hopes to exhibit her work in the near future.

Rebeschini said: "Being part of the #iAlso100 and attending such an iconic event at the House of Lords was a moment I will never forget.

"It's an incredible honour that recognises not only my journey but also the collective efforts of so many women balancing entrepreneurship, family, and community roles.

"It was deeply inspiring to stand alongside so many phenomenal women who are redefining what it means to be a female entrepreneur today."

Group photo of the 100 women present on IWD at the house of lords (credit: Image supplied).

Recent research from Small Business Britain, in partnership with Starling Bank, found four in five (80%) women feel more confident in their abilities after launching their business, with 87% feeling happier.

Rebeschini enjoyed afternoon tea and networking in Westminster, meeting other founders from across the country, as well as special guests, which included representatives from across Government and The King's Trust.

Speeches on the importance of International Women's Day for female entrepreneurs were delivered by Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain, Maria Vidler, Chief Customer Officer at Starling Bank, Emma Heal, Managing Director of Lucky Saint, and entrepreneur Jessamine Hislop, founder of Little Pickles Markets, who features in this year's #iAlso100 campaign.

"The drive and determination of women-led businesses across the UK is nothing short of remarkable," said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and the f:Entrepreneur campaign.

"Despite the entrepreneurial load of running a business, women are demonstrably happier and more confident for taking on that challenge and making a huge impact through their businesses.

"Through the f:Entrepreneur campaign, we want to foster this confidence and creativity to boost women's successes this year and beyond, which will drive so much growth and recovery for the UK as a whole.

"It was great to have amazing women like Valentina join us for the day to recognise their value and impact on entrepreneurship."

Launched in 2017, the f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign highlights the immense and multi-dimensional contributions of women business owners, many of whom lead purpose-driven businesses while supporting their local communities through mentoring, volunteering, and collaboration.

Now in its ninth year, the campaign reflects how female entrepreneurs continue to thrive in the UK despite persistent economic challenges.

To see the full line-up of the 100 amazing women featured in this year's f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign visit https://f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2025/.

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