A street of many female-led independent businesses in Ipswich town centre are celebrating women for International Women’s Day.

Around a dozen of the businesses in ‘The Saints’ hub of small businesses in St Peters Street and St Nicholas Street are owned and run by women.

With International Women’s Day this Friday, March 8, the business owners have talked about valuing the relationships they have in the community.

Ipswich Star: Owner of Maud's Attic Wendy Childs stood outside her shop on St Peter's Street.Owner of Maud's Attic Wendy Childs stood outside her shop on St Peter's Street. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The longest-running of these female-owned businesses is Mauds Attic, which Wendy Childs established in 1996, selling accessories and gifts including jewellery, handbags and scarves.

The street has most recently been joined by Chloe Dozzell who runs brunch venue Another Bowl, which relocated from Ranelagh Road just last month, serving freshly made smoothies, Acai bowls, toasts, and juices.

Ipswich Star: Chloe Dozzell, owner of Another Bowl in St Peter's Street.Chloe Dozzell, owner of Another Bowl in St Peter's Street. (Image: Chloe Dozzell)

Applaud Coffee in St Peter's Street was founded more than a decade ago by two sisters, Hannah Huntly and Beth Tchie as the town’s first speciality coffee shop.

Ms Huntly said: “We really value the relationships we have with the other women owners on The Saints, they inspire and encourage us through the day-to-day business life.”

There is also an event to mark the day on Friday at Puzzle Boutique on St Peters Street.

Ipswich Star: Puzzle Boutique opened in St Peter's Street in the summer.Puzzle Boutique opened in St Peter's Street in the summer. (Image: Puzzle Boutique)

The boutique specialises in Scandinavian clothing and homeware, and originally opened in Felixstowe three years ago.

Ms Stewart, who opened the second site of her business in The Saints in August, said: “In celebration of International Women’s Day, I’ve got a special evening opening on Friday from 5-7.30pm where I will be launching my spring fashion collection.

“Come along and join us for a glass of fizz.”

The other female owned businesses include Purity Beauty and Wellness, LoveOne, Crafty Baba, Fox & Bramble, Graceful Hair, Lana’s Holistic Centre, The Loft, Aspects, Paul Henri and Little Bubbas.

Michelle O’Neill of Purity Beauty and Wellness said: “When women support each other, incredible things happen, and The Saints shows exactly that.

“We couldn’t be prouder to have the female led community of The Saints as home to our female led business, Purity Beauty and Wellness.”