Coffee Republic Founder Sahar Hashemi: Why Having a Plan B Makes You Dither
Sahar Hashemi, the former solicitor who founded Coffee Republic and now leads Buy Women Built, has revealed a counterintuitive piece of career advice: avoid having a Plan B. In an exclusive interview, the 58-year-old entrepreneur argues that backup plans can lead to hesitation and emotional hedging, stifling the bold leaps necessary for success.
From Law to Latte: A Career Pivot Inspired by New York
Hashemi began her professional journey as a trainee solicitor at Frere Cholmeley in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, drawn to law by TV shows like LA Law. However, she soon realized it didn’t align with her skills or passions. "Thank God for that skinny latte I drank in New York – it changed my life forever," she recalls, highlighting the moment that sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. This led to the creation of Coffee Republic, though not without early mishaps, such as customers choking on coffee due to unrinsed salt in machines.
Building Buy Women Built: A Movement for Female Founders
Her current venture, Buy Women Built (BWB), is a consumer movement spotlighting female-founded brands. With 2,500 brands boasting a combined turnover of £3.1 billion, BWB has secured placements in major retailers like Tesco and a permanent aisle on Ocado. The initiative includes a kitemark to help consumers identify women-built products. Hashemi emphasizes that while International Women’s Day amplifies their message, "every day is International Women’s Day for us at BWB."
London Love and Business Insights
Hashemi, who attended City of London School for Girls, praises the Square Mile’s "incredible energy" and constant reinvention. She reflects on memorable business lunches from her law days, noting how they built trust beyond transactions. Her proudest moment? "Walking through the City these days, doing something I absolutely love." She admires the female founders in the BWB community for their passion and energy.
Career Advice: Leap Without a Net
The best advice she received came from her father: "Do your best and let God do the rest." Conversely, she criticizes the common suggestion to "make sure you have a Plan B," explaining that it encourages dithering. "You have to just go for it, and then you figure it out," she asserts. Hashemi remains optimistic, taking life day by day, and enjoys simple pleasures like pizza at Pizza Union (founded by her brother) or drinks at Los Mochis.
Personal Life and Future Plans
Based in Chelsea during the week, she spends weekends on the sofa with her Jack Russell, Stewie, and Giant Wotsits. Soon, she’ll take a two-week break in Asia with her husband, seeking to "reset" by exploring unfamiliar places. "Going somewhere new wakes you up again," she says, emphasizing the value of curiosity and presence in both business and life.
