BFS helped me believe in my idea and gave me the structure to make it real.
John Smith
Founder
Founder Spotlight: EKOWARMTH
My name is Verona Shakespeare.
I am the founder of EKOWARMTH, and I’m based in the UK. I’m a nurse, a mother, a grandmother and someone who has always cared deeply about comfort, wellbeing, and creating a sense of calm in people’s lives. My background in healthcare has shaped so much of who I am and caring for others is part of my identity, not just my career.
What brand are you building?
I'm building EKOWARMTH, a product-based brand centered around heated comfort, cozy living, and thoughtful design. We’re developing products that bring warmth back into everyday life literally and emotionally. My early concepts include the HeatCore Dock and a Bamboo Electric Blanket, combining technology, sustainability, and comfort.
What inspired your idea? What is your ‘why’?
My inspiration comes from years of caring for patients and also caring for my own family. I’ve seen how warmth can soothe anxiety, ease pain, and provide emotional comfort. As a mom, I know what it means to want the people you love to feel safe and held. EKOWARMTH is my way of extending that feeling to others—warmth as care, warmth as well-being, and warmth as home.
What has your experience been like at Black Founders Studio (BFS)?
Being part of BFS has been transformational. I’ve learned so much about the business side of building a brand—funding, strategy, storytelling, and resilience. But I’ve also gained a community. It’s empowering to be surrounded by founders who look like me, who understand the journey, and who genuinely want one another to win. It’s given me confidence and clarity I didn’t realize I needed.
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