B'Atelyer, 112 Islington High Street, N1 8EG

Former dentist Sosen Botani (pictured) has swapped fillings for fashion with her boutique B'Atelyer. Here the entrepreneur shares her business journey, why she loves trading in the Angel, and top tips for a stylish winter wardrobe. Hi Sosen! Please tell us a bit about you. I grew up in Sweden and spent 18 years working as a dentist in London, including a decade running my own practice, B Dental, in Islington. After having two kids and taking some time off, I felt ready for a new challenge. Fashion had always been my passion, even though I once thought it was too enjoyable to be considered a career! In 2024, I finally took the leap and opened my womenswear boutique, B’Atelyer, fulfilling a long-held dream of mine. Tell us about your business and offering. B’Atelyer, which opened in April 2024, is located in Camden Passage - a charming area perfect for a boutique experience. Currently, it's our only branch. The boutique offers a carefully curated selection of European and Scandinavian womenswear brands, blending chic design with functionality, a nod to my Swedish roots. I love sourcing unique pieces and enjoy seeing customers light up when they find something that feels perfect for them.

For now, I'm running the boutique as a solo venture, allowing me to focus closely on expanding our collection and connecting with our community. Why are you called B'Atelyer? The name B'Atelyer combines the initial of my surname, Botani, with a unique twist on the word 'atelier' (meaning workshop or studio) to give it a bit more character. My first business was called B Dental, so carrying on the 'B' tradition felt like a nice way to link my past and present ventures.

Where do you source your clothing and other items? I primarily source from fashion agencies here in London, but I also reach out directly to brands that align with my boutique’s aesthetic. I'm still in the process of exploring options and seeing what resonates with my customers, while also ensuring I feel comfortable representing the brand. What are your main challenges? One of the biggest challenges is building awareness within the community and letting people know we're here. There’s also the significant financial and time commitment required to run the boutique successfully.

Who is your typical customer? Our typical customer is someone over 30 who cares about their personal style and appreciates fashion and trends. As a boutique, we certainly follow trends, but we also encourage customers to invest in timeless pieces that will stay in their wardrobes for years to come. Why is fashion your passion? Fashion has always been a fun and visual way for me to express myself. I love the creativity involved in putting outfits together, and I feel my personality shines through in how I dress. I get a real confidence boost when I'm wearing something that feels just right, and I enjoy helping others experience that same feeling.

What makes your business unique? Why should people visit? I put a lot of thought and care into researching and curating styles for the boutique, selecting pieces that balance individuality with versatility. Each season’s collection is thoughtfully arranged, with every rail telling its own story, helping customers imagine how to style different pieces, whether as a single standout item or a cohesive outfit. Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere is equally important to me. I want people to feel comfortable exploring and discovering something that resonates with them. I love helping customers find pieces that reflect their unique style, and if they’re open to it, suggesting something a bit more adventurous - a choice that can surprise and delight in equal measure.

What does the future hold for B'Atelyer? Being in my first year, there’s still plenty of room to grow, and I view running an independent boutique as an ongoing journey. I’ve received a very positive initial response, which gives me confidence that B’Atelyer will find its place within the Passage, alongside my lovely neighbours. We’re currently in the process of launching our online shop, and I’m excited to start our social media campaign, focusing initially on Instagram. Do you have any upcoming events we can help you share? We’re planning an intimate evening event, 'Sip & Shop Ladies' Night' on November 21 from 6pm-8pm where shoppers can explore our curated collections and get a special 20% off purchases made that evening.

Upcoming events will include personal styling sessions, along with guest speakers like designers, stylists, and photographers, covering a range of exciting and relevant topics.

What's it like working in Angel, what do you enjoy about it? It feels wonderful to be back as part of the Islington business community, transitioning from being a local dentist to running a womenswear boutique. I especially enjoy interacting with the diverse mix of customers, from long-time Islington residents to new Londoners spending the day exploring, and even parents visiting their adult children who now call Islington home. Each day brings new connections and discoveries, and I feel incredibly supported by the local businesses around me - they’ve been so helpful and are truly rooting for my success.

Please share something people might not know about you. My second passion is dancing! In 2005, I took a sabbatical to live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I immersed myself in Tango for about six months. Additionally, I’ve been a pescatarian for most of my life, and though I was born Kurdish, my family moved to Sweden when I was six.

Give us some fashion trends for Autumn/Winter 2024.

• Burgundy – Rich and warm, burgundy is making a strong statement this season. It’s perfect for adding depth to any outfit, whether it’s a cozy sweater or a chic evening dress.
• Faux leather – Faux leather is everywhere this autumn, from jackets to trousers and skirts. It brings a bold, edgy feel while remaining versatile enough to mix with softer textures.
• Anything grey – Grey is the ultimate neutral this season, seen in everything from coats to knitwear. It’s sophisticated, understated, and perfect for layering or as a base for pops of colour.

And finally, what is your...

Favourite tipple? With Christmas approaching, I find myself craving glögg, a Swedish spiced mulled wine I grew up enjoying. Traditionally, we add a few raisins and almonds - it’s such a treat and brings back wonderful memories. Perfect Sunday? These days most Sundays are spent at the shop, but I look forward to going back to spending more time with my husband and two kids. Go-to snack? Nuts are my favourite! I especially love pistachios and cashews.

Thanks Sosen! For updates and more, follow B'Atelyer on Instagram, and its website.

+++ Are you an independent business in Angel and would like to feature here? Drop Sarah an email at Sarah@angelislington.london.