'I've turned a boutique into a launchpad for Black-owned brands here in Leeds'
Leeds businesswoman creates retail hub supporting independent Black-owned brands
An award-winning Leeds businesswoman has launched a new boutique and aims to support other local entrepreneurs to take their products to market.
Sanyan Collective is a Leeds-based creative retail and community hub founded by fashion designer and creative entrepreneur Karen Williams, whose contemporary African-inspired fashion brand, Sanyan.
After years of selling at events and pop-ups across the UK, Karen recognised how important physical retail space was. What began as a home for her own fashion brand at Chapeltown Enterprise Centre has evolved into a shared creative hub that supports Black-owned businesses and brands connected to communities across Africa and the Caribbean.
Sanyan Collective is now a base for 10 independent brands as well.
The space is also launching sewing workshops while providing opportunities for creatives to use the venue for meetings, photoshoots and customer collection services.
Karen Williams said: “Moving into Chapeltown Enterprise Centre was the perfect move at precisely the right time.
“I have started gaining local recognition, including being honoured with the Yorkshire Black Business Award for Retailer of the Year 2026.
“The long-term vision for Sanyan Collective is to become a permanent creative and cultural hub within Leeds and a long-term launchpad for emerging independent Black-owned brands — a place where businesses can gain visibility, grow sustainably and eventually move on to make space for the next generation of creatives.”
Chapeltown Enterprise Centre is one of three business locations in Leeds managed by Unity Enterprise (UE), the not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
UE currently provides 153 affordable business units for almost 100 diverse businesses in the city, employing more than 1,250 people. In addition to providing business space and support services, UE hosts regular business masterclasses and workshops including Breaking Barriers, a bespoke programme of events covering mindset, social media marketing, branding, sales and pitching, web design and multimedia.
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “Sanyan Collective is a fantastic concept and a great way for local entrepreneurs to come together and share a space where they can sell and promote their wares.
“Karen is a role model for what can be achieved with a sharp business idea, a willingness to collaborate, a drive to succeed and the support we can provide.”