Hafsah Sana, from Newport and founder of Sama Play Café, has been recognised by Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign as one of the “most inspiring” female entrepreneurs for 2026.
She launched Sama Play Café in June 2024 after leaving her career in the NHS.
The campaign highlights women who are making a significant impact through innovation, business growth, and positive contributions to their communities.
Hafsah Sana, founder of Sama Play Café in Newport has been named among the UK’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs (Image: Supplied)
Ms Sana said: “I often joke that I left a 9-5 to work 24/7, and it feels incredible to know that my constant commitment to make my one-woman business successful has been not just recognised but also celebrated.”
Sama Play Café is described as a welcoming space for babies and toddlers, while serving as a supportive community hub for parents and carers.
Ms Sana also uses her professional experience to run parenting workshops alongside play sessions.
Launched in 2017, the f:Entrepreneur campaign aims to spotlight the achievements of female business owners and provide role models for the wider small business community.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and founder of Small Business Britain, said: “It is brilliant to feature Hafsah from Sama Play Café in this year’s #IAlso100 campaign.
“All of the female entrepreneurs in this year’s line-up are inspirational and remarkable role models.”
The full list of this year’s #IAlso100 can be found at https://f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2026/.
Ms Ovens said that recognising and supporting female entrepreneurship is vital for the UK’s economic and social progress.
She said: “Their creativity, leadership, and community impact show exactly why supporting female founders is so important, not only for the UK’s economic growth but for the positive difference they make to wider society.”
The f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign also provides training, events, and networking opportunities to help women in business develop skills and confidence.
The economic impact of female entrepreneurship continues to grow, with estimates suggesting that up to £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men.