Scaling Brands, Changing Lives: Why Giving Back Is Part of Who We Are
At Up World, we believe business should be a force for good. Growth isn't just about increasing revenue or scaling a brand. It's about making a real impact. That's why 2% of all our revenue goes towards supporting women facing systemic barriers.
This isn't a pledge we made when things were going well. It has been part of our DNA from day one. Before there was a business, there was a belief: if you have the ability to create opportunity, you should.
For years, we've partnered with Sambhali Trust in Rajasthan, and we also support Luminary Bakery in London. Two organisations in two different parts of the world, with one shared mission: to give women the opportunities they deserve.
Why this matters
When we talk about scaling businesses, we talk about unlocking potential. The same principle applies here. The right opportunity at the right time can completely change the course of someone's life.
For women facing systemic disadvantage, whether that's poverty, violence or lack of education, opportunity doesn't come easily. It has to be created. That's what Sambhali Trust and Luminary Bakery do. They aren't handing out aid. They're committed to long-term change, giving women the tools, training and resources to build sustainable futures.
Sambhali Trust: where it all started
Long before Up World existed, Lottie moved to Delhi with a plan to volunteer full-time. It quickly became clear that small charities didn't just need people, they needed resources. With limited funding, their ability to reach more women was restricted.
So the approach shifted. Lottie started freelancing for London-based businesses and giving the money away. That money went to Sambhali Trust, an organisation in Jodhpur working to empower women through education, vocational training and community-driven support.
What started as a simple donation grew over time. Our giving now funds the Laadli Boarding House, a safe home for young women who would otherwise have been abandoned.
To date, over ÂŁ100K has been donated, and the young women there have access to education, training and opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have had. For us, that's what real impact looks like.
Luminary Bakery: a second chance closer to home
As we grew, so did our ability to do more. Luminary Bakery in London isn't just about great cakes (though their bakes are next level). It empowers women who have faced extreme disadvantage, including homelessness, domestic abuse, trafficking and involvement in the criminal justice system.
Through training, employment and a strong support network, Luminary helps women rebuild their lives with skills that lead to financial independence. Our contribution funds their apprenticeship programmes and career training. And you can support them too. Their bakeries in Stoke Newington and Camden are open, and their postal bakes are perfect for gifting (or just treating yourself).
Growth with purpose
We don't believe in growth for the sake of it. We believe in scaling businesses while making a difference. If you want to be part of that, here's how:
Support Sambhali Trust by donating or sponsoring a young woman's education: find out more at sambhali.org
Order from Luminary Bakery for gifts, team treats, or just because you deserve a great brownie: shop here
When we grow, we give.
