Eastbourne entrepreneur scoops top prize in start-up awards

A new business that supports beauty brands to grow and thrive across the world has won the 2025 Eastbourne Local Enterprise and Apprenticeship Platform (LEAP) awards.

Darina Doroshenko, founder of Atelier Niche, was announced winner at an awards ceremony on Thursday, November 13, securing a £500 investment for her business. This followed a Dragon's Den-style competition during which candidates presented their business plans to a panel of judges. 

Atelier Niche is a consultancy and distribution agency dedicated to driving the global growth of niche perfume and skincare brands, with a primary focus on the UK market. Darina's unique agency allows brands to retain complete creative and commercial control while she expertly manages market entry, retailer negotiations, and crucial distribution partnerships with high-profile stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and Liberty, as well as independent retailers nationwide.

The runner-up prize of £250 was awarded to Ellie Pike of Ellie’s Cookery Club. Ellie is establishing a Cookery School aimed at providing comprehensive cookery and life skill education to adults and children of all abilities. Her mission includes forging connections with local councils and charities to deliver essential food education and cookery life skills to families and individuals, particularly those who may require early interventions or face barriers to accessing mainstream education.

The LEAP programme, which provides free support to budding entrepreneurs in Eastbourne, is fully funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is supported by Eastbourne Borough Council and delivered by the not-for-profit Edeal enterprise agency.

The programme assists new businesses in getting their ideas off the ground through valuable workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and guidance in creating robust business plans.

Councillor Colin Swansborough, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Staff and Performance and Enterprise, said: “I am incredibly impressed by the quality of the business ideas presented this year and offer my sincere congratulations to both our winner, Darina and our runner-up, Ellie.

“The LEAP programme is vital in fostering local talent and injecting investment into innovative Eastbourne start-ups, demonstrating the genuine entrepreneurial spirit in our town. We are proud to support this initiative which gives new businesses a crucial head start for success.”

For more information about the LEAP programme, please visit www.edealgroup.org