Boyoon Choi is one of our 2025 Inspiring Women Start Up Programme graduates.  We caught up with her to find out about her business journey and how she is progressing with her business GrowCrew CIC.​​

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What is your background and experience, and what inspired you to start GrowCrew CIC?

I have always been passionate about bringing gardening into schools and creating opportunities for children to learn through nature. My vision was to support young people through gardening and outdoor education, helping them develop confidence, practical skills and a deeper connection with the natural world.

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My professional background is in languages and teaching, but my passion for gardening began when my own children started school. Seeing the positive impact that outdoor learning and gardening could have on children’s development inspired me to explore this area further. I went on to study RHS horticulture courses and garden design, eventually qualifying as a horticulturist, garden designer and garden educator.

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At the beginning, GrowCrew was simply an idea. I had a strong belief in the difference gardening could make, but I was unsure how to turn that vision into reality. I had never considered myself a businessperson. However, I realised that if I wanted to create meaningful change, I needed to take that first step.

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GrowCrew CIC was born from that passion-a desire to create greener, healthier spaces where children and communities can learn, grow and thrive together.

 

What advice and support did you gain from the RSA Trust Inspiring Women Start-Up Programme?

The six-month RSA Trust Inspiring Women Start-Up Programme gave me the confidence, knowledge and practical tools to transform my idea into reality. Before joining the programme, GrowCrew was only a vision. The course gave me the opportunity to actually make it happen.

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From the very beginning, I learned the essential foundations of starting and running a business-from developing and refining my business idea, creating a business model and preparing financial forecasts, to understanding marketing strategies and building a strong brand identity. The programme provided me with the skills and confidence to take the first step and turn my passion into a social enterprise with a clear purpose.

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The one-to-one financial forecasting session with the Adviser, Liz Gjoni, was particularly valuable, as it helped me understand the bigger picture of financial planning and the importance of building a sustainable business model. The marketing sessions were also incredibly useful, giving me practical knowledge about how to use digital tools and current technology to promote a new organisation effectively.

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Another important part of the programme was the peer support. Being surrounded by other aspiring female entrepreneurs created a supportive and inspiring environment. We shared our challenges, celebrated our successes and encouraged each other throughout the journey. The connections and friendships I developed through the programme have been just as valuable as the business knowledge I gained.

 

How did the programme help and empower you to plan and launch your business?

The programme gave me a strong foundation in the key areas needed to start and develop a business. While learning the basics and applying them in real life are two different things-because every business has its own challenges and circumstances-the knowledge I gained gave me the confidence to move forward.

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When faced with new situations or decisions, I had the tools to reflect, check whether I had considered everything, and identify areas where I could improve. Instead of feeling uncertain, I felt better equipped to make informed decisions and adapt as GrowCrew developed.

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The programme did more than teach me how to set up a business; it gave me the confidence to believe in my idea, take action and continue learning throughout the journey.

 

How is GrowCrew CIC progressing so far, and what have you achieved?

GrowCrew CIC has made remarkable progress in its first year. One of our biggest milestones was successfully delivering a Spacehive crowdfunding campaign, which helped us secure over £7,500 in funding, including a £5,000 pledge from Enfield Council. This funding enabled us to begin transforming neglected school gardens into vibrant outdoor learning spaces.

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Since then, we have worked with four local schools to create productive gardens where children grow fruit, vegetables and flowers while developing confidence, teamwork, patience and a greater appreciation for nature.

Alongside our practical work with schools, we have built strong relationships with local businesses, volunteers and community organisations. These connections have helped us create a growing team of passionate garden enthusiasts who share our vision of making gardening and outdoor learning accessible to more children and communities.

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Our journey has also been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), who featured GrowCrew’s story on their website. This recognition has helped raise awareness of our work and highlighted the positive impact that gardening can have on children’s education, wellbeing and environmental awareness.

 

What are your plans for the future?

Our next exciting step is to create an inclusive community garden for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families who have limited access to green spaces. We are currently awaiting the outcome of a National Lottery funding application, which would allow us to transform an existing school garden into a welcoming community space that can be enjoyed beyond school hours.

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Our vision is to create a safe and supportive environment where children and families can connect with nature, learn how to grow food and flowers, build confidence and create lasting memories.

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Looking further ahead, we hope to expand our work with more schools and community groups, delivering educational gardening programmes that improve wellbeing, develop practical skills and strengthen community connections. Through GrowCrew, we want to inspire the next generation to care for nature and become confident environmental stewards for the future.

 

What advice would you give to budding new entrepreneurs?

My biggest piece of advice is: don’t wait until everything is perfect before you begin.

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When I started GrowCrew, I didn’t have the perfect website, logo or brand identity. What I did have was a clear vision, passion and the determination to take the first step. Sometimes starting is the most important thing.

Building a business is very similar to gardening. You plant a seed with an idea, but it takes patience, care, persistence and resilience for it to grow. There will be challenges and unexpected setbacks along the way, but each challenge is an opportunity to learn, improve and become stronger.

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Don’t be afraid to ask for help and build relationships. Not everyone will be able to offer financial support, but people may contribute their time, skills, encouragement or valuable connections. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, keep learning, and trust that small, consistent steps can eventually grow into something truly meaningful.

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For more information about GrowCrew CIC visit: growcrew.co.uk

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The RSA Trust Inspiring Women Programme (now known as the Female Founders Start Up Programme) is fully funded by the RSA Trust.