A Catalyst for Change: The Sarah Everard Vigil

Jamie’s activism was ignited during the pandemic, a time when societal pressures and injustices became painfully magnified. The tragic murder of Sarah Everard was a tipping point. Jamie reflected;

“How small does my life have to become to make it still worth living? Am I not supposed to get deliveries because most of the delivery drivers are men? Am I not supposed to take taxis?”

In a moment of profound anger and sadness, Jamie tweeted about organising a vigil for Sarah. That single tweet catalysed the birth of Reclaim These Streets. However, what began as a call for solidarity quickly turned into a legal battle when the Metropolitan Police deemed the vigil illegal under COVID-19 restrictions. Jamie recounted, “The arrogance and the antagonistic stance of the police created a monster in me. They activated me.”

Despite opposition, Jamie and her co-organisers raised £45,000 overnight to cover legal fees and took their fight to the High Court. Although the vigil was ultimately disrupted, Jamie’s resolve only strengthened.

“If you don’t let someone like me, a white, middle-class female, protest, who are you going to let protest?”

She asked, framing the broader implications of police overreach.

A Voice for the Voiceless

One of Jamie’s most striking realisations was her ability to amplify the voices of others without being hindered by personal trauma.

“I can be the fighting warrior for victims without it being as damaging to me individually.”

This clarity allowed her to channel her energy into high-impact advocacy, leveraging her media experience to highlight systemic issues. Jamie’s tireless efforts included meeting with politicians, confronting police leaders, and speaking to international media outlets.

Her activism has also brought to light the inadequacies of existing systems, particularly regarding police accountability. “Only one in ten police officers found guilty of gross misconduct lose their jobs,” Jamie shared. “If there’s no hunger for reform, they just want it off the front pages. They have no intention of fixing it.”

The Broader Mission: Women’s Safety and Workplace Reform

Beyond Reclaim These Streets, Jamie’s advocacy extends to workplace safety and equality. She is now the Chief Communications Officer for the Tomorrow Group, a role that allows her to integrate her activism with professional responsibilities. Jamie is a staunch advocate for treating employees as whole individuals, addressing everything from menopause and childcare to workplace harassment.

“Companies need to understand that safety and well-being are non-negotiable.”

She highlighted the importance of informed consent training, robust sexual harassment policies, and counselling services. “It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating an environment where people can truly thrive.”

Shifting Shame and Societal Norms

One of Jamie’s most powerful messages is the need to shift shame from victims to perpetrators. She cited activist Giselle Pelican’s mantra, “Shame has to change sides,” as a guiding principle for her work. This shift, Jamie believes, can foster a culture of respect and consent.

Her vision extends beyond systemic reforms to societal norms. Jamie imagines a world where disrespectful behaviour is socially unacceptable.

“In my ideal world, if one teenage boy yells something at a woman, the others in the car are so embarrassed they never get in a car with him again.”

A Call for Action and Hope

Jamie’s work underscores the urgency of addressing systemic failures while inspiring a collective movement for change. Her rallying cry to organisations and governments alike is to prioritise humanity over profit. “We need to stop dehumanising each other,” she emphasised.

“The more we respect each other, the more we can flourish together.”

From organising vigils to challenging institutional failings, Jamie Klingler’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she continues her fight for reform, her message remains clear: lasting change is possible, but it requires courage, commitment, and collective action.

The Power of Early Impressions

Tanya’s passion for sustainability was ignited in her formative years. Growing up near coal mines in eastern Ukraine, she observed how industrial waste gradually encroached upon natural spaces. Tanya recounted:

“I saw how bad industrialisation was claiming the forest where we played as kids. It was very visual and stuck with me.” 

These experiences planted a seed that would later grow into a mission to challenge the status quo of unsustainable business practices.

Earning a Platform for Change

Despite her early awareness of environmental issues, Tanya prioritised building financial stability before diving into sustainability. She explained:

“To change things, you need resources. My focus was to earn enough to support my family and eventually give back.” 

This pragmatic approach drove her to excel in e-commerce and technology, culminating in the successful sale of her business after eight years of growth.

Tanya described her corporate journey as both a learning ground and a stepping stone:

“I didn’t have a plan B. My only option was to make it work. That determination shaped my career and prepared me to take bigger risks later.”

Redefining Success Through Sustainable Business

After exiting her business, Tanya turned her focus to projects that aligned with her values. One such initiative involved promoting sustainable brands through vouchers and discounts.

“It was about creating an incentive for consumers to choose brands that make a difference.”

However, this endeavour revealed a critical challenge: defining sustainability in a way that avoids greenwashing. “How do you classify a brand as sustainable when so many use misleading claims?” she questioned, highlighting the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts.

Navigating Challenges as an Entrepreneur

Tanya emphasised the stark realities of entrepreneurship, particularly in its early stages.

“When I started, I had £20,000 in the bank and no access to loans due to the financial crisis. We had to focus on monetisation from day one.”

Tanya’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is grounded in practicality: “Don’t just chase investment. Figure out how to generate revenue, even in small amounts. It builds resilience and gives you stronger negotiating power.”

She also reflected on the personal sacrifices required to balance family responsibilities with business ambitions. “I had three children, including a baby, when I launched my business. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in what I was doing,” she said, underscoring the importance of determination and focus.

A Vision for Systemic Change

Tanya’s journey from an underprivileged background to sustainable entrepreneurship exemplifies how business can be a force for good. Her experiences illustrate that impactful change often begins with small, pragmatic steps.

“We need to create systems where doing the right thing isn’t just idealistic but practical and profitable.”

Conclusion: Lessons in Resilience and Responsibility

Tanya Larsen’s story is a powerful reminder that sustainable business practices require more than passion—they demand perseverance, pragmatism, and a willingness to confront systemic challenges. Her journey demonstrates that success and sustainability can coexist when guided by clear purpose and thoughtful strategy.