
Our Place founder warns supermarket dupes will 'cause businesses to fail'
Ms Shahid launched the Los Angeles-based business with her husband in 2019, with Will Smith's Dreamers VC, Jay-Z's Marcy Venture Partners, and Gwyneth Paltrow among its early investors.
It specialises in kitchenware including pans designed to be non-toxic and non-stick, and collections created in complementary colours and aesthetics.
Widely-shared posts on social media, especially Instagram, have helped drive popularity of the brand in recent years – including a collaboration with actress and singer Selena Gomez.
Similar versions of bestselling products – namely the 'Always Pan' which currently sells for £125 – have recently launched in supermarkets including Aldi and Marks & Spencer with a lower price tag.
Ms Shahid told the PA news agency: 'Unfortunately I think it is incredibly harmful.
'When we started Our Place, my partner and I bootstrapped our savings and worked on the design for two years before we ever sold a single unit.
'And when multi-million dollar corporations come and they knock it off, with no regard for innovation, IP, small business, they are causing tremendous harm and it will cause a lot of businesses to fail, and it will destroy innovation.'
She said such companies are 'very skilled in the art of duplicity' which makes it difficult and costly for smaller brands to legally challenge.
But the businesswoman told PA that they were 'not able to guarantee that same level of detail and quality' with replica products.
'So we trust that, while not every consumer will see the difference, many will and many do,' she said, adding that shoppers often want to 'support brands that they believe in'.
A spokesman for Aldi said: 'For over 35 years we have championed customers by offering high quality exclusive products at the lowest possible prices.
'We go to great lengths to ensure that all our exclusive brand products are compliant with strict copyright laws and regulations.'
M&S has been contacted for comment.
Ms Shahid, who also co-founded the Malala Fund with Nobel Prize winner and campaigner Malala Yousafzai, said Our Place products are typically viewed as an 'accessible luxury'.
'Despite some of the cost-of-living challenges, people are investing in the home and kitchen,' she told PA.
'The first thing you do is maybe you go out a little bit less, but then you still want the joy and the nourishment and the connection, and home cooking is a really great way to do that.
'It feels like an everyday luxury… people are choosing products that will last, that will bring joy, and that will actually help them save money over time.'
Sales across the brand spiked by 92% over the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year, and it has built more than a million active customers.
It is also set to launch a shop-in-shop space within London department store Selfridges amid efforts to expand into retailers and take on established competitors such as Le Creuset.
Ms Shahid said Our Place has 'a lot of younger consumers but we also have a lot of men and women in their 60s', while many of its products – including the countertop 'wonder oven' – appeal to single-person households and small families.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
32 minutes ago
- Metro
Fans convinced Katie Holmes confirmed Tom Cruise's romance with Ana de Armas
Wait, did Katie Holmes confirm that Tom Cruise was dating Ana de Armas weeks ago? And did we all miss it? Earlier this year, rumours began swirling that the Mission: Impossible star was romancing the Blonde actress. Then, in March, Tom, 63, failed miserably in his attempts to conceal 37-year-old Ana's identity when they left Sir David Beckham's 50th birthday bash, having danced the night away with the football legend. This came, of course, after the Top Gun lead reportedly splashed out £4,000 to get Ana to Heathrow Airport in his private chopper as she left for New York City. So far, neither Tom nor Ana has commented on the speculation that they are romantically involved… but never fear, because at least we have his ex-wife to tell us what we need to know. A few weeks back, the Dawson's Creek actress, 46, 'liked' a post on Instagram that appeared to acknowledge some sort of lovey-dovey connection between her former husband and Knives Out star Ana. According to the Daily Mail, Katie, who was married to Tom from 2006 to 2012, double-tapped their post linking to an article with the headline: 'Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas love affair confirmed'. The carousel post also included info about the couple flying to London together to celebrate Ana's April birthday and how they have the seal of approval from Tom's other ex, Penelope Cruz. She has since removed her like, but fans still picked up on it. 'Katie holmes liked this post 😱', commented @diansellyanggraini. 'WTH', exclaimed @manny_medina20 in response. 'Did anyone else notice that Katie Holmes liked the post?', @chinchlovies also commented. Chatter around Katie's social media activity comes just two days after a London chef shared snaps with Tom and Ana on Instagram. In their first proper selfie together since being engulfed by romance reports, the Hollywood stars beamed beside Mexican cook Santiago Lastra. One pic captured Tom with his arm around the chef, pointing at him while smiling, and another showed him in the middle, Ana on his right side, with Tom's arm across her shoulders. The chef, who boasts over 60,000 followers, shared the snaps in honour of Tom's birthday on July 3, writing in the caption: 'Happy birthday to the one and only @tomcruise. Thank you for your support always 🎉' It was previously claimed that Tom was keen to keep his romance with Ana out of the public eye to avoid scrutiny, having learned his lesson from past relationships. His six-year marriage to Katie was a particularly hot topic of gossip at the time, with the American actress later divorcing him to protect their daughter, Suri, now 19, from Scientology, an organisation she is no longer a member of. But now, it has been claimed that Tom is ready to take things to the next level. 'People around him are a little surprised they haven't gone public yet, but that's very intentional,' a source told Heat Magazine. 'Tom's keeping this private until all the pieces are in place; he doesn't want outside noise getting in the way like it did with past relationships. 'Not that he's hiding the fact that he's wooing her; they're both being very public with their dates.' The insider added: 'But he was very traumatised by people's reactions to his excitement over Katie Holmes, and he doesn't want to endure that again. 'He sees nothing wrong with keeping this close to the chest for now.' It's also believed that Ana has already been given the thumbs up from Tom's kids, Bella, 32, and Connor, 30. Sources claim it's 'obvious' that the action hero has 'made his mind up' about how he feels for Ana, and he is keen for things to progress at speed. More Trending 'They are moving very quickly. He's already talking about a proposal and wedding; he wants to be married before they start a family together, and those close to Tom are assuming a wedding will be in the near future.' Tom allegedly has little to no contact with teenage daughter Suri, who remains close to her mother. He shares his other two kids with Nicole Kidman. But if reports are to be believed, we could be hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet once more very soon, as the Ethan Hawke actor wants 'a child or even two' with Ana. So, since they're said to be 'madly in love,' it's no surprise that ex-wife Katie is out here confirming their romance… Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Superman's new Lois Lane hopes latest superhero reboot 'does the fans proud' MORE: Hollywood legend, 80, reveals why he has 'no real intentions' of acting ever again MORE: Brooklyn Beckham 'feels isolated from family' with feud raging on


Daily Mirror
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Noel Gallagher's influencer daughter is helping him win over younger fans
Anais Gallagher, 25, is not only known as Noel Gallagher's daughter - she is also a huge TikTok star and model who has been helping Gen Z fall in love with Oasis' music Noel Gallagher's daughter, Anais, is quietly reinventing his public image, not with the help of a general marketing campaign, but by engaging with her Gen Z peers. Anais Gallagher, 25, is building a name for herself as a model and social media influencer. Based in London, she has also played a growing role in shaping the public image of her father, Noel Gallagher, the former Oasis guitarist and songwriter. Noel, 58, is widely recognised as a major figure in British rock alongside his brother Liam having been apart of the most successful band to ever emerge from Manchester. However, reaching younger audiences has not always come naturally to him - especially given that Oasis had their heyday in the 1990's. However, Anais is reportedly helping bridge the age and generation gap, using her online presence to present a more current and relatable side of her father, especially on TikTok and Instagram. Chad Teixeira, a media strategist, told Femail that her approach has been incredibly effective in younger people discovering her dad's music. 'Her influence is subtle but strategic,' he said. 'Whether it's through TikTok or her ability to offer advice on how certain decisions might be received by younger people.' Anais has 177,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares casual and unfiltered content. One video showing her in hair rollers before attending an Oasis concert in Cardiff received over 800,000 views. Reports also suggest she had input on the tour setlist and offered feedback on what newer fans might expect from a reunion. Teixeira said Anais is not trying to change her father's identity, but rather helping him adjust to changing cultural expectations. 'She respects his legacy while helping him stay relevant to a generation that values authenticity and accountability,' he said. Anais, along with her cousin Gene Gallagher, who is the 24-year-old son of Liam Gallagher, also played a role in reconciling the Gallagher brothers after a 15-year split. Their involvement is said to have helped bring about the Oasis reunion tour. At the opening night in Cardiff, Anais was seen hugging her father backstage before the show. The moment, captured by a fan as Richard Ashcroft performed, was widely shared online. Later, she was seen dancing alongside actor Callum Scott Howells, while her mother, Noel's ex-wife Meg Mathews, was also present in the crowd. Oasis kicked off their long-awaited reunion tour with a sold-out concert in Cardiff, marking the band's first live performance together in 15 years. The show featured a mix of classic hits like 'Wonderwall' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger,' alongside fan favourites from their back catalogue.


Daily Mirror
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Kelsey Parker posts incredibly brave announcement three weeks after losing baby
On June 22, Kelsey Parker tragically announced that her third child was stillborn in a heartbreaking post just months after announcing her pregnancy Kelsey Parker has shared a deeply emotional message with fans following the tragic loss of her baby at nine months. In a new Instagram post, she revealed that episodes of her podcast Mum's The Word, recorded during her pregnancy, will still be released. Kelsey, 34, announced: 'Before I gave birth to Phoenix, I had recorded a lot of podcasts for my @mumstheword_pod before going off on maternity leave. I want to thank the lovely team for checking in and being patient to put some episodes out that were during my pregnancy." She added: 'Over the next couple of months these episodes will air. They were part of my journey so I didn't want to not share them, and they all have incredible guests with really important stories and messages. Please take the time to listen to these episodes and remember to be kind when doing so.' The series, which Kelsey co-hosts with Georgia Jones, explores parenting through candid conversations with celebrities and experts. On June 22, Kelsey announced the tragic news that her third-born child was stillborn - and that it was a little boy, named Phoenix. The podcast host, 34, who was expecting her third child with her partner Will Lindsay, broke the devastating news on her Instagram. Kelsey's heartbreaking tribute to her son included one simple heartbreaking caption: 'Phoenix Parker-Lindsay, you will forever be loved', alongside a moving poem, entitled For Phoenix, Born Sleeping, Forever Loved. The poem read: 'The world grew quiet as you arrived, So loved, so longed for, yet not alive. Our precious boy, our angel light, Born with wings, took silent flight. 'We named you Phoenix, brave and bright. A soul of love, of warmth and light Though we never heard you cry, You'll live in hearts that won;t ask why. No breath you drew, no eyes to see, Still, you mean everything to me. You'll journey with us, softly near, In every sigh, in every tear.' In a second Instagram story, Kelsey wrote: "Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt wishes, I wanted to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share. "But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news. I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space. Love always, Kelsey, Will, and the Parker Family." Just days previous to her heartbreaking announcement, Kelsey had happily showed off her baby bump as she attended the Elio UK Gala screening at Vue Cinema in London's Leicester Square with her children on Sunday 17th June. Kelsey shares children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, with The Wanted star Tom Parker, who tragically died from brain cancer in 2022 at the age of 33, four years after they married. She had opened up to the Mirror in January about her excitement at welcoming a third child into the family home in South East London which she now shares with tree surgeon Will, after finding love again last September. Confessing that the baby, which would have been Will's first child, was a "happy accident", Kelsey said she was gently preparing Aurelia and Bodhi for a new sibling, and sharing the joyous news with Tom's family. Tom's mum Noreen, she said at the time, had immediately given her blessing. "All I care about is that both our families and Tom's family are happy. Noreen is the most amazing lady. After Tom passed, she said to me, as long as you're happy Kels, whatever you do, we will always support you and be happy for you.' We've all been through so much together. But I'm here and bringing another baby into the world." Revealing that they were both committed to keeping Tom's memory alive for the children, Will also revealed in the January interview. "I'm over the moon. This is something I've wanted for a long time. I couldn't be happier and I know Kelsey is going to be an amazing mum, as she already is." Speaking about finding new love while holding onto Tom's memory, Kelsey was also candid about her journey through grief and into single motherhood at a young age. "If I dwelled on everything that's happened, I wouldn't be here," she told the Mirror poignantly. "Tom was my soulmate. I'm still angry he's gone. But I can't live in sadness. Tom wouldn't want that."