The Apprentice Amber-Rose's journey from viral Croydon shop to reality TV stardom

The Apprentice is back for its 19th season, premiering this Thursday, January 30, on BBC One. Over 12 weeks, viewers will watch contestants tackle a series of intense business tasks, with eliminations leading up to the grand finale in April.

Among this year’s contestants is Amber-Rose Badrudin, a Croydon entrepreneur who used social media to turn her Asian convenience store into a viral sensation. Oree Mart now boasts 470,000 followers and over 300 million views across platforms.

Amber-Rose shared the beginnings of her business with MyLondon. She said: “When I started my business, it was not the perfect shop at all. We were small fishes in a big industry.”

READ MORE: 'I tried the Asian supermarket in Croydon that people travel hours to visit'

Amber-Rose is the co-owner of Oree Mart, in Croydon -Credit:(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Amber-Rose is the co-owner of Oree Mart, in Croydon -Credit:(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Rather than focusing on perfection, she made a deliberate choice to create a community of supporters who would grow alongside her. Amber-Rose added: “I decided to immediately create a community that would go on a journey with us. Now, people from all parts of London, the country, and the world come to visit us.”

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Croydon was a strategic location choice for Oree Mart. Amber-Rose and her business partner, Michael, felt that Central London was too saturated for two young entrepreneurs starting out.

She said: “We didn’t want to go somewhere saturated. We wanted to place ourselves somewhere we’d have the best chance of succeeding.”

Oree Mart crowded with customers
MyLondon reviewed Oree Mart back in September

The local community has embraced Oree Mart warmly, and Amber-Rose is grateful for the support. She added: “The response in Croydon has been amazing. People tell us they’re so happy we brought something like this here. Nice things don’t have to be limited to central locations. They can be anywhere in London.”

The businesswoman has always been drawn to entrepreneurship, and joining The Apprentice felt like a natural next step. She shared: “I grew up watching The Apprentice and would always point to the TV and say, ‘I’m going to do that one day.’”

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Her passion for her business is what motivated her to apply, and she’s hopeful that Lord Sugar might invest in her idea. Viewers can expect authenticity from Amber-Rose on the show.

She added: “It’s a high-pressure environment, and you’re tested. I just wanted to do the best I possibly could while staying true to myself. I hope you guys can see that.”

The Apprentice season 19 release date, cast and episode count as Lord Sugar returns
Lord Sugar has fronted BBC One show The Apprentice since 2005 -Credit:BBC

Her drive stems from a desire to create a better life. She said: “I’ve been working since I was 14. Growing up with a single mum, I felt the responsibility to make a better life for myself. I understood that responsibility very young, and I matured early. For me, business was the way to better my life.”

As a woman in business, Amber-Rose has faced challenges, particularly with being taken seriously in a male-dominated industry. She recalled: “When I tell people I own an Asian convenience store, they’re confused. People associate women in business with specific industries, like hair or beauty.”

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Now, as a contestant on The Apprentice, Amber-Rose is excited to share her story with a wider audience and hopes it will help her business grow even further. She said: “I hope my presence on the show helps my business grow even more.”

The Apprentice season 19 premieres on Thursday, January 30, at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

READ MORE: Full list of The Apprentice 2025 candidates from London hoping to bag £250,000 investment