100 Women-Owned Businesses to Support Year-Round

It’s hard to believe that women have only had the right to vote since 1920. We’ve come a long way over the last 100 or so years, and that’s thanks in large part to the pioneering women who’ve been trailblazers in their fields, ultimately making things more equitable between the sexes. But with the gender wage gap still prevalent in the workplace and the pandemic destabilizing a lot of the progress women have made over the last few decades, we have a long way to go. To help level the playing field and boost a significant part of the economy and our community, it’s essential to support women-owned businesses.

That type of support has made an enormous difference in recent years. Women-owned businesses are catching up to male-owned businesses and now make up 42 percent of all companies in America. But there’s some bad news, as well: Only 10 percent of those businesses have employees, according to the most recent report from the National Women’s Business Council, and as of 2020, companies with a female CEO received less than 3 percent of venture-capital funding, while less than 0.2 percent of funding went to women of color.

It’s often said that we vote every day for the world we want with our dollars. Who and what we give our money to matters, which is why we’ve rounded up 100 women-owned businesses—many of which are also Black-owned businesses—to support year-round. If we shop with purpose, little by little, we’ll start to see the change that should have happened a long time ago. Plus, in the process, you’ll find some amazing products that are guaranteed to be your new favorites, whether you’re buying something for yourself or looking for the perfect gifts.

Accessories

Neely & Chloe

Accessories brand Neely & Chloe, founded by (surprise!) Neely and Chloe Burch, toes the line between aspirational and attainable with its luxury handbags, travel pieces, and more. Made with the highest quality craftsmanship, yet surprisingly affordable, the brand maintains a core collection of timeless pieces that can be personalized with embossing, hand painting, embroidery, and ornaments. All of their products are beautiful, but if we really had to choose favorites, we’d go with the work-ready Monday Tote, which you’ll wear every day of the week.

Oka-B

Founded by Sara Irvani and Kim Falkenhayn as part of Okabashi Brands, Oka-B’s shoes for women are handmade out of a vegan bio-based material made in the USA. They’re also made to order, which cuts down on any potential environmental impact, so you can feel extra good about your purchase. In addition to being fashionable (and recyclable!), the line is beloved for its arch support, slip resistance, non-marking, and easy cleaning. You’ll want to wear these gorgeous jewel-adorned flats and flirty flip-flops all summer long.

CJW

This brand, created by Christina J. Wang, designs everything from pajamas to face masks, but its scarves make for some seriously great conversation pieces. Exhibit A: This Chocoholic Mini scarf. It’s filled with everything chocolate—even chocolate labs. Other designs feature beauty products, plants, ice cream, cats, candy, more puppies, noodles, and Netflix movie night necessities. In other words, the company turns all of life’s small joys into fashion statements.

Naot

Known for its ethical and sustainable handmade Israeli shoes, Naot has built a cult following among celebs and podiatrists alike. The uniquely engineered insoles in everything from boots to sandals provide unparalleled comfort and support, while the vast assortment ensures a style for every look and occasion.

Gigi Pip

PSA: Fedoras have never gone out of style, and Gigi Pip’s collection is here to prove it—especially with floppy-brimmed styles like this Hannah Floppy Fedora. The brand was founded by Ginger Parrish in 2015 after she decided to turn her hat obsession into a business. That said, whether you’re in the mood to toss on a felt hat, straw hat, baseball cap, or beanie, we can pretty much guarantee there’s something here that will satisfy all of your fashionable hat needs (and complement your face shape, too).

Made by Mary

Back in 2013, Mary Moody was a new mom “drawn to the idea of creating jewelry to represent pivotal moments in life.” With that, she started Made by Mary, which has now grown into a team of artisans. The handcrafted pieces from this woman-owned business are designed to bring simple elegance to every occasion, and many of the pieces can be personalized with names, special dates, birth flowers, and more. For the entire month of March, 100 percent of the proceeds from sales of the “For Ukraine” disc necklace will be donated to the International Rescue Committee to help Ukrainian families who have been displaced.

Kelly Wynne

In 2012, Kelly Wynne had a vision of the perfect handbag: something fun and feel-good, bold and beautiful. Now her company is known for its fresh use of color and unique materials. While the line encompasses a range of accessories, the game-day styles are the most recognizable; these clear bags made their debut after stadium-safety rules changed.

Llani

Honestly, you can never have enough accessories, which is why Alana Oates’ brand Llani is such a great company. You can find everything here, and it’s all made of high-quality materials, like suede, leather, and genuine shearling. One-of-a-kind handbags? Check. Headbands? Check. Jewelry? Scarves? Adorable handcrafted slippers? Check, check, and check. Not to mention, all of Llani’s design and production partners are based in India and are either female-founded or family-owned. Please excuse us while our wish lists suddenly become much longer.…

Alison Lou

There’s a reason Alison Chemla’s fine jewelry brand, Alison Lou, has gained so much traction in the editorial and celeb world—it’s quirky, stylish, and trendy all rolled into one. For proof, just take a look at the carbs-inspired jewelry collection. No, that’s not a typo. We’re talking penne, shell, and bow-tie pasta, pretzels, loaves of bread, and croissants in jewelry form. And that’s just the beginning of the site’s adorable offerings.

Celeste Watch Co.

There truly aren’t enough women-owned watch companies in the world, which is why Celeste Watch Co. is such a great business to support. The owner, Celeste Wong, has “been in love with watches and clocks for as long as [she] can remember.” In 2008, she decided to take a deep dive into the watch-making world. She purchased hundreds of old watches to deconstruct, organize, and put back together in different ways to create brand-new, utterly unique pieces. Now, her high-quality watches are made of Swiss quartz, sapphire crystal, handcrafted dials, and vegetable-tanned leather bands, and they’re customizable. The cat lover in your life will adore this La Luna watch, which features a black cat on a crescent moon.

S— That I Knit

S— That I Knit began as a blog Christina Fagan wrote in college, and through the years, it grew into the company it is today: cozy essentials hand-knit by a team of 200-plus artisans in Peru with locally sourced Peruvian merino wool. Fun fact: The brand was selected as an official partner of Team USA, creating mittens and beanies for competitors at the 2022 Olympics and Paralympics that you can nab for yourself, too.

Susan Alexandra

OK, we need to talk about Susan Alexandra’s products and how they’re all handmade out of beads. We’re not just talking jewelry, either. Founded in 2014 by Susan Korn, this female-forward business crafts everything from cardholders and headbands to entire purses out of hundreds of little beads, like this whimsical Watermelon Dream Bag. In case that’s not impressive enough, you can also customize the jewelry with charms and (yep) beads in whatever way your heart desires.

Flare

Flare’s bracelets, created by Quinn Fitzgerald and Sara Zarraga, are more than just stylish accessories—the brand’s founding was driven by their personal experiences as assault survivors. With safety designs that allow you to take action discreetly in any potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situation, Flare (who counts Natalie Portman as one of its investors) is modernizing the personal-safety industry.

Beauty and Cosmetics

Róen

Despite being founded only a few years ago, Róen has already made a name for itself in the beauty world. The company’s CEO, Tiffany Thurston Scott, has always been fascinated with nature, holistic living, and beauty, but after doing some research on her favorite cosmetic companies, she realized that many of them were made with harmful ingredients. Soon after, Scott started researching how to create clean beauty products, and now, Róen offers shimmery eye shadows, lip balms, mascara, and brow pencils, all of which are formulated with ethically sourced, non-toxic ingredients.

The Brow Project

Big brows are in—and the fact that the Brow Project’s owner and founder, Nicole Blankenship, is fantastic at what she does explains why she’s “the South’s most sought-after permanent makeup artist.” Within four years, Blankenship accumulated an incredible following, full of celebs, press coverage, and an extensive wait list to see the brow guru. Blankenship and her all-female team are based out of downtown Dallas and offer permanent makeup services, like powder brows and lip tints, and cosmetic injectables, like Botox and dermal fillers.

Supergoop!

How many ways can you wear sunscreen? Ask Holly Thaggard, also known as the Sunscreen Queen and founder of Supergoop! This woman-owned business was created in 2005, with the original goal of getting SPF into classrooms in Louisiana and Texas. Now that SPF has been translated into moisturizer, eye shadow, and so much more. Plus, the brand is staying true to its roots with the Ounce by Ounce program, which donates SPF pumps to schools and communities across America.

Scentbird

Finding a perfume you love is tricky. When testing scents in person, there’s often too many to be sure if the one you like is actually the one. Even if you’re pretty sure it is, each person’s unique chemical makeup means it may not smell the same on you as it does in the bottle. This is where Scentbird, cofounded by CEO Mariya Nurislamova, comes in. It’s a fragrance subscription service that allows you to experiment with different fragrances and mix things up every month for only $16.95. If you love this idea, you’ll also want to check out these other subscription boxes in every category.

Dermaflash

When Dara Levy, founder and CEO of Dermaflash and self-proclaimed “girl boss,” opened her Med Spa in Chicago, dermaplaning was the basis of every treatment she offered. After being in business for five years and performing more than 6,000 Dermaflash treatments, Levy decided to create an at-home, user-friendly sonic dermaplaning treatment that could give anyone the benefits of this professional treatment at home. Depending on your skin care needs, Dermaflash offers the Dermaflash Luxe for anti-aging, exfoliation, and peach-fuzz removal; the less expensive Dermaflash One Speed, which focuses on exfoliating and peach-fuzz removal, sans the anti-aging component; and the Dermapore, which is a pore extractor and serum infuser.

Mindalt

Mindalt, cofounded by Christina Vuleta, is what happens when you combine deodorant and aromatherapy. Science says that there’s a clear relationship between scent and emotion, which is why the brand’s all-natural deodorant is defined by what emotion you need more or less of, instead of just how it smells. With four times the amount of essential oils as other deodorants, and whether you need a mood shift or feel self-conscious about your natural odor, Mindalt’s formula is a win for everyone.

Dr. Gio

Grace Okafor is a Nigeria-born and South Korea–based entrepreneur focused on bridging “the gap between African and Korea” through her Korean beauty brand made for women of color. That brand, Dr. Gio, offers an Ultra 7 Brightening Foundation Cushion in seven shades, all of which are packed with collagen, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, SPF 50+, tea tree, niacinamide, vitamin C, and other ingredients that your skin will love. Check out more of the best Black makeup brands that everyone can use to get gorgeous.

Glamazon Beauty

Kim Baker started as a model and then became a full-time makeup artist. Now, she’s using all of her experience to connect with everyday women through Glamazon Beauty. Inspired by the times she’d have to show up to set with her makeup done because the team didn’t have the right products for her skin tone, she focuses on shades that have been underrepresented by traditional beauty brands. The Second Skin Foundation Stick is a cult favorite for how it effortlessly blends into skin.

Beautiful Me LLC

After earning an aesthetician license from Vogue Beauty College in Austin, Texas, Tracy Fleming started her own beauty and wellness spa, Beautiful Me LLC, in 2005. Her goal? To use a holistic approach to skin care where everything is taken into account, from her clients’ health history to their stress levels. Since being founded, the company has won several awards for its face and back facials, peels, dermaplaning, extractions, laser hair removal, micro-needling, waxing, brow and lash tints, and other services.

Megababe

Many topics about our bodies are considered taboo—and Megababe founder Katie Sturino is making it her mission to change that. From an anti-chafing stick to a detoxifying underarm mask to a body-acne spray, Megababe provides solutions to the problems we wish our bodies wouldn’t have…and lightens the mood with clever product names and colorful packaging.

The Feelist

Entrepreneur Shea Marie isn’t a newbie when it comes to developing successful, women-owned businesses. In fact, before she founded The Feelist in 2020, she was already the owner of Same, a luxury swim and resort-wear line. The creation of this plant-based, clean beauty line was inspired by her own skin’s intolerance to chemical-laden products. “It really was CBD specifically that made me believe in the power of plant-based wellness and skin care,” she says on her website. The Feelist primarily carries CBD-infused products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly.

Bookstores

Cream & Amber

If you’re looking for a bookstore with a twist, Cream & Amber in Hopkins, Minnesota, is the place. Founded in 2019 by Kacey Hruby Wyttenhove and Katie Terhune, two college friends who share a love of books and beer, this unique shop combines Minnesota craft beer with new and used books for the ultimate book-shopping experience. Did we mention that Cream & Amber is a coffee shop that sells food, too? Yep, you can visit in the morning for some java, or in the afternoon for a craft beer, all while browsing for the best new fiction books to dive into.

Semicolon

Name something more satisfying than walking into a bookstore and getting hit with that freshly printed book smell. You know the one we’re talking about. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery in Chicago. This Black-owned bookstore is run by Danielle, who carefully curates each book and piece of merch—like this Semicolon Graffiti Mug—alongside her team of bookkeepers. The store also highlights the city’s street artists and houses a gallery space dedicated to their work.

The Bookworm

Since this independent bookstore opened its doors in 1973 in Camarillo, California, the quaint shop has been exclusively owned by women. In 2019, its keys were passed to its fourth owner, Julie Moore, who currently runs the store. You’ll find everything from classics and history to new releases and children’s books here.

Moe’s Books

If you’re ever in Berkeley, California, Moe’s Books should definitely be on your radar. The bookstore was founded in 1959 by the current owner’s late father, Moe Moskowitz. Since his passing in 1997, his daughter, Doris, has been running the shop. But even if you’re not in sunny California, you can still browse Moe’s collection of books and order online. If you’re into podcasts, they’ve got some of those, too. Telegraph Babylon discusses the “weird and wonderful world of book selling,” while Moe’s Basement Series consists of more than a decade of recorded readings from the bookstore.

Marissa’s Books

A shop with a charming story, Marissa’s Books feels like a hybrid of a full-service bookstore and an antiques shop. Cindy Dumas was inspired to open her first bookstore after visiting another bookstore with her five-year-old granddaughter, Marissa, who was enamored by all the books. As Dumas’ business grew, she and her family had to relocate to a larger space to accommodate all of their new clients’ reading needs. The bookstore is now located in Salt Lake City and houses thousands of books, gifts, games, and more, though you can shop online if you’re not in the area (or even if you are).

Clothing

Symbology

Symbology was created with female empowerment in mind. Its founder, Marissa Heyl, wanted to shed some light on how fair trade empowers craftswomen. After a research trip to India, Heyl was inspired to incorporate traditional art techniques into fashion. Since then, the brand and its unique prints have gained some serious traction. Whether you’re looking for a wedding dress, maternity wear, suits, jackets, or whatever else, chances are you’ll find it here. Not sure where to start? We particularly love this Cherry Blossom Maxi Wrap.

Lake

College friends Anne Read Lattimore and Cassandra Cannon were pursuing careers in health care when, as new moms, they realized the lack of quality pajamas available to women. This, combined with their desire to work in a creative field, led to the launch of Lake in 2014. Beginning with simple, classic pajamas in softer-than-soft 100 percent Pima cotton, the brand has since expanded into loungewear, daywear, and kids’ and men’s pajamas.

Thunderpants USA

The original Thunderpants brand was created in New Zealand in 1995. But the story of Thunderpants USA didn’t start until 10 years later when an American woman named Celeste tried out her first pair and became obsessed. In 2008, Celeste opened a boutique in Portland, Oregon, called Radish Underground, which is where she started selling Thunderpants products so Americans could enjoy the comfy goodness, too. In 2016, Celeste licensed the NZ brand and officially founded Thunderpants USA. In case super comfortable undergarments aren’t appealing enough on their own, Thunderpants’ designs are what makes the brand really stand out. For proof, check out this bralette covered in peppers.

M.M. LaFleur

M.M. LaFleur, founded by Sarah LaFleur, solves a problem all women have faced at least once: having nothing to wear that’s functional, comfortable, and stylish. The brand is known for classic pieces like this Merritt Jardigan (yep, that’s a jacket-cardigan hybrid) and business casual dresses that will take you from day to night, and complimentary styling services will help you find exactly what you need. Even better, the company is committed to sustainability and will assist you in reviving stained or snagged clothing, making upcycling a priority.

WildFang

The founders of WildFang are incredibly proud of their female-founded and women-run brand—and what it offers to women. “A woman has the right to wear whatever the h— they want and be whoever the h— they want,” the site says. Some of its best sellers? The “Wild Feminist” collection, unisex suits, menswear-tailored button-ups, and super soft workwear. Oh, and FYI, the days of not having pockets are over. Don’t mind us as we buy this eight-pocket (!!!) Essential Coverall in every color. This is a judgment-free zone, guys.

Up! Pants

Up! Pants no longer just sells pants, though they were the original inspiration—pants designed with fit, fashion, and function as equal priorities. From stretchy fabric that smooths and slims to built-in tummy-control panels, those pants are meant to empower women and make them feel more confident in who they are. These will certainly do the trick!

Hermoza

Marisa De Lecce and Tiffany Rivers were on the hunt for swimsuits that were both modern and modest, and when they couldn’t find what they were looking for, they created it themselves. Each Hermoza suit is made with luxury performance fabrics from Italy and designed to flatter every body type. They also offer 50+ UPF protection and resist oils, lotions, and creams. Heirloom-quality construction at an attainable price—what more could you want in a swimsuit? (Especially when you can have this best seller and Oprah favorite?)

AYR

If you haven’t already heard of AYR (pronounced “air”), let us introduce you to the New York City–based womenswear brand that’s been making headlines since 2014. AYR, which stands for All Year Round, was founded by three friends who set out to create clothing that emphasized comfort and confidence in every season. You’ll love the high-quality button-down shirts and jeans from this women-owned business…and be completely obsessed with “the coziest sweater of all time.”

Dudley Stephens

Terry and fleece have never been associated with fashion—that is, until Dudley Stephens was founded by sisters Lauren Stephens and Kaki McGrath. Though turtlenecks have been their signature pieces since the beginning, they have also now ventured into accessories, kids’ clothes, outerwear, and more. Bonus: Everything is made out of recycled fabrics, and the brand has a partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to donate much-needed funds. Plus, with every purchase of the DS Gives Rainbow Blanket, the company will donate another to a St. Jude’s family.

Awoke Vintage

Awoke Vintage hasn’t always been a successful vintage shop based in Brooklyn, New York. In fact, it started out as a small market stall in Australia. It wasn’t until about five years later that the founder, Liz Power, opened her first New York location. Since then, Awoke Vintage has become a hot spot for vintage finds—from flowing dresses and summery blouses to chic accessories and lots of denim. If you can’t make it to Brooklyn, the site offers free shipping on all orders within the United States.

Carve Designs

The story of Carve Designs starts out with two surf-loving friends and a shared frustration over how difficult it was to find board shorts. More specifically, board shorts that could “keep up with [them]—real women with real bodies and a real passion for adventure.” Fast-forward to 2003, when the duo, Jennifer Hinton and Thayer Sylvester, opened their first surf-apparel shop. Since then, the brand has grown to include everything from swimwear to dresses to fashionable accessories.

Addison Bay

Combining her background as a collegiate athlete and her career in the fashion industry, Marguerite Adzick founded stylish activewear brand Addison Bay in 2018. The pieces, which are produced in Philadelphia, are designed to take you from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If we had to pick, we’d recommend starting with the Filbert Quarter Zip or Court Skort 2.0. Bonus: This one-stop shop is no longer just for women—it now produces equally fashionable options for kids and men, too.

Edith Hour

Emily Hammer believes that there should be beauty in everything, including self-care, and that’s what she had in mind when creating Edith Hour. The brand’s feminine, easygoing pajamas and loungewear are 100 percent cotton and made in small batches in Texas. While it’s hard to choose a favorite, we’re partial to the Dora Nightgown and Becky Shirt, both inspired by a lightweight men’s Oxford shirt.

Nue

Your clothing wouldn’t look half as good without the right undergarments. Aptly described as “a boob job in a box,” Nue breast tape was born out of former fashion and beauty editor Stephanie Montes’ own personal need for products that cater to women of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones. The brand’s goal is to help you celebrate your body exactly as it is in strapless and backless styles. And Nue is all about doing good: A portion of the proceeds from every purchase is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Plus, in exchange for 15 percent off, you can donate your bras to the Bra Recyclers, which will provide them to women and need while also keeping them out of landfills.

Food and Beverages

The Cupcake Bar

So, this place is called The Cupcake Bar. Need we say more? We will anyway. Lori Schneider, the “Chief Cupcake Officer” of the company, launched the bakery in Austin, Texas, in 2007. The other members of her three-woman team are Kimberly Carrillo, Director of Event Operations, and Janie Mote, who touts the loving title of “Janie of All Trades.” It might be called The Cupcake Bar, but this women-run business sells more than just cupcakes. You’ll find Doughnut Bars, Roaming Treat Bars, Caramel Apple Bars, and more at the events that they host. The best part? Everything is customizable.

V Smiley Preserves

Everything about V Smiley Preserves is exactly what you’d expect from a Vermont farm. Its preserves are made without added pectins, sweetened with honey made right up the road, while their fruit is sourced locally and their aromatics are grown by V’s partner, Amy. What also sets them apart is their approach to flavor—namely, combinations that are unique in the very best way. You’ll find the perfect gift sets here to give to coworkers or to anyone as thank-you gifts.

Bev Wine

After identifying a space in the market for a female-friendly drinking culture, Alix Peabody started Bev, which makes canned wine that’s just 100 calories, with 0 grams of sugar and only 3 grams of carbs. The brand’s mission is to disrupt the male-dominated alcohol industry and create a space where women feel like drinking is fun, inclusive, and safe.

Laney & Lu

Nestled away in Exeter, New Hampshire, Laney & Lu was founded by Jennifer Desrosiers in 2015 and has been abiding by the motto “Eat consciously, live vibrantly” ever since. Exclusively sourced from local, organic farms and merchants, nothing on the menu contains antibiotics, hormones, or irradiated ingredients—just pure, healthy goodness. Desrosiers works alongside Stef Heitz, Chief Creative Officer, to serve up delicious smoothies, wellness elixirs, “transformational lattes,” sandwiches, salads, and more.

The Granola Bar

With zero prior restaurant experience, Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain opened The Granola Bar in Westport, Connecticut, in 2013, and what started out as a granola company ended up being so much more. The duo refers to their women-owned business as a “modern diner…at the intersection of healthy and indulgent.” The Granola Bar now has five locations throughout Connecticut and New York. Some must-tries? The Turkish Latte (an irresistible combo of vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, espresso, and milk) and their famous avocado toast.

Provenance Meals

Founded in 2012 by Carole Lee, Provenance Meals focuses on the healing benefits of clean, organic, and sustainably sourced nutrition that also tastes good. Though based in New York, Provenance has expanded to Los Angeles and now offers nationwide delivery. The company also offers health coaching as a stand-alone or complementary service.

Marvel Cake

This Campbell, California–based boutique bakery has crafted desserts and pastries for some pretty big names, including Google and PayPal—so, as you could probably guess, its baked goods are *chef’s kiss* magnifique. Maryam Menbari created Marvel Cake in 2009 and opened her French patisserie in early 2020. If you’re in the Silicon Valley area and are wondering how to navigate all of Marvel Cake’s goods, trying a Choux a la Creme is a fantastic place to start. Trust us on this.

Brightland

Olive oil can make or break a meal, which is exactly what inspired Aishwarya Iyer to launch Brightland. The company began with olives sourced from a family-run California farm and crafted into custom-blended oils, but has since expanded into vinegar, honey, and more kitchen essentials. What elevates their products further is the modern, aesthetically pleasing packaging that you won’t mind having on your kitchen counter.

Purely Elizabeth

Elizabeth Stein started selling Purely Elizabeth muffin and pancake mixes at a triathlon in 2009, and by 2013, her granola was selling at Whole Foods. The company’s products are all non-GMO, gluten-free, organic, and vegan, and they don’t contain any artificial additives or soy. The ingredients are also nutrient-rich and, when mixed together, completely addictive.

Little Drunken Chef

Founded in 2015 by Bonnie Saran, Little Drunken Chef is a tapas bar, casual eatery, and oyster bar all in one. Self-described as “the eccentric lovechild of all things delicious, from all places exotic,” it’s the go-to spot to satisfy almost any of your food cravings. In the mood for tacos and empanadas? They’ve got it. Wings and burgers? Sure! Ravioli and chicken bolognese? Definitely. Plus, their oyster bar is filled with shellfish sourced from both the East and West Coasts. There are currently two locations in Mount Kisco and White Plains, New York.

Scratch Pasta Co.

After working as a professional chef in New York City and at the Greenbrier in West Virginia, Chef Stephanie Fees had the opportunity to attend “pasta school” in Italy. There, she learned about the range of authentic Italian pastas and sauces, which inspired her to open a pasta shop when she got home. Flavors range between the simple Semolina Fusilli and the bold Squid Ink Campanelle. Buono!

InGarden

Tech-to-table inventions, like InGarden, are changing the way we eat food. Cofounded by Natalie Peterson, this hydroponic, self-sustaining smart container garden grows microgreens in just seven days—no green thumb required. All you have to do is put the three microgreen seed pads in place, add water, press the timer, and check back in a week!

Hair Care

LUS Brands

LUS (“Love Ur Self” Brands) is built on founder Sahar Saidi’s signature 3-Step System to simplify wavy, curly, and kinky-coily hair care. As the company has grown, it’s expanded into specialty products and accessories to continue supporting their customers’ natural hair texture and inspire a stronger self-image.

Yummy Extensions

When it comes to hair extensions, it’s important for them to be high quality—especially considering what they can cost. Yummy Hair Extensions, founded by Yummi O, uses only real human hair, with the entirety of the cuticle layers facing the same direction. This provides customers with extensions that really feel like hair, with the same longevity, luster, and movement.

Kosa Professionals

Another hair care line by Yummi O, Kosa Professionals offers innovative heat tools that style your hair without compromising its health. Not only that, but the blow-dryer and stylers are also sophisticated, ergonomic, and lightweight. Fun fact: In case you were wondering, the “Kosa” in Kosa Professionals means “hair” in Bosnian.

Shaz & Kiks

Inspired by their grandmother and old Indian Ayurvedic practices, sisters Shaz and Kiku Chauduri brought their family’s love of beauty rituals to life with this hair care brand. Their products are made with Ayurvedic herbs, plant oils and extracts, and naturally derived preservatives, as well as manufactured in the USA. Don’t know where to start? Their pre-wash, for both normal and thick hair, is a best seller.

Slip

In 2003, cofounder Fiona Stewart was dealing with acne when her dermatologist recommended a silk pillowcase to help her skin. When she couldn’t find one, she made her own—and experienced such incredible results that she just had to launch Slip. While cotton pillowcases can damage your hair and skin, Slip’s signature, proprietary silk allows your skin to glide across its luxe pillowcases.

Yelani

If you have curly locks and are looking for a totally chemical-free hair care line, please give a warm welcome to Yelani. You won’t find any carcinogens, silicone, sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, or other chemicals in Yetunde Jude’s products. With more than 20 years of hair care experience under her belt, she combined her knowledge and admiration for natural products to create a product line exclusively for curly hair.

NuMe

NuMe’s founder, Sabrina Maren, hasn’t always had gorgeous, frizz-free hair. In fact, she started NuMe in 2009 because she was tired of struggling to style her unruly locks every day. Now, the NuMe hair product line carries high-quality straighteners, curling wands, dryers, accessories, and other hair care products that will leave your hair silky smooth. We’re more than a little obsessed with the Lustrum Curling Wand, which includes a curling wand and five interchangeable 100 percent tourmaline ceramic barrels, as well as a heat-resistant styling glove, paddle brush, styling mat, and travel case. What else could you need?

Taliah Waajid

Taliah Waajid created not one but five hair product lines: Natural Hair Care, Protective Styling, Curly Hair, Children’s Hair Care, and Uncle Jimmy products for men. Her female-forward business is based out of Atlanta, with the brand keeping “curly, coily, kinky, and wavy hair textures” in mind while crafting products with naturally moisturizing, conditioning, and cleansing agents. One of Waajid’s top-rated products on Amazon is her Black Earth Products Tight Hold, which keeps frizz in check while defining natural curls.

Crave Naturals

This woman-founded hairbrush company wants you to enjoy brushing your hair—and not damage it in the process. Kristen Heaton founded the company “after feeling unsatisfied with what seemed like every brush on the market that would pull, hurt, or even break [her] hair.” Crave Natural’s best seller? The O.G. Glide Thru Detangler. With more than 38,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this brush is perfect for any type of hair and will glide right through it. Tangles? Never heard of ’em.

Superzero

We all know that plastic is bad for the environment, but it’s hard to get away from. Enter: Superzero cofounder, former consultant and beauty exec Conny Wittke. With her brand’s genius hair and body bars, she’s helping the world say goodbye to liquid products…and the plastic bottles they come in. The result? A healthier environment and a happier you.

Health and Wellness

The Power of Elderberries

When Jessica Lowery suffered a terrible flu episode, she was desperate to find a natural alternative to help relieve her symptoms. That’s when elderberries first made their way onto her radar. “I started making my own elderberry syrup because I wanted control over ingredient quality, safety, and taste,” she says on her website. “And from this, the Power of Elderberries was founded…unexpectedly.” Since then, the woman-founded company has moved its products into wellness stores around South Carolina and also offers nationwide shipping. The Power of Elderberries can be consumed in either syrup or gummy form. (You’ll also find candles, hats, PopSockets, totes, and other goodies on the site.)

Jollie

After meeting at a teacher training for children’s yoga, Elizabeth Thompson and Hilary Amburgey teamed up to open a family-friendly yoga practice. This led to the launch of Jollie in 2021, a line of colorful workout mats and straps made from responsibly sourced materials that benefit pediatric cancer. Plus, for every mat purchase, another mat is donated to a pediatric cancer patient. They make excellent gifts that give back for both yoga devotees and casual exercisers.

Omstars

Omstars bills itself as “Netflix for Yoga,” and they’re not wrong. The company offers 3,000-plus on-demand classes and 300-plus courses—all of which are available whenever you need them to be. Or maybe you prefer to work with an instructor, and if that’s the case, there are live and interactive Zoom video chats you could join, too. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a tried-and-true yoga enthusiast, like Omstars’ founder, Kino MacGregor, the world’s first yoga TV network definitely has something for you.

MyAir

Cofounded by Rachel Yarcony, MyAir is the first personalized nutrition concept for stress management. This solution is designed to help you combat stress through a long-term health regimen based on data and ongoing monitoring, in a way that easily merges into your daily routine. Oh, and to support your progress, they offer super-plant bars that you can order as a subscription or one-time purchase.

Body & Sole Wellness Spa

When was the last time you got a professional foot massage and treatment? And no, we’re not talking about the one you sometimes get with a pedicure. Dawn Durocher, a licensed nail technician and certified master pedicurist of almost 20 years, owns New Hampshire–based Body & Sole Wellness Spa, which puts an emphasis on the importance of foot care. Durocher uses her background in diabetic/geriatric foot care and works alongside a podiatrist to determine the best foot treatments for each individual. Of course, you don’t need to have any health-related concerns to book a treatment and give your feet some good ol’ TLC.

Womaness

Womaness was started in 2021 by Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs to address the overlooked needs of women as they enter menopause. In addition to offering products (all under $40!) such as Gone in a Hot Flash Cooling Mist and a host of dietary supplements, the brand is focused on empowerment, research, community, and removing stigmas.

Ritual

Simplicity, clean living, and science is the name of the game at Ritual. Founded by Katerina Schneider, Ritual created a daily multivitamin for women called Essential for Women that has zero filler ingredients; it’s also totally transparent about what goes into each supplement. In addition to 18 multivitamins, Ritual has 50-plus prenatal and postnatal supplements for women, as well as vitamins for men and children. Oh, and the COO, VP, and SVP are all women, too—you know, in case you needed more of a reason to try out these awesome, female-forward multivitamins.

Your Super

Cofounded by certified health coach Kristel de Groot, Your Super is a B-Corp-certified and 100 percent organic superfoods brand. The mixes include only naturally dried superfoods, which are sourced directly to create a transparent supply chain and positive impact on the local communities. Plus, for every Your Super mix purchased, a food bar will be donated to those in need through a partnership with Action Against Hunger.

House of Wise

House of Wise is a luxury CBD and wellness brand for women founded by Amanda Goetz, who discovered CBD in 2017 while navigating a divorce, raising three children, and working as a VP of Marketing. Every part of the company was built around empowerment, from the product lines (sleep, sex, stress, and strength) to the up-to-20-percent commission you can earn as an affiliate ambassador. They also have an ongoing partnership with Last Prisoner Project, an organization fighting criminal injustice and current drug policies related to cannabis incarceration.

Glory

The skin care industry tends to make melanin-rich skin an afterthought. With Glory, founded by Alisia Ford, women of color are the priority. Not only are the products created in conjunction with dermatologists who specialize in skin of color, but also with psychiatrists who understand how skin and mental health are connected. The resulting clean-beauty products are formulated without what they call the Toxic 20 (the 20 most harmful ingredients commonly used in skin care).

Home, Gardens, and Decor

ChappyWrap

Founded in 2006, ChappyWrap is run by mother-daughter duo Beth Haller LaSala and Christina Livada, and makes what they call “the best blanket you will ever own.” Created from a high-quality natural cotton blend that’s woven on a loom, each blanket goes through a unique process that fluffs the fibers and gives the blankets their unbelievable softness.

54kibo

After hosting a Ghanaian naming ceremony for her twins in Brooklyn, New York, Nana Quagraine was inspired to share the beauty of her African culture with the world through the lens of interior design—and so, 54kibo was born. The contemporary African interior design business took off in 2018, selling one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and decor accents, all crafted in South Africa. Curated with products that are totally sustainable and 99 percent handmade, 54kibo places an emphasis on traditional African artistry techniques, like weaving, beading, and woodwork. One of Quagraine’s favorites? This Woven Mirror, which will elevate your decor instantly.

Drea’ Custom Designs

Located in New Orleans and founded by Andrea Julien, Drea’ Custom Designs specializes in custom window treatments, with each detail hand-picked and crafted to meet whatever design you’re envisioning. Drea’ does everything from solar shades and custom curtains to wood blinds and sliding panels. Bonus points for them making it work for almost any budget and still delivering the highest quality of window treatments.

Blueland

Cleaning brand Blueland, cofounded by CEO Sarah Pajii Yoo, was started with a desire to eliminate single-use plastic packaging. Every part of the customer experience is designed with sustainability in mind—from reusable bottles to dissolvable tablets in compostable wrappers to recyclable shipping materials. Bonus: By sending you tablets instead of pre-mixing them with water, Blueland helps you minimize your carbon footprint—and save space in your home.

Jolie Home

This boutique paint brand, founded in 2018 by Lisa Rickert, is dedicated to helping customers make life beautiful. Available in a diverse yet curated mix of colors, Jolie Home’s paint brings quality and sophistication to any project. Looking for recs? For furniture, try Uptown Ecru or French Quarter Green. For walls and trim, check out Blue Optimism and Blossom. Or check out the best paint colors for you, based on your zodiac sign.

MoonBeam Homes & Gardens

This Connecticut-based, organic-certified company was founded by Bonnie Sassano-Troy in 2000 with the goal of “[helping] people attain a more organic and sustainable lifestyle.” Having grown up in suburban New England, Sassano-Troy was all too familiar with the amount of work necessary to maintain a home and yard throughout four seasons. So, as her gardening business took off, she started offering more services, including fall and spring cleanups, custom landscape design and maintenance, masonry work, and beehive installations. Recently, she also added real estate to her menu of services.

Ruggable

Even if you don’t have pets or kids, we’re guessing that you’ve wished there was an easier way to clean your rugs. Like, wouldn’t it be amazing to throw them in the washing machine? Well, now you can, thanks to Ruggable founder Jeneva Bell. Like many women-owned businesses, this one involved a very specific solution to a very specific problem—and now everyone can benefit from it. With hundreds of styles and a wide range of sizes to choose from, there’s a Ruggable rug for every household. (We particularly love this shag rug.) Bonus: They’re made to order in the United States.

Sable Candle Co.

When Courtney Jones started Sable Candle Co. in 2016, she expected it to be a small side business, but it didn’t take long for people to start spreading the word about it. Now, the Michigan-based company ships its candles nationwide, using ethically sourced, premium ingredients to craft each hand-poured soy candle. Totally vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free, these scented candles offer hours of natural fragrance without emitting toxins or harming the environment.

Estelle Colored Glass

The definition of luxury? Handblown glass cake stands and stemware in a rainbow of sophisticated hues. Estelle Colored Glass is named after founder Stephanie Summerson Hall’s grandmother, who inspired her with her own colored-glass collection. Vintage yet modern, each piece makes a true heirloom-quality statement.

Lula’s Garden

If you’re looking for a sturdy indoor plant to spruce up your home, look no further than Lula’s Garden. Founder Liraz Birnbaum started her company after spending more than a year creating a planter–gift box hybrid. Her creation was a success, and she now ships the locally sourced succulents and memorable gift boxes all around the country. Just remove the top of the gift box—and voilà! Adorable, ready-to-go succulents. No need to replant or find a vase. We particularly love this adorable Verdant Garden, which houses three medium-sized succulents.

Clare Paint

Interior designer Nicole Gibbons has spent a lot of time in her life shopping for paint. As a result, she realized just how outdated the traditional experience was and decided to change it with Clare Paint. She reimagined paint shopping with peel-and-stick paint swatches, an expertly curated color palette (Whipped is a favorite white), and the highest-quality paint and supplies—all delivered to your home. Say goodbye to weekends spent at the paint store and organizing handfuls of paint chips.

Corey Paige Designs

Corey Paige Designs is all about unique, hand-drawn designs and whimsical art based on popular themes such as fashion, travel destinations, teen activities, and college spirit. The expressive style combines bright, colorful imagery, icons, patterns, and words on a range of products from clothing and accessories to home decor, stationery, gifts, and more. This Happi Vibes coaster set celebrates Women’s History Month and supports other female founders.

The House of Noa

There’s long been a white space in the baby market for products that are both pretty and practical—a white space that Elizabeth Granados took upon herself to help fill with her signature play mat. For adults, anti-fatigue standing mats for the kitchen and laundry room are favorites that, as the company says, “look like an heirloom rug but feel like you’re standing on a zillion gummy bears.”

Pet Care

SquishFace

In case you didn’t know, those folds that some dogs have (yes, we’re looking at you, bulldogs and pugs) can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can ultimately lead to infections and other complications. Well, you can say goodbye to trapped dirt and germs, tear stains, and tail pockets thanks to SquishFace Wrinkle Paste and Wrinkle Wipes. These plant-based products and Amazon bestsellers, created by founder Tiffany Burris, work like magic.

Rowan

Our pets deserve the best, right? Rowan was inspired by the belief that the products used on our dogs should be as gentle and effective as the ones used on ourselves. Founded by Michelle Arnau and Sally Clarke, in partnership with board-certified veterinary dermatologist Dr. Anthea Schick, Rowan is the world’s first clean-beauty brand for dogs. The products are so nice, you’re going to wish you could use them, too. Seriously, just look at this pH-balanced leave-in conditioner made from argan and coconut oils!

PoochieBells

Ring, ring! What’s that sound? Ask Cheryl Pederson, creator of PoochieBells. The brand launched in 2005 with the original dog potty-training doorbell. Individually handcrafted with USA-sourced components, it’s designed for all breeds and sizes. Plus, it comes in all kinds of fun prints and colors!

PetCakes

In 2009, Melinda (the CEO of Lucky Paws and creator of PetCakes & YumYum Bones) adopted Ciao Bella, a deaf Jack Russell and Italian Greyhound mix. Soon after, she started developing healthy cakes and ice cream for pets made of human-grade ingredients. The all-natural treats are super easy and quick to make and require no additional ingredients. Whether your furry friend is a fan of pizza, pumpkin spice, carob, cheese, or another flavor, there’s a good chance PetCakes will have something that’s pretty much guaranteed to be pet-approved.

Cat Cave Co.

Cat Cave Co. was founded by Holly Hudson and her brother, who realized there was a lack of diverse and eco-friendly products on the market for cats. After discovering a woman in Nepal with a passion for hand felting with organic wool, the company created a cave-shaped bed (to give felines a sense of security) out of eco-friendly materials in a range of beautiful colors. Since the beginning, the female workforce has been paid 200 percent of the average local wage, which has helped transform local communities.

Petique

This woman-owned business has been developing eco-friendly and nontoxic products—including pet beds and toothbrushes—for more than 30 years. The idea started with Petique’s owner, Kathy Tsai. “What sets [Petique] apart from others are our stylish yet environmentally friendly products that are completely safe for animals and humans,” Tsai told VoyageLA. She’s not wrong about her products being stylish—just look at this Lux Pet Carrier, which makes a great gift for a dog lover with a pint-sized pup.

House Dogge

Angela Medlin, a former product designer and director at a host of major brands, started House Dogge as a way to disrupt the production of toxic, synthetic pet toys and products, and instead create ones that are safer for dogs and humans alike. The modern, thoughtful brand takes pride in its small-batch and eco-conscious products, and donates a percentage of sales to organizations that help to rescue and heal dogs in need.

Pomchies

Pomchies’ story has an unusual beginning: in a swimwear factory. Founder Heather Logan used to sell children’s swimwear in Australia when her factory started looking for ways to use leftover fabric scraps. And so, the idea for Pomchies was born. While the company still sells stylish scrunchies and headbands for humans, it also offers products to a canine clientele with its PomPooch line. Snag a cute leash pom or a dapper bow tie and your pup will be the most stylish on the block.

KeriCure

Putting a Band-Aid on your pets’ cuts and scratches isn’t exactly an easy (or realistic) task, which is why KeriCure came up with an all-natural solution to keep your pets safe from infections: nontoxic liquid spray-on bandages. The mild formula is totally safe for dogs, cats, and small animals, even if licked. KeriCure also offers a spray and an antimicrobial silver barrier for horses, livestock, and large animals to reduce inflammation and bacteria. The company was founded by organic chemist Kerriann Greenhalgh.

TruDog

After TruDog founder Lori R. Taylor’s beloved fur baby, Truman, was diagnosed with a terminal illness at a young age, she set out on a mission to try to make sure that kind of heartbreak didn’t happen to anyone else. Taylor turned to the food she was feeding her pup—and realized it was filled with processed scraps that were anything but human-grade. Her determination led her to create a healthy pet food brand with “nourishing freeze-dried raw dog food, dog food toppers, supplements, and a wide variety of limited-ingredient—oftentimes only one ingredient—treats.”

Additional reporting by Brittany Gibson.

Sources:

• National Women’s Business Council: “Annual Report, 2021”

• Crunchbase News: “Global VC Funding To Female Founders Dropped Dramatically This Year”

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