Sometimes it’s easier to just go to the local big box store, or scroll through Amazon, to find what we’re looking for. Whether it’s clothing, skincare, specialty food items, or toys for our pets, a lot of people don’t stop to think where their money is going. It’s important to keep things local, which is why we encourage you to shop in your community or check out consignment stores when you need something new to wear, or an addition to your home decor. But what about those items that you need to buy new, is there a way to support a group of business owners that are looking to make positive changes? One way is to support women owned businesses, who offer a variety of items that are carefully crafted using eco-friendly business packaging and healthy ingredients.
In addition to supporting women owned brands, consider also purchasing items from BIPOC, LGTBQ+, or veteran owned businesses who also have a wide array of wonderful items. In this article, we’ll be discussing:
Supporting women owned businesses makes sense, especially since they have fought long and hard to have access to the necessities of starting their own business. Traditionally, it’s been more difficult for women to secure capital or loans to get their business off the ground, and they still face biases about women in leadership positions. But women are not only succeeding in their businesses, they're doing it with a greater focus on the values they want their business to embody. Lots of women leaders tend to prioritize social responsibility, lessening their environmental impact, being involved in the community, and ensuring there is a more equitable future for everyone.
You’ll find women opening up businesses in all kinds of fields, from makeup and skincare, jewelry, clothing, bookstores, antique shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and more. When more local small businesses get support, the economic impact is definitely felt by the whole community. When money stays in the area it contributes to jobs and drives more economic growth.
Women in leadership roles like owning their business are also great role models for the next generation, who see people who look like them creating products and providing services that people enjoy. This can be very inspiring for younger girls, allowing them to grow up and dream big.
There are a lot of women owned makeup and skincare brands, but we wanted to highlight just a few!
If you’re a fan of Selena Gomez, you’ll be happy to know that you can support her brand Rare Beauty, which offers all the cosmetics you need to put your best face forward. Launched in 2019, this woman owned business is also vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring that you don’t have to sacrifice your principles to have spot-on makeup. Whether you need foundation, mascara, blush, lip oil, or bronzer, you’ll find all kinds of great shades, pigments for all skin types, and some of the most moisturizing ingredients around.
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This is a popular makeup brand that is known for their bright, bold colors, and that wants everyone to express themselves without fear of judgment. You’ll find all kinds of great color shades for their popular velvetine lipsticks, but they also offer hair dyes, eye products, and face items like blush and bronzer. Let your inner unicorn out and try out some fun, colorful products!
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If you’re looking for professional grade, cruelty-free makeup, you can always rely on NYX. This woman owned business started in 1999 by Toni Ko, and has developed into one of the most beloved (and affordable) makeup brands. But just because it’s at a lower price point doesn’t mean that they skimp on quality. Each product is designed to help you enhance your features, whether it’s blush, foundation, eye liners, or lip pencils.
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If you’re looking for wonderful skincare products, you should definitely check out Drunk Elephant, which offers a wonderful array of hydrating skin creams, serums, cleansers, sun protection, as well as haircare and body care items. This woman owned business started in 2012, and has been at the forefront of the clean makeup movement ever since. Using quality, natural ingredients is paramount to this company, and once you try one of their amazing items, you’ll see why people continue to stay loyal to this brand. Whether you want to moisturize your eyes, use a less toxic deodorant, or enjoy having exfoliated skin, Drunk Elephant has options for everyone to care for the skin they’re in.
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There are so many different types of jewelry that fit all tastes made by women. So consider picking up your next signature piece from one of these top places!
Started in NYC in 2004, Catbird strives to make the finest fine jewelry for women all over the world. Their signature pieces include 14k gold necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings that are sure to get you lots of questions asking where you got them. Whether you’re looking for smaller pieces that can be worn daily (or layered with other items), or you want to splurge on a timeless piece that will be your favorite for years to come, you’re going to find plenty of options at Catbird.
Founded in 2002 by Kendra Scott, her signature jewelry pieces are now worn by women everywhere. She offers signature pieces that are sure to be staples in your rotation for years to come, including necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets in gold and silver options. There are also a variety of Kendra Scott Collections, which feature pieces that are based on a theme, such as her Yellow Rose Collection with items inspired by the American West. Giving back is an important part of the Kendra Scott business, and each year they make a Philanthropy Impact Report to show how their donations are helping out charities.
If you’re looking for on-trend jewelry, look no further than Bauble Bar, which was founded in 2011 by two female friends at Harvard Business School. Their cute, fun pieces are very popular with women of all ages, and include options like personalized necklaces, bracelets, earrings, phone cases, charms, and anklets. From tennis bracelets in 14k gold and diamonds, cute charms, to nameplate necklaces, there is a piece of jewelry for all occasions at this woman owned business.
If you want to support a woman owned business that follows ethical principles and fantastic fashion sense, consider checking out what Reformation has to offer. They use sustainable fabrics to create interesting designs that people actually want to wear and can live life in. Whether you’re looking for a light tank top with flutter sleeves, a warm fuzzy pull over, jeans, silky dresses, shoes, and more you can rest easy knowing that Reformation makes it their goal to reuse material and find the most sustainable way possible to create fun designs.
And finally, if you’re looking for clothing and accessories that have a vibrant energy and are ethically sourced, head over and check out Lisa Says Gah! They offer skirts, tops, dresses, bottoms, sweaters, denim, and accessories like jewelry, bags, and belts. All of her styles have a colorful, interesting vibe, and you can easily find your next favorite item here—all while supporting a woman owned business who creates all the items you see from scratch!
It’s important now more than ever to support those businesses that really aim to make a difference in their local communities. A lot of women owned businesses tend to be local, but there are definitely some brands that are national that you can support right now. Try any of these top brands and show your support of a woman owned business.
