Photo of Remark Glass by Stevie Chris
We not-so-secretly celebrate International Women’s Day 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With this year’s Choose to Challenge theme, we were inspired to curate a thoughtful list of Female-owned businesses that we love, and share them with you. The businesses below are homegrown and led by ultra-talented ladies who became their own boss and chased their dreams. Bookmark this guide, Etsy and local maker fairs next time you’re pulling out your wallet. Let’s put our money where our badass women creators are.
FOOD & DRINK
The Cupcake Collection – Nashville, TN and New Orleans, LA
Mignon Francois 1.) has the coolest name and 2.) founded The Cupcake Collection because of her daughters’ love for the mini frosted concoctions. Francois family tested and approved, their goodies ship nationwide. Inclusive for all with a sweet tooth, we appreciate their range of gluten-free, vegan, jumbo and pupcake selections. Try the Café Au Lait, a nod to New Orleans’ coffee scene, and Mint Scouts Honor, everyone’s favorite Girl Scouts cookie.
Photo courtesy of Second Chance Beer Co.
Second Chance Beer Company – San Diego, CA
In a city that loves its brewskis, Second Chance Beer Company is a gem for spotlighting women brewers in the male-dominated craft beer industry. Virginia Morrison dabbled in homebrewing in her early 20s and wears many hats as its co-founder, chief legal officer (she has a law degree) and CEO. Their Women’s Everyday Rosé is a brute blonde ale with two kinds of grapes, grapefruit, peaches, blueberries, cherries and yes, rose petals. Sales support The Pink Boot Society, a non-profit that aims to mentor and encourage women in the beer world. Taste what’s on tap at their flagship taproom at Carmel Mountain Ranch or beer lounge in North Park.
Howlin’ at the Moon Bakery – Winston-Salem, NC
Now this one’s for our four-legged friends (but totally safe for humans too). After experimenting with her grandmother’s dog-friendly recipes, Sierra Bower made treats for her dogs George Lucas and Frank and in classic entrepreneurial fashion, it soon became much more than a side hustle. Howlin’ at the Moon’s products are locally sourced and you’ll recognize everything on their transparent ingredients list. Perfect for your pup’s next celebration cake or “just because I love you” occasion.
HOME DECOR
Photo courtesy of Soy Society
Soy Society – Austin, TX
Jasmine Cormier created Soy Society Wellness to honor her personal journey with mental health, mindfulness and overall well-being. After being certified as a Vinyasa and Yoga Sculpt instructor, she wanted to keep working with her hands and her custom soy-based wax candle company was born. The high quality candles come in three sizes and the essential oil blends are thoughtfully selected to hone in on specific mindsets, whether it’s bravery or balance. The soothing scents are perfect for your next zen moment.
Remark Glass – Philadelphia, PA
Remark Glass’s glassblowing artisans breathe new life into post-consumer bottled glass by transforming them into essential sustainable products to enjoy anew. Focused on zero waste, the studio concept was co-founded by Danielle Ruttenberg, Rebecca Davies and Rebecca’s husband Mark Ellis. Their cheeky Chico Cup collection made from Topo Chico bottles is a good place to build your recycled glassware game. The team also takes on custom projects so feel free to schedule a chat about hand blown lighting or other keepsakes.
Photo of Becky Miller of Modern Nomad by @mernejudsonthethird
Modern Nomad – Denver, CO
A standout in Denver’s RiNo district, Modern Nomad is a hybrid warehouse space that’s part design collective, part open-air market. Rotating designers create a unique and personalized retail experience within a spacious 5,500 square feet. The idea is the result of one Becky Miller whose mission with Modern Nomad is combatting fast retail and mass-produced products. Current vendors who’ve set up shop include The Vintage Label which offers concierge services and trunk shows, and Wallis Jordan Design that specializes in mid-century modern furniture (both are women owned of course!).
P.F. Candle Co. – Los Angeles, CA
SoCal based P.F. Candle Co is in the business of fragrances. Their scents translate into gorgeous candles in their signature amber-hued jars as well as room sprays, car spritzes, incense and diffusers. The wife and husband team, Kristen Pumphrey and Thomas Neuberger, have kept the business fully independent, a feat in and of itself. All of their products are vegan, cruelty and phthalate-free so you immerse yourself guilt-free with the likes of Sandalwood Rose and Golden Coast, both reminiscent of a sense of place with notes of sage, sea salt and oud.
Photo of Modern Nomad by @kellyeileen.co
Yonder – San Francisco, CA
Linda Fahey’s ceramic studio has found a home with her curated global homeware shop, Yonder. Located in the Inner Richmond, items range from functional home items to ones that also double as works of art like their witty Shelfie series – perfect for knickknacks and air plants. Pick up a bottle of Just Date Syrup, made only from medjool dates, or pore over their impressive compilation of small batch soaps. Fear not, you can also shop online but their airy store is worth a visit next time you’re in the Bay.
ACCESSORIES
Catbird – Brooklyn, NY
Slow fashion especially extends to jewelry. Catbird quickly gained fans with its classic stacking rings and minimal everyday designs. Its creator, Rony Vardi, focuses on delicate timeless pieces with an eye on sustainability. Today, it’s a bonafide jewelry powerhouse and customers are encouraged to take a peek behind the curtain. Their Brooklyn Navy Yard studio hosts tours the first Friday of every month and for something a little more permanent, grab a friend or S.O. to zap on a sparkling forever bracelet at their SoHo Welding Annex.
