Girls run the world (at least according to Beyoncé) and they're running more businesses than ever before, too. There are more than 11.6 million women-owned businesses in America, generating $1.7 trillion in sales and employing nearly 9 million people.
From sustainable home goods to sleek sportswear to decadent chocolates, and everything in between, it should come as no surprise that women-owned brands do it all. So let’s make Queen Bey proud by supporting these female entrepreneurs in time for International Women's Day on March 8th. And to support other small business owners, check out these 20 Etsy Jewelry Items That Will Become Instant Heirlooms.
Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | Vision Quest Shoes
Vision Quest ShoesFounder Ce Ce Chin knows that the right pair of shoes can put you in a tranquil state of mind—particularly when you know that they’ve been crafted from eco-friendly materials, like salvaged leather. Her babouche-style flats are as comfy as your favorite pair of sneakers—but unlike traditional Moroccan slippers, they have sturdy rubber soles, so you don’t have to worry about ever losing your footing. And for more ways to upgrade your look, check out these 15 Spring Jackets You’ll Want to Wear All Year in 2020.
2 | Llani
LlaniEver since Prada sent headbands down its spring 2019 runway, hair accessories have been having a moment. The Bellini headband from Llani, made from peach jacquard satin and finished with hand-sewn pearls and gems, is perfect for a she-boss in need of a crown. Better yet, designer Alana Oates partners exclusively with female-founded or family-owned factories in India to create her enchanting designs. And for more affordable accessories that will totally transform your outfit, check out these 15 Gorgeous Pieces of Gold Jewelry Under $100.
3 | Mer Sea & Co.
Mer Sea & Co.Lifestyle brand Mer Sea is designed for the international jet-setter, with cozy sweaters to keep you warm on the flight, breezy cover-ups made for the beach, and candles whose oceanic scents will remind you of your trip once you’re back home. Co-founders Lina and Melanie are world-travelers themselves, sourcing products and forging personal relationships with manufacturers. We love their Sea Change Candle for its marine-inspired aroma and the fact that all sales go directly to Water.org, a nonprofit providing access to safe water. And if a vacation is in your future, you should definitely check out these 25 Must-Pack Travel Essentials Under $25.
4 | Me & The Bees
Me & The BeesEverything about this brand is sweet, from the lemonade itself to the story of its founder, Makaila, to its mission: to save the bees. Makaila founded Me & The Bees when she was only 4 after learning about the important role bees play in our ecosystem. 360,000 bottles later, the 14-year-old “bee ambassador” has partnered with Whole Foods and made an appearance on Shark Tank. Try their variety pack of five delicious flavors, including Mint, Ginger, Iced Tea, Prickly Pear, and their crowd-pleasing Classic.
5 | Wildfang
WildfangCo-founders Julia Parsley and Emma McIlroy founded Wildfang (the German word for “tomboy”) when they tried—unsuccessfully—to find menswear tailored for their bodies. The result is a powerful and inspiring collection of fitted blazers, workwear coveralls, and cropped dress pants. Their Wild Feminist fleece sweatshirt will motivate you to follow your dreams, whether you want to start your own fashion brand or honestly, just get out of bed before noon.
6 | MarieBelle New York
MarieBelle New YorkMaribel Lieberman, founder & CEO of MarieBelle New York, was raised on the cacao fields of Honduras, an experience that shaped her brand’s ethos. She buys directly from producers in order to empower hard-working female cacao farmers. This 16-piece box filled with exquisitely decorated ganache boxes is the perfect Galentine’s day present to empower the hard-working ladies in your life (which can definitely include yourself). And for more Galentine’s Day gifts, check out our list of the 25 Most Amazing Valentine’s Day Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank.
7 | Outdoor Voices
Outdoor VoicesYou’ve probably spotted activewear brand Outdoor Voices on celebrities like Lizzo, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Camila Mendes. OV’s lightweight exercise clothes are playful, functional, and oh-so-flattering. But what you may not know is that CEO Tyler Haney founded the company when she was only 25 years old. We love their 7/8 Springs Leggings, which are engineered to sculpt your body and fit like a glove.
8 | Tonlé
TonléTonlé is a zero-waste brand founded by Rachel Faller, a leader in the ethical fashion industry. Faller believes that every thread matters—a belief that she puts into action by recycling fabric discarded from other textile factories. Their airy kaftan-style Veha Dress in mustard has a relaxed fit, wide sleeves, and pockets—and you can feel great about the fact that purchasing it saves approximately 480 days of drinking water.
9 | Summersalt
SummersaltMost women have a lengthy wish list when it comes to the perfect bathing suit. They want something that looks and feels good, and is easy on both the wallet and the environment. Eco-friendly brand Summersalt, co-founded by Lori Coulter and Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin, delivers all of this and more. Made of recycled materials, the Marina is a perfect example of their ultra-flattering suits, available in a variety of vivid colors and sizes from 2-22.
10 | Cuyana
CuyanaWhen co-founders Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah founded Cuyana, they envisioned a fashion brand with a sustainable supply chain, based on the philosophy that less is more. The result is an effortless capsule wardrobe for the modern woman, so you can ditch fast fashion forever. Their French Terry Tapered Lounge Pant is crafted from a supersoft blend of Peruvian Pima and modal and, as far as we’re concerned, are the only pajama pants you’ll ever need.
11 | Anchal Project
Anchal ProjectThe non-profit Anchal Project is stitching together a global sisterhood—which is fitting considering that it’s helmed by sisters Colleen and Maggie Clines. The design brand aims to tackle social inequalities by training and employing female artisans. Their fair-trade-certified Curve Throw Pillow, made from 100 percent organic cotton, is a prime example of the kind of understated style and detailed craftsmanship you can expect from this socially conscious brand.
12 | Erica Weiner
Erica WeinerSelf-taught jewelry maker Erica Weiner may be best known for her vintage-inspired, non-traditional engagement rings, but all of her designs are drool-worthy. Take these playful studs, made in 14K gold, which come in every letter of the alphabet—so you can make whatever statement you want. Bonus: all of her jewelry is handcrafted by a women-run team in NYC, and sustainably sourced in the U.S.
13 | Altar PDX
Altar PDXFashion brand Altar constructs their American-made garments from start to finish. Founded by Amy Fox and Cassie Ridgway, Altar is committed to designing, patterning, cutting, and sewing their pieces right here in the U.S., with a focus on sustainability. Their insanely soft Polka Dot Jumpsuit, for example, is made with deadstock fabrics recycled from the garment industry.
14 | ADAY
ADAYDesigned for women going places, ADAY was cofounded by two entrepreneurs, Meg He and Nina Faulhaber, who believe that clothes should be elegant, easy, and comfortable. Their neutral-toned, wrinkle-resistant blazers, slacks, and button-down tops create an effortless professional uniform meant for frequent flyers. We love this machine-washable, sweat-wicking, and stretchy First Class T-Shirt—appropriate for the boardroom but soft enough for the bedroom!
15 | Snag Tights
Snag TightsThe explosively popular fashion brand Snag is changing women’s relationship with tights by creating comfortable, durable, and affordable stockings for all, regardless of your shape, size, and height. Founder Brie Read created the brand after realizing that most tights weren’t sized in widths, only in height (meaning an XS and an XL pair were nearly identical except for their length). We particularly love these Opaque Tights in Navy, available in sizes 2-32, which are perfect for everyday wear.
