11 Women-Founded Brands to Get and Gift This Year

Recognized annually in March, International Women’s Day (March 8) and Women’s History Month bring us together to reflect and share inspiring stories of women who are shattering the glass ceiling and making boss moves around the globe. This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme is Embrace Equity, a focus on creating equal opportunities for everyone.

What better way to celebrate all the women in your life than by supporting inclusive brands and products created by women?

We’ve recommended some of our favorite products from women-owned businesses and major retailers you can support during Women’s History Month — and every month after.

Women’s History Month: Inspiring Women-Founded Brands to Support in 2023

For the Goal Setter

Quarterly Goal Planner in Red, $28 at Poketo

Angie Myung is the co-founder of Poketo, a creative lifestyle brand that sells everything from stationary, apparel, to jewelry. For the inspiring women in your life, consider purchasing a care package in the form of a Quarterly Goal Planner. This planner is perfect for that girlfriend or entrepreneur who needs to stay on top of quarterly goals, whether “professionally, creatively, or personally." The best part of this minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing planner is that it has prompts to jot down your thoughts, along with other pages to track your goals and stay on top of your to-do lists.

For the Art Enthusiast

RBG Paint Kit, $24.99 at The Designing Chica

Plan a fun sip and paint night over Zoom with friends on International Women’s Day. The Designing Chica makes “culturally-inspired" original paint kit designs, limited edition accessories, and coloring books featuring badass women from all walks of life.

Pay tribute and celebrate the contributions of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with this originally designed paint kit by The Designing Chica. The kit features one pre-sketched illustration art piece on an 8x10 unstretched canvas, two paint brushes, a set of 13 acrylic paints, and instructions to get you started on your masterpiece. If you’re looking for an empowering art project for the kiddos, the Designing Chica also has a first edition coloring book with 43 pre-sketched illustrations featuring influential women like Frida Kahlo and AOC.

For the Boss Babe

Make Jefa Moves Enamel Mug, $24 At Hija De Tu Madre

Patty Delgado is the founder and designer of Hija de tu Madre, a lifestyle brand that celebrates Latina and Latinx culture through art, jewelry, apparel and other statement pieces. “The goal of Hija de tu Madre is to create fashionable statements of identity. I want to create apparel that is the perfect depiction of my cultural intersection," says Delgado. From stationary to empowering tees, Hija de tu Madre aims to provide a sense of familiarity and belonging while embracing the power of being “unapologetically Latina."

The “Make Jefa Moves Enamel Mug" is for the boss babe in your life that needs her caffeine fix before tackling the day with confidence and bright ideas. With a vibrant “Make Jefa Moves" font in the front and back of the steel mug, the enamel coating keeps your beverages warm and makes a bold statement about women in leadership roles.

For the Bookworm

Beloved by Toni Morrison (paperback), $15.81 at Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

There’s nothing quite like lounging poolside with a refreshing beverage and good book in hand. Instead of buying a book on Amazon, consider supporting local women-owned businesses like Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery. As “Chicago’s only black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space," this space was created to share the connection between literature, art, and knowledge with the community.

If you have a friend that loves a good book, consider purchasing one of the bookstore’s staff picks, “Beloved," written by author and Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison. In 1993, Morrison became the first black woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. She went on to receive countless awards for her poignant writing and commitment to diversity before passing away in 2019. In honor of Black History Month, check out our recommended reading list for more inspiring reads by notable Black authors.

For the Phenomenal Woman

Phenomenal Woman T-Shirt, $35 at Phenomenal Woman

Back in 2016, bestselling author Meena Harris (and the niece of VP Kamala Harris), launched the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign to raise money for women’s organizations in response to the presidential election. “I struggled with what was happening in our country, and I wanted to find a way to make a positive impact, however small," Harris told Freda Salvador. Through this campaign, she also began selling “Phenomenal Woman" t-shirts right around the time of the Women’s March. After thousands of the shirts sold, she decided to extend the campaign because there was a need to continue amplifying the message.

You can show the phenomenal women in your life just how much they are loved and appreciated with the original Phenomenal Woman T-Shirt. The t-shirt, inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem, “Phenomenal Woman," can be worn for everyday wear or under a blazer. With bold lettering, this shirt is a must-have for the resilient and phenomenal women in your life.

For the Pop Culture Art Lover

Brenda Chi - Sassy Asian American Art, at Etsy

With hate crimes against Asian-Americans rapidly increasing during the pandemic¹, showing solidarity and support for local AAPI businesses and artists is something that we can all strive to do. Brenda Chi is an Asian-American illustrator based in Los Angeles that is on a mission to amplify the stories of women of color. Her art is vibrant, eclectic, and unique. Shop her Etsy for sassy pop culture art and empowering illustrations of Beyonce, Lucy Liu, and other women on and off-the screen that are using their platforms to make a difference.

For the Candle Lover

Essentials Collection, $27 at BLKessence

Set the mood right with clean-burning candles that restore peace and tranquility. If you’re conscious about the long list of ingredients on popular scented candles, you might want to switch over to a vegan and toxin-free candle brand. (Move aside, Bath & Body Works). BLKessence sells health-conscious candles in a variety of balanced scents that are not overpowering.

“When creating BLKessence candles, it was important to me to curate an experience that emits opulence and comfort no matter what your self-care routine may look like. Whether you're a student, have a full-time job, take care of your family, or just chill at home, everyone deserves to have a clean-burning candle," writes Chantal, founder of BLKessence.

Everyone deserves the chance to unwind, light a soothing candle, and practice some much-needed self-care. Show the women in your life some love by sharing the gift of organic candles. We recommend the Mini Essentials Collection, which includes three of the brand’s most popular scents: The Truth, Sweetest Thing, and Sunday Morning. You can burn the candle of your choice depending on what you’re in the mood for. Get creative and display these candles in intimate spaces like bedrooms, offices, or the bathroom. They burn for about 10 hours to provide long-lasting scents throughout your indoor sanctuary.

For the Glow Up

Hueglow in Dusk, $34 at Live Tinted

It all started when South Asian entrepreneur Deepica Mutyala recorded a video of herself using bright red lipstick to cover her dark circles. Little did she know that her beauty tutorial would go viral with over 10 million views and change her life. Shortly after the video, Mutyala was inspired to launch an inclusive digital community that would explore “diverse beauty for every shade in between." Since launching her company in 2018, Live Tinted celebrates diversity and empowers women while challenging traditional beauty standards.

For those looking for a “glow up," gift yourself or your friend Live Tinted’s popular Hueglow in Dusk. When you put it on your skin, it effortlessly hydrates your skin with a micro-shimmer highlight that transforms your overall look. This natural looking glow moisturizer contains squalane and botanical extracts to give your face the glow it deserves. If your skin is parched and needs some love, apply some of this dewy bronze moisturizer to your skin. You can either apply it over makeup or wear it in place of makeup for a natural, everyday glow.

For the Unapologetic Lipstick Enthusiast

Lip Color Collection, prices vary at Vive Cosmetics

Vive Cosmetics is a Latina-owned beauty brand on a mission to create an authentic space to celebrate diversity and empower Latinas. Launched in 2016, this beauty brand was created in response to the lack of representation of the Latinx/Latina community in the beauty industry. Founded by Joanna Rosario-Rocha and Leslie Valdivia, Vive Cosmetics produces inclusive makeup in different shades celebrating the diversity and authenticity of all women.

Be your unapologetic self with Vive Cosmetics’ “Unapologetic'' matte liquid lipstick that glides beautifully on the skin and lasts all day. The shade is a clay brown with a red undertone that creates a dramatic effect. With a velvety hue, this lippie is the perfect companion for date nights or everyday wear. Plus, you won’t have to worry about constantly reapplying your lipstick every time you go for a sip of coffee. This liquid lipstick is smudge-proof, vegan, and stays on throughout the day to help you express your unapologetic, fabulous self.

Recommended Products From Our Partners

For the Sneaker Head

Cruise Rider Women’s Sneakers, $64.99 $85 at PUMA

International supermodel Winnie Harlow is currently rocking her pair of the new PUMA Cruise Rider sneakers in Viridian Green-Aquamarine on PUMA’s homepage. Harlow became the first model with vitiligo to strut the runway during Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. As a role model for women and aspiring models, she is committed to spreading awareness about body positivity and media representation of women with vitiligo and other skin conditions.

With a “sky-high" style and lightweight cushioning, these PUMA sneakers add an extra bounce to your springtime step. With a rubber outsole for great performance and traction, these sneakers also include a fun spring palette to break up the monotony of ordinary shoes. If you’re looking for some daily inspiration, these color-blocking kicks have stepped up to the plate.

For the Skincare Devotee

Custom Skin Moisturizer, $44.99 at Function of Beauty

We’re all about women entrepreneurs having a seat at the table and making impactful decisions. Function of Beauty is a custom hair, skin, and body care company that’s composed of 60 percent of women. At Function of Beauty, the company is also dedicated to providing quality customized skincare products that empower all women. (Read more about the company’s inspiring journey and their employee spotlights).

Function of Beauty has several great personalized skincare and hair products for everyday use. If you’re shopping for the ultimate self-care gift for a friend, mom, or yourself, consider buying the custom facial moisturizer. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with antioxidants, tsubaki oil, and Vitamin E to restore and protect your skin. If you’re worried about sensitive skin, Function of Beauty products are recommended and customized for all skin types. Whether you have oily, sensitive, dry, or combination skin, this moisturizer feels extremely hydrating and calming.