Female Founders: 6 Small Businesses Owned by Women
It’s no secret that we love celebrating businesses and brands that are owned and operated by females. And we’ve seen the number of female entrepreneurs and CEOs increase dramatically in recent years. Statistics now show that women own approximately 40% of companies overall in the U.S., owning more than 11.6 billion businesses in the US. That number includes 5.4 million companies that are majority-owned by women of color in the U.S.
As female entrepreneurs and advocates ourselves here at Women’s Business Daily, we are starting a new article series, #FemaleFounders Friday. Every Friday, we will highlight a number of new female-founded companies. And to kick off our series, here are six businesses that we have mad respect for that are owned by women.
6 Small Businesses Owned By Women
R.Riveter
Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse, two military spouses, first became friends after not being able to find work. This is a challenge many military spouses face due to how often they move or relocate to military bases. Their solution? They began to create their own business, and thus, R. Riveter was born.
Cruse and Bradley each charged $2,000 to their credit cards, bought a commercial sewing machine, a small supply of leather, and some canvas. And now, they create beautiful leather handbags online and go by the name of R.Riveter, which stands for Rosie the Riveter.
They’ve since opened a retail store in North Carolina. And in 2016, they were featured on Shark Tank and backed by Mark Cuban. The brand now has a network of military spouses all over the country who call themselves Riveters.
Bird + Stone
Bird + Stone is a woman-owned business that sells jewelry and accessories that each support a cause. The company’s motto is “Because brands have the power to be vehicles for change.”
The business began in 2013 and supported female entrepreneurs in Kenya. Now, the company contributes to several different causes that work to build a better world. Some of the causes they support include women’s health, feminism, women in politics, girls’ education, refugees and immigrants, and so much more!
The products are all ethnically crafted in the US by a small production team in Harlem, New York. And each purchase results in a donation to one of their causes. Learn more more about the causes they support and see their jewelry at their site.
Birchbox
Birchbox has become one of the most popular monthly subscription boxes, and the company is owned by two women, Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna. While at Harvard Business School, the two women met and decided they wanted to make the beauty industry more customer-friendly.
The company was created in 2010, and just two years later, they made Forbes “30 Under 30” list for marketing and advertising influencers. Originally, Birchbox was just for women, but they have recently made Birchbox Man, as well. You can try samples of numerous beauty products each month at an affordable price, including hair, skin, and makeup products from a plethora of brands.
Everybody.World
Everybody.World sells clothes, shoes, accessories, home goods, and wash wear. Two women, Iris Alonzo and Carolina Crespo, began the company a few years ago. They not only sell great products, but their products are also made in the U.S. ethically with fair wages.
The brand promotes safe working conditions and doing so in a way that eliminates waste. Many of their products are made from recycled cotton and even trash. The basics made from “trash” have become the first of their kind. Everybody.World teams up with the largest yarn manufacturer in the world to make new fabrics from trash. As a result, they create recycled cotton jersey and fleece sweatpants, hoodies, scrunchies, t-shirts, and shorts.
House of Intuition
“Our mission from the start has been to help others feel hope when they feel hopeless; to feel powerful when they feel defeated; and to bring intention within when people are seeking outside of themselves.”
House of Intuition offers more than just apothecary products. They also offer tarot readings, astrology charts and readings, intuitive counseling, healing modalities, and so much more. They also offer classes and offer workshops and events every day.
Alex and Marlene are the two women and co-founders behind this brand, and they are dedicated to helping people heal in their path of personal growth with their products, books, classes, and online learning center.
Laurel
Laurel is a business that sells skincare products that are raw, organic, handcrafted, and farm-sourced. They make the products from flowers and herbs from local artisan farmers that the owner, Laurel Shaffer, herself has formed relationships with.
“Laurel Skin commits to making products good for your health, well-being, and, as a result, your beauty. Our commitment begins with the quality of the soil that nourishes and optimizes the ingredients we select.”
Shaffer, has experience in farm, spa, and mindful wellness and wants to bring the world skincare products that are natural and healthy. She describes herself as a “skin-specific herbalist” after years of education, research, and studying. Through training and experience in farming, spa, and mindful wellness she is able to create “farm-based and hyper-localized spa rituals and formulas”.
Inspired? We are! Thinking of starting your own business or brand? What are you waiting for? Let us know in our comment section below.
And if you know of any female-founded businesses that we should feature – reach out to us here and let us know!
Alyson Pittman is a contributing writer for WBD and a JR marketing associate for Excite Creative Studios, an Atlanta-based creative agency.
Alyson graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. She was in multiple organizations at KSU where she held leadership positions. As a part of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, Alyson held the Social Coordinator position and planned/promoted large events.
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