13 phenomenal women-owned businesses that empower & inspire

I’ve tried enough clean deodorant to know they are not all created equal. At best some do absolutely nothing. (Apologies to my fellow pilates classmates.) At worst, they can cause painful and itchy rashes that look like you rubbed your pits with poison ivy. (Just me?) But the very best do their job and do it well. The one that checks all the boxes? Curie. Founded as a side hustle by Sarah Moret back in 2018, she launched with an aluminum-free deodorant. Within a few years, she was pitching her brand on Shark Tank, securing a deal with Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran and selling out 12 hours after the episode aired. (Side hustle meet hustle hustle!) These days, their ever-growing line of clean beauty products includes a detox mask, body oil, and whipped body wash among others. The scents are subtle but sophisticated and so good they’re even available as candles. And while I’m a dedicated fan simply for the product efficacy, it’s their give-back mission that really kicks it into high gear. For every five sticks sold, one is donated to San Francisco-based non-profit Simply the Basics which helps women experiencing homelessness regain dignity by supplying them with hygienic needs we often take for granted.

Check out: The latest fragrance launch of warm vanilla. It’s cozy and familiar but deep and sensual at the same time.

It may trying times out there but let’s just take a moment to be grateful we’re living in the age of women-powered pleasure. At the forefront of that revolution? The sexual wellness company Dame. Founded in 2014 by sexologist Alexandra Fine and MIT engineer Janet Lieberman, the brand is not only the creator of the most crowdfunded sex toy in history (the almost turtle-like and even kind of cute Eva) they also developed the first sex toy ever allowed on Kickstarter. Their main mission? To close the “pleasure gap” through empowering women to seek shame-free sexual pleasure. Can I get an Amen for the 2020’s after all?

Check out: Well, everything. Depending on your tastes, there’s something magic for you here.

As any pilates enthusiast will tell you, sometimes you need a little push to get you through those 100s. From pilates to yoga (and even just lounging at home), the grippy socks from Sticky Be are emblazoned with phrases like words “Be Strong”, “Be Fearless” and “Be Focused” across the toe and along the arch to add a bit of inspiration to your practice. Founder Nancy Giftos, a pilates and yoga instructor launched Sticky Be to encourage people to live active lives with health and wellness at their core. And because that’s easier said than done, Sticky Be regularly outfits those who need a little extra support and affirmation. From mamas with babies in the NICU to Baby2Baby Los Angeles and various cancer survivor programs, giving back is an integral part of the mission.

Check out: The super cute crew socks  which I’ve worn to countless reformer classes and still keep their stick wash after wash.

From engaging puzzles to educational games and toys, the colorful products from women owned and mother run eeboo have been playroom staples for over 25 years. Yes, they’re beautiful but the magic is in the mission. Each of their thoughtfully designed products reflects an unwavering commitment to community and family, inclusion and diversity–in every way. They use sustainably sourced materials and minimal packaging, commission artwork that’s inclusive and diverse, and provide opportunity for generations to connect without tech involved.

Check out: 100 Piece International Women’s Day Puzzle which is perfect for elementary aged kiddos (and their mamas!) to put together, together.

I’m not sure what secret Victoria is keeping, but here’s the one Uwila Warrior figured out: You don’t have to choose between beautiful undies and undies that actually feel good. Their sustainable intimates feel like wearing nothing at all while creating a look that will have you googling “boudoir photographer near me” the second you slip them on. Surprised to learn the company was founded by women? NOPE. (We never asked for dental floss thongs and never will.) They also offer extended sizing up to 4X, and regularly give back to organizations like Love Your Menses to help support menstrual equity and ending period stigma around the world.

Check out: The absolutely gorgeous embroidered Better Briefs. They’re not only insanely comfy, they’re also made from natural fibers that are better for the environment.

The first plant-based feminine care system, created by women for women, The Honey Pot was founded by Bea Dixon after an ancestor came to her in a dream. Armed with spirit, knowledge and a desire to heal herself, she set to work creating what other brands couldn’t—using the power of herbs. Since the brand’s inception, they’ve set aside 2% of all sales to give back to various charities around the world that “provide access, connection, kindness and education to humans with vaginas” to help extend their mission.

Check out: The postpartum herbal pads. Their blend of natural and herbal ingredients (including mint, lavender and aloe) create a “cooling” effect that soothes soreness and calms cramping after delivery.

While in the throes of her first trimester (and a global pandemic), LA-based Sarah Li realized her options for affordable, pregnancy-safe skincare were limited. On behalf of all expectant mamas, she set out to create a line of K-Beauty products that filled that void and offered some much-needed self care. After all, when do you need more pampering than pregnancy? Unfortunately, her motherhood journey was put on hold when she endured a miscarriage late in her first trimester. She took some time to pause and process and ultimately decided the brand would move forward with an even richer purpose. Each product is made following strict standards in cosmetic product formulation and formulated with seriously nourishing and healing ingredients like gotu kola, shea butter, camellia japonica seed oil and ceramides. And because truly caring for mamas is at the heart of everything Element Mom, each purchase provides the same product to another mom in need.

Check out: Belly Fabulous Oil which delivers a super boost of hydration and me-time to your growing bump.

Tribe Tokes tagline is “built by girls, powered by plants.” More of that, please. Owned by Degelis + KymB, two women with a passion for clean vaping and clean beauty, Tribe Tokes offers not only trust-worthy CBD products but plenty of education and transparency as well. Their motto? “Never sell a product you wouldn’t give your own mother or sister.” 🙌

Check out: CBD vape pen starter kit. Smooth, soothing and customizable, this set has everything you need for a well-deserved dose of relaxation. And you can trust Tribe Toke’s CBD has only two natural ingredients—full spectrum CBD distillate which is grown and processed in the USA and plant-based terpenes—which are independent third-party lab-tested for potency, heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticides, mycotoxins and microbial.

For the puzzle-obsessed (or even the puzzle-curious) Jiggy Puzzles are hard to beat. Founded by Kaylin Marcotte after she used puzzling as a way to unwind from start-up life, Jiggy’s beautifully illustrated puzzles feature art by emerging female artists that’s totally wall-worthy. Each high-quality design comes packaged in a reusable glass jar and includes a tube of puzzle glue, a straight-edge tool to spread the glue and a print of the art to follow.

Check out: Universe, Zulfa Ishak. Illustrated by Ishak (aka The Cosmic Feminist) who is a Yemen-born, Maryland-based illustrator inspired by empowerment, spirituality, and vulnerability. Cosmic Feminism refers to her deep fascination with the galaxies and support for women’s rights on a cosmic proportion.

From first periods through menopause, Lola is a brand that’s made by women, for women. Their high-quality, natural feminine care products like organic cotton tampons, sustainable menstrual cups, and even water-based lube support and pamper cycle after cycle. Additionally, they keep advocacy and access at the heart of their mission donating over 5 million period products through the non-profit I Support the Girls to supply LOLA to women in need.

Check out: Their comforting heating patch that seriously soothes those monthly cramp-fests. Just adhere them directly to your high-waisted undies or leggings and carry on about your business (even if that “business” is Netflix and two fistfuls of chocolate chips straight from the bag.)

Founded by a grandmother with over 40 years of experience as a health and beauty formulation researcher, chemist and regulatory specialist for leading worldwide brands, Earth Baby uses certified organic fruit and vegetable-based ingredients to create some of the purest baby skincare products on the market. Each of their products is made in the US and 1% of all sales are donated to incredible organizations that foster opportunities for the next generation.

Check out: The bath essential kit which brings together their greatest hits in a highly giftable cotton bag.

You can’t open Instagram without stumbling upon Ilia, the clean makeup-cum-skincare line that’s designed for Gen Zer’s, Millennials and Boomers alike. Unlike brands of the past, Ilia embraces people of all ages, genders, and cultures in their casual social-first marketing which showcases just how user-friendly and beautiful their products truly are. Forget cakey coverage—Ilia is all about making you a fresher version of your gorgeous self.

Check out: Their OG, superstar, best-selling Super serum skin tint which comes in 30 shades to achieve the perfect “your skin but better” dewy finish. It’s also packed with SPF, to make your multitasking dreams come true.

Mother-daughter-owned and operated Green Sprouts has been in the game since many of us were babies. For the past 35 years, they’ve made it their mission to provide parents with healthy and practical products for the well-being and whole development of babies—like dishware sustainably made from plants, ergonomic utensils, silicone teethers and UPF swimwear. What’s more, over 60% of Green Sprout’s top management positions are filled by women.

Check out: The breathable swim and sun flap hat which is easily a summer wardrobe staple. Designed to keep little ones sun-safe whether they’re wet or dry, they offer the highest UPF available while keeping sun out of their eyes. The chin tie isn’t Houdini-proof but certainly buys you some time if you’ve got a hat-reluctant little.