March is the month to support women. When we buy an item from a women-owned business, we make an investment in women's economic empowerment, gender parity in commerce, and innovation overall.
In the past 20 years, although the number of women-owned businesses has grown across the board, female entrepreneurs face challenges getting fair access to capital. So, we put together a list of products that women would love for their family and themselves while keeping the planet in mind with sustainable, eco-conscious products.
Buying from women-owned businesses is both socially conscious and economically sound. And who doesn't love that? So, what made the list? Instead of just makeup and seasonal clothes, we included items that range from vitamins to stay healthy to clean beauty products made from natural ingredients.
Maelove
Maelove is a skin care brand known first for its affordable vitamin C line that is said among beauty circles to rival the more expensive brands of the same type of product. It was founded by Jackie Kim, a former lawyer who wanted to simplify women's skin care regimens at an affordable price, according to an interview with the website 30 Seconds. Maelove now carries serums and creams for all different kinds of skin care needs.
Honey Nectar Body Jelly
$13
from
Honey Baby Naturals
Speaking of skin care, Honey Baby Naturals carries a line of naturally made products that soothe both baby an grown-up hair and skin, including the Honey Nectar Body Jelly, which is made to help bring relief to very dry skin. According to the website, the brand officially launched in 2016 by "former chemical engineer, Aisha Ceballos-Crump" who "created the products to meet the various needs for her three kids' unique hair textures."
Yo Soy Afro Latina
$20
from
Yo Soy Afro Latina
While phones don't vary in design too much anymore — as is apparent in the Apple vs. Android debate — what can vary is the way users dress up their phone with accessories like cases. The brand Yo Soy Latina offers cases and other accessories that make that statement loud and proud as it's a brand started by a Black Latina. The brand's goal is "to empower Black women within the Latin community."
Dr. Brite
Oral care is part of wellness, but the choice of which toothpaste to buy often comes down to the big, established brands that have been around for decades. But two sisters in the dental industry saw that they could create a toothpaste line that was healthier with great results, as well as "free of toxic chemicals, inflammatory agents, and hormone disruptors," and that's exactly what they did. The Dr. Brite brand also carries body care, pet care, and cleaning products, like body wash and multi-purpose cleaner.
Stella & Haas
$35
from
Stella & Haas
Stella and Haas is a Black- and woman-owned jewelry brand with some of the chicest pieces online — or anywhere. The range includes rings, pendant necklaces, layered necklaces (like the one shown here) and hoop earrings of different sizes. Brand founder Jenni started the line in 2019, "with a focus on jewelry and accessories, because jewelry is something that fits everyone, no matter the stage of life."
Annie the Alchemist
A wellness brand founded by Reiki Certified Therapist Annie Vazquez and creator of the award-winning blog, The Fashion Poet. Annie found her audience craving daily positive encouragement and advice on a happier lifestyle. The company, Annie the Alchemist lies in living a more happier, spiritual and body positive life.
"Trust Your Intuition" Tee ($45, Annie the Alchemist)
Alma Aromatherapy
Alma is an all-natural bath and body line based in Miami. Founder Vicky Serra says the company was born out of her own necessity to find beauty products that were simple and natural, yet effective. The products range from natural room sprays to lip balms and natural oils for the body.
Cedarwood + Sweet Orange Oil ($32, Alma Aromatherapy)
Alamar Cosmetics
Veteran makeup artist and social media specialist Gabriela Trujillo founded Alamar Cosmetics in 2017. The company is named after her birthplace, a neighborhood in Havana, Cuba. Gabriela is a firm believer in cruelty-free and vegan makeup, which is why all her products are created with this philosophy.
Brighten & Bronze Complexion Trio: Medium/Tan ($25, Alamar Cosmetics)
Glossier
Glossier, Inc. was founded in 2014 on “the belief that beauty isn’t built in a boardroom.” CEO Emily Weiss centered Glossier on the value of the customer’s product experience. It’s a skin care and makeup brand that is cruelty-free and never tested on animals. Some of the products are vegan.
Cloud Paint Gel-Cream Blush ($18, Glossier)
Rizos Curls
As a young girl, CEO Julissa Prado would save her money to buy every curl product she could find, but nothing worked. While battling with her hair over the years, she would later create an all-natural hair care product line called Rizos Curls for curly-haired ladies like herself. This LA-based family-run business has since launched in Target and is also available at Ulta.
The Complete Rizos Curls 4-Step Bundle ($76, Rizos Curls)
Turbie Twist
Sisters Angela and Christina started their company while in college. The company changed their lives and also the way women dry their hair. In 2006, they invented the revolutionary Turbie Twist and never looked back. Turbie Twists are now sold in major stores like Walmart, Target, Ulta Beauty, CVS, and Walgreens.
Turbie Twist Cotton Hair Towel ($10, Turbie Twist)
The Honey Pot Company
The first complete, plant-based feminine care system that cleanses, protects, and balances the vagina, which is 100% made by “people with vaginas for vaginas” is called, The Honey Pot Company. The products are sold online and at Target.
Post-Partum Herbal Pads ($9, The Honey Pot Co.)
Goddess Garden Organics
Fifteen years ago, Nova Covington discovered her baby daughter was allergic to the chemicals in conventional skin care products. Armed with her background as an herbalist and the support of her biochemist husband, she decided to create Goddess Garden. Products are made using plant-based ingredients and pure minerals.
Sport Natural Sunscreen Continuous Spray ($18, Goddess Garden Organics)
SmartyPits
It all started with a lump under the arm. When founder Stacia Guzzo’s mother discovered she had breast cancer, it was through noticing a lump directly underneath her armpit. Now available in over 900 locations nationwide, SmartyPits is proudly aluminum free, paraben free, phthalate free, and propylene glycol free. The company also donates a portion of sales to breast cancer research and survivor support events and nonprofit groups.
Coconut Mango Super-Strength Formula ($12, SmartyPits)
Herbal Papaya Co.
Dr. Unoma Okorafor, a native of Nigeria, launched a personal journey to find papaya products to support her health during pregnancy. She had been raised on fresh organic papayas and was shocked to discover the radical difference between the non-GMO papaya she was raised on, and the GMO papaya in stores in the US. The team at Herbal Goodness continues to dedicate its time to sourcing and producing the highest quality super fruits.
Papaya Leaf Extract Juice Liquid — 1 oz. ($42, Herbal Goodness)
ClassPass
Fitness doesn’t always have to be a drag. ClassPass, a mobile fitness app, was born in 2013 after Founder Payal Kadakia struggled to find a dance class to take after work in NYC. Fitness classes range from yoga to cycling to CrossFit — you name it. The app makes finding and booking classes effortless and is now changing how people live their lives.
Membership plans (from $9, ClassPass)
Dazzle Dry
Dazzle Dry is the only vegan nail care system to dry in just five minutes and last up to three weeks. After learning about the skin dangers of artificial nail enhancements, with 35 years experience as a bio-organic chemist, Dr. Vivian Valenty became determined to find a more natural alternative that is now her signature formula.
Livin' La Vida Yoga Nail Lacquer ($20, Dazzle Dry)
Passion Planner
When the founder of Passion Planner, Angelia Trinidad, faced “post-college anxiety” after graduating from college in 2012, she decided to conquer her fear. She designed the Passion Planner, a personal organizer, to help people simplify life and focus on their personal and professional goals.
2022 Planners ($30, Passion Planner)
Natural Earth Paint
Natural Earth Paint was founded in 2011 by Leah Fanning, a professional artist, mom, and environmentalist. She started her natural and nontoxic art supplies and crafts company for children and adults by operating out of a 100% solar powered facility. After becoming pregnant with her first child, Leah immediately disposed of all of her synthetic products to create eco-friendly art supplies and face paints.
The Mini Natural Face Paint Kit ($13, Natural Earth Paint)
Rhoost
Rhoost co-founders Vianka Perez Belyea and Tavinder Phull promise innovative grooming, safety and travel products that are safe for babies, safe for the environment, and easy to use. Their goal is to help parents spend more time having fun with their kids and less time worrying about them.
Baby Grooming Kit ($24, Rhoost)
Lunchskins
“Making choices that are good for you, your family, your wallet, and the planet can be tough,” notes the Lunchskins website. Lunchskins founder Kirsten Quigley knows life can be a balancing act, which is why Lunchskin bags are durable, affordable, and an alternative to single-use plastic bags. For every order made, a portion of proceeds is donated to help support the fight against ocean plastic and provide smart, easy, healthy, and sustainable alternatives.
Plastic-Free Starter Kit (Bags and Straws) ($6, Lunchskins)
NuAngel
NuAngel manufactures environmentally friendly, ecological, and hypoallergenic cotton products to support breastfeeding, infant care, and beyond. Designed by a certified lactation consultant, registered dietitian, and mother, items include natural cotton washable nursing pads, biodegradable disposable nursing pads, and maternity/nursing pillow sets. The products are sold online and in select Walmart stores.
Trinity II Nursing Pillow ($28, NuAngel)
Happi Tummi
Founder of Happi Tummi Nanette Meneses was thrilled when her baby girl was born. But, being a first-time mom, she was nervous about her baby's continuous crying. Doctors told her that the baby was suffering from colic and the only solution was to simply “ride it out.” After researching and testing herbs, she created a little fabric pouch and belly wrap with seven natural organic herbs and ingredients. Now, pediatricians, lactation consultants, nurses, doulas, chiropractors, and other medical practitioners across the US recommend Happi Tummi for colic and gas.
Happi Tummi Plush Waistband and Herbal Pouch ($25, HappiTummi)
MinkeeBlue
Tired of carrying so many bags? Sherrill Mosee, inventor and designer of MinkeeBlue set out to solve a problem she calls, the "overload bag syndrome." With a MinkeeBlue, women can take the items they normally carried a purse, lunch bag, and laptop bag, and organize them into one bag.
The Ella Tote ($197, MinkeeBlue)
Dazey LA
Clothing for people who care. Dazey LA’s mission is to empower women through conversation. All of the collections revolve around a subject that modern women struggle with. Creator of the clothing line, Dani is a self-taught artist, muralist, graphic designer, fashion designer, interior designer, and photographer.
Fleece Florals Active Skin Top ($92, Dazey LA)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
