Women’s History Month occurs every March and it’s always a good time to think about women who have made a difference in the world. Some we remember from the past and others are making big things happen today.
As older women, we know how difficult it was for women to succeed when we were growing up in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Women couldn’t even own a credit card in their name until 1974. Can you imagine that happening now? I graduated high school in 1971 when we studied Home Economics in school and most of my peers yearned to be housewives or secretaries.
Things are different now but achieving success is still an uphill battle for women
I was listening to the news the other day and some men as well as women were having a difficult time imagining a woman as President of the United States. It’s 2024 people! Not 1954!
To celebrate the accomplishments of women for Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight women who have created successful brands.
Spanx and Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely founded the shapewear company Spanx in 2000. Her company is now worth 1.1 BILLION dollars. She is the Executive Chairwoman of the company and the mother of four children. She also spends time public speaking and appears on Sharktank to help budding entrepreneurs.
Ruggable and Jeneva Bell
Ruggable was founded by Jeneva Bell and is unique in that it offers rugs that are machine-washable, stain-resistant, and stylish. Bell wanted to design rugs with premium styles that were liveable and easy to maintain. The concept took off and became popular. They are also available on Amazon.
Kathy Ireland
Many female stars and celebrities have created brands for makeup, fashion, and even furniture. Kathy Ireland, who was a supermodel in the 80s and 90s, paved the way for most of them. She is a spectacularly successful fashion and furniture designer, owns several resorts, and is a philanthropist, and author. Her company is the highest-ranking woman-owned licensing business in American history.
You can find Kathy Ireland products at stores such as Lord & Taylor, HSN, Rulala, and on Amazon.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart, who is now in her 80s, is a force of nature and entrepreneur extraordinaire. She started her own business in 1973 as a caterer and has been CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia since 1997. Her company focuses on home and hospitality. You can find her branded products on Amazon, at JCPenney, and Target.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop
I met Gwyneth Paltrow when she was a small child on the set of The White Shadow, which her father produced. I was a wardrobe mistress on that show. It’s amazing how successful she has become over the years. She founded Goop, which started as a lifestyle blog and now sells everything from beauty products to fashion, home products, and even sex toys.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is a Baby Boomer born in 1951. She started her company in 1984 with $350 and it has grown to over 1200 employees in 56 retail stores. Her clothing is especially flattering for older women. You can also find her product line at Bloomingdale.
Up-and-coming women-owned brands
Although a few women have achieved enormous success and even billionaire status, many other women-owned brands of note are worthy of highlighting.
These companies include Eberjey (Ali Mejia and Mariela Rovito – lingerie), Glow Recipe (Sarah Lee & Christine Chang – Fruit infused makeup), Gorjana (Gorjana Reidel – fine jewelry), Kendra Scott (jewelry) Lulu & Georgia (Sara Sugarman – interior design), Fenty Beauty (Rihanna – Beauty), and Tory Burch (Fashion).
Sally Mueller & Michelle Jacobs, founders of Womaness, realized they were part of the community of 50 million+ women in the U.S. entering menopause with little relief, education, and support. “Where do women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond go to find solutions and inspiration? And why is it that we know so little about our bodies when it comes to menopause?”
Their company specializes in head-to-toe clean aging solutions for women 40+!
I interviewed “Women Go Swish” founder Carla Cargle who launched her women’s active and athletic wear company. Her line is bold and colorful and her mission is to empower women everywhere to live their best lives.
Watch my video interview below.
Due to the strides of women in the last fifty years, the list of women-owned brands has grown immensely. To celebrate Women’s History Month please support brands owned and founded by women if you can.
What is your favorite woman-owned brand? Please leave a comment below.
Carol Ann Cassara says
When possible, I do try to support women. But I can’t see myself buying Goop’s goop.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, Carol. I understand.
Laurie Stone says
Great idea. Women should rule the world. I’m for any way to help make that happen.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
I agree, Laurie. We should more than ever.