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 from high school in 1971, when we studied Home Economics in school, and most of my peers yearned to be housewives or secretaries.
To celebrate the accomplishments of women for Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight women who have created successful brands.
Martha Stewart – the original influencer
Martha Stewart, now in her 80s, is a force of nature and an entrepreneur extraordinaire. She started her business in 1973 as a caterer and, in 1997, became the CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, a multi-billion-dollar company. Martha Stewart Living magazine and many offshoot magazines were designed to teach and inspire people to be creative at home through decorating, food, gardening, and more.
Despite a questionable felony insider trading conviction that landed her in prison for five months, she continues to reinvent herself. You can find her branded products on Amazon.
You may enjoy a documentary made about her life on Netflix.
Kathy Ireland
Many female stars and celebrities have created makeup, fashion, and furniture brands. Kathy Ireland, 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, is a philanthropist, and an author. Her company is the highest-ranking woman-owned licensing business in American history.
Kathy Ireland products can be found on Amazon.
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 is also a public speaker and appears on Sharktank to help budding entrepreneurs.
Ruggable and Jeneva Bell
Ruggable was founded by Jeneva Bell. It is unique in that it offers machine-washable rugs that are 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 available on Amazon.
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’s.
Up-and-coming women-owned brands
Although a few women have achieved enormous success and even billionaire status, many other women-owned brands are worthy of highlighting.
These companies include Eberjey (Ali Mejia and Mariela Rovito – lingerie), Glow Recipe (Sarah Lee & Christine Chang – fruit-infused makeup), Kendra Scott (jewelry) Lulu and Georgia (Sara Sugarman – interior design), Fenty Beauty (Rihanna – Beauty), and OliviaUmma -K-Beauty products inspired by Tanghulu Korean dessert.
One of the woman-owned brands I tried is Minori Beauty, founded by Anastasia B. It is a clean, vegan cosmetic line designed for women who prefer a natural look with minimal products. The products I tried were hydrating and gorgeous!
They included Minori’s Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen with SPF 30. It is the perfect combination of daily sun protection and skincare prep. The product leaves the skin hydrated, primed, and slightly mattified. Its formula is 100% mineral, zinc oxide-based, and enriched with Vitamin E, Chamomile, Aloe Vera, and Pomegranate Extract. I also love that it is slightly tinted with a universal banana tone.
I also tried the Blush & Glow mini bar with cream blushes, a highlighter, and a lovely lip gloss.
Watch my video trying on Minori products.
Karissa Bodnar is the founder of Thrive Causemetics®, which is widely recognized as one of the most impactful women at the intersection of beauty, DIC innovation, and philanthropy. She has built Thrive Causemetics® into the largest beauty brand that gives back.
I have met Karissa several times at Los Angeles influencer events. She and her brand are truly remarkable in the way they work with the community.
The photo below was an influencer event I attended at the brand’s headquarters in Los Angeles, where we tried its “Bigger Than Beauty” line of skincare.
Other Los Angeles-based female entrepreneurs in the beauty and fashion space include:
- Alena Abedi, founder of Souls, is revolutionizing the pilates industry with stylish, high-performance grip socks that combine function and fashion.
- Arielle Moody, founder of Mama Sol, is paving the way towards healthier skin with her luxury 100% mineral sunscreen, free of toxic ingredients.
- Maya Brenner started her namesake brand back in 1998, which started as a side hustle and has grown into a celeb-loved jewelry destination.
- Melissa Song, Founder of Melie Bianco, is best known for her sustainable handbags, proving that conscious fashion can still be chic.
- Maggie Drake founded Bandolier, making the chicest phone accessories I’ve ever laid eyes on, for the accessory that never leaves our side.
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 skincare 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.
Owl’s Brew is the female-founded, award-winning ready-to-drink cocktail brand, known for its clean, small-batch recipes and real ingredients. Owl’s Brew blends premium spirits with real tea, herbs and botanicals—no artificial flavors, no shortcuts—creating a wellness-ish approach to drinking that feels elevated yet approachable. The portfolio includes fan favorites like Sun Tea & Vodka and Rum Mojito.
You can purchase Owl’s Brew at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Erewhon, Target, Sprouts, Total Wine, and many more retailers.
What is your favorite woman-owned brand? Please leave a comment below.
When possible, I do try to support women. But I can’t see myself buying Goop’s goop.
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, Carol. I understand.
Great idea. Women should rule the world. I’m for any way to help make that happen.
I agree, Laurie. We should more than ever.