Celebrating centuries of girl power is on full blast as we honor Women’s History Month this March. As we remember the badass women that paved the way for women’s rights and female entrepreneurs, we can’t help but think of iconic history heroes like Madam CJ Walker, the first, Black, female, self-made millionaire, and activist, who used her position to advocate for the advancement of Black Americans and for an end to lynching. All while rising from poverty and becoming one of the wealthiest African American women of her time. It’s more than fair to say she was one of the first to set the stage for Black businesses and empowered women everywhere by showing them where a good dose of feminine drive and badassery could get you. Hallelujah for her.
Today, there are about 1.2 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., and it’s inspiring to see how far girl power has come. To celebrate the achievements of the iconic women before us — including the unsung heroes — and those still blazing trails for future female leaders, this month we’re stocking up on our favorite products from women-owned businesses.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in a sweet treat or you want to channel the spirit of sisterhood with your makeup artistry, there’s something here for every lady looking to keep the power of the woman rising.
Because, Beyoncé said it best, who run the world? Girls.
Tasty Treats
Those who are gluten and dairy-free know just how incredibly difficult it can be to find alternative baked goods that deliver that perfect blend of sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. After battling cancer, founder and CEO Loren Brill aimed to eliminate processed foods from her diet and wanted baked goods that delivered “the goods.” These gluten and dairy-free chocolate chip cookies are non-GMO and made with plant-based ingredients to ensure your favorite classic cookie is clean as can be.
Company parties, co-worker/client gifts, birthday sweets — you name it, and Sugarfina Champagne Bear Candies have probably crossed your path a time or two. Despite the name, these cocktail-inspired gummy bears are non-alcoholic and add a little luxury to an otherwise childhood candy staple, making them perfect for gifting at literally any occasion. Besides being a multi-million dollar candy empire, owned and operated by boss babe Rosie O’Neill, Sugarfina also supports Kiva in its mission to empower female entrepreneurs and drive social change, making the purchase of these girl power gummies all the sweeter.
If you go googly-eyed at the site of Rice Krispie treats, then you’re going to want to slide on up to the dessert table for this one. Sweet Street Marshmellow Bars are all-natural and GMO-free and include homemade marshmallow cream, mini-marshmallows, gluten-free crispy rice puffs, and a touch of browned butter for a subtle caramel note. The woman-owned company uses cage-free eggs and hormone-free dairy, ensuring animal welfare is still top of mind. Oh, Snap, Crackle, Pop — our favorite sweet treat is all grown up, and she caters to the conscious consumer.
Best in Beauty
Saving time is a priority in this day and age, and honestly, who can be bothered to inundate their bathroom with a million and one different makeup products? So for the on-the-go makeup lover who wants to add color where it counts – Ilia’s Multi-Stick for Lips and Cheeks is a must. The rich colors are stunning on every skin tone, and besides coming from a woman-owned business, this product is also cruelty-free.
For “brows on fleek,” you can’t go wrong with Anastasia Beverly Hills’ fan-favorite, the Brow Wiz pencil. With close to 18K reviews raving about the pencil’s precision and ability to mimic the appearance of real hair, combined with its long lifespan (it’ll get you through a full workday and evening cocktails with the girls), it’s no wonder this women-owned product is raising eyebrows (in a good way).
As a once-beauty editor, I can say with confidence that the Beauty Blender was one of those life-changing products we didn’t know we needed until it blessed us with its debut in the beauty market in 2007. Since then, the face makeup staple has found its way into the kits of makeup moguls and professionals everywhere thanks to its uncanny ability to even a complexion with ease (while not absorbing all of your product). Love for this blending sponge should come as no surprise since Anastasia Beverly Hills founder and CEO, Rea Ann Silva, was a makeup artist herself.
Want to support more women owned businesses, and learn how your dollar is making a difference? Peek at more empowering content here.
