CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
For us, Women's History Month means sharing our experiences and listening to different perspectives. The number of women-owned businesses has been increasing at a faster rate yet despite this growth, women-owned businesses still represent a smaller proportion of all businesses. Women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, including access to funding, gender bias, limited networking opportunities, and balancing work-life responsibilities. More than ever, creating advocacy and speaking up is crucial.
Let's empower women by investing in women-led businesses. Here's where we're shopping.
KAEIU
Kaeiu designs leather bags that effortlessly traverse between diverse facets of life. These multifaceted bags are super lightweight and they're really functional. They all feature water-repellent interiors, so they're really easy to clean. Choosing leather as the core material was intentional — a nod to its timeless beauty, durability, and the graceful way it weathers the passage of time. Like life itself, leather molds into a unique expression shaped by experiences.
ADVICE FROM FOUNDER MARIA TO BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS:
My advice would be just to start, because the market will never lie to you. Sometimes people agonize over whether their product will work or not, and they just put so much energy on that. If you want to know the short answer, just bring it to life, test it, and then you'll find out fairly quickly.
LA.LU CANDLES
Founded in 2021 by Sherise, La.Lu Candles & Co. has come a long way in so little time. Today, La.Lu Candles & Co. has All Natural Soy Wax candles and other home décor goods. They're dedicated to giving you the very best soy wax candles, with a focus on non-toxic and clean burning with all natural fragrance oils.
ADVICE FROM FOUNDER SHERISE TO BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS:
The advice that I would give to new entrepreneurs is just to do it. Don't be scared. Just take the leap of faith and believe in yourself and then the rest will follow.
POTTERY LAD
Handmade in Brooklyn, Pottery Lad makes ceramics for the enjoyment of all. Pottery Lad's main body of work consists of stoneware tiles inscribed with pieces of fictional epistolary writing.
ADVICE FROM FOUNDER EMILIE TO BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS:
I've been making all of this stuff for about 10 years and it wasn't really like a brand to start with. It was a lot of learning but you have to put it out there eventually. If you really want to do it, it takes a lot of time and patience so don't get discouraged if you're not getting the results that you want straight away. Also talk to friends, talk to other makers who are trying to do the same thing, and just keep the faith.
WHAT A CUTIE
What A Cutie is a small, asian female owned business based in Brooklyn, NY. What a Cutie specializes in high-quality BioThane gears that are waterproof, stink-proof and super easy to clean! They provide dog owners with dog accessories that are not only functional but also fashionable, so you don’t have to choose in between the two.
ADVICE FROM FOUNDER JENNA TO BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS:
I really enjoy meeting all different small business owners. And the best part is that whenever we meet each other, we're able to share our experience and tips and tricks of applying to events, and more. Networking and meeting others have really helped me improve my brand.
MUMU BATH SHOP
Mumubath is an all-natural bath and body brand based in New York. It's all handmade, very lovely, great for sensitive skin.
ADVICE FROM FOUNDER SASHA TO BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS:
I think you just need to step out. Don't be afraid of change.