As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's a perfect opportunity to highlight and support women-owned brands that are making a significant impact in the fashion industry. Over the past two decades, women-owned businesses have grown by an impressive 114%, with half of all U.S. startups now founded by women.
Today, women-owned businesses represent 39.2% of all U.S. enterprises, employing 12.9 million people and generating an impressive $3.3 trillion in annual revenue. Here are 12 inspiring women-owned brands you can support this month, ranging from sustainable fashion and beauty to innovative perfumes and lifestyle products.
Gina Kuyers and Margot Adams, Co-founders of Luxeire
Based in: New York, NY
What is the origin story behind Luxeire?
"Luxeire started with a simple but ongoing frustration—my mom, Gina, could never find workwear that was both polished and truly comfortable. Everything was either restrictive, required dry cleaning, or didn’t hold up over time. She wanted clothing that felt as effortless as her favorite basics but looked refined enough for any professional setting. When we couldn’t find it, we decided to create it."
"Luxeire fills the gap between luxury and function, offering elevated essentials made from high-performance, sustainable fabrics. Our pieces are breathable, ultra-soft, and washable, so women can look and feel amazing without the extra hassle. We design for real life—for women who want to be stylish but don’t have time to worry about their clothes. Whether you're heading to a meeting, traveling, or simply juggling a packed schedule, Luxeire makes getting dressed effortless."
One woman who inspires you?
"The woman who inspires me most in business is Sara Blakely. Her journey with Spanx is a perfect example of what happens when persistence meets purpose—she didn’t just create a product, she solved a real problem for women. Some people get into fashion because they love clothes, but others, like Sara, do it because they see an opportunity to make things better, to create something people didn’t even realize they needed."
"That mindset resonates deeply with me. Of course, I love fashion, but more than that, I’m passionate about designing pieces that truly improve women’s lives—clothing that’s not just beautiful, but functional, effortless, and made to keep up with them."
Veronika Payne, Founder of Ora Ana
Based in: New York, NY
What is the origin story behind Ora Ana?
"I founded Ora Ana as a reflection of my own journey, shaped by my community and the experiences that have defined me. Growing up in Brooklyn, I was surrounded by resilience, creativity, and an undeniable sense of style—a culture that influenced me in ways I didn’t fully recognize at the time. My entrepreneurial spirit was consistently searching for an outlet. An unexpected shopping trip to Bloomingdale’s led to clarity in my business medium."
"I realized that jewelry was the perfect way to preserve my own story while creating pieces to become part of another woman’s story. With a background in finance and a hands-on apprenticeship in fine jewelry, I built Ora Ana to honor the experience of womanhood. Every piece I design carries intention—thoughtfully crafted and deeply personal; a reflection of the stories and style of the women who wear it."
"Every detail in my designs is intentional, from the closures and clasps to the structure of each piece. Ora Ana jewelry is made to be elegant but also inclusive and wearable for a diverse range of women. Our pieces are meant to become conversation starters, allowing the wearer to bring her own meaning and identity into the jewelry."
One woman who inspires you?
"Aurora James inspires me because she didn’t wait for permission—she created space where there wasn’t any. As the founder of Brother Vellies and the Fifteen Percent Pledge, she has redefined what it means to build a brand with both artistic integrity and social impact. She’s not just designing luxury accessories; she’s ensuring that Black businesses have a permanent seat at the table."
"Her ability to merge entrepreneurship, activism, and storytelling resonates deeply with me. Like Aurora, I built Ora Ana not just as a jewelry brand, but as a reflection of my community, my heritage, and my vision for an industry that fully embraces Black and Brown women—not as an afterthought, but as the foundation. Watching her fearlessly advocate for equity in fashion and retail inspires me, and I see, celebrate, and center her in my work."
"Her journey reminds me that success isn’t just about personal wins—it’s about lifting others as you climb. That’s exactly what I strive to do with Ora Ana every day."
Joanna Antoniak, Founder of ANTONYAK
Based in: London, UK
1. What is the origin story behind ANTONYAK?
"I created ANTONYAK out of passion for historical craftsmanship, intricate pattern cutting and structured tailoring, elements that have become lost in today’s fast-fashion-driven world."
"I graduated from London College of Fashion, where I was always drawn to geometry, modern art references, and sculptural silhouettes. My approach to design is rooted in precision and artistry, blending the technical sharpness with an expressive, wearable form of creativity. I noticed a gap in the luxury workwear market: many brands cater to corporate minimalism or avant-garde fashion, but few serve creative professional women, women who want to look powerful without feeling overly rigid or traditional."
"ANTONYAK fills this space by offering architectural tailoring and sculptural silhouettes that blend artistry with structure, designed for women in creative industries. Our designs allow women to dress with confidence, individuality, and timeless elegance, without sacrificing professionalism."
2. Who is one woman who inspires you?
"The woman who inspires me most is my mum. She is the pillar of our family, grounding our business ideas in reality while still encouraging ambition. Completely self-made, she learned everything from scratch while growing up under communism in Poland."
"No matter the challenge, she always told me, 'If they can do it, you can do it too.' That mindset has shaped how I approach both business and life, teaching me that with determination and a willingness to learn, anything is possible."
Clare Bush, Founder & Creative Director of Hendricks the Brand
Based in: Whistler, BC, Canada
1. What is the origin story behind Hendricks the Brand?
Hendriks the Brand was born during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The founder, Clare, initially focused on artist collaborations for T-shirts as a means to support and showcase the talent of local creatives in the community. This initiative was met with immediate success, with the first series selling out promptly.
The inspiration behind the brand stems from a desire to foster artistic collaborations while producing ethical, high-quality pieces. As the brand evolved, Clare pursued her dream of creating her own designs while maintaining partnerships with local artists. This unique approach allows Hendriks to offer exclusive prints by freelance artists, fusing their individuality with Hendriks' elevated linen designs.
2. Who is one woman who inspires you?
I could never choose just one—both of my incredible daughters are my greatest inspirations. They push me to be the best version of myself, igniting my creativity and to create something meaningful. They are the reason I built this brand— to show them the power of collaboration over competition.
Autumn Ellison, Founder and CEO of So.Fvshionable
Based on: Los Angeles, California
1. What is the origin story behind So.Fvshionable?
"I began So.Fvshionable in 2015 as a fashion blog, providing advice on when to wear clothing and offering real-life styling tips. After building a community of 10k followers, I decided to take my passion for fashion to the next level and transform So.Fvshionable into a brand. Growing up, I’ve always had a love for clothing, even though I wasn’t a designer. My goal was to create a place where people could shop the most fashionable products by occasions."
"The inspiration behind the brand came from my own experiences of shopping for specific moments in life, like a brunch with friends or a night out. Instead of endlessly browsing through countless items that didn’t fit the occasion, I wanted to create a seamless shopping experience where people could shop for their lives, not just their wardrobes. So.Fvshionable allows customers to shop by “occasions”—experiences that shape what they wear and when they wear it."
2. Who is one woman who inspires you?
"One woman who truly inspires me is Emma Grede. She made a name for herself in the fashion business world through her own hard work and determination. What I admire most about Emma is her unique ability to assess a business and identify exactly how she can improve and elevate it. Her vision, combined with her strategic approach, has helped several brands thrive, including Good American and Skims. Emma has proven that women can truly have it all—a successful business, a loving marriage, and a growing family—while still pursuing their dreams."
Nijeria T., CEO & Head Scent Curator of Tap Candles
Based in: Los Angeles, California
1. What is the origin story behind Tap Candles?
"TAP Candle Co. was born in 2021, amid the global pandemic's isolation, in Wilmington, Delaware. As a passionate music enthusiast, I (Nijeria) dreamed of creating something that would unite people through the universal languages of music and scent. What started as a vision to craft melodic-inspired candles has blossomed into a movement that celebrates the harmony between fragrance and sound. When love called me to Los Angeles in 2022, I took a brief pause to relocate, but the rhythm of TAP never stopped playing in my heart."
"2023 brought an unexpected turn when I faced a corporate layoff. But sometimes, life's greatest challenges are divine redirections. Taking this as a sign from God, I embraced TAP Candle Co. as my full-time calling. Since then, our unique blend of music and luxury fragrance has resonated with amazing souls, from beloved influencers to cultural icons like Danielle Pinnock, Paris Hilton, Tabitha Brown, and John Salley."
2. Who is one woman who inspires you?
"Beyoncé inspires me."
"She is an icon and has been working so hard to be able to show up how she wants and be seen for the brilliant mind and woman that she is!"
Jasmine Lewis, LE Founder & CEO of Vie Beauty
Based in: Atlanta, Georgia
1. What is the origin story behind Vie Beauty?
"My skincare journey was shaped by my background in science and research, combined with my deep understanding of the connection between skin health and confidence. As a licensed esthetician since 2016, my journey was also influenced by personal experiences and the legacy of my grandmothers, which highlighted the importance of skincare in promoting both health and self-esteem. Inspired by their experiences, I was motivated to create products that cater to individuals, particularly those experiencing dryness due to medications or hormonal changes—often overlooked by mainstream skincare brands."
"Drawing from my passion for art, science, and beauty, I developed 30ROSES Hydrating Rose Water, a product designed to soothe, nourish, and restore the skin. Since its launch, Vie Beauty has gained significant recognition, featuring in Essence, Hello Beautiful, Marie Claire, and more. It has become a go-to for consumers seeking hydrating, barrier-centric skincare."
2. Who is one woman who inspires you?
My mother
Gisela Rocha, Founder of UnTamed Naturals
Based in: Fontana, CA
DeNeisha Branch, Founder & Creative Director of Alais Branche
Based in: Atlanta, Georgia
1. What is the origin story behind Alais Branche?
Alais Branche’ was born from my deep passion for fashion, culture, and timeless elegance. With over 15 years of experience in luxury retail, visual merchandising, e-commerce project management, and as an Adjunct Fashion Merchandising Professor, I witnessed firsthand how accessories elevate personal style and boost confidence. My journey in the retail industry reinforced my love for style and self-expression, ultimately leading me to create a jewelry brand that embodies these values.
Named after my grandmother Alais Branche’ is a tribute to her grace, resilience, and faith-based upbringing in Louisiana. More than just jewelry, the brand represents culture, understated luxury, and confidence. It is designed for women who appreciate high-quality, sophisticated pieces that make a statement without being overpowering.
2. Who is one woman who inspires you?
Every woman in business inspires me, because I know firsthand the strength and resilience it takes to show up every day, no matter how we’re feeling. As women, we juggle so much, yet we continue to push forward, build, create, and lead. That determination alone is inspiring.
In the fashion and retail industry, I’m especially moved by the countless women who have carved their own paths, breaking barriers and redefining success on their own terms. Whether they’re building brands, leading teams, or navigating challenges with grace, their perseverance motivates me daily.
So, while there are many incredible women to admire, I truly believe that every woman who continues to show up and chase her dreams is an inspiration.
Nicole Beal, Co-Founder & Manager of Blackwood Premium
Based in: Miami, Florida
1. What is the origin story behind Blackwood Premium?
"Blackwood Premium was born from my love of fashion accessories, a deep respect for nature, and a drive to make a real impact. Growing up on the island of Anguilla, nature was at the heart of everything. We had unspoiled beaches, crystal- clear waters, and abundant fruit trees...and no air conditioning! We fished, grew our own food, and conserved water because, with little rainfall, every drop mattered. That way of life helped me realize how interconnected we are with nature and taught me an essential truth: when we take care of the environment, it takes care of us."
"When I searched for statement pieces that matched both my aesthetic and my values, I kept running into the same challenge: finding bold, elegant designs that were also eco-friendly. And I knew I wasn’t alone. That’s when Blackwood Premium came to life. I set out to create accessories that are as intentional as they are stunning. Pieces that make you feel good because they look good and do good."
2. Who is one woman who inspires you?
One woman who truly inspires me in business is Monique Rodriguez, the founder, and CEO of Mielle Organics.
"As a Black woman entrepreneur, Monique has faced challenges—from limited access to capital to breaking into a competitive industry—yet she never let those hurdles define or deter her. Instead, she remained hands-on, mastering every aspect of her business and ensuring she stayed true to her mission of providing products made with clean, high-quality ingredients for women of color. Her resilience and ability to turn obstacles into opportunities remind me that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones for growth."
Whitney Manney, Fashion Designer of WHITNEYMANNEY
"WHITNEYMANNEY started as a self-love project, my love and appreciation for fashion started at 13 when I taught myself to sew. I created a fashion label of garments and textiles that inspire the wearer to wear their confidence on their sleeve. I set the intention of combining fine art techniques with streetwear-infused garments inspired by the aesthetics of street art and cultural phenomena that have shaped our urban landscape. My process of designing garments and textiles mimics that of a fine artist."
"I still create concepts, narratives, hand design motifs, etc. but instead of hanging my art on the wall, you can wear, wash, and repeat. With each stitch, embellishment, and surface technique, I am empowering others to wear their statement whether that's unapologetic, fearless, revolutionary, proud, or iconic. WHITNEYMANNEY is museum worthy wearable culture for the people."
Ashley Medieros, CEO of Karen Thomas
Based in: New York City, NY
1. What is the origin story behind Karen Thomas?
"Karen Thomas was born from a desire to redefine luxury through timeless, sustainable fashion. I saw a gap in the market for high-quality, investment-worthy essentials that merge craftsmanship with conscious production. Our collections—spanning cashmere, silk, and cotton—focus on statement basics: elevated wardrobe staples with distinctive details that make them stand out."
"Unlike mass-produced luxury, our ethically sourced, machine-washable pieces are designed for longevity, offering modern women effortlessly wearable fashion that blends sophistication with everyday ease."
2. One woman who inspires you?
"Diane von Fürstenberg inspires me with her ability to create timeless yet bold designs that empower women. Her approach to effortless confidence and statement-making fashion aligns with our vision for Karen Thomas. Beyond fashion, her leadership and dedication to supporting women in business motivate me."
