International Women’s Day is here and while I think any day is cause enough to celebrate women, now there’s even more reason to. Not only have us ladies continued to establish ourselves as equal players in global business, but in the past year we’ve also topped Forbes’ list of youngest self-made billionaires thanks to Kylie Jenner and her lipkits. In the year 2019, I’m happy to say that female provided inspiration isn’t hard to find and especially in Canada there are so many female owned brands to support.
Take a look at 7 female-owned Canadian brands and startups below and put your hands together for these talented gals. Because I am woman, hear me roar!
Nadège Patisserie
With multiple locations in Toronto, Nadège Patisserie is one of the busiest bakeries/coffee shops the city has to offer. Led by pastry chef Nadège Nourian, the French baking, croissants and macarons are mouth-watering so it’s no wonder that business is booming. Better yet, to celebrate International Women’s Day, Nadège will be giving out free limited-edition macarons to every woman who enters any of their establishments. Yes, please!
Mejuri
If the name Mejuri sounds familiar, it’s because the Toronto-based jewelry company has been blowing up Instagram feeds everywhere. Coined affordable luxury, not only has Mejuri disrupted the market, but some items have even been spotted on celebs like Kendall Jenner. Naturally, when I discovered that the company’s co-founder and CEO was a woman, Noura Sakkijha, I was over the moon.
Spring Meadow Co.
After becoming a stay-at-home mom, Spring Meadow Co. shop owner Amy, was desperate for a creative outlet thus starting her successful Etsy business building inspirational home decor signs. In the beginning the company Spring Meadow Co. was more a passion project than anything else but fast forward a few years and Amy’s husband quit his job to help run the business full time. With over 9,000 sales on Etsy, Amy is proving that mothers can do it too!
Pine + Navy
Another successful female-owned Etsy shop you should check out is Pine + Navy. Founded by Michelle Cudmore, we’re excited to watch the jewelry line and lifestyle business grow. The handmade items use textiles, rope, silk, gems, and beach glass to create unique pieces with a bohemian edge. Who else can’t get enough of these fun tassel earrings?
Sentaler
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Toronto-based luxury outerwear company, Sentaler, is another female-owned business that has seen major success! Created by designer Bojana Sentaler, the brand has famously been worn by Meghan Markle aka The Duchess of Sussex. Known for her love of Canadian brands, Markle has been seen in Sentaler coats on more than one occasion, boosting the brand into major stardom.
Mary Young
Has anyone else ever wondered why so many lingerie companies are run by men— as if they know what a comfortable bra feels like? After years of wearing uncomfortable underwire, I was honest-to-God relieved when I discovered Toronto-based, and namesake lingerie and lifestyle company Mary Young. With a focus on comfort and long lasting wear, these undergarments are actually made for women, by a woman… Mic drop.
Biko
Toronto seems to be a hub for women-run jewelry companies, playing host to yet another successful brand, Biko. Founded by designer Corrine Anestopoulos, the contemporary pieces and sleek styles have garnered a large following and they now ship worldwide. What’s even better, is that everything is not only created in Canada but also made in Canada. Who doesn’t love a homegrown business?
Featured Image: Instagram/@NailsByMei
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