In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to spotlight some amazing women-owned brands to support and get inspired by! Although its important to support women 365 days of the year, there’s no better time than now to put some of these brands on your radar, in case they weren’t already. We all know the obstacles women face on a daily basis, and building a brand as a woman comes with an extra set of challenges – but these gals did the damn thing, and did it well, regardless.
Check out these women-owned brands
Morgane Sézalory – Sézane
The sustainability-focused French fashion brand Sézane was launched in 2023 by its founder, Morgane Sézalory! The brand came from Morgane’s idea to sell vintage clothing items from Paris via her website, Les Composantes. As demand for the unique items grew, she started designing new pieces with a vintage edge, evolving into the brand we know and love today, Sézane!
Laurence Gaudreau-Pépin – SOJA&CO.
Laurence Gaudreau-Pépin created SOJA&CO. in 2018 with a goal to become the go-to destination for candles and wellness products in Canada. With the help of her friend Geneviève, SOJA&CO. has seen great success over the years! The environment and local economy are at the core of the brand’s values, so Laurence partners with professional perfumers to create complex plant-based fragrances free of toxic ingredients.
Elaine Kim Smith & Leslie Hoolaeff – Lover’s Tempo
Lover’s Tempo was founded by Elaine Kim Smith and Leslie Hoolaeff and began as a booth at a Maker’s Market at a local university in Vancouver. Needless to say, Lover’s Tempo has grown exponentially since then! The B Corp-certified brand provides beautifully designed jewellery (by Elaine herself) at accessible price points for everyone to enjoy.
Mikayla Wujec & Naomi Blackman – Alder Apparel
Mikayla Wujec & Naomi Blackman founded Alder Apparel, providing size-inclusive, community-informed design, sustainable and ethical production, and an overall playful brand – contrasting athletic brands that currently dominate the outdoor space today. Specializing in women’s outdoor apparel, Alder enforces a policy with retail partners that they must carry Alder’s entire size range (XS-6X), ensuring their inclusive size range is available across North America. In addition to sizing, Alder works closely with models and creators of all walks of life, prioritizing partnerships with those who are aligned with their mission to redefine who and what is “outdoorsy” no matter their size, physical abilities, or outdoor experience.
Allegra Shaw & Shirin Soltani – Uncle Studios
Co-founded by Allegra Shaw and Shirin Soltani in 2017, Uncle Studios was established with the goal of creating the perfect t-shirt. Since then, the women-owned brand has grown to create all kinds of garments designed to make you feel good. All of its pieces are created to work fluidly with its past, current, and future collections, promoting a “less is more” ethos.
Ariel Kaye – Parachute
Ariel Kaye founded Parachute about 10 years ago, in 2014. Since then, the brand has evolved to have 15 locations in the US and launched in Canada in 2021! What started out as a premium bedding brand, now includes essentials for all rooms in the home. Parachute is also taking steps to address the climate crisis by becoming Climate Neutral Certified and introducing circular programs. We love to see it!
Alicia Keys & Dr. Renée Snyder – Keys Soulcare
We’re sure everyone has heard of Alicia Keys, but have you heard about her skincare line? Keys Soulcare was founded by Alicia Keys and dermatologist Dr. Renée Snyder to transform the time we spend caring for our skin into a moment of personal ceremony. The product offerings are paired with one of Alicia’s favourite affirmations. Whether you’re lighting a candle, cleansing your face with intention, or journalling, these are sacred rituals to Alicia Keys and the brand.
Ellie Mae
Ellie Mae was founded by none other than, Ellie Mae herself. The brand Ellie Mae is based right here in Toronto, and every piece is made within its Toronto studio with excellent craftsmanship! The small-batch collections are intentionally designed to celebrate individualism and authenticity – “We strive to create effortless clothes that inspire women to express who they truly are – on any given day”.
Lesley Hampton
Founded in 2016 by Lesley Hampton herself, the self-titled indigenous-owned, size-inclusive clothing and accessory brand based in Toronto is known for its high-quality fashion from athleticwear to eveningwear, and everything in between. Lesley Hampton is an Anishinaabe Artist and Fashion Designer focused on mental health awareness, body positivity, and authentic representation in fashion, film, and media.
Jen Rubio – Away
Jen Rubio is the co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the popular, global lifestyle and travel brand, Away. Under her leadership, Away has been named on Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies,” TIME’s “50 Most Genius Companies,” LinkedIn’s “Top Startups,” and Forbes’ 2018 “Next Billion Dollar Start-Up”. With an impressive resume like that, we wonder what Jen Rubio and Away have in store for the future!
Azar Moayeri – Parissa
Azar Moayeri, the founder of Parissa, was the first female Chemical Engineer to graduate from the University of Edinburgh! After completing her degree, she returned to Iran where she led an all-male team. Later, Azar moved to Vancouver in 1981. Motivated by providing a stable life for her family, Azar was inspired to start a new home-based venture of natural alternatives for hair removal! And so Parissa was born. Parissa became Canada’s first all-natural hair removal product that was sold in local shops, providing people with at-home hair removal, quickly growing across Canada. Now, the brand is celebrating 40 years in business!
Brandi Leifso – Evio Beauty
Brandi Leidso founded Evio Beauty Group while living in a domestic violence shelter at the age of 21 with only $15! The clean beauty brand was founded on a mission to break stigmas with inclusive, good-for-you beauty products. The brand has grown, carving a new sector of clinically proven, impact-led, clean beauty. Evio has even donated more than $510,000 worth of products and funding to 27+ shelters across North America that support survivors of domestic violence.
Salima Visram – SAMARA Bags
Salima Visram founded SAMARA, named after her younger sister, who has since also joined the company, in 2017 with just $500! She started the brand because she couldn’t find a bag that was cruelty-free, simple, and elegant. The sister duo runs the company in memory of their mother and has a goal to create an impact in the world.
Joanna Griffiths – Knix
Joanna Griffiths launched Knix with the goal of transforming an underwear market that had too much frill and not enough function – leading her to create the brand’s famous Leakproof Underwear. Using patented technology, cutting-edge processes, and human-centric design, Knix truly stands out within the undergarment market. Knix has grown into a brand that offers everything from underwear and wireless bras to active and maternity apparel.
Lexi Miles Corrin – WAXON Laser + Waxbar
Lixi Miles founded WAXON Laser + Waxbar back in 2012 with a mission to offer high-end, waxing services at competitive pricing – and she has accomplished that and more! Now WAXON has over 15 locations with more coming! All new stores will be in partnership with an inspiring female entrepreneur through WAXON’s franchise business.
Sonya Gill – THE LNK
THE LNK is a global online marketplace where people come together to make, sell, and buy inspiring fashion items. Founded by the inspiring woman, Sonya Gill. Sonya has been an industry leader and mentor, helping some of the world’s most reputable brands, and her passion eventually led her to build THE LNK. The company curates brands and boutiques to provide its customers with only the best. Prioritizing quality and sustainability.
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