American Business Women's Day — Leslie Carvitto Photography

“Women reinvest up to 90 percent of their income in their families and communities, compared to 40 percent for men. ”

Women’s entrepreneurship has been on the rise in the US for the last two decades.

This is a great thing.

As of January 2017, there were an estimated 11.6 million Women Owned businesses in the U.S., employing nearly 9 million people and generating $1.7 trillion in revenues. In twenty years, the number of women owned business has grown 114% (for comparison, the national growth rate for all business is 44%).

But in the U.S. and across the world, many women lack access to the capital and knowledge needed to succeed in business. For instance, a February 2018 report by Biz2Credit found that the average funding for women-owned businesses was 45% lower than companies owned by men. Additional challenges include defying social expectations, balancing business and family life, and the struggle to be taken seriously in a male dominated industry or workplace.

Investing in women owned businesses isn’t just a smart move, but a necessary one. Studies show that women will reinvest up to 90% of income in their families and communities, compared to 40% of men. Put simply, supporting a WOB means supporting women’s economic empowerment, thriving communities, and the overall growth of economy.

My intention was to post this on American Business Women’s Day, which was September 22nd) so I’m a little late. Oops. But the American Business Women’s Association started this national day to honor the accomplishments and contributions of U.S women in the workforce.

To celebrate, I’m sharing a few of my favorite women owned businesses and highlighting their empowering mission and what makes them great! #AmericanBusinessWomensDay

Wylder Goods

WYLDER is a mission-driven outdoor lifestyle company for the modern outdoorswoman.

Owners: Jainee Dial and Lindsey Elliot

What You’ll Find: High quality gear for women that help them get outside.

They Believe: Business can be a force for social and environmental good in the world.

They Work To:
CONNECT: people to wildland
EDUCATE: for human and environmental health
CULTIVATE: outdoor adventure stewards, not just consumers
CONSERVE: and protect wildland to increase ecosystem diversity and resilience

Coyuchi

Coyuchi is a home textile company with the greater good in mind.

CEO: Eileen Mockus

Their Mission: To be the source for organic cotton and natural home furnishings while respecting the environment and enhancing the lives of customers. Everything they create is designed to comfort and rejuvenate—body, mind and spirit—to help people turn their home into a unique and personal sanctuary.

Environmental & Social Initiatives: Coyuchi works with environmental and social standards set forth by the following organizations - USDA Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Textile Exchange, Fair Trade USA, International Labour Organization (ILO).

Honua Hawaiian Skincare

Honua Hawaiian Skincare is a non-toxic skincare line infused with the spirit of Aloha.

Founder: Kapua Browning

The Backstory: After a decade of experience as a licensed esthetician, extended training in herbalism and product development, and an understanding of traditional Hawaiian healing passed down from her family, Kapua began Honua.

Their Mission: Creating products that help people’s skin while making them feel beautiful both inside and out

What Makes Them Great: Inspired by the botanical magic that flourishes on the Hawaiian Islands, Honua combines traditional Hawaiian healing methodologies, with modern skincare technologies to create stunning products that are good for you and good for the earth.

Seea Swimwear

Fusing the elegance of retro design with modern cuts, fresh colors, and contemporary prints, Seea makes beautiful swimsuits, bikinis, & rashguards.

Founder: Amanda Chinchelli.

The Backstory: Frustrated with the lack of selection for cute suits to surf in, Amanda began sewing her own designs. Compliments and inquiries started rolling in and she decided to bring her creations to the women’s surf wear market.

They Believe: in choosing sustainable and ethically sound materials whenever possible.

Nipomo

Traveling blankets proudly supporting traditional makers in both Mexico and California.

Founders: Mother and daughter team Elizabeth and Liz Clark

The Backstory: Born on the border of California and Mexico, founder Liz grew up at a cultural cross-section. She studied product design and worked for an outdoor gear brand before deciding to start her own business.

Their Mission: Create unique products while preserving a slice of history, art, and craft.

What Makes Them Great: They work directly with artisans throughout Mexico. Each blanket purchase helps local communities by providing an income for craftspeople while helping them practice and preserve their traditional craft.

Outdoor Voices

Outdoor Voices makes activewear for “Doing Things” daily — dog walks, runs, and yoga included.

Founder: Tyler Hanley

The Backstory: Outdoor Voices began in 2012, when Tyler, a former high school athlete, was attending New York City's Parsons School of Design. She was disappointed to find her aesthetic didn't line up with the slogans of brands like Nike. She found a niche in athleisure striking a balance between feminine and athletic designs.

They Believe: The future of athletics is not about being there first, but about showing up most often.

What Makes Them Great: They source textiles with sustainability top of mind, including their sustainably sourced merino wool and recycled polyester made from water bottles.

Ritual Coffee Roasters

Ritual Coffee Roasters is a coffee roaster based in San Francisco, California, with six cafes in San Francisco and Napa.

Founder: Eileen Hassi Rinaldi

The Backstory: Founded in 2005, Rinaldi was on a mission to bring specialty coffee to the Bay Area. The opening of Ritual’s first cafe marked the beginning of a third-wave coffee movement in SF.

They Believe: Coffee can changes your life. (Amen)

What makes them great: They emphasize cup-to-farm transparency and provide extensive education to their baristas and customers. They’ve created awesome brew-guides and so you can expertly brew your coffee at home!