Celebrate International Women's Day 2021 with these 14 female-owned Canadian brands to support
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The month of March officially marks Women's History Month, and while it's important to show support every day, we're taking time to celebrate and support some of our favourite women-founded Canadian brands.
There so are many amazing women who are changing the industry with their entrepreneurial skills and creative talent, and if you're looking for an easy way to keep track, Shopify even has a new women-owned business directory, featured on its consumer app, Shop.
The new feature was created to support a mix of 30 women-owned brands that have their own unique missions and founding stories, and includes women-owned businesses that give back. It also highlights Canadian merchants, where you'll find women-owned business for every type of shopper.
Ahead of International Women’s Day on Mar. 8, we wanted to show some love to some of our favourite brands that are owned by female entrepreneurs. Check out some of the inspiring women-owned businesses that are leading the pack!
Knix
Joanna Griffiths launched Knix and successfully transformed the underwear market from frilly to functional. With the creation of her signature leakproof underwear, she continues to revolutionize the industry. Whether it’s lightweight anti-chafing shorts, wireless bras that are both sexy and supportive, or period underwear, she's totally changing the game.
Poppy & Peonies
Natalie Dusome is the founder of Poppy & Peonies, which specializes in trendy, affordable and versatile bags that can be worn multiple ways to suit the many events in your life. She runs her company from a small town in Ontario, where she grew up. Natalie believes in empowering women and supporting Canadian business, making her products accessible and convenient to all.
Makeup for Melanin Girls
Tomi Gbeleyi-Curtis was a runway model whose runway experience with a lack of diverse makeup shades led her to create Makeup for Melanin Girls, a brand that celebrates makeup for diverse beauty. Darker skin tones are a priority with her brand, offering full coverage products for the eyes, lips, and face.
BonLook
This Canadian eyewear brand was created by Sophie Boulanger in 2011. The company has already earned a solid rep thanks to their on-trend and affordable eyewear, and their celebrity collaborations, including Quebec TV personality Maripier Morin, and two-time Olympic ice dancing champion Tessa Virtue.
Mejuri
Toronto-based jewelry company Mejuri was co-founded by Noura Sakkijha in 2012. The fine jewelry brand, now seen on celebs like Selena Gomez and Gig Hadid, boasts minimalist style with a focus on fair and accessible prices. The brand creates high-quality pieces, encouraging women to incorporate luxury jewelry into everyday life, rather than gifting it for special occasions.
Nudestix
Nudestix founders Jenny, Ally, and Taylor Frankel, are the mom-and-daughters trio behind the brand’s line of multi-use products. The have revolutionized the cosmetic industry with their foolproof multi-stick makeup that creates easy-to-use makeup looks.
Rose City Goods
Founded by Christie Pinese, Rose City Goods is a lifestyle brand focused on providing a specially curated selection of ethically sourced goods for everyday living. They support Canadian artists and female entrepreneurs, as well as independent designers and artisans.
Jenny Bird
Jenny Bird is Canada’s leading fashion jewelry designer, with the line's bold contemporary pieces that have become a celebrity favourite. From Mandy Moore to Kylie Jenner and Mindy Kaling, her pieces have been sought after by many in Hollywood and around the world.
Sahajan
Lisa Mattan is the founder and creator of natural skincare brand, Sahajan. They are formulated with ancient South Asian Ayurvedic plant-based ingredients. Her products, which include a bevvy of skincare, lip and haircare products, balance healthy, mindful living with the rich heritage of the Ayurvedic traditions in which she was raised.
Brunette the Label
Founded by Miriam Alden in early 2014, Brunette the Label aims to "uplift all babes, all day, every day." Their iconic 'Brunette' and 'Blonde' slogan tees and hoodies have become a household name following successful collaborations with a variety of brands including Juicy Couture, Garnier, Coveteur, and Goop.
Ellie Mae Studios
Toronto-based Ellie Mae Studios already has a stellar celeb fan following, with the likes of Sophie Trudeau, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Miley Cyrus and Kate Beckinsale spotted in their designs. Founded by Ellie Mae Waters, the direct-to-consumer fashion brand focuses on casual luxury for the free-spirited woman, which are made using high quality fabrics, and local production.
Biko
In 2005, jewellery designer Corrine Anestopoulos created Biko in her hometown of Toronto. Since its launch, the brand has collaborated with retailers such as Nordstrom and Hudson's Bay Company, as well as celebrities such as M.I.A. and Bianca Andreescu. The brand takes its inspiration from nature, contemporary art, architecture and travel, and is known for its craftsmanship, luxe materials and playful aesthetic.
Mary Young
Mary Young created her namesake brand in 2014 as she wanted to fill the gap in the intimates market and empower women with a range of different body types. Every garment is designed with comfort in mind, with the use of rayon from organic bamboo material and mesh to suit the body's natural shape.
Pivot Skincare
Founded on the values of family, health and sustainability, Pivot Skincare was created by Cindy Berg and her three daughters: Emily, Sophie and Emma. Their luxe oils are hand-produced in small batches with ingredients that are ethically sourced from local vendors. They're also designed to keep skin hydrated and glowing — especially during the dry Canadian winters.
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