The political turmoil going on all across the country has become especially apparent over the last couple of weeks. It seems that a new piece of upsetting news is released every day like clockwork. It’s easy to feel like we have no power in the overall scheme of things, but just as generations before us have proven, the best way to impact change is supporting positivity and one another.
Amidst all the madness, there has been a beacon of beauty in the form of major girl power. Women supporting women in every sense of the word is pretty magical. Maybe flying to New York or LA for the Women’s March wasn’t an option for you, or getting involved in local political groups isn’t exactly your thing. That’s fine. There are plenty of other ways for you to make a difference—even if it’s done on a smaller scale. You don’t have to have the same voice as those around you, you just have to have one.
One of my favorite ways to make a difference, even if it’s a slight one, is to support small, female-owned businesses. That could mean picking up your morning coffee at the local female-owned bakery instead of your usual trip to Starbucks or purchasing your textbooks used from the old female-owned bookstore in town instead of getting them directly from the publisher. While these swaps may seem small and inconsequential, if enough people partake in them, their impact can eventually put a dent in the establishment.
To make this transition a wee-bit simpler for all of you, I’ve rounded up a list of seven of my favorite female-owned online and brick and mortar businesses for you to spend your hard-earned money at. After all, us girls have to stick together.
Lisa Says Gah – This online shop based in San Francisco was created by Lisa Bühler in order to create a fashion community for like-minded and dedicated women. A majority of the labels sold on the site were created by females and made with sustainability in mind. Not only does the site provide a place to support smart and inspiring women, it also shares their stories. Check out their interview page here to read up on the career paths of different successful women in fashion. (Photo via @lisabuhler).
Pansy – This organic, sturdy collection of underwear was designed by Laura Schoorl and Rachel Corry in an effort to make undergarments made for women by women. Every piece is sewn and dyed in a local factory in California and made with an ethical viewpoint in mind. (Photo via Pansy.co).
Ventrone Chronicles – Two sisters, Daniella and Sofia, with eyes for visual design, started Ventrone Chronicles off with detail-oriented accessories. Born in 2014, accessories are only the first phase in the design cycle for this female-owned company. Clothing is next. (Photo via @ventronechronicles).
LOQ – This collection of modern footwear was created by co-founders, Keren Longkumer and Valerie Quant in 2015. The duo met while studying design in Los Angeles and quickly discovered their similar design styles. While a pair of LOQ shoes may set you back a bit, the unique styles and thoughtful details are well worth the splurge. (Photo via @loq).
DUO NYC – This little piece of vintage heaven is settled right in the heart of the East Village. The shop was created by yet-another sister duo, Wendy and LaRae Kangas, and features hand-picked vintage items including piles of vintage Levis, an endless array of linen tops and pants, and a quaint selection of Ferragamos. Hint: head to the sale section in back. (Photo via @duonyc).
Glossier – Social media genius, Emily Weiss, started her blog, Into the Gloss, in 2010. Her success lead to the evolution of Glossier, a millennial-focused beauty and makeup brand that offers high quality and natural products for women at an affordable price. It’s all about real products for real women. Check out their showroom next time you’re in NYC or order online. (Photo via @glossier).
Reformation – Eco-friendly Reformation was created by Yael Alfalfo in 2009 and has since built the label into an Instagram cult favorite amongst millennials. With a mission like “we make killer clothes that don’t kill the environment,” it’s nearly impossible not to jump on board the Reformation bandwagon. (Photo via @reformation).
We’re always looking for other ways to support the global girl gang! Let us know some of your favorite female owned labels in the comments below and we’ll be sure to check them out!
