Emilee Unterkoefler
March 8 is International Women’s Day, and whether you want to treat yourself, a friend, or family member to a special gift, these eight women-owned companies are all fabulous places to shop!
From vegan baked goods and refreshing mocktails to adorable clothes and home accents, there’s something on this list for every special woman in your life—yourself included!
Mud Pie
Mud Pie is a lifestyle brand and retail company that develops and sells items to celebrate special occasions. Marcia Miller, founder and CEO, started the brand in 1988. Since then, it’s led the way in the gifting industry.
What started as a small collection of ceramics has flourished and grown into a successful lifestyle brand with products for women, kids, and the home. As for, Miller, she always imagined herself owning a business.
“I loved the concept that I could control my destiny,” Miller said, “and looked forward to the opportunity to champion women in the workforce.”
When you browse the site, it’s clear the charming aesthetic is harbored from a passionate and endearing place of love. The following are some of Miller’s favorite items:
- Atlanta Black Gingham Swing Dress
- Ryland Coral Tiered Dress
- Indy Abstract Lilac Maxi Dress
- Fallon Black Peplum Top
Whether you’re shopping for a special friend for International Women’s Day or her birthday, or you just wanna get a head-start on Mother’s Day, you’re sure to find something for everyone at Mud Pie.
Partake
Created in 2016 by Denise Woodard after she discovered her daughter had food allergies, Partake is the perfect place to shop for those who have the same issue. The brand’s mission to offer “peace of mind” when eating is an important one, as this can be hard to come by when you have dietary restrictions.
Whether you’re vegan, or you know someone who deals with a severe food allergy, you’ve found the perfect place to shop! All Partake products are certified non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan. They’re also free of the most severe allergens, including wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish/shellfish, and sesame.
Wondering how anything could possibly taste good without the help of some of these crucial ingredients? Well, we currently have an opened box of the crunchy chocolate chip cookies and can say with confidence that they’re a fantastic addition to our pantry (and bellies).
Don’t believe us? Try some yourself! Beyond bite-sized treats, you’ll also find baking and breakfast mixes.
Mingle Mocktails
If you’ve ever given up alcohol for weeks (or months) at a time, you’ve likely encountered that out-of-place feeling at social gatherings and dinners where others were imbibing. Laura Taylor, founder and CEO of Mingle Mocktails, also got those questioning looks when she decided to go alcohol-free.
However, this just inspired her to take the awkwardness out of the equation and create a booze-free brand that would help everyone feel included at any event. These clean-crafted beverages are made with all-natural ingredients and come in several artistically formulated flavors. They’re also gluten-free, 100% vegan, and low-calorie for guilt-free indulgence.
Cosmos, mojitos, mules, you name it, Mingle Mocktails has it! This company’s on a mission to deliver your not-so-poisoned poison. If you have an all-girls brunch or early morning shower coming up, these are fantastic to serve everyone, or just to have on hand so everyone will feel included. We recommend grabbing one of their fun variety packs.
Parachute
Parachute specializes in premium, yet affordable, home essentials. What started as an online-only, high-quality bedding brand has grown to include many other exceptional items to bring more comfort to your home (and your feet).
According to Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO of Parachute, the company’s dedication to its loyal customers is equal only to its goal of sustainability.
“As part of our ongoing approach to conscious consumption,” Kaye said, “we are deepening our commitment to people and the planet with new measurable goals around carbon neutrality, responsible materials, ethical manufacturing and diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Kaye also filled us in on some exciting new products Parachute is working on, including a Bluff Collection that features nightstands and benches for those looking to add a modern aesthetic. If you’re on the market for some new bedding, Kaye recommends the Organic Air Cotton Quilt, which is part of the recently launched Organic collection.
Megababe
Katie Sturino is the name behind the fun (and oh-so-necessary) Megababe brand. It was created to help tackle those “taboo” body issues, like body odor, sweating, and chafing. If you struggle with any of these issues, rest assured—Megababe has something just for you.
For example, the brand’s Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick helps protect you from chafing. It’s one of the brand’s all-time best-selling products and has even won several awards, including Allure’s Best of Beauty and a Cosmopolitan Beauty Award.
The Space Bar Underarm Soap is another fan-favorite. Formulated with charcoal and tea tree oil, it helps absorb and wash away odor-causing impurities in under a minute. You’ll also be happy to know that every single product is tested on human megababes, but never on animals.
Gr8nola
Erica Liu Williams, former Olympic trials swimmer and foodie, had a lot of difficulty finding clean, delicious granola at the store. Her passion to please her taste buds paired with her need for nutrient-dense foods led her to create Gr8nola.
It all started at home in her kitchen with a small batch process and has since turned into a huge production using the same small-batch method to fit the growing need.
Whether you’re an avid runner looking for clean, tasty treats beyond fruits and veggies, or you love hiking but can never figure out what to pack, gr8nola will surely relieve your hunger pangs. Check out the sampler and top-seller packs, as well as the other yummy flavors, like Cacao Crisp, which is made with coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, and cacao powder.
Yumi
When Angela Sutherland, co-founder and CEO of Yumi, couldn’t find any healthy baby food options at the grocery store, she set out to supply them herself. Her passion stemmed not only from wanting her own kids to eat healthier, but to help all moms with this same mission.
To make it happen, Sutherland teamed up with lifelong friend, Evelyn Rusli, and the two started Yumi. The brand’s wide variety of foods are never fortified, nor do they contain gluten, dairy, the nine significant allergens, preservatives, GMO’s, or added sugars.
In addition to purées, there are also nutritious finger foods, snacks, and even vitamins. Everything is completely organic and made with nutrient-dense ingredients. They’re also all plant-based, kosher, and dairy-free, including the stage 4 ratatouille and the stage 5 spinach blueberry quinoa bowl.
If you’re always on the lookout for healthy food for your kids, or you have a baby shower coming up, you’re sure to find lots to love at Yumi.
Hungry Bunny
Ever wonder why so many of your favorite foods are made with ingredients you don’t know how to pronounce? Khloe Hines, founder and CEO of Hungry Bunny, decided to answer that question one donut at a time.
Hines makes and bakes her vegan donuts right in her Midwestern kitchen—talk about made with love! Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity flavor, like lavender lemonade, or if a chocolate crunch is calling your name, you’re sure to find whatever you’re craving on the online menu.
For bite-sized deliciousness, be sure to check out the baby donuts, which are “sent from heaven, and delivered to your door.” If you’re more of a cookie-lover, Honey Bunny’s got you covered there, too! Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, or you want to gift some delicious treats to a friend, this unique virtual sweet shop is the perfect solution!
A gift from one of these women-owned brands is the perfect way to support one of your favorite ladies, along with those who are making a name for themselves in the marketplace. It’s a win-win! Be sure to bookmark this page and come back for Mother’s Day, too!
