My Favorite Small Women-Owned Businesses to Shop
Over the years, I’ve come to really value the things I bring into my life—whether it’s a beautifully made sweater, a favorite pair of earrings, or a skincare product that feels like a little daily luxury. It’s not just about how something looks or works, but it’s about how it makes me feel, and often, the story behind it. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from discovering small brands, especially businesses that are founded and owned by women. Their pieces feel more personal, and it feels good knowing that my purchase is supporting someone’s dream…not just adding to the bottom line of a giant chain or fast fashion empire.

If you’re looking for more great brands to support, be sure to check out: The Best B Corps to Support and Shop.
Small Women Owned Clothing Businesses to Shop
Frank & Eileen

Founded by Audrey McLoghlin, Frank & Eileen is known for their luxurious button-ups and elevated everyday wear. Audrey named the brand after her Irish grandparents, which gives it a personal, heritage-driven vibe I adore. Their Italian cotton is dreamy, and the cuts are perfect for layering—especially if, like me, you live near the coast and appreciate pieces that work in shifting temps. I’ve slowly built a little collection of their pieces, and I find myself reaching for them more often than not. You can see some of my latest favorites here.
Seźane

Founded by Morgane Sézalory, Sezane is a Parisian brand with a strong U.S. following. The collections are known for their vintage charm, romantic prints, and commitment to sustainability. While the brand has grown, it remains deeply rooted in Morgane’s creative vision and woman-first mission. I adore their white shirts, striped marinière shirts, and lovely little scarves.
Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher has long been a favorite clothing brand of mine, especially when I’m in the mood for something simple, elegant, and made to last. The brand was founded by Eileen herself back in 1984, with the idea that clothing should be both beautiful and practical, that fits seamlessly into real life. Her pieces are known for their clean lines, natural fabrics, and relaxed shapes that somehow always feel just right. I always make a point to stop in when I’m in Vancouver, since there isn’t a store anywhere near me in California, and I love getting to try things on in person when I can.
Eberjey

Eberjey was founded by two women who believed that comfort and confidence should go hand in hand…and their pieces really deliver on both. Their pajamas and loungewear are soft in that “I never want to take this off” kind of way, but still feel elegant and put-together. These Eberjay Classic PJ Sets have quickly won the award for my favorite pair of pajamas! I love them so much that I now own them in both cropped and full-length styles.
Small Women Owned Shoe Brands to Shop
Margaux

Margaux was started by two women who wanted to create shoes that feel as good as they look, something I think a lot of us have wished for at one point or another. Their designs are classic and beautifully made, with thoughtful details like padded insoles and extended sizing that make all the difference. I’ve owned and love this super comfy Margaux Flat sandal in a wide width for many years. I also own their Demi flat in three colors. They’re an investment I’ve never regretted making.
FRĒDA SALVADOR

Founded by Megan Papay and Cristina Palomo Nelson, FRĒDA SALVADOR shoes are handmade in Spain with incredible attention to detail and quality. I have a pair of their woven white flats, and they’ve quickly become one of those rare finds that’s both comfortable and instantly elevates whatever I’m wearing. I never realized how much I needed a pair of white flats until I got these. They feel modern, a little unexpected, and built to last.
My Favorite Women Owned Accessory Brands
Lizzie Fortunato

Twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato run this stunning accessories brand rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and global influence. Their pieces combine vintage inspiration with modern luxury, and each one feels like a wearable work of art. You’ve probably seen me wear my Aquamarine Mood Necklace or my silver Oasis Necklace. Both are the kind of pieces that feel special without being too precious. You see me wearing their resin hoops often.
Dorsey

Dorsey is a jewelry brand founded by Meg Strachan that reimagines the look of fine diamonds using lab-grown stones set in vintage-inspired designs. The pieces have the timeless elegance of heirlooms—but without the traditional markup. I lost one of my real diamond studs many years ago and was devastated, so I’m very excited to get these lab-grown ones as a replacement.
Lo & Sons

Founded by a mother and her two sons, Lo & Sons designs thoughtful travel bags with women in mind. Helen Lo launched the brand in her 60s (which I find so inspiring), and she built it around the idea that practicality and style shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. Their bags are beautifully made, functional, and hold up trip after trip. I own several and reach for them often. You can see how I’ve styled them and read my full review in this post.
Clare V.

Founded by Clare Vivier, Clare V. is known for its French-California aesthetic and functional yet fashionable handbags. The brand’s clutches and crossbodies are handmade in Los Angeles with a playful, modern vibe. Their fun phrases and vibrant color palettes make them instantly recognizable.
Cuyana

Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah co-founded Cuyana with the philosophy of “fewer, better things.” The brand offers elegant wardrobe staples and leather accessories crafted with quality materials and timeless design. I’ve fallen in love with their beautifully made totes and have gifted them more than once. These bags truly tick all the boxes and then some. You can read more of my thoughts on the brand and see photos of the items I’ve purchased from them here.
Janessa Leoné Hats

Janessa Leoné makes some of the most beautifully crafted hats I’ve come across—elegant, minimal, and built to last. I own the Waverly, a wide-brimmed raffia style that offers the kind of sun protection I take seriously after my experience with melanoma. It’s lightweight, structured, and easy to wear with everything from a swimsuit to a linen dress. This year I added this Felix Bucket hat to my collection and couldn’t love it more.
Small Women Owned Beauty Businesses to Shop
LIA Beauty

ln a world where the beauty industry often centers on youth, it’s refreshing to find a brand like ILIA that embraces the beauty of aging. Their clean, skin-centric approach focuses on enhancing—not covering up—what makes us uniquely beautiful. The products are thoughtfully formulated with skincare ingredients that actually do some good, and everything feels modern, unfussy, and lightweight on the skin. It’s a wonderful line for women who want a routine that’s simple, effective, and supportive of the skin they’re in. You can read my review and find my favorite ILIA products here.
Megababe
Katie Sturino founded Megababe to tackle the kinds of beauty issues most of us deal with but rarely talk about…things like thigh chafing, body odor, and yes, boob sweat. Her products are clean, effective, and thoughtfully made for real women of all ages. I’ve tried several and can honestly say they live up to the hype—practical, easy to use, and they actually work. It’s one of those brands that quietly becomes a staple in your routine before you even realize it. Some of their best-sellers include their Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick and their Rosy Pits Deodorant.
Jones Road Beauty

You may remember that Bobby Brown sold her makeup company to Estee Lauder…along with her name, several years ago. She made amazing products, but I stopped using them because they aren’t clean or cruelty-free. Then, I discovered her new line, Jones Road Beauty. It’s a return to her roots: minimalist, skin-first makeup that’s clean, cruelty-free, and thoughtfully made. The line includes multi-use balms, pencils, and brushes designed for women who want a natural look without a lot of fuss, and it works beautifully on mature skin.
What are your favorite small women-owned businesses to shop?

I can’t say enough good things about woman-owned Blue Water Beauty based in Southern Pines, NC. They specialize in creating clean, natural, and organic skincare products. Their offerings include items like facial serums, cleansers, and moisturizers, all crafted with organic ingredients as well as lip oils, face masks and the best exfoliator I’ve ever used made from Himalayan Pink Salt. The company was started by an esthetician who developed her own skincare formulas, and her daughter now continues her mother’s legacy. I have been using this brand of skincare products for 3 years, and at 76 y/o I am receiving compliments from strangers on my complexion.
My favorite woman owned business is One Kind beauty. They make fabulous clean and cruelty free skincare products at very reasonable prices. My daughter knows the owner and her brother and introduced me to the brand. I use so much of their product now and love the results on my skin!
They sound fabulous Cynthia
I really like the Karen Kane line. Her company supports 3 meaningful organizations including National Park Foundation, Keep America Beautiful and The Nature Conservancy. She donates one dollar from every purchase to them. Her clothes are beautiful and she has recently expanded into jewelry and accessories.
I love her ethics! Thanks Nancy
Thank you for another great post. I am noticing how beautiful your skin is!!! Mine is suddenly not looking very great. I don’t know if it’s just my age (72) or if I need an overhaul in the products I have been using. Maybe you can share your “secrets” some day.
You’re so kind, thank you. I don’t have any secrets other than tons of sunscreen and actives. I do use Retin A each night and Vit C serum each morning before my mointurizer and sunscreen.
I’m almost 76 and I just discovered Jones Road Miracle Balms. I wear a pinky bronze all over (just a tiny touch of it), and then “flushed cheeks” as a blush. They hydrate my dry skin and look so natural…like I’m wearing nothing. They just came out in travel size, but the jars are glass so heavy. I “decant” (scoop, I guess is a better word) some of each into a small plastic jar (specifically for toiletries). Those 2 tiny jars are almost weightless in my travel bag….and would last several months.
I’m a huge Patricia Nash fan, for handbags and accessories. Moderately priced and good quality. I’m finishing up a vacation in Italy and one of her cross-body bags has been perfect, day after day.
Thanks for sharing her brand! I hope you had a fabulous holiday.
Good Morning Jennifer,
Completely off topic but my finger nails are struggling. Splitting, breaking… ugh a mess!
Can you please recommend a supplement, polish, etc.
Your blog is my first read every morning.
Thank you.
Mine are struggling right now too. It might be the change in seasons. I just take collagen supplements and try to ensure I get enough protein each day. I do use the Dazzle Dry polish system which seems to protect them somewhat.
Thanks for this comprehensive list. I bet it took a good chunk of your weekend to put together! Charleston Shoe Company is on my radar after I came across a podcast on which the owner was a guest. Hers is a very inspiring story and the cute and comfy shoes just make me smile.
That’s awesome! I love to support small brands.
This post is much appreciated! I love Eileen Fisher and Eileen herself apparently is from the northwestern Chicago suburbs and has an outlet store in that area. The outlet store has wonderful prices and they are carrying Eileen Fisher Renew items now also (a great online site for recycled Eileen Fisher items). I return all Eileen Fisher pieces that I no longer wear to their store and they give a small credit which can be used to purchase additional items. I have a jacket from Eileen Fisher that I bought probably 15 years ago which always receives compliments and is quite beautifully made…among other pieces.
Thanks for reminding everyone of their Renew program. It’s such a great company.
FEW MADE JEWELRY is a small company based in Richmond Virginia started by a woman. Gorgeous jewelry that makes a unique statement.
Thank you!! I’ll check them out.
Good Morning Jennifer. I didn’t realize EL had purchased Bobbi Brown. No wonder they poo-oo’d her Miracle Balm when I inquired at Nordstrom. Anyway, I have purchased a few Ilia items and have been very happy. And will pay more attention to Jones Road, now that I know the story. Do you know much about IT cosmetics? I understand it’s woman owned.
It is women owned and a great company. I wear a lot of their lipstick.
I believe IT cosmetics is now owned by L’Oreal.
Thanks for the post ,Jennifer
Love this post! You are beautiful!
Thanks Joan!I glad you like it.