Women entrepreneurs are behind some of the most innovative and beloved brands in fashion, beauty, wellness, and home goods. Some of these brands have transformed entire industries, many of which have been created to solve some of life’s simple problems. Others have made our everyday lives just a little more stylish, sustainable, or convenient. Here are 20 game-changing women-owned businesses you’ll love — or already do but may not have known they’re woman owned! Their incredible, innovative thinking makes it easy to get behind each of these women-owned brands as an empty nester or at any age!
Fashion, Accessories & Jewelry
1. Spanx – The Shapewear That Started It All
Sara Blakely’s story is legendary. With just $5,000 and a dream, she created Spanx, the first comfortable, confidence-boosting shapewear brand. Now, Spanx includes leggings, denim, bras, activewear and even items perfect for travel—all designed to make you feel your best!
2. Outdoor Voices – Making Movement Fun
Founded by Tyler Haney, Outdoor Voices turned activewear into a lifestyle movement with its “Doing Things” motto. Their Exercise Dress became a viral hit, proving that workout clothes can be both stylish and functional. Their built-in shorts make them functional, stylish and supportive!
3. Monica Vinader – Sustainable Everyday Luxury Jewelry
Monica Vinader’s jewelry brand bridges the gap between fine jewelry and everyday accessories. With a focus on ethical sourcing and recycled gold and silver, her collections have become favorites of celebrities and everyday jewelry lovers alike.
4. Naghedi – Chic, Handwoven Bags That Last
Sara Naghedi founded Naghedi to create stylish woven neoprene bags that are lightweight, durable, and timeless. What’s even more exciting — Naghedi bags are made with 100% recycled and repurposed neoprene, making them a sustainable choice for women. Whether you’re traveling or running errands, these bags are the perfect balance of function and fashion.
5. Cadence – The Magnetic, Refillable Travel Containers
If you love organization, Cadence is a game-changer. Created by Steph Hon, these magnetic, customizable, leak-proof travel containers make packing skincare, vitamins, and toiletries a breeze. Plus, Cadence products are made from recycled ocean plastic, are super modern and look stylish when traveling.
Beauty & Skincare
6. Supergoop! – Sunscreen That Feels Like Skincare
Founder Holly Thaggard (below) launched Supergoop! with one mission: make sunscreen a daily habit. Her lightweight, invisible formulas (like the cult-favorite Unseen Sunscreen) changed the way we think about SPF. Supergoop’s super sheer formulas make it easy to wear sunscreen under any kind of makeup or just by itself when out and about. For their full lineup of products and rewards program, check out supergoop.com or you can find them at retailers like Sephora!
7. Glossier – The Beauty Brand That Built a Cult Following
Emily Weiss started Glossier as a beauty blog before turning it into a billion-dollar brand. With minimalist, skin-first products like Boy Brow and Cloud Paint, Glossier redefined beauty for the Instagram generation. Simple products that fit everyone’s lifestyle for a natural look. Their trademark motto — Skin First. Makeup Second — means their goal is to support your skin’s health with every product.
8. Hero Cosmetics – The Pimple Patch That Actually Works
Ju Rhyu founded Hero Cosmetics when she couldn’t find a simple, effective solution for breakouts. The Mighty Patch became a skincare staple, helping clear pimples overnight without irritation. Its revolutionary little clear patches are a favorite of all ages and really work! Check out their full lineup of products here or find it on Amazon.
9. Ouai – Luxe Haircare Without the Fuss
Jen Atkin, hairstylist to the stars, created Ouai to simplify haircare. With effortless, high-performing formulas (like the famous Detox Shampoo and Wave Spray), she made salon-quality haircare accessible to everyone. Their Ouai Leave-In Conditioner recently won Allure’s Beauty Award. There’s good reason why Ouai has become a favorite of many celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian.
10. Touchland – The Chicest Hand Sanitizer Ever
Andrea Lisbona reinvented hand sanitizer with Touchland, turning a boring necessity into a sleek, hydrating, and beautifully scented spray. Not sticky, not slimy, just luxurious sanitizer that comes in a variety of scents. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular sanitizers.
11. OSEA Malibu – Luxury Skincare From the Sea
OSEA (Ocean, Sun, Earth, Atmosphere) was founded by Jenefer Palmer and is now run by her daughter, Melissa Palmer. Their clean, seaweed-based skincare (like the best-selling Undaria Algae Body Oil) is all about hydration, sustainability, and self-care. Try their Dream Night Serum to reduce wrinkles overnight including crow’s feet and fine lines. Inspired by ingredients from the sea, Osea Malibu may now become your new skincare lineup addition!
Food & Kitchen Essentials
12. Purely Elizabeth – Granola You Can’t Stop Eating
Elizabeth Stein founded Purely Elizabeth to bring clean, nutritious, and delicious options to the breakfast aisle. Made with ancient grains and coconut sugar, her granola and oatmeal have become pantry staples. Choose from classics, plus gluten-free and keto-friendly options!
13. Our Place – The Internet’s Favorite Cookware
Shiza Shahid co-founded Our Place with a mission to bring people together through cooking. Their Always Pan went viral for its all-in-one versatility, and the brand has since expanded into gorgeous dinnerware and kitchen essentials.
14. Stasher – Say Goodbye to Plastic Bags
Kat Nouri launched Stasher, the first reusable, silicone storage bag, to help reduce plastic waste. These dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and endlessly reusable bags are a kitchen (and travel!) essential. An evironmentally friendly option to add to your kitchen!
15. S’well – The Water Bottle That Started a Movement
Sarah Kauss founded S’well to create a stylish, high-performance water bottle that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. It was one of the first brands to make sustainability feel sleek and fashionable. Their new Lilac Collection is perfect to welcome the warmer months. Plus, they even have a cool travel bottle set with its own storage bag that great for empty nester jet setters!
Home & Lifestyle
16. Ruggable – The Genius Washable Rug
Leave it to a woman to solve one of life’s biggest frustrations – a dirty rug. Jeneva Bell created Ruggable after dealing with trying to clean a ruined rug, and she solved the problem in the best way: a two-piece, machine-washable rug system. If you have pets or kids, this is a total game-changer. Simply throw your rug into the washing machine and your carpet is good as new. Her high profile collars with top designers, such as Jonathan Adler below, ensures you have a stylish, yet oh-so practical rug. Great for doormats too!
17. Minted – Art & Stationery by Independent Artists
You may be familiar with Minted — perhaps you purchased some of their beautiful holiday cards or invitations. But Minted has become so much more than stationary. Mariam Naficy founded Minted, an online marketplace for custom stationery, holiday cards, and wall art designed by independent artists. Whether you need a wedding invite or a statement art piece, Minted has something beautiful for you. And now they have accessories, gifts, candles (in love with these cool ones below!) and many other fully customizable, artistic products for your empty nest home. Check out their latest lineup of products!
18. Squish Face – Skincare for Wrinkly Pups
Pet owners — listen up! If you have a bulldog, pug, or any squish-faced dog, you know their adorable wrinkles need extra care and can be so challenging to clean. Tiffany Burris turned a hobby into a career by creating Suishface. SquishFace offers Wrinkle Wipes, Nose Paste and Tear Stain Paste and other natural products to keep your pup clean, healthy, and happy. See what the buzz is on BuzzFeed, Reader’s Digest and other press articles.
19. NodPod – The Weighted Sleep Mask You Didn’t Know You Needed
Melissa Bamberg created NodPod, a weighted sleep mask designed to give the same calming effect as a weighted blanket—but for your face. Perfect for travel, anxiety, and better sleep, it’s a total game-changer. Comes in a variety of scents!
20. Eberjey – The Softest Pajamas You’ll Ever Wear
Eberjey, founded by Ali Mejia and Mariela Rovito, revolutionized sleepwear by creating the coziest, most flattering pajamas that make you feel effortlessly chic—even when lounging at home. Their best-selling Gisele PJ set is a staple for anyone who loves comfort and style. Once you try Eberjey pajamas, you’ll never go back to regular pajamas.
Women-Owned Brands Are Changing The Game
From fashion to food to home essentials, these 20 game-changing women-owned businesses are ones you’ll love going back to again and again. They make our lives better — with one genius idea at a time. By supporting them, you’re not just getting amazing products—you’re also helping empower female entrepreneurs to thrive.
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