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?