As I reflect on these past 10 years in business, I am often surprised by what I am truly grateful for. The "surprise" benefits of being a small business owner are continually my greatest joys.
One of those joys has come from meeting numerous other inspiring female business owners. WOMEN, who have decided to take a chance on their dreams. Staying up late at night, putting in the work, and bouncing back after every mis-step.
In honor of Small Business Saturday, here are a few of my favorite fellow female business owners that continue to inspire me every day.
Abby Alley - This Chicago-based, accessory line has the most beautiful, minimalist bags and jewelry. Ally Alley partners with makers in Kenya and Tanzania to produce their fair trade line while maintaining the high standards for quality. All of their products are handmade, and by nature are small-batch.
Ally Shoes - This small business has big dreams of shaking up the shoe industry. Ally Shoes are for women by women. Renowned for their signature pain-free heels. Ally shoes is passionate about empowering women through fashion and making luxury footwear more accessible for women on the move.
Anna Brown - Anna Brown creates the most thoughtful pieces. Her collection emphasizes layering, working against seasons and categories toward a more sustainable and rational mode of consumption and production.
Ann Chikahisa - Extraordinary jewelry for your life's journey, Ann inspires the inner artisan in everyone. Embracing and celebrating imperfection, Ann's pieces truly reflect what it is to be a modern woman on an every-changing path.
Apothekari Skincare - Since working with Sharmani of Apothekari Skincare, I have a new found confidence in not only my own skin, but in the science of skincare. Sharmani brings her expertise to an industry reliant on fluff and hype during a time when science is what is actually needed. I'm absolutely in love with her Advanced Renewal Serum and am thrilled to be finally using a product where I can see a the difference it makes!
Brynn Capella - A true self-starter, Brynn Capella is walking proof that a woman can do anything if she set's her mind to it. A self taught designer and entrepreneur Brynn turned what started as a fun side project into the thriving handbag business that it is today.
Earth Cadets - Earth Cadets is a company committed to creating unique, hand printed home goods and clothing for the whole family while respecting our environment. All Earth Cadets' products are designed and hand screen printed in Chicago by owner, Krissy Callahan, using eco-friendly, water-based inks and incorporating organic and recycled materials wherever possible.
Ellie Day - Fashion driven, eco-friendly active wear for women. Ellie Day's workout and athletic gear is designed for flexibility, sustainability, and vibrant style. Their pieces are made from recycled materials and feature super soft compression that moves with you, offering both comfort and performance. With bold, eye-catching prints, this collection stands out while supporting your active lifestyle, whether you're hitting the golf course, tennis court, gym or enjoying an outdoor run, Ellie Day has you covered.
Lacson Ravello - Kristina Lacson McConnico is making sustainable shopping easy. With her approachable designs at amazing price points, Kristina is dressing every woman they way they want to be dressed, in a mixture of every day statement pieces that are comfortable and well made.
Ladybug Vintage - Ladybug Vintage is a finely curated collection of high-end, vintage designer jewelry and accessories focusing primarily on the glamorous eras of the 1950’s to the 1990’s. Owner, Stuart Dyer believes that wearing vintage enables a woman to express a bit of her own creativity and to not see herself coming and going.
Lilla Barn - Lilla Barn makes thoughtful, durable products for adventurous kids of all ages. Sustainably-made with organic textiles and a Scandinavian sensibility, their clothes are made for fun. Lilla Barn values self-expression and offers colors and patterns for everyone who loves to stand out.
Little Goodall - Designed by founder Molly Goodall, Little Goodall is in the business of creating magical clothing for children. Through their partnership with literary legacies like "The World of Eric Carle" and "Paddington" Little Goodlall designs and ethically manufactures the most memorable coats, clothing, and accessories.
Malaika New York - Danish-born Malaika Boysen Haaning uses architectural influences in her futuristic designs. Her eponymous label reinvents wardrobe staples by giving them a Scandinavian twist, all in an ethically-made less waste package. Malaika has a clear mission to create timeless and trend-free designs that can be used again and again, regardless of how fashion changes.
Michelle Starbuck Design - A true collector and artist, Michelle Starbuck Amos, combines vintage pieces with new materials to create something truly unique. Her modern jewelry designs give a gentle nod to eras of the past while giving the wearer a completely fresh look.
Production Mode - Production Mode is independent, slow fashion brand specializing in accessible statement pieces. Designer, Jamie Hayes interests lie at the intersection of fashion, art, labor, and identity. Production Mode is ethically-made, built to last, and imbued with authenticity and beauty.
Sophia Reyes - Sophia Reyes began with the belief that good design is built on great materials and even better craftsmanship. The line is known for versatile wardrobe favorites designed and made in limited edition prints and fabrics. All products are lovingly designed, draped, patterned, cut, and sewn in Chicago.
Vincent James - Vincent James is a collection of elevated essentials with a regenerative approach. The brand creates the foundational pieces for a chic, timeless and minimal capsule wardrobe that allows you to get dressed with confidence and ease every time and for everything your day brings. Each piece is made using the highest quality natural fabrics sourced in collaboration with nature and ethically sewn in the United States.
Wulfka - Designer, Kate Van Asten believe in inclusive sizing, thoughtful design, and gorgeous eco-friendly fabrics. Her pieces are easy to reach for time and time again as comfort reigns king in her collection of daytime separates.
