There couldn’t be a more perfect time than Black Friday (and Small Business Saturday) to start investing in independent, women-owned and operated businesses. You’re going to be shopping anyway (do you need all of those holiday-scented candles in your cart? Yes, yes you do), so might as well put that hard-earned $$$ into supporting female-founded small businesses. Here’s who you need to know about…
Bon Femmes
A not-so-surprising fact: Women are majorly underrepresented in the art world. Omotola Akinbiyi has made it her mission to change that with Bon Femmes, an online marketplace dedicated to spotlighting female creatives. You’ll find everything from Pinterest-worthy prints (see above) to curvy candles, and the cutest claw clips. And a percentage of all sales are donated to women-led charities in Chicago. Get 15% off using the code BFBF21.
Viridi
We’re officially naming Katrina Huang a plant goddess. Her vintage shop, Viridi, is the place to find the coolest planter for your baby Monstera—including this boho rattan beauty—and a curated collection of second-hand decor to spice up your space. The dreamy Insta feed is inspiration enough to start your plant mom journey.
Mary Young
Intimates that are made by real women, for real women? It’s something that isn’t so easy to find. Mary Young started her eponymously named label to fill this gap in the market—because we all deserve to feel fuego in our lingerie. A majority of their figure-flattering garments are made from sustainably produced bamboo rayon, like this no-fuss Sora Bra (that also works for breastfeeding).
Zvelle
Elle AyoubZadeh left the world of corporate finance to start her own shoe line. Everything is crafted in Italy with an obsessive eye towards function—one of the brand’s first designs was a pump with a wide heel that wouldn’t get stuck in a subway grate. For Black Friday, take $25 off sale items and $75 off regular-price items, like this dreamy pair of ankle boots.
Shy Wolf Candles
There are a million and one candle brands out there, but what sets Shy Wolf Candles apart is a few things: their cool-girl, vintage-inspired packaging, dreamy scents (that will burn for 40-50 hours), and the fact that the founder, Julie Klukas, hand-pours all of the soy wax candles herself. Oh, and there’s also an All Too Well candle for all you Swifties out there.
Wildcraft Skincare
With Wildcraft Skincare, you don’t have to think twice about what you’re putting on your skin. Laura Whitaker, a Haudenosaunee and member of the Mohawk nation from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, uses ingredients from nature—think: lavender, shea butter, hemp seed oil—to nourish and replenish your skin. Our staff writer slathers this serum all over her face every morning (it’s like chugging a bottle of water for your visage).
Moodeaux
Brianna Arps, former Refinery29 editor-turned-marketing expert, is making waves in the world of fragrance with her new brand Moodeaux. She’s one of the few BIPOC women in the perfume industry using natural ingredients—you won’t find any alcohol, water, or dyes in her blends. Our personal fave? The Worthy Supercharged Skinscent with top notes of white tea and orange blossom, and base notes of musk, vanilla, and amber.
Charlie Paisley
Sustainable hair accessories brand Charlie Paisley is here to help you on your bad hair days (we’ve all been there—currently pushing day 4). Everything from their fuzzy bucket hats to their oversized scrunchies are crafted from naturally derived, biodegradable, remnant and/or vintage deadstock fabrics. Hiding greasy hair has never looked (and felt) so good.
Midnight Paloma
Tayler Rogers wants to be part of your self-care routine. Her cruelty-free body care brand, Midnight Paloma, is the one-stop-shop for all of your relaxation needs, from body brushes to the cocoa butter-based Everything Balm, and luxurious bath soak. This limited-edition one (that smells like a French rose garden, nbd) is filled with mineral salts, magnesium, and botanicals to leave your skin feeling baby soft.
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