You may have noticed we’re obsessed with supporting women-run small businesses whenever possible. That’s why, at our recent Girlboss Rally LA, we partnered with Google #SmallThanks to host our own Small Business Bazaar featuring independent stores that utilize the free customizable marketing materials offered through the#Small Thanks hub. And in Hustle Hall, we staged a Freelancer’s Survival Guide presented byQuickbooks, especially for small business entrepreneurs.
National Small Business Week is almost over, but it’s never too late to shop at amazing local and independent companies. We’ve found 50 you can support right now.
Go ahead, take a look! And let us know if, or, rather,whenyou discover a cool new business you’re proud to support.
Now, get shopping
Static Nails
The phrase “press-on nails” can evoke the clunky, square, French tip packages in the drugstore beauty aisle. Static Nails, founded by Alexis Irene, has done wonders to make press-on nails a whole lot more chic and versatile.
HERO/BLACK
If you’re a fan of streetwear with a luxury twist, then Hero/Black is right up your alley. The company, co-owned by designer Angela Brantley and fellow runway model Rhea Fernandez, straddles the line between high-fashion and the comfort of streetwear.
Everybody.World
Their factories are US-based and the workers making their bright clothing earn fair wages. Founders Iris Alonzo and Carolina Crespo spent a combined 26 years working at American Apparel before launching Everybody.World.
Otherwild
Expect to find anything from ceramics to perfumers to jewelry and much more at Otherwild, which also functions as a gathering space for workshops, events, and a graphic design studio. Otherwild, founded by Rachel Berks, supports ethical practices, advocacy, and activism.
Plant Planet
Plant Planet is the brainchild of Claire Nereim, whose selection of affordable screen prints are made by hand in a small Los Angeles printing studio. The designs often feature fruits and other natural elements in bloom and are made using recycled paper and non-toxic inks.
Nu Swim
Nu Swim was launched in 2015 by Gina Esposito with the goal of providing a simplified swimwear selection. The garments are manufactured in California and New York and 98 percent of the fabrics are sustainably sourced from Italy.
Ooga Booga
Ooga Booga, founded by Wendy Yao as a tiny shop in Chinatown, Los Angeles, sells books, art, music, and clothes. It’s since grown to another location and regularly hosts events like readings, performances and screenings.
Uno + Ichi
The ceramics store sprang from the joy and healing that its founders Hana Ward and Joanna Lee discovered while making things by hand. Today, Uno + Ichi offers a variety of adorable handmade ceramics that are sure to make you smile.
Bliss & Mischief
Founder and designer Hillary Justin’s clothing line was built from her deep affection for vintage handiwork. The range isdesigned, sewn and hand-detailed in Los Angeles. Expect custom “Westernwear and 1970s counter-culture kitsch.”
Shaina Mote
Shaina Mote is an LA-based fashion label that prides itself on versatile and timeless staples—the kind that any woman would want in their wardrobe. If you like longevity, quality construction, and perfect fits, check them out.
Here Now Los Angeles
A vintage and custom clothing store based in Eagle Rock, C.A. that doubles as a zine distro and DIY small press. The store, founded by Eunice Kim, also hosts cool events and workshops.
BTW Ceramics
btw Ceramics is a housewares company founded in Brooklyn. It sells handmade porcelain goods designed by Brooke T. Winfrey to “enliven and enrich your table and home.”
Courtyard LA
Alia Meagan started Courtyard as a vintage shop on Instagram in 2016. After working with vintage clothing for 15 years, she saw a missing link between the vintage market and its relevance to current tastes. Now, she works with another local designer to create their own original pieces too.
Mondo Mondo
Founded by designer Natasha Ghosn in 2012, Mondo Mondo is a jewelry and fragrance company that sells unique scents like “The Center Of The World” and high quality, handmade rings with a nostalgic edge. Mood ring, anyone?
Lacausa
Their cause is pretty simple:To make quality garments with California ease under ethical conditions. Founded in 2013, Lacausa is redefining basics, blending romantic silhouettes with a contemporary, bohemian twist.
Block Shop
In 2010, Lily Stockman, a painter, was living in Jaipur. She began block printing on sari yardage after meeting the Chhipa family, who ran a small block printing studio in Bagru. Today, the sister-run textile studio produces a variety of heirloom textiles with a low environmental impact and donates 5 percent of profits to the Bagru Women’s Empowerment Program.
Hoodwitch
Hoodwitch is a popular Instagram account (258,000 followers and counting) and a website dedicated to cultivating “Everyday Magic for the modern mystic.” It’s the brainchild of Bri Luna, who grew up with two spiritual grandmothers, each with their own healing styles. Check it out for an assortment of large, beautiful crystals and gemstones as well as pendulums, handcrafted sage bundles and even a “love goddess” tote.
Rayo & Honey
Rayo & Honey’s clean design aesthetic has made their meaningful pendants a hit. Their canvas wares are handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York and are printed with phrases like “Wakanda Forever” or “God is a black woman.”
House of Intuition
House of Intuition was established in 2010, before the allure of crystals and mysticism broke into mainstream culture. Co-owners Marlene Vargas and Alex Naranjo’s store provides a variety of smudge bundles and candles—and you can get tarot readings and reiki healing sessions done in-store.
Melody Ehsani
Melody Ehsani grew up in Los Angeles in a traditional Persian family that expected her to go into law school following college. Instead, she began designing clothing and jewelry that highlights her roots in this urban and ethnically-diverse city.
Santa Isla
Jessica Sanchez was born in Colombia, but it wasn’t until years later, after living in Canada, that she visited her birthplace and discovered the beadwork of the Embera Chami. She became enamored with the intricate beadwork necklaces which symbolize the Embera Chami’s belief that women carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Today, she partners with local artisans to create colorful necklaces, earrings, and chokers.
Raggedy Tiff
Raggedy Tiff is the work of Jessica Resendiz, a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in creating eclectic, folk, and Latin-inspired shirts, textiles, and home decor items.
B.Yellowtail
B.YELLOWTAIL is an indigenous clothing line founded in 2014 in Los Angeles by Bethany Yellowtail. Her vision for the brand is to reflect the values of her Apsaalooke (Crow), Tsetsehestahese, and So’taeo’o (Northern Cheyenne) tribal heritage while offering a modern take on Native American design.
La di da dee
Founded by Stefanie Rosendo, La di da dee is a local store in Brooklyn, New York featuring clothing, swimwear, home goods, and jewelry. Check it out for a selection of cozy knits, gemstone rings, and easy-to-wear dresses.
Alex Mika
Alex Mika jewelry was established in 2012 by four sisters, Alexa, Michele, Nicole, and Natalia. Their necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings are perfect for layering whether you’re in the city or near the beach.
Crystals + Succulents
The name of Mariela Belen’s Etsy shop features two things we can’t get enough of right now: crystals and succulents. And while no actual succulents are sold, Belen offers an array of colorful gemstone and copper rings.
To: Her
To: Her is a greeting card company run by 3 women whose mission is to support and inspire the “beautifully diverse super women around us” through sweet notes and cards that run the gamut of sentiments, all sincere.
Humble Hilo
With a background working at non-profits in Guatemala, Lauren and Erica are passionate about mixing fashion with philanthropy through their line of colorful backpacks and totes. A portion of every item you buy directly benefits those in need.
Cha Cha Covers
Cha Cha Covers is an independently-run, Latina-owned business founded in 2012 by Ana Guajardo. Everything is made in Los Angeles using non-toxic, water-based ingredients that are kind to your skin. Their decals are rad to say the least.
Jet Lag Mode
Jet Lag Mode’s founder is Carolina Baena, a Colombian designer recognized for her unique style. Bold earrings and chokers are the cornerstone of the business, and Jet Lag Love is their non-profit arm, which uses the business’ proceeds to fund local projects.
Kisiwa Designs
Kisiwa is an adorable jewelry line made by designer Gadea Pérez-Andújar in her Honolulu studio. Her designs are inspired by traveling and a love of clean minimalism and found ancient jewelry. Each unique piece is produced by hand.
Fanm Djanm
Fanm Djanm means “strong woman” in Haitian Kreyol. The brand was founded in 2014 as a collection of eight headwraps, which their designer Paola sold directly from her apartment on the weekends. It’s now expanded to make all kinds of lifestyle products.
Nubian Skin
Nubian Skin founder Ade Hassan started an underwear company because she was frustrated by the tiny range of “skin tone” underwear on the market. She decided it was time for “a different kind of nude”—and the rest is lingerie history.
Ginger + Liz Colour Collection
The company was established in 2010 by Ginger Johnson and Liz Pickett after the two bonded over their love of nail color and both realized they had aversions to their favorite polishes. Today, Ginger + Liz’s nail polish brand features vegan-friendly and toxin-free colors that range from trendy to classic.
Laurel
Laurel’s line of flower and herb-based skincare is the brainchild of Laurel Shaffer. The company partners exclusively with local farmers and is committed to only using 100 percent organic, raw, and unrefined plant materials to ensure the most effective and fresh products.
Norblack Norwhite
Norblack Norwhite came about after Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar, who’d been raised in Canada, moved to India in 2009 to explore their Indian ancestry. During their travels, the two discovered ancient textile practices and began reimagining how to utilize the colorful dyes in new, modern clothing.
Dandelion Post
Dandelion Post is an independent store founded in 2016 in Oakland, California that features a selection of understated jumpsuits, dresses, blouses ,and pants. Each item is selected by the store’s owner, Jamie, with an eye toward quality and a playful spirit.
Bon Vivant
If you’ve ever wanted to send a care package that looks like you’ve put tons of love and care into it, then Bon Vivant has you covered. The Austin-based company, founded by Steely Dipuccio Anderson, delivers boxes and baskets stocked with goodies like flowers, candles, and oils, all arranged for the perfect ‘gram.
The Outrage
The Outrage is an apparel brand started by a group of queer, bi and straight women from different cultural backgrounds who wanted to make an impact via slogans and statements designed to promote equality.
Miranda Bennett Studio
Miranda Bennett Studio is a collection of modern, plant-dyed clothing made in the US. They naturally dye their textiles with plant pigments and cut, process and ship from their Austin, Texas studio. They have a zero waste initiative and they donate proceeds to women’s domestic violence services. Double win.
Haus of Hoodoo
Jessyka Winston of Haus of Hoodoo is a Vodoun Priestess and rootworker committed to bringing her customers good energy and getting rid of bad vibes. Jessyka offers multiple kinds of spiritual consultation from her New Orleans studio, and sells fixed candles and smudges.
Kypris
Kypris is a luxury skincare line founded by Chase Polan. It’s focused on offering products with organic and sustainably-grown botanicals. Each product is packaged in a beautiful glass design and their formulas are never tested on animals.
Golde
Trinity Mouzon founded Golde in 2017 after searching for the perfect turmeric blend to boost her health and get the glow she was looking for. Mouzon later teamed up with Issey Kobori to establish Golde—today you can find the company’s unique turmeric blend in stores worldwide.
The Wooden Palate
Husband and wife duo Ryan Silverman and Eileen O’Dea are the brains behind The Wooden Palate, a company offering an assortment of wooden kitchen utensils, bowls, serving plates, and other household items. Each design is made to last forever.
Maya Brenner
Maya Brenner’s jewelry has been featured in boutiques and high-end retail stores including Neiman Marcus and Anthropologie. These fun and timeless pieces are all made with 14k gold and sterling silver, and have been worn by celebrities like Jessica Alba, Rihanna, and Penelope Cruz.
UnitedOther
Ellen Nguyen founded UnitedOther in 2017 to ignite a deeper spiritual connection with her community and the universe. Inspired by Nepalese and Tibetan culture, each incense rope and holder are carefully crafted in small batches in Los Angeles. Nguyen ensures high-quality products, avoiding charcoal, binding additives, and synthetic fragrances.
Someware
Someware founders Giselle Hernandez and Cristina Clemmer source handcrafted home goods with the goal of preserving artisan communities and promoting employment. Each item seamlessly weaves modern and traditional designs, adding a unique touch to the spaces we exist in.
Earth + Element
Elizabeth Di Prinzio founded Earth + Element for those concerned about the Earth and how their products are sourced. Each home good product is handmade and proceeds go to select charities.
Paradise People
Paradise People collaborates with artisan weavers in Oaxaca, Mexico to create colorful textiles that are perfect for taking to the beach or as accent pieces at home. Expect a curated collection of 100 percent cotton, handwoven blankets. They’re large (some measure more than 5 feet long!), so they can easily double as a tablecloth or throw blanket during the summer.
Beautiful Things-LA
If you live in Los Angeles, maybe you’ve already seen the big school bus painted with orange-colored letters proclaiming, “Beautiful Things LA.” Fans of the mobile boutique previously had to follow the hashtag #findthebus to see the store’s location, but a small collection of items is now available online. Check it out for a curated selection of lightweight knits, handbags, and accessories.
This story was originally published on May 4, 2018. It has been updated (and will continue to be updated) to include new tips, advice, and guidance, to ensure we are always giving you the best, most valuable resources.
Looking for more super-cool, female-founded, small-business brands to support? Don’t miss the Shopping Bazaar at the Girlboss Rally, where we’ve curated our very favorite ones. Register at girlbossrally.com to access the Shopping Bazaar and so much more.
