We’re celebrating International Women’s Day and shining the spotlight on the female fronted-brands at the top of their professional game.
From Glossier to KKW Beauty and Sezane, let’s hear it for the female founders, CEOs and self-made entrepreneurs disrupting the status quo.
Here come the girls!
Maddie
We couldn’t highlight female business women without mentioning Kim Kardashian now could we? Love them or loath them (let the record state, I’m a fan) it’s undeniable that there is an incredible strategy in play with absolutely everything the Kardashians put their name to. Sure there have been ups and downs along the way which is true for absolutely every business in history but Kim is the queen of the comeback and she isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. From TV shows and apps to beauty ranges, fragrance and shape-wear. She is a formidable force and her work ethic is undeniable. The empire they’ve all created within the social media space is absolutely fascinating and completely groundbreaking.
Zoë
I have three different women I wanted to mention in business as I couldn’t narrow it down to just one!
Firstly, KKW, as Maddie said, you either love the Kardashians or maybe they’re not your favourite, but i’ve always admired Kim and her work ethic. She’s my favourite Kardashian! Whether she’s fighting a law suit, bringing out a new brand or app, she absolutely puts her all into it and it’s extremely inspiring! I also love that she shares her ups and downs in business too.
I wanted to mention Emily Coxhead here as someone with a smaller business with whom I greatly admire. She started The Happy Newspaper (a newspaper full of brilliant and wonderful things happening all over the world to bring people positivity) in 2015 with help from a kickstarter campaign. Emily is so dedicated and works really hard to inspire others and bring smiles to peoples faces and I just love that.
And lastly I wanted to mention my friend Samantha Cusick who runs her own hair salon “Samantha Cusick London” in Notting Hill, London. Sam saw a space to really utilise social media and give the best bespoke balayage service with instagram worthy cocktails. I’ve loved following her journey of growing her team and hair empire with all it’s ups and downs. Sam is so determined and has such a drive and passion and she inspires me to always follow my ideas through!
Danielle
This IWD I’m going wild for one of my favourite beauty and skincare brands: Glossier. The first time I heard of Emily Weiss was on Whitney Port’s spin-off show ‘The City’. I distinctly remember Emily bowling into a florist and reeling off a ton of beautiful blooms they needed for an event, I was absolutely mesmerised and thought this Emily girl was a genius. Was I wrong? NOPE. She is now the proud founder and CEO of Glossier, one of the most exciting and innovative beauty brands on the market. These products aren’t really my ‘wants’ because I own them all and use them ERRYDAY. Each one is magnificent and you can absolutely tell how much research and care has gone into creating them. Emily Weiss, you are a G!
*Glossier, Milky Jelly Cleanser, £15
Charlotte
Not only is it great to support brands founded by women, but voting with your money and choosing small and independent businesses feels so empowering too. I’m always lusting after everything Megan Ellaby wears so this cute tie dye number from her amazing brand is a no-brainer choice.
Another Manchester based gem: July Child Jewellery founded by Sinead Flood. I honestly would order everything from that website if I could!
Realisation Par is one of my ‘lusting after’ brands- the kind you see on Instagram and always add to your ‘saved’ folder despite the spenny price tag. The shape of the Venus dress is so classic though and one I know I’d get so much wear out of it. Maybe one to invest in when the weather warms up … (wishful thinking).
Finished off with this GORGEOUS Poppy Lissiman bag and that might just be my summer OOTD sorted!
Juicy Child, Strawberry Dream, £50
Saturday by Megan Ellaby, The Fee Boyfriend Fit T-Shirt, £35
Poppy Lissiman, SOUTH BEACH SHELL SHOULDER BAG – SAGE CROC, £122
Lareese
I’m already a self-confessed Sezane addict so in honour of IWD, I’ll be stocking up on a few pieces from the new collection. Founder Morgane Sézalory started her own business organically by selling a couple of bags of her sister’s clothes online. She supplemented her part-time job by selling vintage finds on eBay and in a matter of years, built a hugely popular French brand with a cult following. I’ve got my eye on the Ann shirt and their new eco denim!
Darcey
This IWD I’m going to be supporting Fenty Beauty, firstly because Rihanna is an absolute self-love queen. Never will I forget when she was asked by a journalist “what are you looking for in a man now” to which she replied, “I’m not looking for a man, let’s start there”. She just projects confidence, kindness, compassion all rolled into one. Fenty Beauty I believe is so great because it was groundbreaking in beauty. She released 40 foundation shades in her first launch, including everyone in the beauty conversation. She didn’t stop there either, she received emails from around 10 women who said “hey, actually my shade isn’t in these 40” so you know what Rihanna did? She sent them out to be colour tested, and created 10 more shades! I’ve listed a few of my fave products from Fenty Beauty, which are must-have staples for me.
*Fenty Beauty, GLOSS BOMB UNIVERSAL LIP LUMINIZER, £17
*Fenty Beauty, MATTEMOISELLE PLUSH MATTE LIPSTICK Shawty, £16
*Fenty Beauty, SNAP SHADOWS MIX & MATCH EYESHADOW PALETTE Deep Neutrals, £21
*Fenty Beauty, KILLAWATT FREESTYLE HIGHLIGHTER DUO, £28
*Fenty Beauty, PRO FILT’R SOFT MATTE LONGWEAR FOUNDATION, £27
Holly
I’m choosing to shop at Lucy and Yak this international Women’s day. The founder is funnily enough called Lucy and she started the brand whilst travelling New Zealand with her partner, Chris. I love their ethos they put out and their items are incredible. I’m yet to own a pair of their dungarees but this year I’m determined to get some.
Lucy and Yak, Dara Cross Body Bag in Black, £18
Lucy and Yak, ‘Phoebe’ Organic Cotton Calf Length Socks in Rainbow Stripes, £7
Lucy and Yak, ‘Rainbowz’ Limited Edition Striped Dungarees, £50
Lucy and Yak, ‘Atlas’ Organic Denim Dungarees in Mid Wash, £60
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