IWD: Women-Owned Businesses that Give Back!

This International Women’s Day, a day to honor the socio-economic accomplishments of women globally, I am honored to share some women-owned businesses that are not only creating outstanding services and products, but also are giving back to women and our communities. Please read on and give them your economic support, as they endeavor to uphold others, as seen on NBC’s TODAY show.

1. Photo Shoot | $30 per digital image, SHOOTT.com

During Covid, SAG-AFTRA actor Jennifer Tsay pivoted and co-founded SHOOTT.com with the goal of keeping fellow creatives, freelance photographers gainfully employed while making photography affordable for the masses. Simply log onto the site and book a FREE, 30-minute, Instagram-worthy photo session. Post shoot, you receive approximately 40 photos and can purchase--with no obligation--pictures starting at $30 each. Subsequent photo packages include 10 photos for $15 each or all photos for $290. Her female-run company sports a 12-woman staff and SHOOTT locations are 500 strong across 40 cities nationwide.

2. Scrunchies ($55) & Headbands ($75 and up) | autumnadeigbo.com

Autumn Adeigbo is a fashion designer inspired by her Nigerian American roots of clothing, accessories, hats and bags, with a focus on culture, color and conscience. She uses female-owned production facilities in the US and provides her global artisans with fair wages. Her hair accessories start at $55 for scrunchies and $75 for headbands that are handmade, sustainably-sourced and eco-friendly since her orders are limited or custom.

what amy is sending: her under $100 accessories as props - Scrunchies $55, Beautiful headbands $75 and up

3. Petite Bundles Bracelets | Starts at $98 souljourneyjewelry.com

Owner Jill Boylan of Soul Journey Jewelry has designed jewelry since she was a teenager, inspired by her mother’s 1970’s fashion and California’s flora and fauna. I describe her pieces as romantic bohemian, and her Petite Bundles collection of bracelets speak to this, featuring three to five strands sporting Indian stones and dangling charms. She donates 30% of the proceeds to Dress for Success, a global non-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence.

Barbara Bradley Baekgaard & Patricia R. Miller of Vera Bradley

4. New Hope Girls Collection | Starts at $25.00 verabradley.com

Forty years ago, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and her best friend Patrica R. Miller founded Vera Bradley, as America’s first travel brand for women. For this International Women's Day, the brand is partnering again with New Hope Girls to launch a spritely collection of four accessories (including a cosmetic bag, $25; 2 hobo bags $55, $65; duffle, $95) that will benefit the organization. New Hope Girls aims to help end trafficking and exploitation of women through rescue, refuge and restoration. What’s nice is the campaign runs from now through July 5, 2022, giving you plenty of time to pick out something for yourself and perhaps a Mother’s Day gift or two!

CEO Sarah La Fleur & Creative Director Miyako Nakamura of M.M.Lafleur

5. Casual Tees | Starts at $55 MMLaFleur.com

Founder and CEO, Sarah LaFleur, frustrated by a lack of women’s stylish workwear founded MMLaFleur, which has now expanded to include leisure and loungewear for a consummate women’s wardrobe. The pieces are minimalist, timeless and chic and feel luxurious to the touch. I love these casual shirts, they go with everything, feel fabulous and start at $55 each. All year round they offer a 10% Heroes Discount on full priced items for women in the military, first responders, medical professionals, teachers and non-profit workers.

Sisters Mo and Michelle Makone of Mo’s Cri

6. Home Decor Baskets | From $22 MosCrib.com

Mo's Crib, a South African company, is founded by sisters Mo and Michelle Mokone and is a black-owned business with an over 90% female staff of South African women. Their innovative handmade wares include sustainably made baskets, trays, hampers and planters in a variety of sizes and colors that are sold in the US at retailers like Crate + Barrel. For their female artisans, Mo’s Crib provides not only fair wages, but also housing, food, healthcare, training and more.

Mlaza Grass Woven Trays from $22

Recycled PVC Basket/Planter $119

Mlaza Grass Laundry Basket $70, medium size

7. Papier x Liv & Dom Collection Journals | Starts at $26.99 papier.com

Liv and Dom Cave-Sutherland are twin artists out of the UK who are known for their exquisite designs that celebrate women. In celebration of International Women's Day stationery brand Papier, is releasing a limited-edition collection with the twins that celebrate the playful, female form and is decorated with bright yellow Mimosa flowers--representing the traditional flower for International Women's Day.

100% of the profits will be donated to Women for Women International, an organization that helps women survivors of war and conflict, right now with a focus in Afghanistan, DR of Congo and Sudan. Anything purchased at Papier is eligible for free personalization, and the campaign lasts through March 31, 2022. (Papier has been working with Women for Women for IWD for the past three years and has donated over $60K to the organization.)

Editorial. Prices and IWD donations confirmed at time of publication.