This International Women’s Day, celebrate womanhood in style with these companies that give back and promote female empowerment.
31 Bits
The Together bracelet by 31 Bits ($28)
Female-founded 31 Bits works with artisans around the world to craft ethically-made goods ranging from jewelry to handbags to home decor. This month, the organization launches the Together bracelet to remind people that gender equality is an effort from both men and women. “We created the Together bracelet to be a simple reminder that we have the opportunity to choose how we see the person in front of us,” 31 Bits said in a statement. “They aren’t above or below us; they are equals, partners, and friends. Our job isn’t to divide, our job is to stand together.”
Kent Stetson
The Frida handbag by Kent Stetson ($208)
Carry your favorite feminist icon with these chic clutches ranging from a Ruth Bader Ginsburg-inspired “Judiciary” style to Frida Kahlo, or the reproductive rights “Don’t Tread On Us” symbol. Founder Kent Stetson is an active advocate for gender equality, and works with four women to run his eponymous brand.
The Don’t Tread On Us handbag by Kent Stetson ($208)
“As a designer it is not about me as much as it is about the person using the bag. I like to make something that breaks the ice, prompts conversations, and catalyzes meaningful connections,” Stetson said. “The collection offers a diverse range of themes and styles around our signature handbag style for the fearlessly-empowered woman.”
Bitchstix
Bitchstix Lip Balms ($10)
Their slogan says it all: Be courageous. Speak up. Named after a famous RBG quote (“better a bitch than a mouse”), Bitchstix reclaims the word to empower survivors of abuse and sexual assault through the sales of all-natural lip and body balms. The eco-friendly and cruelty-free ingredients not only make for an environmentally-conscious product but also guilt-free cosmetics purchase.
The Big Bitchstix Face SPF 30 ($20)
We love the bestselling Pink Lemon Lip Balm for how light it sits on the lips while still nourishing dryness with essential oils. Plus it smells like ice-chilled lemonade on a hot summer day! And don’t forget to lather up with the easy to use Face SPF 30 Stix for an on-the-go sunscreen.
Ground Up
The “not-just-for-profit” Portland-based nut butter company employs disadvantaged women to create delicious nut butter spreads. Founders Julie Sullivan and Carolyn Cesario met while working for ethical fashion brands in Uganda, and sought to create a similar platform to empower formerly homeless or trafficked women in their hometown of Portland, Oregon.
The Cinnamon Snickerdoodle nut butter by Ground Up ($16)
All butters are crafted without refined sugar, peanuts, gluten, or dairy, making their product as accessible as their business model. With unique flavors like waffle cone, cinnamon snickerdoodle, and chunky almond, coconut, and cashew, Ground Up is not only doing good but also producing crave-worthy nut butters for all.
Brooklyn Candle Studio
Allison Kunath x Brooklyn Candle Studio candles ($45)
The female-owned and female-founded company partnered with California-based artist Allison Kunath for a limited edition collection to create three new scents with inspired by three different women. Woman No. 1 blends sandalwood, currant, and fig for a refreshing fragrance, while Woman No. 2 incorporates a woody cedar leaf and hinoki cypress to lushly enhance any room. Our favorite, the Woman No. 3 candle, mixes sage, spruce, and pine for a comforting, smooth scent that is as intoxicating and beautiful as the artwork it showcases.
“For Brooklyn Candle Studio, International Women’s Day is a day to reflect upon the fierce females who worked tirelessly and risked everything to pave the way for future generations of women,” founder Tamara Mayne reflected. “With 75% of our senior leadership made up of women, this day is very important to us. But despite how far we’ve come, we have so much more to achieve.”
To continue the fight, Brooklyn Candle Studio is donating 10% of all proceeds from the candles to benefit reproductive rights organizations Planned Parenthood, Equality Now, and CHANGE. We applaud Brooklyn Candle Studio for not only creating a beautiful product but also directly giving back to organizations that need it the most.
Sol and Selene
The Secret Weapon weekender in leopard by Sol and Selene ($130)
Don’t forget about Mother Earth! Named after sol (the sun) and Selene (the Greek goddess of the moon), this versatile eco-friendly handbag brand is specifically designed for women on the go. We love the Secret Weapon weekender for travel, and the Lightweight neoprene tote for an easy yet stylish everyday bag. Both pieces are made from water repellent nylon with vegan leather trim so you can be fashion-forward while still environmentally conscious.
The Lightweight tote in gold by Sol and Selene ($90)
Happy International Women’s Day!
