3 Up-and-Coming Woman-Led Brands to Watch
By Jessica Alex
Happy International Women’s Day!
To celebrate IWD this year, I wanted to feature 3 up-and-coming woman-led brands in the conscious and wellness space to watch.
These women are definitely movers and shakers who seek to make an impact on the planet and the communities they serve.
What was the criteria for the selection?
These three brands are product-based businesses in the conscious and wellness space.
They are sustainably-led and focus on providing non-toxic products to consumers.
They have also been in business for under 5 years.
Without further ado, here are 2024's woman-led brands to watch:
GARTE HOME
Founded by: Daria
Based in: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Launched in: 2023
What inspired you to start your business?
I was tired of searching for the perfect candles with a toxin-free ingredient list that are affordable at the same time, so I decided to create them. My inspiration came from the belief that the world needs more innovation, and I wanted to create a product that helps to push the boundaries of consciousness.
How has sustainability been an important part of your brand?
Sustainability is extremely important to me. I believe that all people on our planet should not just minimize our ecological footprint but leave a positive impact. Our company's commitment to sustainability isn't a compromise; it's a promise to future generations. From sourcing to packaging, every decision reflects our dedication to a greener, healthier planet.
Why did you make the choice to use clean (non-toxic) ingredients?
Because our customers deserve nothing but the best – and that includes what they breathe. We chose clean, non-toxic ingredients not just for the absence of harmful elements, but for the presence of authenticity. Our products are a mixture of purity and gorgeous design, ensuring that the only thing our customers experience is the true essence of quality.
What can people expect from your brand?
We're not just selling a product; we're offering a lifestyle. By choosing to shop with us, you actively contribute to the crucial mission of preserving nature, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring you receive the best possible home fragrance or candle.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about starting their own business?
Observe, Learn, and Adapt. Surround yourself with a supportive network, stay adaptable, and most importantly, believe in your ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
To keep up with GARTE HOME, check out these links below:
Website: https://gartehome.com/
Instagram: GARTE HOME
Chocolate Label
Founded by: Charisse
Based in: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Launched in: 2020
What inspired you to start your business?
It started off as a passion project as I was extremely frustrated and burnt out by my hair regimen. The natural hair care industry just started to boom and it felt like there was a million steps to do hair. I was very frustrated and also suffered from self-inflicted alopecia. I wanted to create my own hair care line to embrace minimalist hair care.
How has sustainability been an important part of your brand?
Sustainability has been a cornerstone of our brand since its inception. We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint by us sourcing ingredients from sustainable and ethical suppliers. Additionally, we strive to support initiatives that promote environmental conservation and community empowerment.
Why did you make the choice to use clean (non-toxic) ingredients?
I believe that everyone deserves access to safe and effective hair care products. That's why we made the conscious choice to use clean, non-toxic ingredients in all of our formulations. Our products are free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and silicones, ensuring that they're gentle on both hair and the environment. We prioritize transparency and integrity in our ingredient sourcing, so our customers can trust that they're making a healthy choice for themselves and the planet.
What can people expect from your brand?
People can expect to find a range of premium hair care products specifically designed for women with textured hair. Our formulations are carefully crafted to nourish, hydrate, and style curls, coils, and waves of all types. Whether you're looking to define your curls, hydrate dry strands, or protect your hair from heat damage, our products deliver results you can see and feel. Plus, we're constantly innovating and expanding our product line to meet the evolving needs of our community, so there's always something new and exciting to discover.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about starting their own business?
My advice for someone thinking about starting their own business is to stay true to your vision, but also be open to feedback and adaptability. Building a successful business requires passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and industry experts who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of hard work and determination—every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and innovation.
To keep up with Chocolate Label, check out these links below:
Website: https://chocolatelabel.store/
Instagram: Chocolate Label
Fizz Away
Founded by: Doreen & Amanda
Based in: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Launched in: 2020
What inspired you to start your business?
We were inspired to start our business when we could not easily find completely natural bath bombs and other skincare products in retail stores and online. What we were looking for are products free of artificial fragrances and colourants.
How has sustainability been an important part of your brand?
Sustainability has played a very important part in the decision-making process of what ingredients to use in our products and how we should package our products with the least amount of negative impact on our environment, people and future.
Why did you make the choice to use clean (non-toxic) ingredients?
Nowadays, an average human being consumes a high amount of toxins from their environment daily, hence we want our customers to use our products without any worries that it'll cause harm to themselves, others and the environment.
We have a firm belief to make clean products that benefits our consumers when they use them, while reducing the waste and pollution after using it as well. Therefore, all of our products uses ingredients that are either naturally-derived from plants, minerals or other natural resources, and/or by-products from animals that are sustainably sourced. Our packaging are also designed with a mindset for it to be either biogradeable or recyclable.
What can people expect from your brand?
All of our products are made in small batches and in packaging that'll ensure the freshness of the products until when our customers use them to the end. In addition, we only use sustainably-sourced, natural ingredients in our products that's safe for our consumers and environment. We are constantly developing new products for our customers with the mindset for them to receive the maximum benefits when using them.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about starting their own business?
Give it time to prove itself. Choose something that you enjoy or play to your strengths. If you choose to have a business partner, the right partner will grow your business faster than doing it alone. Amanda and I are very different, but our strengths make up for the other's weaknesses.
To keep up with Fizz Away, check out these links below:
Website: https://fizzaway.ca/
Instagram: Fizz Away
Thank you to these incredible women for their contributions to the conscious and wellness space, and we look forward to seeing what they have coming up next!
