Upper Canada Mall

From the first female athlete to join the Canadian junior football team to the first hijab-wearing national TV news host in Canada, women continue to break barriers. In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re celebrating brands with women at the helm who inspire and empower. Here are just a few of the female-led companies you can shop.

Local influencers
Upper Canada is home to an array of amazing women-led businesses. Take Sock Footage for example, which was born out Marisa’s (owner) desire to combine her passion for socks with an opportunity to give back to those in need. In the food industry, Market & Co., is a nod to how females lead by example. Humble Roots Organic, owned by Sarah and Tiffany, demonstrates how two holistic nutritionists came together to create delicious food for the body. Olive Oil Co., owned and operated by Denise, has utilized her corporate background to open three shops, which have garnered her well-earned recognitions such as New Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year.

The fearless fashion leaders
The fashion industry is full of amazing brands for women and created by women. Accessory labels like Foxy Originals are all about personal style with one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. Meanwhile, fashion brands like Rebecca Minkoff and local shops like Clothz are dedicated to helping women look and feel good in the clothes they have in their wardrobe. Shop the brands that are both style and substance:

The wellness advocates
Wellness has become more important than ever before as we prioritize self-care, along with our physical and mental health. Women-led spas like LEVEL Laser Med Spa are tapping into those needs and helping provide the right tools and options. Shop the brands that are bringing wellness to the forefront:

The beauty trailblazers
The beauty industry has come a long way, thanks to female founders who are championing diversity and inclusivity. Take Rihanna, who launched Fenty Beauty’s game-changing foundation in 40 shades and challenged other brands to cater to more skin tones. Other brands like Huda Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs are also dedicated to creating beauty products that work for everyone. Shop the beauty brands that are striving for lasting change:

The sustainability champions
When it comes to environmental sustainability, female-founded brands are innovating and creating products that promote an eco-conscious lifestyle. Think reusable bags by Stasher (available at Linen Chest) and water bottles by S’well that eliminate the need for single-use plastics that end up in our oceans and landfills. Not only do they help reduce your carbon footprint, they’re also pretty stylish. Shop the eco-conscious brands that help you make sustainable swaps:

International Women’s Day is an annual reminder to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere. Shopping female-owned brands is just one of the ways to support them, today and every day. For more inspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram at @UpperCanadaMall