International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th annually, is an opportunity to recognize the impact women continue to make across industries, communities, and leadership roles.
For us, this day is not about spotlighting one company. It’s about acknowledging the broader ecosystem of women-owned small businesses that work together (often behind the scenes) to build something more thoughtful, resilient, and values-driven.
We are proud to be a woman-owned business. But more importantly, we are part of a nationwide network of independent retailers, refill shops, zero-waste stores, and boutiques — many of which are also women-owned.
That ecosystem matters.
What It Means to Build a Values-Driven Business
Building a values-driven business means making decisions rooted in long-term principles rather than short-term convenience.
In sustainability-focused businesses especially, this includes:
- Prioritizing ethical sourcing
- Choosing lower-waste packaging
- Working with responsible manufacturers
- Maintaining transparency with customers
- Growing at a pace aligned with integrity
These decisions are not always the fastest or easiest route to expansion. They require patience, research, and a willingness to say no to shortcuts.
Many women entrepreneurs bring this intentional mindset into their businesses because their work is often deeply connected to personal values, whether that’s environmental responsibility, community care, or ethical leadership.
The Ecosystem
The support within this community goes both ways.
Across the country, women-owned retailers stock our products in their stores, introducing sustainable alternatives to their local communities. These partnerships are built on shared standards and mutual respect.
But the ecosystem does not stop there.
We also intentionally stock and highlight products made by other small, women-owned brands within our own store. Supporting women in business is not limited to wholesale relationships — it extends to collaboration, amplification, and shared visibility.
When possible, we choose to:
- Carry products made by women-owned businesses
- Highlight their stories
- Share shelf space
-
Introduce our customers to their work
This reciprocal support strengthens the entire network. It ensures that growth is not isolated, but shared.
The Role of Women-Owned Retailers
Independent women-owned retailers play a critical role in shaping sustainable commerce.
They curate product selections thoughtfully.
They educate customers about responsible alternatives.
They create spaces centered around trust and transparency.
They build community through workshops, events, and conversations.
When women-owned brands and women-owned retailers work together, the relationship becomes more than transactional. It becomes collaborative.
Shared values create stronger partnerships.
Shared challenges build resilience.
Shared success benefits everyone involved.
Why Supporting Women-Owned Small Businesses Matters
Women-owned businesses continue to grow in number, yet many still face barriers in funding access, large-scale distribution, and visibility compared to major corporations.
Supporting women-owned small businesses helps:
- Strengthen local economies
- Increase diversity in leadership
- Reinforce ethical supply chains
- Encourage long-term, sustainable growth
- Keep communities vibrant and independent
Small businesses also reinvest more directly into their communities. And when women support one another through partnerships, collaborations, and purchasing decisions, the ripple effect extends far beyond one brand.
A BIG Thank You
This International Women’s Day, we want to express sincere gratitude.
To the women-owned retailers who choose to carry sustainable alternatives.
To the small brands creating thoughtful products with intention and care.
To the founders balancing entrepreneurship with family, leadership, and community.
To the customers who consciously support small, mission-driven businesses.
This ecosystem exists because of shared commitment.
None of us can build this alone.
Building Something Better Together
International Women’s Day is about visibility, but it is also about acknowledgment.
Acknowledgment of the women building responsibly.
Of the resilience required to sustain a small business.
Of the partnerships that allow values-driven brands to grow without compromising what they stand for.
We believe in collaboration over competition.
In shared visibility.
In building businesses that reflect integrity as much as ambition.
Today, we honor the ecosystem of women supporting women, and we are grateful to be building alongside you.
