The Women-Owned Businesses We Support
On International Women’s Day—and all year round.
Women are the heart of our community. We know them, we love them, we admire them. For many of us, the most remarkable women in our lives are the ones who raised us, who balanced three jobs to provide for our families, who would do anything for the people they care about. We honor the women who fearlessly take risks—like doctors defending reproductive rights in states where they are under threat—and who stand unwavering in their belief in what is right. Despite every obstacle, they always continue to push forward, showing us all what resilience and determination really look like.
Yet, here we are in 2025, and women still face the challenge of proving their worth and capabilities in a world that continues to hold biases against them.
Where we spend our money—and time—matters. We have put together this list of businesses we support to remind us all that voting with our dollar is important (as is voting at the polls, of course). These local spots and brands we keep going back to have a couple of things in common. 1) Every brand on this list is founded by women—those who’ve turned their passions into purpose, and 2) These visionary women have made the ordinary extraordinary.
Today, on International Women’s Day, and every day, we celebrate the countless women who shape our lives. Below, some of those founders who have made a lasting impact on us.
WARDROBE STAPLES
CAFE SOCIETY
Founded by Lauren Burke
“My friend Lauren is the founder and CEO of Cafe Society, a hat company based in New York. She launched in 2023 and it is my go-to when shopping for warmer vacations. Lauren focuses on building out a timeless wardrobe and these hats are perfect to accessorize your look. I love the Ruth bucket hat in every color. They also launched cashmere blend beanies that are much needed during these colder NY months! —Gabie Deitos, senior marketing manager
MIISTA
Founded by Laura Villasenin
“I've become increasingly strict about where I buy things from and whether the item I'm buying is genuinely something I will love and wear a lot. The cost per wear has to be high! I love Miista because all their shoes are made in-house by artisans in the north of Spain, where the founder Laura Villasenin is from. Their designs are different from any other shoe brand out there right now IMO." —Gloria Zingales, editor, senior manager
SANDY LIANG
Founded by Sandy Liang
“Besides being an amazing designer, I also am super inspired by Sandy Liang as an Asian American woman. She's super creative and I am obsessed with the collabs she does. Some recent favorites: Beats, Wildflower Cases, Monchhichi, and Salomon.” —Kealia Haitsuka, influencer & community coordinator
STUDIO DEM
Founded by Michelene Auguste
“The lovely Michelene founded this Caribbean-inspired vintage boutique that highlights vintage clothing, accessories, and Caribbean designers. It's also on the same block as Buddies [scroll down for one of our favorite coffee shops!], so you can grab a Coquito before shopping!” —Lauren Lauigan, director of community
MONTY
Founded by Natalie Haddad
“I recently moved to Montclair, New Jersey and am in love with this local boutique, Monty. It was founded in 2019 by Natalie Haddad and the assortment focuses on independent and emerging designers. I love all of their offerings and spending time in the store. They have such a unique and welcoming point of view! —Desiree Kaplowitz, vice president public relations
COU COU INTIMATES
Founded by Rose Colcord
“I recently ordered a lounge set from Cou Cou Intimates and have been living in it. These pointelle pants and matching boat-neck top make the perfect in-between outfit for when you want to be super comfortable but still look put together. —Sarah Edelman, senior social and influencer manager
Haitsuka is also a fan of Cou Cou: “I have a few items from CouCou and they are so soft and cozy. Everything is made of organic cotton and their mission is all about celebrating the embodied female experience—not to mention their marketing is also chic.”
BAGGU
Founded by Emily Sugihara
“Everything from my work bag to my lunch box, to my computer case is Baggu. I've been a fan since 2019 when I first discovered the brand and bought my first tote, a canvas cow print tote.” —Haitsuka
SIPS, SNACKS, & MORE
APLÓS
Founded by Emily Onkey
“Since I rarely drink, I rely on Aplós’ delicious and calming mocktails. My favorites are the Ume Spritz and their Mandora Negroni. My friend Emily is the co-founder and I love her whole philosophy behind the brand to see the beauty in the simple things around us.” —Laney Crowell, founder and CEO
BUDDIES COFFEE
Founded by Rachel Nieves
“I love supporting BuddiesBK coffee shop in east WIlliamsburg. My go-to order: The coquito latte.” —Michelle Ramirez, sales and education executive
CURD & CLEAVER
Founded by Kristi Vait
“My boyfriend and I have been obsessed with this cheese shop in Newton, NJ. It’s become our ‘Saturday stop’ after running errands. They are the nicest people and Kristi, the owner, is a sweetheart. They have fresh Honeycomb they put out every week which is delishhhh. We're obsessed. The burrata is also insane. If you're ever in the area, it's a must. They also have a restaurant called The Farmers Daughter down the road—it's packed every weekend.” —Caroline Frey, executive assistant
BIG NIGHT’S
Founded by Katherine Lewin
“I stumbled into Big Night’s West Village location one day on a walk around my neighborhood and it quickly became my go-to for unique home decor. It’s amazing for gifts and they have so many cool finds from glassware, linens, and even high-end pantry items. It was founded by Katherine Lewin in 2021 in her neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn—and they still have the original location as well.” —Edelman
HEALTH & BEAUTY MUST-HAVES
OSEA
Founded by Jenefer Palmer
“The brand was inspired by her grandmother and the power of the ocean. I'm also a firm believer that water is therapeutic in so many ways and their Salts of the Earth Body Scrub is a must-have. The same goes for their Undaria Algae Body Oil.” —Serene Hersh, community and special projects
ARRAE
Founded by Siff Haider
“I discovered Arrae through their unparalleled, extremely effective Bloat supplements and now use several of their other offerings, too. The line was inspired by founder Siff Haider’s own health issues and search for natural remedies during her highly stressful job in tech. She’s created herbal solutions that work for all of my day-to-day ailments so I can feel my best.” —Stevie Nelson, head of education
EARTH MAMA ORGANICS
Founded by Melinda Olson
“For new moms and babies, Earth Mama Organics is my all-time favorite business for all-natural, organic herbal care. Their baby wash is incredible.” —Braelyn Rance, supply and material planner
Also on Rance’s topshelf:
MOTHERLOVE
Founded by Kathryn Higgins
“My favorite products are their Baby Diaper Balm and all over Everyday Baby Balm. They have really healing Nipple Cream for first-time breastfeeding mothers, too.”
MARISSA’S BROW AND BEAUTY BAR
Founded by Marissa Agosta
“I started going to Marissa over 10 years ago for my brows and I now go to her salon in Merrick, NY for almost everything. I heard about her from a friend whose brows she did and went to her for mine and fell in love. I find it admirable that she made her dreams of owning her own storefront come true.” —Marianna Spantopanagos, senior director of field sales
PET LOVERS
WHO’S YOUR DOGGY
Founded by Tracy Klonowski
“My dog is nine years old and I've learned not all groomers are the same, so it's great to find someone you trust.” —Hersh
READING LIST
If you’re as into Substack as we are, be sure to check out these inspiring women creators:
Kayla’s Sunday Series by Kayla Douglas
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Douglas interviewed our very own Laney Crowell. Read the post here.
The Love List by Jess Graves
Ridiculous Little Things by Tahirah Hairston
Downtime by Alisa Ramos
Earl Earl by Laurel Pantin
Objects of Desire by Noora Raj Brown
Who inspires you? Share with us in the comments below. Happy International Women’s Day!
Until next time,
Xoxo
Team Saie
Earth Mama Organics is my fave! 💗 As a writer for joinrise.co, I absolutely love this issue! If you're looking for jobs and female-led community, check us out!