Women-Owned Business Holiday Gift Guide
Looking to support a woman-owned business this holiday season?
Well, you’re in the right place!
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite women-owned brands for you to consider shopping for your loved ones
(yes, there’s even some things in here for the men!)
Ulloa Cellars
Why @drkelc recommends: The owner and “boss lady” of Ulloa Cellars, Nancy Ulloa, is one of a kind. She uses stainless steel, neutral oak, terra-cotta, and “high quality loving vibes” to create her unique white wines in an area known for its reds. It’s a unique product made by a passionate and extraordinary woman.
Want something extra unique? Check out her “Abundance Gift Set” which includes 5 wines and crystal pairings. Better yet, join her wine club!
Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom
Why @drkelc recommends: Written be the renowned professor, Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom, Thick uses personal narratives to share the experiences of black women in America. A personal collection of essays that touch on so many important topics around the intersection of race and gender, an in particular on being a black woman, in America today, this is a must read for everyone.
Hemlock and Oak Planners and Journals
Why @drkelc recommends: This is one of the first purchases I made when I moved to Canada and it has provided structure and organization to my life ever since. The daily planner provides structure with plenty of space for your long to do lists and notes. The planners also encourage self reflection and revision through pages dedicated to goal setting, habit cultivation, and monthly overviews. Did I mention that they are super sustainable as well?
Darling Spring
Why @drkelc recommends: Darling Spring puts “independent female creatives at [the] forefront” while focusing on “quality, equality, and intentionality.” And they do so beautifully…just look at that colander! Have you ever seen something so functional and beautiful? They have plenty more to choose from ranging form home decor to kitchenware to art and games.
Recess Pickleball Sets
Why @drkelc recommends: Who isn’t obsessed with pickleball these days? With a mission to “bring that wholesome Recess feeling to people of all ages, encouraging them to take a break, have some fun, and play” Recess’ two female founders and childhood friends, Maggie and Grace, bring that extra little style to your pickleball game.
Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap
Why @drkelc recommends: Ever feel tired of getting your financial advice from twenty-five year old finance bros? Same. In her book, Financial Feminist, Tori provides education and information to help women, minorities and people who otherwise might not feel they have traditionally represented by the financial world (aka if you’re not a finance bro). And even better, she does this without judgment!
Raya Jewelry
Why @drkelc recommends: This Lagos-based jewelry designer “empowers women to embrace their individuality through their designs. Raya creates elegant and high-quality statement pieces that “add a touch of vibrant sophistication to any outfit.” I wore the “Ozzy Earrings” in green ot my rehearsal dinner and received so many compliments.
Cadence Capsules
Why @drkelc recommends: As someone who travels frequently, these have been so useful! Founder and CEO, Steph, was determined to make a product that blended all parts of her: “being put together and outdoorsy, feeling dialed in and free of worry, something that met my needs and the earth’s.” The result? A high quality and gorgeous way of packing all those little things and liquids to bring along with you.
WILDFANG
Why @drkelc recommends: I’m obsessed with the suiting, clever tees, and overalls from WILDFANG. And I’m equally obsessed with their mission: “Queer and female founded, we are on a mission to rethink gender norms and how they show up in fashion.” The result is an epicly fun, inclusive, and freeing brand. I’m buying the essential overalls, empower tux suit, and the wild feminist tee!
Oh, and they also hold the record for the World’s Longest Drag Show. No biggie.
Sam Somm Wine Club
Why @drkelc recommends: Sam takes all the fuss and jargon out of her wine club to simply help you learn more about wine! Her club is a judgment free zone where you can ask any question you want and she’ll tell you about licking rocks and her favorite wine to drink with her go-to Taco Bell order. Sam hosts regular online tastings for her members, as well as discounts on private bookings and first access to her own wine label, Faff. If you or anyone you know is looking to learn more about wine and have fun, this is the wine club for you!
I joined when I first moved to Vancouver and have even made a local friend via the club! How cool is that?
You Need A Better Vacation: Science and Strategies for Optimal Vacationing by Jennica Day
Why @drkelc recommends: Y’all know I can’t resist some good science AND good vacation!! So you better believe I love this book. Through her approachable writing style, Jennica uses a science-based approach to challenge our ideas of work and vacation, and to teach us how to vacation better. Be sure to pick up a copy for any one you know that’s been pinched by the travel bug!
Fitness Snob
Why @drkelc recommends: When I read, “Ever been on the hunt for the perfect gym look, only to find that something was missing? That final touch, the pièce de résistance, was often overlooked: the crew socks” I was like, YES!! I’m always throwing on some nasty ass socks that ruin my cute workout look. Not anymore!
Cheekbone Beauty
Why @drkelc recommends: Cheekbone beauty aims to “create a space in the beauty industry where everyone, including Indigenous people, feel represented and seen.” By drawing on the indigenous roots of their founder, Jenn Harper, Cheekbone beauty has created sustainable, high-quality, clean, vegan, and cruelty-free products for everyone. My pick? The “mattifying moon dust.”
"Representation saves lives. This is the core of Cheekbone Beauty." - Jenn Harper
Beast Beauty Brains by Ilona Maher
Why @drkelc recommends: If you still don’t know who Ilona Maher is, you are missing out. Known for muscles, wit, and signature red lippy, this Olympian and US rugby player is making waves for challenging our views on “beauty.” You can too with her clever sweatshirts: “Beast Beauty Brains” and “Made by Bread”.
Hudson and Oak Homeware
Why @drkelc recommends: Any other suckers for a beautiful homeware store? Hudson and Oak, founded by Sarah (who is SO lovely and generously spent her time helping me select silverware for an unreasonable length of time), focuses on homegoods with “functionality and clever design.” And girl do they nail it! I own their large and small plates, bowls, dipping dishes (all in sage) and glasses and receive compliments every time someone comes over. The quality is excellent and the style can’t be beat.
Oh! And they also have a homebody club including adorable tees and hats!
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Why @drkelc recommends: We start growing our empathy and compassion muscles from a young age! If you have a little one you love in your life, consider The Proudest Blue, which teaches us to see the beauty in our differences and to be proud of who we are. Complete the set by adding her latest works, The Kindest Red and The Boldest White.
Looking for more Children’s Books by women authors? Check out this list!
Made by Mary
Why @drkelc recommends: This gorgeous jewelry company (run by…you guessed it, Mary!) focuses on handmade pieces crafted with integrity. Born from Mary’s postpartum experience, she set out to create jewelry that represents “these pivotal moments in life -- from the triumphant to the tragic.” What am I buying? The poppy choker necklace.
Glamnetic
Why @drkelc recommends: Women spend a lot of time getting ready - whether because we are meeting society’s expectations or we enjoy it - the fact is, it takes time to look this damn good! That’s why I’m a big fan of any company that makes the process easier so I can get into my day. Glamnetic is founded on exactly this principle - “At the forefront of Glamnetic's ideology, we want to make your getting-ready routine easier, and faster than ever before. Glamnetic is beauty, on your time.”
Shit that I Knit
Why @drkelc recommends: First of all, I’m sold on the name alone. But even better than the name is the fact that Shit that I Knit creates sustainable winter accessories that look cute and give back to the community. They employ over 400 artisans in Peru, all of whom they pay a fair wage to help support and empower women and families in the community. Did I mention that they were a brand partner for the USA Olympic team?
Painted Wolves: A New Model of Leadership from Powerful Women
Why @drkelc recommends: No list from me would be complete without my own book! Gift this to ANY leader you life looking to challenge their won thinking on what it means to be an effective leader.