October 21, 2025
October is National Women's Small Business Month, a time to recognize the incredible contributions of female entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries, creating innovative solutions, and building the businesses of tomorrow. With over 14 million women-owned businesses now operating in the United States, generating $2.7 trillion in annual revenue, it's clear that women are not just participating in the economy – they're driving it.
The Rising Tide of Female Entrepreneurship
The statistics tell an inspiring story. Women now own 39.1% of all U.S. businesses, representing a 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2023. But these aren't just numbers on a page – they represent real women who took risks, overcame obstacles, and built something meaningful from nothing.
What's particularly exciting is how women are breaking into traditionally male-dominated industries. According to recent research, 16% of female business owners are now operating in male-dominated sectors, with many reporting that this challenge has motivated them to stand out and build stronger networks.
Spotlight on Game-Changing Women-Owned Brands
Let's celebrate some of the remarkable women-owned companies that are making waves across different industries:
When three women – Melissa Mash (CEO), Deepa Gandhi (COO), and Jessy Dover (CCO) – came together in 2013, they had a simple mission: create bags that actually solve problems. Dagne Dover has since become synonymous with hyper-functional, sustainable design.
Their commitment to the environment is impressive: they've used over 13.5 million recycled water bottles in their products and partner with Archive for their "Almost Vintage" resale program. All their signature leather line features Repreve recycled linings, proving that style and sustainability can coexist beautifully.
Holly Thaggard's journey began with a devastating diagnosis – her friend's skin cancer at age 29. This personal wake-up call inspired her to transform an entire industry. Starting by getting SPF pumps into schools, Thaggard built Supergoop! into a $600+ million empire that has completely changed how we think about sunscreen.
"I set out to create the best SPF under the sun," Thaggard explains. Her innovative formulas, like the cult-favorite Unseen Sunscreen, have made daily SPF use not just bearable, but genuinely enjoyable. In 2021, Blackstone became a majority investor, providing the growth capital needed for global expansion while Holly and CEO Amanda Baldwin retained significant ownership.
Love it or question it, there's no denying Gwyneth Paltrow's impact on the wellness industry. What started as a simple weekly newsletter sent from her kitchen table in 2008 has grown into a $250 million lifestyle brand with over 240 employees.
Goop was years ahead of the clean beauty curve, identifying white spaces in luxury clean skincare when the market was dominated by products with questionable ingredients. "I thought, 'I'd really love a great moisturizer that doesn't have anti-freeze in it,'" Paltrow has said. The company's success lies in its ability to start conversations and identify emerging consumer needs.
Karalynne Call's story is one of personal transformation leading to business success. A certified nutritionist and mother of six, she began sharing her health journey on Instagram after battling suicidal depression and discovering the connection between ingredients and wellbeing.
What started with 200 followers has grown into a company with over 1 million Instagram followers and 120 employees. Just Ingredients offers 200+ nutrition and personal care products made with real, nourishing ingredients. The company was recently named Utah County's Business of the Year, with partnerships spanning from the Utah Jazz to Sprouts Farmers Markets.
Beyond the Big Names: A Movement of Innovation
The women's business movement extends far beyond these well-known brands. From tech entrepreneurs building AI solutions to craftswomen creating sustainable homeware, female founders are solving problems across every industry imaginable. Their stories reflect the spirit of innovation and determination that fuels our own journey. Read our story.
How to Support Women-Owned Businesses This October
Make One Switch: The simple act of replacing one regular purchase with a women-owned alternative can make a significant impact. Whether it's switching your skincare routine, trying a new handbag brand, or choosing a woman-owned restaurant for dinner, every purchase matters.
Amplify Their Voices: Share women-owned businesses on social media using #BuyWomenOwned. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful marketing tools for small businesses.
Mentor and Connect: If you're an experienced business owner, consider mentoring a female entrepreneur. The networking and mentorship gap is one of the biggest challenges women face in business.
Choose Intentionally: When you have options, consciously choose to support women-owned businesses. Look for the Women Owned logo when shopping, or use directories like WBENC's Women Owned database.
Looking Forward: The Future is Female-Led
As we celebrate National Women's Small Business Month, we're not just honoring past achievements – we're investing in future innovation. Women entrepreneurs bring diverse perspectives, solve different problems, and create inclusive business cultures that benefit everyone.
The rise of women-owned businesses represents more than economic growth; it represents a shift toward more conscious, purpose-driven entrepreneurship. These women are building companies that care about sustainability, employee well-being, and community impact alongside profitability.
This October, let's commit to supporting the women who are building tomorrow's economy, one innovative business at a time.
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