In honour of International Women's Day, we wanted to share a number of women-owned and operated businesses that inspire us. These companies not only create wonderful products, but they also are great examples of successful businesses that empower other women.
Being a women owned and operated business ourselves, we hope to inspire, encourage and uplift women and provide apparel that makes women feel empowered and beautiful whenever they wear Koy Resort.
Here’s a list of a few of our favourite women-owned, Canadian businesses. There are SO many amazing brands out there, so we encourage you to grow this list!
1. MALVADOS - Founder Jen Rainnie / Footwear
A bit about MALVADOS
A bit about MALVADOS
"We couldn’t find it, so we made it: a stylish sandal for every sun-on-your-face, live-concert, first-sip-of-margarita kind of moment. Women-owned and operated, and designed in Vancouver, BC, we create footwear for the wild at heart, the thrill seekers and the courageous dreamers. Inspired by music, travel and design MALVADOS is here to take you from one adventure to the next—wherever that may be."
2. Brunette The Label - Founder Miriam Alden / Apparel
A bit about Brunette The Label
"Founded by Miriam Alden in early 2014, Brunette the Label is a clothing brand based in Vancouver, BC Canada. All of our products are passionately designed in Canada by the babes at Brunette Headquarters. We believe the word "babe" to be a way of life, and strive to create a community that is inclusive of all babes. Inspiring, strengthening, and elevating each other to be the best version of ourselves."
3. Lover's Tempo - Founder Elaine Kim Smith / Jewelry
A bit about Lover's tempo
"What started as a hobby for founder Elaine Kim Smith in 2008, is now Lover’s Tempo: a jewelry brand positioned in over 500 retailers worldwide. While collaborating with marketing consultant Leslie Hoolaeff in 2014, the pair bonded over a passion for creativity and entrepreneurial values. Realizing they shared a common vision for the future of Lover’s Tempo, they decided to partner in 2017 to scale the brand to new heights."
4. Paper Label - Founder Teresa Lake / Loungewear Apparel
A bit about Paper Label
"When the world becomes chaotic, we return to the basics. We design loungewear for simple sophistication and comfort. Our intentional loungewear design and conscious construction add timeless sustainability and versatility to your day to day. Let our loungewear products be the essential building blocks of your wardrobe: versatile and classic items, intended for dressing-up, or dressing-down as required by your day."
5. Okoko Cosmetics - Founder Oyéta Kokoroko / Skin and Cosmetics
A bit about Okoko Cosmetics
"OKOKO Cosmétiques innovates the skincare arena with natural products impeccably designed to make beautiful skin a reality by supporting the five vital functions of a healthy, youthful complexion: moisture, nutrition, protection, renewal and radiance. Based in the vibrant city of Vancouver, Canada, OKOKO fuses exceptional savoir-faire with science-backed skincare knowledge to bring you high-performance formulations that infuse skin with an ageless glow."
6. Lolita's Candle Company - Founder Karla Capristan / Apothecary
A bit about Lolita's Candle Company
"Lolitas mixes the energy of art, fun design and delicious fragrance.
Here at Lolita’s we believe Candle making is really an art that is meant to be experienced."
7. Smash + Tess - Founders Ashley Freeborn, Mercedes Laporte, Teresa Freeborn / Apparel
A bit about Smash + Tess
"We are Vancouver-designed, North American made, and globally inspired. Our belief in slowing down the fashion cycle led us to make clothing on demand and with a clear purpose – to delight our #smashtessfam. Our best-selling Romper fabric is a sustainable rayon from bamboo and cotton blend, and although it costs more for us to use it, it’s proven to stand the test of time and retain its shape and softness when treated well. We produce in our own backyard under our watchful eyes to ensure that our clothing is made in the very best working conditions by skilled and talented seamsters."
8. Giving Sundays - Founder Koreena Singh / Gifts
A bit about Giving Sundays
A bit about Okoko Cosmetics
"OKOKO Cosmétiques innovates the skincare arena with natural products impeccably designed to make beautiful skin a reality by supporting the five vital functions of a healthy, youthful complexion: moisture, nutrition, protection, renewal and radiance. Based in the vibrant city of Vancouver, Canada, OKOKO fuses exceptional savoir-faire with science-backed skincare knowledge to bring you high-performance formulations that infuse skin with an ageless glow."
6. Lolita's Candle Company - Founder Karla Capristan / Apothecary
A bit about Lolita's Candle Company
"Lolitas mixes the energy of art, fun design and delicious fragrance.
Here at Lolita’s we believe Candle making is really an art that is meant to be experienced."
7. Smash + Tess - Founders Ashley Freeborn, Mercedes Laporte, Teresa Freeborn / Apparel
A bit about Smash + Tess
"We are Vancouver-designed, North American made, and globally inspired. Our belief in slowing down the fashion cycle led us to make clothing on demand and with a clear purpose – to delight our #smashtessfam. Our best-selling Romper fabric is a sustainable rayon from bamboo and cotton blend, and although it costs more for us to use it, it’s proven to stand the test of time and retain its shape and softness when treated well. We produce in our own backyard under our watchful eyes to ensure that our clothing is made in the very best working conditions by skilled and talented seamsters."
8. Giving Sundays - Founder Koreena Singh / Gifts
A bit about Giving Sundays
Giving Sundays is a women-owned and operated online shop that creates handmade and thoughtful gifts, and nursery decor. They donate proceeds on the first Sunday of every month to a different organization."
9. Studio Natoyaista - Founder Natoya Ellis / Handmade and vintage goods and art.
A bit about Studio Natoyaista
"Studio Natoyaista grew out of my passion for safe and clean skincare for my baby boy’s sensitive skin. With the passing of time, The baby grew and so did my tiny business. I began offering my collection of vintage for the home, for your body and to add to your own unique collections."
10. Jeln - Founder Crystal Rowe / self-care line
A bit about Jeln
" In 2009 Crystal started experiencing a rare skin condition that left her with terrible scarring on her face. She began to do research on natural ingredients and the benefits of healing through natural medicine. As a result, Crystal spent years researching and testing out different natural ingredients to assist with her scarring. Soon enough, Rich was born and she later decided to share her experience with others. Crystal wanted to create a brand for the community that focuses on the importance of self care. Using quality ingredients and healing naturally. A brand where people of colour don’t have to question if it’s “for them”."
9. Studio Natoyaista - Founder Natoya Ellis / Handmade and vintage goods and art.
A bit about Studio Natoyaista
"Studio Natoyaista grew out of my passion for safe and clean skincare for my baby boy’s sensitive skin. With the passing of time, The baby grew and so did my tiny business. I began offering my collection of vintage for the home, for your body and to add to your own unique collections."
10. Jeln - Founder Crystal Rowe / self-care line
A bit about Jeln
" In 2009 Crystal started experiencing a rare skin condition that left her with terrible scarring on her face. She began to do research on natural ingredients and the benefits of healing through natural medicine. As a result, Crystal spent years researching and testing out different natural ingredients to assist with her scarring. Soon enough, Rich was born and she later decided to share her experience with others. Crystal wanted to create a brand for the community that focuses on the importance of self care. Using quality ingredients and healing naturally. A brand where people of colour don’t have to question if it’s “for them”."