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International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 is a time to advocate for gender equality and celebrate the contributions of women in all aspects of life.
In the area of business, women-owned Australian small businesses are growing, yet female founders still face funding gaps, industry bias and countless obstacles.
Despite these challenges, women are driving change. According to Treasury data, the number of female small businesses owners increased by 24 per cent between 2006 and 2021, which is more than three times the growth for their male counterparts.
But even with this momentum, women still make up only one third of Australian small business owners.
This IWD, we're swapping purple-frosted cupcakes for beauty products. Specifically, from brands led by Australian female entrepreneurs that are reshaping their industries, and the stats. See below a list of our favourites.
1- AIRYDAY - FRANCES VAN DER VELDEN
Airyday is a skincare-sunscreen brand specialising in luxury SPF and sun protection products that blend skincare benefits from ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid with daily wearability.
Known for its lightweight, non-greasy formulas and sumptuous textures, Airyday makes SPF feel like skincare rather than a chore.
For founder, Frances Van Der Velden, her journey into the skincare industry began following a shock skin cancer diagnosis.
As Frances was someone who didn't particularly enjoy the experience of wearing sunscreen - with its sunscreen smell and gluggy, greasy texture - she set out on a mission to create a daily sunscreen that she loved.
BEST AIRYDAY PRODUCTS
Frances now manufactures and distributes a range of Dreamscreen sunscreens including Golden Glow, Pearl Glow, Clear as Day, Mineral Mousse, Pretty in Zinc, Fragrance Free and Bronze Glow - each with an SPF50+ rating and varying finishes, textures and fragrances - as well as a LED light therapy mask and skincare products.
2- GO-TO SKINCARE - ZOE FOSTER-BLAKE
Fed up with the overcomplicated and intimidating skincare industry, former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan and Harper's Bazaar, Zoë Foster Blake founded Go-To Skincare.
Her mission? To create effective, uncomplicated and trustworthy products that leave even the most sensitive skin happy, healthy and clam.
Go-To's playful skincare brand and product simplicity is part of the reason why it has become a staple for many Australians seeking reliable skincare products that cater to all skin types.
Their products emphasise natural ingredients, such as bakuchiol (a vegan alternative to retinol) and hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance derived from connective tissues).
BEST GO-TO SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Some popular, no-fuss products include Face Hero, Very Luxe Face Cream, Much Plumper Skin Serum and Very Useful Daily Moisturiser.
3- MCO BEAUTY - SHELLEY SULLIVAN
You may recognise MCo Beauty from the shelves of your local Woolworths.
MCo Beauty is an Australian beauty brand founded in 2016 by Shelley Sullivan. The brand has rapidly gained recognition for offering premium quality, vegan and cruelty-free beauty products at accessible price points.
BEST MCO BEAUTY PRODUCTS
The brand offers a range of beauty essentials, including makeup, skincare and fragrance products. Notable products include the XtendLash Mascara, Peptide Lip Treatment and the Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter.
4- NAKED SUNDAYS - SAMANTHA BRETT
Naked Sundays is an Australian skincare brand specialising in innovative, makeup-friendly sun protection products.
Founded by Samantha Brett, a former television news journalist, she spent a lot of time outdoors in the sun and wanted a sunscreen solution that would sit well under a full face of makeup.
Today, the brand aims to revolutionise daily SPF application by offering sunscreens that integrate seamlessly into beauty routines.
BEST NAKED SUNDAYS PRODUCTS
Bestselling products include the SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist and the SPF50+ Collagen Glow Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion.
5- KORA ORGANICS - MIRANDA KERR
Founded by Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr in 2009, KORA Organics offers certified organic skincare products that are luxurious yet attainable. The brand emphasises clean, vegan, non-toxic formulations that deliver optimal results.
What started as a small family business in the northern beaches of Sydney has grown into an award-winning Aussie brand that is now globally renowned.
BEST KORA ORGANICS PRODUCTS
Bestselling products from KORA Organics include Noni Face Glow, Noni Glow Sleep Mask, Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil and Noni Glow Body Oil (I can confirm this is the best body oil!).
6- O COSMEDICS
Fresh from graduating high school, Maria discovered her passion for beauty therapy.
Since then, she has started three skincare brands, including her first baby, O COSMEDICS - a cosmedical skincare company combining cosmetic science with medical-strength active ingredients to target various skin concerns.
BEST O COSMEDICS PRODUCTS
Bestsellers include the Firming and Lifting Neck Serum, Immortal Cream and O-Biome Hydrating & Setting Spray (winner of Prevention's best of beauty awards 2022).
7- THE BEAUTY CHEF - CARLA OATES
Carla Oates is the founder of The Beauty Chef, an Australian brand that pioneered the concept of "inner beauty" by emphasising the connection between gut health and skin health.
Her journey began with personal experiences of ezcema and allergies during childhood, which led her to explre the impact of diet on overall wellbeing.
Initially working as a fashion stylist and later as a beauty writer, Carla became concerned about the synthetic ingredients prevalent in many beauty products.
BEST THE BEAUTY CHEF PRODUCTS
The brand's flagship product, GLOW Inner Beauty Essential, is a nutrient powder designed to support gut health and can form part of a daily skincare routine to promote radiant skin.
Other popular products include Plumpers, Gut Primer and Deep Marine Collagen.
8- LANO (LANOLIPS) - KIRSTEN CARRIOL
Lano is an Australian skincare brand renowned for its high-quality, lanolin-based products that provide natural hydration and healing for the skin.
The brand was founded by Kirsten Carriol, who drew inspiration from her childhood experiences on her grandparents' sheep farm in South Australia.
The product line at Lanolips centres around medical-grade lanolin, ethically sourced from Australian sheep farmers. They promote a minimalist philosophy and formulate products free from synthetic additives.
BEST LANO PRODUCTS
The brand offers a variety of skincare products including 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, Lano Face Base Day Cream and Lano Intense Hand Cream.
FAQs
1. What is International Women's Day (IWD)?
International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8 each year, is a global event that honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also highlights the ongoing need for gender equality and women's rights. The day is marked by events, campaigns, and initiatives that aim to empower women and raise awareness about gender equality.
2. Why is it important to support female-led small businesses on IWD?
Supporting female-led small businesses on IWD is important because women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including limited access to capital, networking opportunities, and support compared to their male counterparts. By supporting these businesses, consumers can contribute to closing the gender gap, fostering economic independence for women, and encouraging diversity in entrepreneurship. Supporting women-owned businesses also helps uplift their communities and create positive change.
3. How can I support female-led skincare brands on International Women's Day?
There are several ways you can support female-led small businesses on IWD:
- Make a purchase: Buy products or services from women-owned businesses.
- Share their stories: Follow and share the stories of these businesses on social media to help raise awareness.
- Leave reviews: Positive reviews can help boost the visibility and credibility of women entrepreneurs.
- Attend events or workshops: Participate in events organized by women-led businesses or businesses that support women.
4. How does supporting women-owned businesses contribute to gender equality?
Supporting women-owned businesses directly contributes to gender equality by promoting equal opportunities for women in the business world. Women entrepreneurs often face barriers to success that are not as prevalent for men, such as unequal access to funding and resources. By supporting these businesses, consumers help level the playing field and foster a more inclusive economy, allowing women to thrive and lead in various industries.
5. How can women entrepreneurs benefit from International Women's Day?
International Women's Day provides women entrepreneurs with a platform to raise awareness about their businesses, gain new customers, and network with other female entrepreneurs and potential investors. It also offers an opportunity to celebrate achievements, reflect on challenges, and engage with their audience in a meaningful way. Many businesses use IWD to launch promotions, new products, or collaborations, which can increase their visibility and sales.
6. What are some challenges faced by female-led small businesses?
Female entrepreneurs often face challenges such as:
- Access to funding: Women entrepreneurs are less likely to receive venture capital funding compared to their male counterparts.
- Gender bias: Female entrepreneurs may face gender discrimination, which can hinder their ability to succeed in certain industries.
- Work-life balance: Many women face additional pressure balancing business and family responsibilities.
- Limited networking opportunities: Women often have fewer opportunities to connect with potential business partners, mentors, and investors.
7. How can we support women entrepreneurs year-round?
While IWD is a great time to shine a light on female entrepreneurs, it's important to support them year-round. Ways to continue supporting women-led businesses include:
- Regular purchases from women-owned businesses.
- Mentorship: If you're in a position to do so, offer mentorship or guidance to women starting their own businesses.
- Investing: If possible, invest in female-led startups or businesses.
- Advocacy: Advocate for policies that support women entrepreneurs, such as better access to funding and resources.
8. What role do women play in small business growth?
Women play a crucial role in the growth of small businesses. Studies show that women-owned businesses contribute significantly to the economy by creating jobs, generating revenue, and driving innovation. Many women-led businesses prioritise sustainability, community involvement, and ethical practices, which can have a positive ripple effect in the local and global economies. By championing these businesses, we not only empower women but also foster economic growth and diversity.
9. How can women in business support each other?
Women in business can support each other by:
- Networking: Creating and participating in women-focused business networks and communities.
- Collaborations: Partnering with other female entrepreneurs for joint ventures or promotional opportunities.
- Sharing knowledge: Offering advice, mentorship, and resources to other women in business.
- Amplifying voices: Using platforms to raise awareness about the achievements of other women in business.
