There’s no doubt that our workforce still has quite a ways to go in achieving gender equality, but that hasn’t stopped dozens of women from challenging the status quo and launching uber successful businesses of their own.
In the tech scene specifically, women are building recognizable brands, upending traditional industries and empowering other women in the process. Boston is home to a number of thriving businesses that are not only founded by women, but also built for women. Here, we’re shedding light on these wonder women and their companies’ stories.
Co-founder of Unsize, Katie Willhoit, is breaking down gender stereotypes and empowering women to wear whatever clothing they want by making sure they never have to ask the question, “Will this fit me?” again. After feeling pained by the online shopping process, Katie, along with co-founder, Shuya Gong, created Unsize, to ensure women feel confident and beautiful in their clothing. Unsize’s technology uses a bluetooth measuring device which syncs in your browser and works at several sites to find your best fit, so that the customer can focus on their own style.
Beautylynk, the beauty booking appointment site for women of all colors, wants to help women make the most of their time. According to Forbes, Co-Founder Rica Elysee started Beautylynk not only to make beauty appointments more convenient, but also to create more opportunities for beauty professionals. Beautylynk brings hair and makeup professionals to your doorstep, office or hotel, and has created a hub for all things beauty on their site — from beauty advice to events and jobs.
Washing hair and applying skin and makeup products is part of many women’s daily routine, yet many of us rarely think about the effects those products have on our health. That was the motive behind Tara Foley’s beauty company, Follain. With the mission to make clean and nontoxic skincare, beauty and hair products, Follain’s platform maintains a beauty blog, on- consultants and Follain-approved brands. Foley and her team make sure their products make you feel beautiful and confident while also verifying that they are beneficial for your skin and body.
Aubrie Pagano believes individuality is the future of retail, which is why she and Shelly Madick founded Bow and Drape. Bow and Drape allows you to highlight your personality with customized clothing that is literally made for you. Made in the United States and shipped around the country, Bow and Drape empowers women by allowing them to use their creative energy in designing their own garments.
The early morning struggle of finding a work outfit that is both stylish and evokes confidence is real. Founders Jay Adams and Katie Demo had this daily issue in common, which is why they started Brass. Brass is a clothing company that covers all the basics. With the following five foundational principles in mind: beauty, versatility, quality, ease and purpose, Brass creates affordable work clothes that will leave you feeling prepared for your next interview, meeting and day.
Asking about your intimate health questions and experiences can be awkward. The company Confi understands that and wants to help, reminding you that you aren’t the only one with questions. Founded by Harvard alum, Tess Brooks, Confi is a free online community that gives advice on stigmatized topics and experiences. Along with Confi’s online, judgment-free, platform, the company has expanded into research as well as sexual assault prevention.
Do you want a top that you can wear at work and to the gym? Look no further than Boston’s very own Peach. Along with making comfortable basics and must-haves for all occasions, Peach encourages women entrepreneurship by selling accessories from women-led businesses.
Any busy, active woman knows that showering can be an annoyingly long process, so it’s not uncommon to have your hair and makeup ready, but not have time to shave your legs. Busy Beauty makes it easy to shave while in a hurry — and you don’t even need a shower. Their shower gel has antiseptic ingredients and nutrient-rich oil that protects your skin and keeps you moisturized: no razor burn, no irritation and no water necessary.
