March may be Women’s History Month, but celebrating, empowering, and elevating women shouldn’t be limited to 31 days each spring.
This is your friendly reminder that there are plenty of ways you can support female entrepreneurs throughout the year—from shopping at women-owned businesses (a given) to increasing visibility by leaving reviews or amplifying their brands on social media. And if you’re an established female business owner yourself, why not invest in the next generation of dream-chasers by sharing your expertise through mentorship? It doesn’t have to be formal to be impactful—coffee chats are often the best kind of chats!
All that to say: Being intentional about lifting up women-owned businesses can go a long way in supporting dreams months, years, or decades in the making.
How Made In Washington Supports Women-Owned Businesses
It may be obvious, but we love our state and the people who make it special. For nearly 40 years, the Made In Washington team has been completely dedicated to curating the best of Washington State in a way that thrills and inspires you.
It’s a lofty goal, to be sure. But by partnering with a diverse group of local makers, artists, craftspeople, entrepreneurs, and small businesses—including many women-owned businesses—we’re making it happen.
Featured Women-Owned Businesses
From iconic brands to women making waves in Washington (and beyond!), we’re proud to shine a light on a few of our favorite women-owned businesses.
Alpenglow Cocktail Company
Any hour can be happy hour thanks to Alpenglow Cocktail Company and their handcrafted cocktail mixers! The brainchild of Nicole Cox, this small business sources ingredients locally to bring tastes of the Pacific Northwest to folks everywhere. Add your favorite spirit or make them non-alcoholic—they deliver first-rate flavor either way!
Coro by Salumi
…did someone say happy hour? A premium salumeria that began in the late 90s, Coro by Salumi is now helmed by Clara Veniard and Martinique Grigg and offers an array of salami fit for any charcuterie board. (Trust us when we say this salami just hits differently.)
El Fuego Pepper Sauce
Erin Keedy is bringing the heat with her award-winning El Fuego Pepper Sauce! This Bellingham-based small business sources local produce to craft jelly-style pepper sauces that perfectly balance sweet and spicy. Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled for her seasonal sauces that use berries from the PNW.
Fran’s
A woman who needs no introduction, Fran Bigelow is the legendary owner of Fran’s Chocolates and an all-around amazing businesswoman. We wrote about Fran in our Seattle chocolate round-up, but her delectable delicacies are worth another mention here. Chocolate is always a good idea—and Fran’s is some of the best!
Flying Bird Botanicals
Scout Urling’s passion for plants and making things took shape in the form of Flying Bird Botanicals, a PNW tea company that prioritizes “planet and people over profit.” From utilizing only organically-farmed and ethically-wildcrafted herbs to packaging products in recycled steel tins, Flying Bird Botanicals is living its values loud and proud. (Psst…the tea is legit, too.)
Girl Meets Dirt
Audra Lawlor traded Wall Street for Washington—and now she highlights the unique flavors of the San Juan Islands through fruit jams, preserves, and more thanks to her one-woman show, Girl Meets Dirt. While you don’t need to visit Orcas Island to try her products, visitors to the Girl Meets Dirt shop are often rewarded with informal tastings each business day.
Handmade La Conner
A labor of love that began in 2009, Robyn Bradley’s handmade lifestyle brand, Handmade La Conner, has grown to include bath and body, cleaning, home, and pet products. What hasn’t changed? Her dedication to using clean, natural, and eco-friendly ingredients for all to enjoy.
Paunchy Elephant
Co-founded by Tamyra McKay and Wanda McKay, Paunchy Elephant is a family-owned and operated small business with a menu of sweet and savory sauces, teas, and lemonades packed with quality ingredients. In addition to its certified organic status, Paunchy Elephant uses its platform to support social, economic, and environmental issues.
Porter Lane Home
What began as a hobby for founder Erin Porter in 2012 has transformed into Porter Lane Home, a family-owned business that specializes in quality, hand-crafted home décor and gifts. The best part: All Porter Lane Home products are designed, curated, and made in their Mukilteo, Washington, studio.
Seattle Chocolate
Another trailblazer featured in our chocolate blog is Jean Thompson, owner and CEO of Seattle Chocolate. Not only does Seattle Chocolate offer responsibly sourced and produced goodies to satisfy any sweet tooth, but the company also donates 10% of net profits to Girls Inc., a nonprofit that uplifts and inspires girls throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Snoqualmie Valley Candle Company
Consider this the best that the PNW has to offer—captured in 100% natural, renewable, USA-produced soy wax candles. From scents that conjure images of the Olympic Mountains, Salish Sea, and everywhere in between, a candle from Snoqualmie Valley Candle Company makes the perfect gift. (Just make sure you nab one for yourself first!)
Sound and Circle
Level up your notebook game with goods from Tacoma-based Sound and Circle. Founder and solopreneur Lindsay Ashley designs her products to fit seamlessly into your day-to-day life without sacrificing beauty and charm. A more organized you is just a few clicks away!
Here’s to Strong Women
Women in business? We love to see it. Explore our entire roster of makers or shop by collection and check out some of our other featured female makers on the ‘gram—you’ll be glad you did!
