There are many incredible female led businesses you should know about. Today, we wanted to share just a handful of women who are driving change and innovation, and inspire you with their stories.

Sara Blakely

Photo Credit: Sarah Blakely

While you likely don’t know her by name, her brand is a household product. Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx.  She was getting ready for a party when she realized she didn’t have the right undergarment to provide a smooth look under white pants. That was her AH-Ha monent, and Spanx was born! Armed with scissors and sheer genius, she cut the feet off her control top pantyhose.

She searched until she found a factory that would produce this “crazy idea”, and the Spanx revolution began. In the years since, she has revolutionized the world of shapewear with her invention. In March of 2012, Sara was named the world’s youngest, self-made female billionaire by Forbes Magazine and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. She is truly the definition of self made.

Evelyne Nyairo

Photo Credit: Evelyn Nyairo

This Albertan environmental scientist and chemist is the founder of skincare brand Ellie Bianca. Not only is Ellie Bianca a proudly Canadian, all-natural, sustainable skincare line, but they also have a social mission behind the brand that we can all stand behind! Their product adheres to three core principles: being kind to your skin, kind to the Earth, and kind to women.

Ellie Bianca supports the empowerment of women through business and education. They are here to spread the message that beauty is so much more than an aesthetic, which we absolutely love.

Jace Meyer

Photo Credit: Jace Meyer

This Manitoba born Metis woman approaches entrepreneurship from a different angle. Jace advocates and teaches social entrepreneurship. She’s been helping Indigenous entrepreneurs and youth-serving organizations build inclusion into their products and services for the past 10 years.  Indigenous entrepreneurs are one of the fastest growing demographics in this country. They are building with their communities and sharing what they learn as they develop their businesses. Jace is also a speaker and public speaking coach for the BIPOC community. 

It’s important to have a voice for Indigenous entrepreneurship, so Jace’s leadership and trailblazing is very much needed.

Khaoula Abtouche

Photo Credit: Khaoula Abtouche

Based out of Montreal, Khaoula is the Founder of Dignitii Modest Activewear. Her brand aims to elevate women’s fitness above body image. Dignitii’s mission is to empower women who dress modestly to lead an active lifestyle. It provides them with functional, stylish yet modest activewear. All of Dignitii’s activewear are made with the latest technology using sustainable fabrics that are ethically made. They carry modest tops, sport hijabis  and loose leggings. Her ultimate goal for Dignitti is to create the go-to brand for modest sportswear worldwide. 

Dignitii wants women to feel strong, confident and beautiful without compromising their values, which is such an important step to making fitness inclusive for all.

We hope you’re feeling inspired by the boss women in this article. Happy International Women’s Day!