News and Press

In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8), I reached out to female founders in fashion to highlight their successful businesses and get their insights on what makes them feel empowered.Read on to learn about some amazing women-founded fashion brands and get their advice on how to be a woman in the entrepreneurial world.
JEMINA TY: I love being able to create clothes that I want to wear!It feels really empowering to bring my ideas to life and bring them to life.Brainstorming and experimentation are a key part of my process, and seeing women around the world look great in my designs motivates me to improve my products and processes.
JT: I’m proud to say that women have been leading Blackbough Swim and women make up the vast majority of our current team.In fact, 97% of our employees are women.We believe women’s leadership and creativity are critical in modern business, so we’ve always encouraged female team members to speak up and share their ideas.I also make sure to invest in my team members through benefits such as health insurance and mental health support, flexible work arrangements and opportunities for upskilling.
Building a safe and inclusive space for women through our business is critical to me, and this includes our professional interactions with other partners.Blackbough also supports several women-focused charities, including our long-term partner Tahanan Sta.Luisa (an organization that cares for homeless, orphaned or abandoned young women) and our weaving community in the province of Ilocos Sur.We also work with women-led businesses like Frasier Sterling and talent like Barbara Kristoffersen.
Our goal with Blackbough is to build a brand that is loved not only for its products, but also for its position as the voice of women around the world who dream, occupy space, do great things and lead.
JT: Tona tops and Maui bottoms are my all time favorites.Classic twist tops and sporty bottoms were our first designs back in 2017, when Blackbough first started.These styles became instant hits and I absolutely swear by them!Every time I want a no-frills bikini set, I quickly pull them out of my closet.I especially love the combination of this unique print, which evokes positive emotions just by looking at it.I’m currently obsessed with Tona and Maui in some of our latest designs, such as Sour Slush, a psychedelic print we commissioned from a female artist, and Wild Petunia and Secret Garden, which are delicate, nature-inspired prints.
Blackbough Swim will enter into a one-year partnership with Tahanan Sta starting March 1, 2022.Luisa, an organization that cares for homeless, orphaned and abandoned young women in the Philippines.From March 1-8, 2022, they will be donating $1 for every piece purchased from the Good Stuff collection.Blackbough Swim will be sending care packages to assist with their day-to-day operations throughout the year.The packages will contain food, vitamins, hygiene supplies, COVID-19 essentials, and recreational materials such as badminton equipment.
BETH GERSTEIN: Acting consciously through decisions; one of our core brand pillars is a bias towards action: when you see an opportunity, seize it and give it your all.To foster opportunity and growth, it is important to build a company culture around ownership and create a safe environment where others are not afraid to fail.As a mission-driven brand, when I saw Brilliant Earth make an impact, I felt empowered to continue working hard to drive change.On a personal level, being heard and freely learning from my failures has been an integral and empowering part of my growth.
BG: It’s important to me that my company is driven by strong female leaders and that we can learn and grow from each other.Whether it’s hiring or promoting women to leadership positions or developing female-majority boards, we strive to create an inspiring environment that encourages other women to excel.Developing female talent by identifying potential early, mentoring and providing opportunities for growth is key to paving the way for future senior female leaders.
We’re also proving that this is a priority for our company by promoting women’s empowerment in our non-profit work – including the Moyo gems initiative, which supports women gem miners in Tanzania.
BG: Our newest collection and the one I’m most excited about is our Wildflower Collection, which includes engagement rings, wedding rings and fine jewelry, as well as a huge selection of hand-selected gemstones.Coinciding with the biggest wedding season yet, this collection features vibrant pops of color and unique intricate designs.We know our customers will love this fresh and latest addition to our nature-inspired jewelry collection.
CHARI CUTHBERT: The fact that I built BYCHARI from scratch with my own two hands still amazes me to this day.From confidently propelling myself into a male-dominated industry, to learning all aspects of making on my own, I was empowered by my own story and hope to inspire others in the same way.I am grateful to have an amazing team of women behind me, without whom I would not be where I am today.
CC: I work hard to support women of all backgrounds, both in my personal life and through BYCHARI.Unfortunately, gender wage inequality remains and pervasive in 2022; hiring an all-female team not only levels the playing field, but enables us all to work together to take BYCHARI beyond our wildest dreams.
CC: While I like to change my jewelry every day, my BYCHARI Diamond Starter Necklace is my current favorite piece.Every day, I wear the initials of someone very special to me.No matter how far they are, no matter where I go, I carry a part of them with me.
Camila Franks: Adventure!Trust your intuition and unbridled creativity on the plains of opportunity is magic.No matter how absurd my ideas may seem at first, they are based on key values ​​and instincts, and following them bravely on unfamiliar paths often leads to success.This is incredibly empowering!It’s scary at times, but being true to yourself is incredibly powerful.I like being uncomfortable for the sake of being comfortable.
In the 18 years I’ve been making CAMILLA, I’ve never done things the way I expected.I directed an opera for my first fashion show to celebrate women of all ages, shapes and shapes.During the global pandemic, I opened new boutiques in the US and Australia, and some
Say I’m crazy, but confident in the joyful power of print, with new categories like wallpapers, surfboards, pet beds and pottery.
Leaving prudence behind, believing that the universe rewards bravery for strength.Drawing from life makes me feel empowered!
CF: I have always wanted CAMILLA to be a symbol of love, joy and inclusivity for everyone who wears us.Our vision for a brand extends far beyond the confines of a design studio.Our dream is to drive change for generations to come and create a brighter future for all.
I am proud that we are now known not only for our products, but also for our communities.Human collective of all ages, genders, shapes, colors, abilities, lifestyles, beliefs and sexual orientations.Just by wearing our prints and the stories they celebrate, you can make strangers friends and instantly recognize the values ​​they share.
I strive to use my voice and our platform to strengthen this community; our family – to share inspiring stories, educate and encourage action in this world, and unite in support.Even my boutique styling angels have their own Facebook accounts to expand their connections with in-store customers – many of whom are drawn to us when they experience trauma, illness, insecurities and loss.We are all warriors, stronger together!
CAMILLA has longstanding philanthropic partnerships with domestic violence, child marriage, breast cancer, cultural change, ethics and sustainability around the world, and we consciously learn to adapt to the world.
After a glamorous white winter in Wales, I was ready for warmer days soaking in the sun in crystal-embellished swimsuits and gowns, and by night I put on printed silk party dresses, bodysuits, Jumpsuits, whimsical braids…more is more, darling!
Our mother, Mother Nature, our planet needs to be nurtured.That’s why our swimsuits are now made from 100% recycled ECONYL, a recycled nylon made from waste materials that would otherwise end up polluting our majestic planet.
With the birth of CAMILLA, my initial need to protect Mother Earth was born in the sands of Bondi Beach.We dance to the rhythm of her beating heart as we pay tribute to her with our sustainable swimwear collection and how we choose to live our lives with purpose.
FRASIER STERLING: I am now eight months pregnant and I am using Frasier Sterling with my first child.Running my own business has always been rewarding, but doing it while I’m eight months pregnant makes me feel more empowered now!
FS: Frasier Sterling’s followers are mostly Gen Z women.That said, we are very socially active and find it important to lead by example!Promoting kindness, self-love and confidence to our young audience is a key tenant of our message.We also actively support and encourage our followers to support various charities and non-profit organizations.On International Women’s Day this month, we’re donating 10% of sales to Girls Inc – an organization focused on mentoring relationships, breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering young girls to be role models in their communities.
FS: I’m currently coveting my Shine On custom diamond nameplate necklace from our fine jewelry collection.It’s the perfect nameplate for everyday wear.Mine has my baby’s name on it, so it’s extra special to me!
In honor of International Women’s Day, Frasier Sterling is donating 10% of all sales on Tuesday, March 8th.
ALICIA SANDVE: My voice.I have been timid since I was a child, always afraid to speak my mind.However, many life experiences as an adult became huge learning lessons for me, leading to a shift in the way I chose to live my life.In 2019, I was sexually assaulted and for the first time in my life I knew that if I didn’t speak up for myself, no one would.The process led me to confront a flawed legal system, not necessarily designed to protect women in these situations, and a large investment bank that tried to intimidate me to “leave” because the perpetrators worked for them.
I first sat in the room with the police, then defended and fought with the investment bank’s HR and legal counsel multiple times throughout the process.It was very painful and uncomfortable, especially having to share intimate details of what happened to me to a male police officer before sharing it with a room full of people who really didn’t care about me, but Care about the company.All they wanted was for me to “disappear” and “stop talking.”I know my voice is all I am, so I overcome the pain and continue to defend and fight for myself.While all of this didn’t turn out entirely in my favor, I knew I stood up for myself every step of the way and I fought a good fight.
Today, I continue to talk about what happened to me and hope that one day I will be able to hold people accountable for not doing the right thing.I feel empowered by the fact that my voice still gives me that power today.I am the mother of two beautiful little girls, Emma and Elizabeth, and I am proud to one day tell them this story.Hopefully I’ve set a positive example for them to know that each of us deserves to be heard, and if people don’t listen to you, do it.
AS: I started HEYMAEVE less than a year after everything happened as a way to heal what I was going through with the sexual assault.It was really hard for me to recover from it and go back to a somewhat normal life where I had no doubt or distrust of everything and everyone around me.But I knew that I needed to regain control of my life.I can’t let what happens define me.That’s when I decided I wanted to pull myself together and turn this painful experience into one that I could use to help educate and empower other women about their experiences of sexual assault.I also know that the only way I can contribute financially to these causes is if I can build a business that can support it.
Being able to help others is very healing, which is why giving back is a key value of the HEYMAEVE brand.We donate $1 from each order to 1 of 3 nonprofits the customer chooses through our website.These 3 nonprofits are women-centric, educating girls, empowering survivors, and building women’s futures.i=change facilitates this to ensure transparency in all donations.We also partnered with the nonprofit Destiny Rescue, which conducts rescue missions around the world, freeing children from human trafficking.These children are often trafficked for sex work.We also sponsor 2 young girls in Bali, Indonesia through the Bali Kids Project, and we pay for their education and fees until they graduate from high school.
HEYMAEVE is a jewelry lifestyle brand, but we are much more than that.We are a brand with a heart—for people, for our customers, and a company willing to use our platform to give a voice to the unheard.It is also important to us that our customers truly feel appreciated and loved.As it says on all jewelry boxes our customers receive, “Like this piece of jewelry, you are beautifully crafted.”
AS: My current favorite piece of jewelry is definitely our heiress ring.It’s beautiful, luxurious, but affordable.A few months ago, this ring went viral on Instagram, becoming the best-selling jewelry in our entire collection.The Heiress Ring is also part of our #WESTANDWITHUKRAINE collection, where 20% of proceeds from all styles in the collection will go to a global empowerment mission through March 12 to support humanitarian relief in the Ukraine crisis.This makes it even more special.
JULIETTE PORTER: I feel empowered to build this brand from the ground up and watch it grow.Launching a brand can be really intimidating, but it’s a special feeling to continually work toward your goals and put your heart and soul into your business.For a while, it wasn’t until I met my partner that I had the confidence to take that step.Being around knowledgeable people in the industry will give you the confidence to keep going.I think the number one obstacle to starting a business is not knowing where to start, but overcoming that fear is so powerful.
JP: I’ve always been passionate about swimwear and fashion, but it never occurred to me to create a product that would get such positive feedback and make women feel positive about their skin.Swimwear can be a difficult part of one’s wardrobe because it’s fragile, so making customers feel good in our bikinis and onesie means we’re helping to take away the sometimes uncomfortable feeling about swimwear.I believe a swimsuit is more than just a beautiful design with a unique cut – you also have to have confidence in what you’re wearing to fall in love with a swimsuit.Our goal is to create pieces that allow women to channel their inner confidence and feel beautiful from the inside out.
JP: My favorite products are always the ones that haven’t been released because I’m so excited while designing them and can’t wait to see them.We are about to release a white crochet bikini sewn with colorful beads.This piece was inspired by the upcoming holiday season and my obsession with tons of color.
LOGAN HOLLOWELL: The feeling of being in control of my own destiny makes me feel empowered.Taking action to achieve my goals and dreams – have a vision!Having a strong coaching system and being able to give and receive support when I need it.Be disciplined and stick to what I most desire.The ability to set boundaries for yourself and others.I love empowering myself by listening to my inner voice – and taking care of my physical health.Read, stay curious, and always learn as a student.Being able to support charities through my company empowers me – knowing we can do what we love, have fun, create art, and help others at the same time!
LH: My goal is to touch people through my mission, design and message.I love supporting other women-owned companies; I realize we are setting an example for each other, and I truly believe that when we inspire each other, we grow!I strive to educate and inspire women on how to further love themselves and support each other through our marketing
LH: It’s all about emeralds at the moment.Queen Emerald Ring and Emerald Cuban Links.I really feel that every capable goddess needs an emerald.It is a stone of unconditional love and abundance.Think of green as growth.Like a lush green forest full of life.Green is the color of the heart chakra energy center, and I can’t think of a better stone that can heal and attract more love and abundance in one’s life.It was originally found in ancient Egypt (full of magic) and Cleopatra’s favorite stone…we love her.
MICHELLE WENKE: I was inspired by the ideas and personalities of people, and ultimately made me feel empowered.
MEGAN GEORGE: I feel empowered to work with people, to exchange ideas and skills, and to work together to build something.
MG: Hope MONROW makes women feel comfortable and confident, and when we feel that way, we can bring out our best selves.
MG: My current favorite is the MONROW men’s military jacket.I wear my husband’s size M almost every day.It’s oversized and lightweight.This is the perfect cross-season jacket.It’s cool and casual, oh so classic MONROW.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, MONROW is donating 20% ​​of the proceeds from its Women’s Day Sports T-Shirts to the Downtown Women’s Center.
SUZANNE MARCHESE: What makes me feel empowered is helping others.I always try to offer any guidance or advice, especially if this is a career path I’ve been through before.When I look back on my days starting with manufacturing and design, it would help me a lot if someone gave me their advice.To let other people benefit from my past mistakes is to let me know that this can make a difference in another woman’s journey.There is no competition in this industry and there is plenty of room for everyone to succeed.When women are united, anything is possible!
SM: I try to create work that makes women feel confident and beautiful.My overall brand includes pieces that are easy to wear no matter the occasion.Whether it’s a quick errand or a night out, I want women to be comfortable and in top shape at all times.
SM: Omg, this is hard!I would say Noelle Maxi is 100% my favorite dress, especially in our new knitted version.The adjustable cut features sexy elegance and fits all body types.It’s a statement piece that can be dressed up for any event or paired with flats.This is our bestseller for a reason!