Women-Owned Brands
Empower Your Inventory with Women-Owned Products
When we shop with a purpose and vote with our dollars, little by little we encourage the world we want. As a company managed and staffed almost entirely by females, we at Simblist Group are believers in purposefully supporting women-owned businesses. Within our brand offerings, we have a number of options to choose from when looking for women-owned brands to place on your store shelves.
Discover the unique offerings from these women-owned brands:
Big Heart Tea Co.
Big Heart Tea Founder Lisa Govro
Laughter is serious business at Big Heart Tea Co.
This lady is big-hearted, y’all. Founder and leading lady Lisa at Big Heart Tea Co. has created a company that stands by its name. She started selling tea out of a 1969 camper trailer at farmers’ markets and street fairs in 2012, and is on a mission to make healing herbs and teas more fun and more accessible for everyone. She leads the company with smarts and empathy — and it shows through the quality of her teas.
Founder Lisa and daughter on a press check
Branche Beauty
Some of the beautiful faces of Branché wearing the Silk Geisha Robe
Founder Donna Hinds Gaynor
Intuitively a trailblazer and pioneer in the silk lifestyle space, Donna’s unique innovations have defined a market. Inspired by her mother’s taste for the finer things in life and wanting the same for herself, Donna was savvy from an early age in shaping her dreams, vision and the importance of keeping her own soul happy. Her life experience helped to style her self-empowerment, personality, passion and perspective about life and what it had to offer.
As a young girl one of the things she adored was the sense and touch of the smooth silk charmeuse pillowslip she discovered tucked away in her mother’s bureau that had been a part of her mother’s sacred bridal trousseau. This sacred heirloom gave Donna a feeling of being connected to something bigger than herself, not realizing at the time that this memory would re-emerged and have a significant impact on her destiny.
The life of a fashion designer/business owner is go, go, go and out of this came her happily ever after. Out of the need to save time on her hair routine and remembering her mother’s silk pillowslip, Donna wrapped her pillow with charmeuse leftover from a holiday collection. “My clothing line evolved, literally, when I woke up one morning relishing that I could sleep a little longer and realizing just how much I relied on silk to maintain my hair and wanting to share the benefits with women everywhere, I decided to create a line of silk pillowcases.” This ah-ha moment led to creating the lifestyle company known today as Branché Beauty Inc.
Donna’s attention to detail ensures Branché products deliver ultimate pampering, self-care and beauty benefits, while evoking elegance and comfortable living and encouraging women to go forth confidently and indulging in the genuine enjoyment of life.
eeBoo
eeBoo founder Mia Galison
Mia refused to accept the compromise of work versus family
Women-Owned and Mother-Run. It doesn't get any more female-empowered than that. in 1994, Mia Galison founded eeBoo when she wanted to create a new paradigm for what it meant to be a working mother. She refused to accept the compromise of work versus family, and began working from her basement on her mission to create beautiful products that would be enjoyed and shared across generations. Her products are designed to build old school skills and values in fresh ways while using sustainably sourced materials, and encourage families to take time to play and spend time together.
Found Image Press
The ladies at Found Image Press celebrating International Women’s Day
Found Image Press crew enjoying the Holidays
Found Image Press was started in 1996 based on a dream to turn a unique and beautiful assortment of postcards and vintage paper ephemera into a notecard publishing business, and today is run by Cate and Barry Bell. The sheer volume of images they have meant the pair could not use traditional inventory methods, so Cate and Barry learned about evolving print technologies and quickly adopted a print-on-demand business model. They are dedicated to printing and manufacturing on-demand products in the USA, which enables customers to order in smaller quantities and reduces the waste of maintaining warehouse space and destroying unsold inventory. Manufacturing in the USA also eliminates the pollution of shipping freight containers overseas, while employing American workers and suppliers. Over time they have hired an eclectic team of computer geniuses, visual artists, sisters, cousins, daughters, and friends to help them build a fun, people-centered business.
Founder Barry Bell and his wife Cate
Gina B Designs
Gina B Designs founder Gina
Gina and ladies relaxing at a company picnic
Gina B Designs began when Gina was a young girl, and she fell in love with stationery and pretty paper. Several years later, while doing house portraits in ink, she reproduced the illustrations on note cards for her clients. Soon after, her artistic interest turned to florals, which she drew, printed on card stock, spot painted each by hand with watercolor, and sold to local gift shops. With encouragement from family and friends, Gina started her greeting card company with 12 designs. Now, 39 years later, Gina enjoys working with freelance artists from around the country to bring a broad range of art styles to Gina B Designs.
GOEL
Founder Jessica and her daughter McCord
GOEL Founder Jessica firmly believes it is never too late to be what you want to be; life is best when you unapologetically embrace who you truly are; and it is scary but rewarding to risk it all to start over. Out of humbling lessons and unconditional acceptance of self, GOEL was born. Jessica's daughter, McCord, is the namesake for their most popular pattern.
The team behind GOEL: McNair, Cille, & Jessica
Good JuJu Ink
Good Juju Ink is devoted to spreading good juju
As a kid, Juju liked to make pretty things
Good Juju Ink founder Juliana (aka "Juju") Kissick
Meet Juju. As a kid, Juju liked to make pretty things. And connect with people. And make people laugh. Fast-forward to 2014. Hearkening to her childhood desires, Juju created Good Juju Ink, a high-end stationery business based on her timeless illustrative style, a strong belief in the power of the handwritten note, and a commitment to delighting people with wildly delightful products. Pretty things. Connecting with people. Laughter. Juju’s products espouse a sense of childlike wonder in each of their recipients and promote positivity in a world that all too often seems to promote the opposite. Good Juju Ink is devoted to spreading good juju. One illustration at a time.
Hillhouse Naturals
Founder Peggy Batts and her daughter, Creative Director Tracy Sullivan
Hillhouse Naturals is a Mother-Daughter owned and run company. Peggy Batts and Tracy Sullivan make all of their products on their family farm, where they work side by side with a wonderful team of women who do everything from pouring candles to packing up orders.
The Hillhouse Naturals story began over 30 years ago in the Kentucky countryside, where Peggy and her husband were farmers. She always loved crafts and making things, and would use botanicals and wildflowers from the farm to to create wreaths, sachets and potpourris. Her daughter Tracy helped too - her after school “job” was picking flowers. They loved farm life but struggled to make ends meet. Peggy took some wreaths to local craft fairs, but never expected for it go beyond that - until one day when Country Living showed up and bought up everything she had! Country Living wanted her to start selling to them and encouraged her to expand. Peggy went down to the bank and got a $500 loan, which got her started on what became a thriving business and a real family affair.
Her daughter Tracy is now the Creative Director of Hillhouse Naturals. She was always fascinated with the creative side of things, and works with Peggy on everything from fragrances to packaging design, growing the company together. Since Hillhouse Naturals was Peggy's vision, she encouraged Tracy to create something new that expressed her own aesthetic, which was more minimalist, clean and contemporary. Tracy always says she grew up in a field of flowers, and thus her new "Field + Fleur" collection was born.
Together, the pair regard their customers as a part of their family, and remain committed to producing quality products with the utmost care. They work hard to create products that bring smiles to our faces and make our homes warm and inviting.
In2Green
Stefanie, Jehann, Lori and crew championing In2Green’s vision forward
In2Green started with two young moms and their dream to bring sustainable, USA-made textiles to the world. Lori Slater and Stefanie Zeldin met through their husbands who were college roommates. In 2006, they put their heads and experience together to create a company with the idea that sustainability could be modern and design-forward.
With a growing team, a priority has always been to support fellow women juggling kids and careers to find that elusive work-life balance — the In2Green staff schedule reflects that commitment with flexible work. And in 2021, the team became certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
"We never dreamed what In2Green would become - a journey in adventurous nesting. We have our amazing team to thank for helping to move us forward. Our eco-conscious ideals make us more relevant than ever, as we're constantly thinking about how our product development can impact the future." -Lori and Stefanie.
Now in 2023, Lori and Stefanie are passing the reins of the company to someone new. Jehann Biggs will carry forward the blaze of women ownership and has her own vision of what the brand needs to be successful in today’s eco textile market. "I couldn’t be more thrilled to continue to build on what is truly a fantastic business started by two gutsy women, both of whom I have grown to admire greatly," says Jehann.
Founder Stefanie, Lori, and new buyer Jehann
Ink + Alloy
CEO Gretchen & Creative Director Audrey in India creating one of many exciting designs!
National Sales Manager Kendra & Business Development Director Whitney at one of INK+ALLOY's many wholesale tradeshows
INK+ALLOY is a women-owned accessory brand created to inspire and empower the spirit of wonder and exploration. They strive to carry this mission not only through the products they make, but through the way they practice business as a whole.
INK+ALLOY is committed to supporting women in India and in their offices in Georgia. Whether that is through providing work that pays a living wage or education for marginalized girls, they are committed to working with partners that help these goals become reality. One such partnership is with Commit2Change, an organization founded on the belief that girls have the ability to take control of their lives if given the proper educational tools, which will also empower them to create positive changes in their communities. Throughout the country of India, Commit2Change is educating abandoned and impoverished girls to aid in changing the difficult reality that one out of every six girls do not make it to their 15th birthday.
INK+ALLOY is proud to say that a proceed of every purchase goes directly to Commit2Change.
"If we can educate her, she will rise and lift up many."
LOLA
The wonderful women behind LOLA
LOLA founder Lilith (Lil) Guerrera
The ladies (and furry friends) at LOLA
LOLA was founded by Lilith (Lil) Guerrera in 2015, but she has been creating jewelry designs since 2009. Partnering with Laura Brewer, experienced businesswoman and CEO, has set a strong course for success for LOLA. The pair believes one of the main keys to their success is that “We are surrounded by an internal team of smart, strong, independent & energetic women who are just as driven as we are.”
Mangiacotti
The inspiration behind Mangiacotti
Michelle Mangiacotti with friends at Pride
Founder Michelle Mangiacotti
Michelle Mangiacotti knows that "good is contagious", and believes people, communities and companies can be the agents of change. The idea that the little things we do can collectively start a movement to resist negativity and say yes to good is a driving force behind the brand.
In honor of her Aunt Priscilla, Michelle works with Pride Inc to employ special needs individuals to package products, and also supports their art programs. Those individuals work and learn and develop life skills through the partnership, and even see their art creations brought to life in Mangiacotti product packaging.
More important than any of her products, Michelle's work and her "See the Good Project" are creating positive change and a community of likeminded organizations and people who can help spread the news of each other’s projects through social conversations. #seethegoodproject
MERSEA
MERSEA’s story began in 2013 with singular passion in mind: Travel, and the nostalgic scents that come along with it. Fascinated by scent’s ability to transport the body and soul to places old and new, friends Lina and Melanie partnered together to create thoughtful products that reflect the stories of their makers.
From Moroccan women who create the Medina Market Bags by hand, to the Ecuadorian family-run operations that create their signature wraps, each MERSEA product tells a story, all with sustainability and artisanship at the forefront.
Now, MERSEA is no longer exclusively a destination for scents and self-care, but a curated collection of travel essentials crafted entirely for your journey—wherever you may go. "We only make what we would want to use ourselves, or would be proud to gift to our dearest friends," says Lina.
MERSEA founders Melanie and Lina
Milkbarn
Milkbarn's founder Stacy Phillips
Milkbarn's designer Haley Hunt
Like time-worn pages of a beloved novel, the story of Milkbarn holds a sacred place in the hearts of many. In 2006, Stacy Phillips founded what would eventually become Milkbarn. With an artistic spirit inspired by her seven-month-old son, Stacy began sewing bibs. Baby bibs and accessories gave way to a limited apparel collection, and the family farmhouse kitchen table soon doubled as a design studio. This newfound passion for children’s wear, a desire to inspire others, and a yearning to enrich lives helped plant the seeds of Milkbarn.
Milkbarn’s original, one-of-a-kind prints and designs showcase a magical collaboration between Stacy and her daughter, Haley Hunt. This mother-daughter duo creates more than just images on fabric; they weave untold stories, wonder, and love into every piece.
Mouth Party Caramel
Founder BG Purcell in her first kitchen space & with her girls
Mouth Party Caramel was founded on January 1, 2007. The purpose? To share what BG Purcell believed to be the most delectable caramel on the planet.
The original vanilla caramel started it all and is derived from BG's stepmother's four generation old family recipe. BG's stepmother Jane first shared her family secret when BG was in middle school. GAME OVER - she was hooked.
In 2006, when Jane became ill with Lymphoma for a second time, BG decided to take the plunge and founded Mouth Party Caramel with the commitment to give to cancer research and support initiatives in recognition of Jane's fight and determination, as well as that of her sister Lee - a three time lung cancer survivor.
The Mouth Party Caramel team gives both product and a percentage of net profits to the organizations and initiatives near and dear to us all. So, for every single caramel sold, they give a little back.
In the sixteen years since its inception, the company has survived two total loss floods, expanded our caramel product line, and relocated to a 8,000sf kitchen facility, and grown their crew of incredible caramelistas. Jane remains well and Mouth Party Caramel has won the hearts and stomachs of many! BG and her team continue to craft small batch, handmade, mouthwatering, gourmet soft caramels that you are sure to love.
1canoe2
April Foster and her family
The ladies at 1canoe2
1canoe2 was founded by April Foster, a mother of six who happily lives in the hills of Kentucky after accidentally falling into farm life and founding a platform for paper lovers.
"As a crafter and content-creator myself, I quickly realized how difficult it was to bring products to market that were thoughtful and relevant to the people using them. I set out to help other women create brands and products that were also meaningful to their followings," says April.
Since the beginning, her team has launched thousands of products and she is constantly re-energized, especially seeing the Gen Z and Millennial’s love of paper products. The 1canoe2 name represents a spirit of kinship, heartland roots, and memories of canoe trips and campfires along Missouri streams with "one canoe, two girls."
1canoe2 celebrating 10 years!
Rebecca Accessories
Founder Rebecca and her husband Kyle
Rebecca, Kyle, and her two sons
Rebecca and her mother started designing affordable USA made jewelry back in 2008 and haven't looked back since. Rebecca also has a degree in Accessory Design from AI Miami International University of Art and Design. She and her mother know girls have a love for life, and they believe jewelry should reflect that. Their pieces are not for the shy at heart, but for a girl who doesn't mind talking about her accessories!
Rockflowerpaper
Rockflowerpaper founder Katie Smith and President Katie Shillinglaw
Lead by founder Katie Smith and President Katie Shillinglaw, Rockflowerpaper is a women owned and operated fashion, accessories, and decor brand with a small creative team inspired by their travels around the globe, and who are passionate about helping the planet and its people.
See Design
See Design founder Donna Gorman
See Design began in 2008 as Donna Gormanʼs vision combining her love of pattern, her passion for travel, and her pursuit of beauty in accessible, everyday objects.
Trained as a photojournalist, Donna Gorman has kept the photojournalist’s instinct for connecting with details of everyday life. Her love of detail is enhanced by her artist’s sensibility and flair, and designs are often born in the images she captures with on camera during her travels to eye-catching locales.
Donna then custom prints her colorful, hand painted patterns in India and has them sewn into designed lifestyle products.
Smudge Ink
Smudge Ink Owner April May
April showcasing some of Smudge Ink's letterpress greeting cards
Smudge Ink is a women owned and run band of illustrators, printers, and wordsmiths brought together by an inexplicable devotion to snail mail. They love helping others connect, celebrate, and have fun! Permission to bust out the party hats, granted always.
A behind the scenes peek at designer Ally’s workspace
Studio Eleven Papers
Founder and Creative Director Kelsey Callahan
Kelsey started Studio Eleven Papers in 2018, following 13+ years developing products for a variety of leading brands in the stationery and gift industry. Creating beautiful, quality products with a wide range of all-female illustrators is her passion, and the core of her feel-good collection speaks to art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those simply looking to be inspired.
Sugarhouse Greetings
Sugarhouse Greetings, Inc. (formerly Bottman Design) was founded in 1988 to publish the art that Paris Bottman developed in the contemporary craft market. Paris was renowned for the incredible detail of her individually sculpted dressed animal figurines that either stood alone, or adorned covered jars or vases. The Bottmans began to add other unique artists to the company in 1990. In 2014, Tom and Paris Bottman retired and Amy McDonald, former Sales Manager for Bottman, acquired the business. Sugarhouse Greetings now publishes high quality, unique and entertaining cards and gifts cards based on the work of ten artists, all but one of which are women working in the arts in some form.
Owner Amy McDonald along with fellow Sugarhouse Greetings employees
TWEE
TWEE being featured on Albies Elevator
The ladies behind the scenes at TWEE
TWEE is a woman-owned brand specializing in premium, beautifully handmade, eco-friendly art tools for kids! Margaux started TWEE in 2017 out of a project in her sons' preschool classroom. All TWEE products are perfectly designed for children, helping to increase grip strength and fine motor skills, while encouraging creative play and imaginative making.