Women-led businesses are still in the minority in Australia. The start-up sector is dominated by men, with just a small percentage of businesses being run by women. In October 2020, there were 355,000 registered start-ups, but just 22 per cent are all-women led — that’s a rise of just three percent in 20 years.
Eww… Those stats aren’t very… well…. Christmassy…
So, we want you to join us this Christmas in celebrating all things female-led businesses, and consider shopping up a storm at one (or all) of these incredible businesses that are female founded (just like us, YAY!)
There’s something for everyone on our Chrissy list and for all budgets – you’ll be the favourite friend, sister or daughter with any of these wrapped under the tree (and if you wanted to buy a little something for yourself from Santa, we won’t tell a soul)
Beat the crowds and shop up a storm from the comfort of your couch with;
1. The WAGEC shop
If you’re a long time Stella gal you’ll know all about the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Service (WAGEC), but just in case your new to the Stella Fam, let us fill you in. WAGEC is a feminist, grassroots organisation that supports women and families in crisis – so much so that they house over 200 women and children a night who are impacted by homelessness, domestic violence and systematic disadvantage. Their WAGEC shop has an array of art, T-shirts, tea towels, tote bags, stationary and perhaps our favourite of all are their digital gift cards ranging from $22 which provides essential items like toothbrushes and non-perishable food for women escaping DV to $200 gift cards which fund one night’s accommodation and meals to a family in crisis this festive season. Giving back feels good and WAGEC is the perfect place to start this Christmas.
Follow their journey here @womens.girls.emergency.centre
2. Mina J Beaded Jewellery
New on the scene, Mother and daughter Duo Mina J started as a hobby in 2021 when the covid outbreak and lockdown hit for the second time in NSW. “I was pregnant with my third child and my daughter Indi, was doing schooling from home. A few complications during the last trimester of my pregnancy limited my mobility and Indi and I started to make beaded jewels to help pass time.”
“After a few beading sessions we decided to make some beaded jewels for our friends to try and played around with different styles and techniques. From there we expanded to an Instagram page and hope to continue to keep growing our business.”
Follow their journey here @mina.j.5
3. Clothing the Gaps
Laura Thompson, a Gunditjmara woman, and Sarah Sheridan are the co-founders of the innovative social enterprise, Clothing the Gaps. Clothing the Gaps began as Spark Health, an Aboriginal lead health group that has now evolved into a fashion brand with a mission. Not only do Clothing the Gaps products help mob and allies to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, they directly contribute to eliminating the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health and life expectancies. At its core, Clothing the Gaps empowers all Australians to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures through informed shopping that makes a difference. We’re pretty obsessed with their newly launched PJs, check them out and support by following them here @clothingthegaps
4. Habitualbeauty.co
Launched just this year by Keira Rumble Habitual Beauty focuses on botanical ingredients and innovative formulations to create an elevated skin care range. That focuses on not only skin health, but gut health as well. The Gut Health Collagen Elixirs are a must have addition to your stocking this year. Ps our favourite in the Madagascan Vanilla flavour.
Follow @habitualbeauty.co
5. Studio Billie
Owner and creator Josephine Willcox created beautiful hand-crafted sculptural candles that are inspired by the play of light and shadow. Customers can choose from either our premium soy wax blend, or our signature pale beeswax that is hand sourced from local beekeepers. Each candle is individually hand poured to order, who doesn’t love a candle, and these truly are a work of art.
Light up your life by following @studio__billie here
6. Calligraphy En Vogue
Jo Eleanor owned a medical practice for 10 years, and while doing so yearned for a creative outlet, that’s when Calligraphy En Vogue was born. Starting out on Instagram, Jo’s business has gone from strength to strength, and she is now proud to call the likes of Chanel, Dior and Hermes as clients. Jo’s legacy is to create family stories and heirlooms from her art. Her personalised glass Christmas decorations are exquisite and deserve a place on everyone’s tree. Follow Jo’s journey here @calligraphyenvogue
7. By Le Pair
We never thought playing cards could be so….well….sexy. Exploring spirited play through elevated home essentials, and simply beauty of the humble card deck reimagined. Launched by best friends and working mums Jenna Hackett and Tiana Lafaele these aesthetic cards you’ll want to keep on display for your next girls night or Christmas catch up with the family. Oh, and did we mention they’re waterproof – safe from your or eggnog alike. Follow the perfect pai here @by.lepair
8. Frankie For Keeps
Though the artist prefers to keep a low profile (her face is hidden on the website) there is no doubt that her stunning works of art by this New Zealand Born Artist is a lover of lines, silhouettes and the romantically minimal. Pops of peach, pinks and terracotta adorn her artwork and the silhouettes of female bodies adorn her works. Her prints start from just $40 and anyone gifted one of these incredible works would be one lucky lady! Check out more of Frankie’s incredible work here via her Instagram @frankieforkeeps
9. Boob Club
Founder Hayley Sing had us at… “Women. Women who devote, teach, sacrifice, love, nourish, empathise, go through pain, heartache, surgery and so much more. We see your strength and we want you to know we admire you, dearly.” “Life is a roller coaster as they say… Don’t ride it alone.” Boob Club creates the oh so special ‘membership necklace’ with 10% of all sales being donated to the Australian Breast Cancer Foundation. The ‘membership’ was created as a safe space for women to tell their stories of triumph and offload their heartache, the necklaces were created to signify solidarity to women everywhere. Follow the adventures of the @the.boob.club here
10. Basics by B
Is a vegan, cruelty-free, Australian beauty brand founded by renowned make-up artist Bonnie G. Created with the everyday woman in mind, Basics by B’s products are made with all skin tones, all hair colours and all ages in mind. We also love the step by step guides on how to use her products and create makeup looks that will never go out of date. Find more inspo here via her Instagram page @basics_byb
Now we’ve got your Christmas shopping sorted you can sit back, and relax with a glass of vino and think about how you nailed Christmas this year while helping the sisterhood of mums, sisters and founders to keep doing what they were put on this earth to do. Create and inspire.
We’re so proud of you.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.
Love Stella
x
