On centre-stage: Some Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs from California
California stands as a testament to women’s entrepreneurial prowess, leading the nation with a remarkable number of self-made women entrepreneurs. Together, they wield a collective wealth that breaches the $35.285 billion mark, constituting over a quarter of the total wealth generated by self-made women entrepreneurs nationwide.
This western giant, producing nearly 15% of the entire country’s wealth, serves as the fertile ground where innovation from Silicon Valley and the glamour of Hollywood converge. The influence of California on the nation’s economic landscape is unrivalled, and within this economic powerhouse lies a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs shaping the business landscape.
The Golden State boasts the highest number of women-owned firms, totalling a staggering 742,139. These enterprises, employing over 1.3 million workers, showcase the economic impact of women entrepreneurs in California. With an annual payroll of $57.4 billion in 2018, these women-led businesses are pivotal contributors to the state’s economic vibrancy.
#CaliforniasLeadingWomen #EntrepreneurialTriumphs #WomenEmpowermentInBusiness
Here are some inspiring women entrepreneurs from California.
> Jazzi Mcgilbert, Founder, Reparations Club
Located in Mid-City near West Adams, Reparations Club, Los Angeles was launched by Jazzi McGilbert in June 2019. She left her job in the fashion industry after her mother passed, to open Rep Club as a concept bookshop and creative space. The carefully curated collection includes – self-published works by local authors, along with home design and apparel.
> Staci Cain, Founder, 45 Three Modern Vintage Home
Located in the Little Ethiopia district just south of Olympic Boulevard, 45 Three Modern Vintage Home in Los Angeles is famous for owner Staci Cain’s collection of mid-century modern furniture, art & accessories.
She was a former Warner Bros. marketing executive and interestingly had described herself as – “chair fanatic”! Her rich bestsellers include ceramic lamps and abstract art – vintage pieces from the 1960s and ’70s, as well as recent works by local artists.
> Jessica Alba, Founder, The Honest Company
The Honest Company was founded by actress Jessica Alba, and the reason was – a need for a go-to brand for parents and families looking for trusted products to bring into their homes. What is available in the store and and online (Whole Foods, Target et al), and the company makes diapers, formula, bath and body care, cleaning supplies, vitamins, gifts, and more that are eco- friendly and non-toxic.
She shared that the inspiration to create The Honest Company was because she wanted safe, effective products that perform.
> Ellen Marie Bennett, Founder, Hedley & Bennett
Ellen Marie Bennett launched her kitchen-wear empire, Hedley & Bennett in Vernon while working as a line cook at trendy L.A. restaurants – BäcoMercat and Providence. It was then that she recognized a need for high-quality workwear for restaurant workers.
What is unique is that she launched her collection with only $300, when she got the chance to design new aprons for BäcoMercat workers. The company has grown and today, Hedley & Bennett is a culinary lifestyle brand whose products are handcrafted from start to finish and built to last. H&B has partnered with fellow SoCal lifestyle brand Vans to create a line of Kichen
shoes; as well as limited edition collabs with Sesame Street and the Grateful Dead.
> Jen Bilik & Emily Mcdowell, Partners, Who’s There Group
It was in 2028 that the Who’s There Group was founded. The idea was “to create one kick-ass umbrella” for Knock Knock (Jen Bilik) and Emily McDowell & Friends.
Together, the three brands specialize in creating books, gifts, and décor that really celebrate occasions in people’s lives. While each brand carries its own distinct voice, an abundant amount of humor and derision ties them together.
For those interested, these are available at specialty stores like Papyrus and Lundeen’s.
> Justina Blakeney, Founder, Jungalow.com
Designer, artist, mother, entrepreneur and UCLA graduate, with a passion for color, pattern, and plants, Justina Blakeney created her award-winning design blog, Jungalow.com. Today, this has become the go-to sources for bohemian design inspiration.
In 2016 she launched her Justina Blakeney Home lifestyle brand, which included a collection of home products such as – furniture, rugs, pillows, and bedding, and a new travel line that recently launched at – Target. Besides, she is also a New York Times best-selling author of The New Bohemians and The New Bohemians Handbook.
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