International Women’s Day 2026: Support Canadian Women-owned Brands In Fashion, Beauty, Food & Tech

International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026 is a moment to celebrate progress, resilience and the power of women supporting women. In Canada, that support can take many forms — including choosing to shop with businesses founded and led by women who are transforming industries from fashion and beauty to food, finance and technology.

Across the country, female entrepreneurs are building innovative companies that challenge traditional models while creating products designed with women’s needs in mind. By choosing these brands, shoppers not only discover thoughtfully designed goods and services, but also contribute to a broader ecosystem of empowerment, investment and opportunity.

Canadian Women Building Powerful Brands

Canada’s startup and retail landscape is filled with women leading change and redefining industries.

1. Clearco - Michele Romanow

   One of Canada’s most recognized entrepreneurs, Michele Romanow co-founded Clearco, a fintech company that pioneered revenue-based funding for e-commerce brands. The platform has invested in more than 10,000 businesses, helping founders grow without traditional venture capital models.

2. Knix - Joanna Griffiths

   Knix has become a global leader in intimates and apparel focused on comfort, inclusivity and empowerment. The brand continues to challenge outdated norms around women’s bodies and wellness.

3. Mejuri - Noura Sakkijha

   Mejuri helped reshape the jewelry industry by encouraging women to buy fine jewelry for themselves, not just wait for special occasions.

4. Rebel - Emily Hosie

   Formerly Rebelstork, Rebel uses AI to power recommerce — helping retailers reduce waste while making returned products more accessible to consumers.

5. Quill - Fatima Zaidi

   Toronto-based Quill has become a leader in branded podcast content, helping companies connect with audiences through storytelling.

Beauty, Wellness and Purpose-Driven Innovation

Many female founders are also shaping the future of personal care, sustainability and health.

1. Cheekbone Beauty - Jenn Harper

   This Indigenous-owned brand combines sustainable beauty with a mission to empower Indigenous youth through education initiatives.

2. Diva International - Carinne Chambers-Saini

   The company behind the DivaCup has helped redefine menstrual care with reusable solutions that prioritize sustainability and accessibility.

3. Felix Health - Emma Stern

   Felix Health is expanding access to telemedicine across Canada, helping patients receive treatment and prescriptions from the comfort of home.

4. Thigh Society - Marnie Rabinovitch Consky

   Thigh Society focuses on inclusive anti-chafing shorts designed for comfort and everyday wear.

5. Oona Wellness Group - Dr. Sarah Mickeler

   Oona Wellness provides integrated care for perinatal and pediatric health, supporting families during key life stages.

More Women-Founded Brands to Discover

Canada is also home to a growing list of standout female-led companies making waves in consumer goods and lifestyle products.

1. Smart Sweets - Tara Bosch

   Reinventing candy with lower sugar and functional ingredients.

2. Mandy's Gourmet Salad - Mandy & Rebecca Wolfe

   A beloved gourmet salad brand known for vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients.

3. Three Ships Beauty - Laura Burget & Connie Lo

   Plant-based skincare focused on transparency and clean ingredients.

4. Rainstick Shower - Alisha McFetridge (CEO) & Sean McFetridge (CTO)

   Innovative shower system that recycles water while maintaining pressure.

5. June Adaptive - Wendy Wong

   Apparel designed for people with mobility challenges, bringing inclusivity to fashion.

Supporting women-owned companies doesn’t just benefit individual founders — it strengthens communities, creates jobs and fuels innovation across industries. Each purchase becomes a vote for a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.

This International Women’s Day 2026, March 8, 2026, celebrating women can be as simple as discovering a new brand, supporting a female founder or sharing their story. From jewelry and clothing to beauty, food and groundbreaking technology, Canadian women are shaping the future of entrepreneurship — and every purchase helps amplify their impact.