Our Favourite Women-Led Sustainable Businesses Changing the World

We wanted to take a moment to recognise and share our favourite female ethical business owners. These leaders that are pushing the boundaries and changing the world for the better. Women today are unfortunately still underrepresented in many levels of business. The number of female CEOs in the Fortune 500 companies list is a testament to this. However, whilst there are many steps to take, we wanted to take a moment to shine light on those women who are forging sustainable paths, building new and innovative products and have made it their life long mission to change the world for the better. If you’re looking to inject sustainability into your world, look no further than these female ethical business owners, large and small.

In this article we’ll be covering:

• Our top female led sustainable businesses.
• Female business owners uk.
• What makes a women successful in business.

 

1. Beatrice Dixon, The Honey Pot Company Founder

“ I was suffering with bacterial vaginosis for 8 months when an ancestor came to me in a dream and gifted me with a vision to heal myself. With her help I created The Honey Pot. Solving for what other brands wouldn’t – feminine care, powered by herbs” – Beatrice Dixon, CEO The Honey Pot Company

The honey pot company was founded and is led by Beatrice Dixon to at last offer women plant-based femine care products that are clinically tested, natural and cruelty free. “It’s truly a gift being able to lead a team of capable, talented women! We have an awesome opportunity to make a huge difference in the world and that’s what inspires me to get up everyday and make this company a household name. Working with women for women is the ultimate blessing and I’m eternally grateful for getting to live my best life.” says Dixon.

2. Rea Tjoa Algreen – 1 People

As an ethical women fashion brand 1 people designs effortlessly timeless looks for conscious-minded women so that they can stay stylish in an ethical fashion. Born and raised in Denmark, Rea grew up learning to see the world in different perspectives which influenced her character and personality to one of strong values. Rea figured out through her perspective that the world needed a new paradigm. One that guides the way we utilise our natural resources and the way we treat other people. Subsequently, Rea has been forging her way to demonstrate this way of thinking by co-founding a people and planet oriented business.

Read more about the businesses impact and materials

3. Miyiko Schinner – Miyoko’s Creamery

Meat and Dairy are an enormous contributor to global Co2 emissions, luckily thanks to world class innovation we now have plant-based alternatives to meat, which is actually very good. But what about dairy? For many, giving up cheese just isn’t an option, it’s too irresistible. Thanks to innovators like Miyoko’s creamery, the creamery of tomorrow is superior to dairy. Helping the environment with less cow farts and helping us to consume less dairy for health reasons. 

From humble beginnings with only 4 employees in Miyoko’s home kitchen, to a 30,000 sq ft. state-of-the-art facility in Sonma, Miyoko’s Creamery is leading the way in transforming the future of the creamery. From vegan butter, vegan cheese wheels and vegan mozzarella, Miyoko’s creamery has it all. “ The cream of tomorrow is superior [to dairy]”. Miyoko told Livekindly.   Last Year, Miyoko told Forbes it was initially difficult to find financial backing for her plant-based food company. “Now they are just lining up at the door to throw money at plant-based businesses,” she said.

With over 200 employees and selling in over 29,000 stores, mega hats off to Miyoko as a female ethical business owner. So If you’re looking to eat more cheese, look no further then this dairy free, delicious alternative. 

4. Leiho – Joey Li & Thuta Khin, Co-Founders 

“Experiencing homelessness isn’t just to lack a roof over your head or to live without a home but it’s to live without the means to acquire the basic human comforts of warmth, health, safety, and cleanliness. That’s why, at leiho we provide the most basic essentials to those who need it most.” 

Co-founded by Joey Li and Thuta Khin, Leiho matches every purchase with another essential by partnering with local projects and charities to help distribute essential items to those that need it most. With help from do-gooders like you Leiho can continue to make positive impacts everyday to local communities. View their impact here

 

5. Bird Song – Sophie & Susanna, Co-Founders

Ethical clothing for those who want to dress with joy, support British makers and help combat fast fashion. This ethical women fashion brand, Birdsong skillfully creates one-of-a-kind staples and made-for-you pieces in the most ethical, socially responsible way possible.

Each month, Birdsong releases one new, one-of-a-kind product. It’s available to pre-order and personalise all month; you choose the colours, details and measurements. Then their skilled workers bring it to life for you right here in London. You’ll be kept updated every step of the way so you can follow the process. At the end, you’ll have a beautiful limited edition piece with a label signed by the maker.

If you’re looking to have your own touch with skilled craftship. Be sure to check out Birdsong. 

Check out their impact report here

Check out their makers here

 

Female business owners uk

It’s no secret that London is regarded as one of the best start-up capitals in Europe and the world, in fact London was one of the most desirable places in Europe to start a business, before Brexit anyway. Thanks to its appealing location, community spirit and concentration of capital. Ultimately the UK is rife with opportunities for upcoming entrepreneurs to make their venture a reality.

Business categories with the greatest percentage of female business owners 

 

 

In this survey, there were 22,257 businesses of which approximately 7,205 were launched by female entrepreneurs.

Hair and beauty is the most dominated category of businesses by female percentage, followed by gifts, consumables, wellness and pet care. However, whilst women dominate these business categories, there are many where they are underrepresented such as electronics (2.8%), construction (4.9%) and music services (10.49%). This may be due to factors such as higher barriers to entry, difficulty raising funds or overall business longevity. 

If you’re a female entrepreneur looking to get started, be sure to check out the above business industry first as these seem to have the most success, try make a sustainable twist for yourself and the environment and become that female ethical business owner you’ve always dreamt of being.

 

Female business owners by location

When looking at over 17,500 businesses, Derby is the leading city with the lowest gender gap for small business entrepreneurs. Most interestingly, most of these cities are located in the north of England and surprisingly London’s ranking for starting a business is down in 9th. For example, this could be a result of higher competition, office costs, higher wages and more. There’s no right or wrong as to which city or county might see the most success. Although, these top 5 cities and counties will likely be more easy to start a business as a female, with tighter support communities.  

 

What makes a women successful in business 

There are many factors that come into play when looking at what it takes to be a successful business owner and they vary from person to person. Above all, here are our top 3 traits that we believe increase the odds of success for any business owner.

 

Driven by purpose

I’m sure you’ll have noticed back at school that your favourite subject was the one you did well at, or your favourite hobby was one you excelled in. Well, the same goes for starting a business. Successful business owners are always passionate about their work because they create their business around the things they enjoy doing. For example, female ethical business owners are highly passionate about their work.

Find your own passion, believe in yourself and in it and turn it into something you can be proud of, and don’t stop at your first, second or third setbacks. As Anita Rodduck once said: “To succeed you have to believe in something with enough passion that it becomes a reality.” 

 

Persistence

Starting a business is one thing, keeping it going is an entirely different matter. To be a successful female business owner you have to be persistent and never give up. It helps when you are driven with purpose which we covered above. There will be days when you feel like everything is against you, others like you are the king of the world. Most importantly, keep reminding yourself why you started and celebrate the small things. 

 

Hard work and consistency

You can’t start a business then sit on the sofa and eat a sandwich. You have to put in the hours and keep it consistent. Moreover, there are many unrealistic expectations set by founders. I know many successful business owners that work 9hrs a day but they keep it consistent. For instance, there’s no good in working 12-14hrs a day then burning out the next day. So find your work-life balance and keep it up.

There are of course many other traits that add up. Most importantly, if you work out these top 3 traits then you are halfway there! You got this.