Happy International Women’s Day 2026! Every year I look forward to shining a spotlight on some of my favorite women owned businesses — from local NC gems to online boutiques I return to again and again. While supporting women owned businesses is something I try to do year-round, International Women’s Day feels like the perfect occasion to share this growing list with you. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite candle, a statement earring, a great bottle of wine, or a book you won’t be able to put down, I hope you find something here that resonates. I would love for you to share your own favorites in the comments!
This article was originally published in March 2021 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2026.
Women Owned Businesses I Love: 2026 Edition
Benevolence Farm
Benevolence Farm is a nonprofit social enterprise in Alamance County, North Carolina that supports women impacted by the criminal justice system through sustainable agriculture and natural body care products. My friend, Stacey, introduced me to them because of their Mountains to the Sea candle trio and I have been a big fan ever since. I am currently running a giveaway over on Instagram in partnership with Benevolence Farm to give away the trio. Enter here with bonus points for subscribing to their newsletter.
Briogeo
Photo via Briogeo Instagram
Briogeo was founded by Nancy Twine, one of the youngest women ever to launch a product line at Sephora, and her commitment to clean, inclusive haircare really shows. I am a huge fan of the Don’t Despair, Repair deep conditioning mask and the Don’t Despair, Repair leave-in treatment is a part of my post-shower hair routine, and as we get closer to humidity season here in North Carolina, I am eyeing the Farewell Frizz line.
Burnsville Candle Co.
Burnsville Candle Co. is based in the mountains of Western North Carolina and hand-pours small-batch candles inspired by the beauty of the region. I first bought “There’s No Place Like Roan” as a souvenir from first trip to Burnsville, and I completely fell in love with the scent, the recyclable components, and made a point of stopping on my most recent trip to pick up a few more fragrances. Kem is wonderful — welcoming, knowledgable, and passionate about her craft and her community.
Curly Girl Designs
Curly Girl Designs has been creating colorful, word-driven gifts and stationery for over 25 years, and Leigh’s uplifting messages never get old. I love giving her cards, though in fairness, I often frame them and put them out as decoration as well. I met Leigh in person years ago when I worked at a boutique and went to market to buy for a season, and she surprised me with the card pictured right after we had adopted Gizmo. It is fitting for me that it sits in a place with some of his favorite things. And, that is why I love her work so much!
Eleanor James Brand
Eleanor James Brand offers beautifully designed pieces with a refined, feminine aesthetic that feels both classic and current. Erin has such a great eye for style, and my first piece from her brand was this Frida Kahlo jacket. I am eyeing this duster for spring and as a swimsuit cover up in the summer.
Estelle Colored Glass
Estelle Colored Glass makes the most stunning vintage-inspired colored glassware — every piece feels like a work of art on the table. I have slowly been building a collection of her pieces, including coupes, wine glasses (I buy in sets of two to mix and match for parties), and stemless glasses that I use for drinking my soda water throughout the day. They are the perfect special occasion gift.
Fairview Garden Center
Fairview Garden Center is a beloved independent nursery here in Raleigh with a wonderful selection of plants, gifts, and garden supplies. The nursery was founded over 50 years ago by Jo Ann Dewar, and she still runs the show alongside her children and grandchildren. Every spring and fall, I head to Fairview to pick out pre-made planters and the best plants that hold up to the seasons here. I also rely on them for help with updating our flower beds, like this landscaping project that they helped me with a couple of falls ago.
Flowers on Broad Street
Flowers on Broad Street brings such a beautiful, thoughtful touch to floral design right here in our own backyard (if you are local to Wake County, that is). I love my weekly flower runs where I learn more about various flowers and how to pair them, plus it is my go-to spot for silk flowers and seasonal wreaths. They offer great vases and homewares, too.
French Bleue
French Bleue is a charming boutique in Apex with a carefully curated mix of home décor, gifts, and accessories with a distinctly European flair. Libby has the best eye for pieces and makes you feel like family the minute you walk into her shop. The location is moving soon, and I cannot wait to see it! I have gotten a variety of gifts, home items including bath products, pillows, coffee table books, and decor items. Libby also plans shopping trips to France, which is a total bucket list item for me one day!
Furbish Studio
Furbish Studio is the online boutique from blogger and designer Jamie Meares, and her eye for color and pattern is unmatched. You may know Furbish for the cheeky needlepoint pillows; however, her tableware, trays, and art prints are also incredible. Whether you are getting them for gifts or for yourself, it is an incredibly fun shop. And during the holidays, the ornament selection is unmatched.
Gloria Faye Design
Photo by Glory Roze Photography (another Woman who Inspires Me!)
I mentioned Gloria Faye Design in my round up of favorite earrings and I’m in awe of her process to create such unique beauties. Her Instagram provides a fun look behind the scenes at her creative process. On top of her beautiful earrings and necklaces, her trays are so cute and my trinket tray in my closet.
Hotel Lobby Candle
Hotel Lobby Candles by Lindsay Silberman has fragrances that are truly transportive — I still love turning our home into our favorite hotel lobby with her scents. For our primary bedroom, I burn Paris, in our living room and foyer during the warmer months, I burn The Hamptons, in our bathrooms, Spa, and in our office, New York City. I love Aspen and Napa for fall. During the holidays, all of her holiday scents are so lovely to burn in layers scents throughout the house.
Hue Society
Photo via Karrah Lewis Photography
My hairstylist, Katy J. Baugh, recently opened The Hue Society with her partner, and it is a celebration of color, pattern, and joy on top of great hairstyling. I have been seeing Katy for *years* and she has done wonders for my hair throughout the years. If you are in the market for a new stylist and you are in Wake County, please consider giving her a try!
Inner Banks Mercantile
Inner Banks Mercantile captures the laid-back, coastal charm of North Carolina’s Inner Banks in the most beautiful way. It is a one stop shop for all your needs, whether you are staying in Columbia or making a pit-stop on the way to the Outer Banks. Inner Banks Mercantile has a coffee shop, plus sells wine & beer, pre-made meals, women’s clothing and accessories, baby gifts, candles, North Carolina-made snacks, plus glassware and other homewares, and Inner Banks gifts.
Jam + Rico
Photo by Glory
My friend Kayd introduced me to Jam + Rico and these earrings have been a staple ever since. I am obsessed with the whole line — I proudly support palm earrings year-round! While my palm leaves are no longer available, I love these.
Jennifer Vallez Designs
Photo via Jennifer Vallez
I love all of the artwork that Jennifer creates, especially her Nasty Women collection! She shares her artwork alongside her daily life and takes on current events on her Instagram — she’s definitely one of my favorite follows. I love her coffee mugs and art prints.
Kenda Kist Designs
Kenda Kist creates gorgeous jewelry with a quality that makes every piece feel truly one of a kind. My favorite piece is the vote necklace (no longer available) with the Venus charm added on. I love her earring collection and I am eyeing this necklace to add to my collection.
Kristy Woodson Harvey
Kristy Woodson Harvey is one of my favorite authors — her Southern fiction is warm, witty, and completely absorbing. Her books are incredible beach reads, all based on the North Carolina shore. Her most recent novel, Summer State of Mind, should absolutely be one of your beach reads this summer. It releases in May 5, 2026, so just in time for Memorial Day reading.
McBride Sisters Collection
Photo via McBride Sisters’
Since 2005, the McBride Sisters’ mission has been to transform the wine industry, lead by example, and cultivate community one delicious glass at a time. Their Black Girl Magic Rosé is one of my all-time favorites.
McIntyre’s Books
Photo via GloryRoze Photography
McIntyre’s is one of those rare independent bookshops that feels like a destination in itself — the kind of place you walk into for one book and leave with five. If you have been here for a while, you know that Fearrington Village is a favorite place of mine in North Carolina, and McIntyre’s feels like Heaven on Earth. It is owned by Fearrington’s founders’ daughter, Keebe, and she has created a truly special place. It is also dog friendly, so this picture of Winston helping me peruse the aisles is one of my absolute favorites.
RBF Champagne Bar
Photo via GloryRoze Photography
RBF Champagne Bar is a fantastic local spot in Cary, and what makes them especially worth supporting is their commitment to paying employees a living wage — that’s the kind of women owned business I want to spend my money at. Tiffany and her team offer great recommendations on wine and bubbles based on your taste preference, plus they have amazing community events. Follow along on their Instagram to see all the wonderful happenings.
Shop the Little Bear
Shop the Little Bear is a sweet online boutique with a charming, carefully curated selection that feels personal and intentional. If you have ever met Catherine in person, you would see her personality and taste shine through in her picks. I recently snagged a candle, a spring top, and a cute handbag and I have a wishlist of future pieces for both my closet and our home. Use code FIXINTOSHOP for 20% off!
Smitten Boutique
Nancy, the owner of Smitten Boutique has such a great eye for fun, wearable pieces that feel fresh every season. Her team is so fun and offer great advice. They helped me pick outfits to wear while I was in Bordeaux, and you should absolutely follow their Instagram for their style inspiration, when new pieces are in, and just for their fun times together at the shop.
Tessa Foley Interiors
Tessa Foley‘s interiors work is the kind that stops you mid-scroll — thoughtful, layered, and full of personality. I love her comforters — we have ones that we keep on our bed and our couch. I love her prints, her fabrics, and her eye for design. Follow her on Instagram for inspiration.
Twine & Twig
Photo via Twine & Twig Instagram
These Charlotte-based beauties have a flair for style while incorporating natural pieces with a coastal Carolina nod. I love all of their collections, especially anything with bright stones and shells when I am daydreaming of warm, sunny days surrounded by blue water.
Viv’s Fridge
Vivian Howard is offering something really special in Viv’s Fridge — offering accessible, wholesome grab-and-go food at multiple North Carolina locations. Her menu changes frequently, including seasonal favorites, and if it is outside of a wine shop, they usually have a recommendation for a pairing.
We Dream in Colour
We Dream in Colour creates vibrant, thoughtfully designed products with a mission rooted in joy and inclusivity. I discovered this brand one my birthday trip to Charleston when we stayed at the Hotel Emeline and I love wearing these. It is actually what kicked off my earrings as a souvenir trend.
Final Thoughts
What a list! I am so grateful for each of these incredible women and the businesses they’ve built. Shopping women owned businesses is one of the easiest ways to make a real difference, and I hope this inspires you to support a few new favorites. Whether you make a purchase, follow along on social media, or simply spread the word — it all adds up. Be sure to drop your own favorite women owned businesses in the comments below, and happy International Women’s Day 2026!
