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Women’s History Month is here! March is the month we honor the contributions of women who’ve founded, led, and driven companies to success. We at The Influence Agency are celebrating this International Women’s Day by spotlighting 30 women-owned businesses in Toronto.
Despite working more than ever and comprising nearly half of Canada’s workforce, only 36% of women are managers. These influential people have a long history of being overlooked. Women entrepreneurs face more gender barriers and receive less funding than their male counterparts, but they still routinely outperform men.
So what can we do about this disparity? Supporting more women-owned businesses is a fantastic starting point. And we at The Influence Agency have just the businesses for you. This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting 30 female-owned businesses in Toronto and the women behind them.
Make way, people, because the female entrepreneurs behind this sneaker and streetwear brand are creating space for the truly bold. Their pieces are meant for the righteous rebels who want to reinvent culture through fierce style.
All hail the queen of ice cream: Ruru Ronquillo! She’s the founder of Ruru Baked, which serves the best custard ice cream and other sweet treats in Toronto.
Laura and Connie founded Three Ships Beauty in 2020 with hardly any money to their name. Today, the brand is a Dragon’s Den success story and a skincare empire with 100% plant-based products.
Laurie Fleming trained as a designer at OCAD University, and hand-carves all the designs in her jewellery collection. Her works are inspired by unearthly atmospheres and are designed to be future heirlooms. Each one of her pieces is otherworldly and ethereal.
Built by female entrepreneurs in Toronto, LOHN creates sophisticated, high-quality candles at an approachable price point. Through the art of scents, their products evoke a time, a place, and a journey.
Mary’s Brigadeiro brings Brazilian chocolate making to Toronto, and we are so thankful for these handcrafted bites of heaven. Check out this female-owned business to make your life a little sweeter.
The female entrepreneur behind CADETTE Jewelry knows exactly how to add sparkle to your life. You’ll instantly fall in love with their artisanal pieces made for the modern and mindful woman.
This mom-and-daughter duo are the women behind Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. They create delectable baked goods that everyone can enjoy. Everywhere they go, you can guarantee there’s a long line of customers hungry for a treat!
As founder and president of Knix, an intimate clothing brand, Joanna is one of Canada’s most powerful women in business, providing women with a more diverse, thoughtful range of intimate clothing options for every body.
Beyond that, she’s also using her platform to change the conversation about women’s reproductive, sexual, and mental health.
This female-owned business in Toronto will take you on a tasty excursion! Whether it’s bar tools, glassware, or ingredients, head to Cocktail Emporium to stock up on the most unique bar essentials.
Evelyn Chick is a globally acclaimed hospitality expert who owns several businesses in Toronto, including Evelyn Chick Projects. She’s a total pro who’s collaborated with leading establishments for bar consultancy, event curation, and drink design.
Natasha is one of Toronto's most recognizable female entrepreneurs! She’s best known as the president of NKPR, a top North American PR, artist management, and digital agency. Her social media content will never fail to be an extra source of inspiration.
Sisters Amanda and Laura Santino founded PERMISSION in the height of the 2020 pandemic, and they’re still going strong. Shop their incredible style staples for athleisure apparel that moves you.
As the founder of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini is the face behind several of North America’s award-winning restaurants. If you love Pai, Trattoria Nervosa, Azhar, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, and Gusto Green, then it’s largely thanks to her!
Thinking about switching to organic products? Then, check out Temi’s collection! She’s dreamed up a line of incredible, natural skincare products and innovative solutions that will bring out your best glow.
Get ready to spoil yourself with even more stylish swimwear and activewear courtesy of 437, founded by Hyla Nayeru and Adrien Bettio. These women even made it to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2021!
This entrepreneur founded Kaela Kay in 2017, and her mesmerizing clothing pieces are drawn from her Ghanaian roots. Each one is a gorgeous representation of her country and her community.
She’s the entrepreneur behind Willful Wills, helping people easily write their legal wills. We’re sure you’ve seen this one on Dragon’s Den!
Michele is one remarkable woman and a decorated industry powerhouse! Apart from being a co-founder of Clearco, she’s also a tech entrepreneur, a venture capitalist, and the youngest Dragon on Dragon’s Den.
At just 22 years old, Mallory Rowan was co-founder and CEO of a global, multi-six-figure e-commerce brand. Now, she’s started her own marketing company, Rowan Marketing, to help other entrepreneurs navigate burnout.
Upset with the rampant greenwashing in the supposedly “clean” skincare industry, Amanda founded Ember Wellness. Her mission is to make her customers love the skin they’re in!
Ai is an intergenerational modern sustainable accessory brand run by Hun and her three daughters. We’re adding their bookbags to cart as we speak!
This full-service residential and commercial interior design studio is one of the female-owned businesses to watch! You’ll be blown away by how they transform spaces into vintage works of art.
For all your flower needs to make life prettier, Euclid Farms is the florist you can always count on. The second you walk through their doors, you’ll be transported to a garden of fairytales.
The Apartment is every vintage lover’s dream. Brought to life by founder Fiona’s exquisite taste, they offer a selection of the most unique vintage furniture and decor. Check them out to make your place feel like home.
Becca is among the female entrepreneurs in Toronto bringing brand-new adventures to all the foodies in town. We’re not kidding when we say that Spice Girl Eats’ chai is the best.
Mama Lee’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and hope. She left her home country of Korea in the 1980s to build a better life in Canada. And since 2012, she’s become a pillar in the community for her delicious Korean food!
This restaurant, co-founded by sisters Nicole, Renée, and Donna Charles, is known for serving mouthwatering Caribbean food with a big twist. You’ll keep coming back for their sweet, spicy, and Cajun flavours.
Debbie Fung and her husband, Jason, have been spreading the gift of wellness through Yoga Tree since 2007. Today, they now have five locations across Toronto, and students can even take up online and on-demand classes!
Of course, we couldn’t complete this list without our very own vice president, Stephanie Walker. She’s a near-superhuman marketer whose efforts have transformed The Influence Agency into one of Toronto’s fastest-growing companies!
30 Female entrepreneurs & female-owned businesses in Toronto
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These powerful women are so much more than business leaders. They’re an inspiration to the next generation of female decision-makers, founders, and champions of industry worldwide. They continuously prove that women in business work hard, drive revenue, and serve their communities.
Entrepreneur-led stories never fail to inspire, and connecting with them could just be what drives your brand to new heights.
The Influence Agency is your one-stop source for upgrading your brand’s online presence. We’ve got you covered with strategies that will empower your business. Connect with us today and let’s elevate your campaign!