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There are over 360,000 self-employed women in Canada—a number that has grown 30% in the last ten years. What this means is that more and more female entrepreneurs are interested in starting their own businesses, ultimately building a stronger economy.
In fact, research shows that increasing the number of women entrepreneurs contributes an estimated potential $150 billion in GDP economic growth.
This ultimately brings us to our point that needs to be acknowledged more often: where would the world be without women? Because it’s impossible to imagine Earth without the fearless females who make the world go round.
This International Women’s Day, The Influence Agency is highlighting the 34 female entrepreneurs and female-owned businesses in Toronto that prove the possibilities are endless when you allow yourself to feel empowered.
Scroll through to see who they are, then show your support by giving each of these female entrepreneurs a follow!
Female Entrepreneurs & Female-Owned Businesses in Toronto to Follow
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Make way, people — because the female entrepreneurs behind this sneaker and streetwear brand are creating a space for the fearless and unapologetic. Their pieces are meant for the righteous rebels who want to reinvent culture through fierce style.
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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.
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Did somebody say 100% plant-based skincare? Well, Three Ships Beauty just did — and their products deserve a spot in your routine, stat.
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Mary Young is one of the fast-rising, female-owned businesses in Toronto that puts sustainability and empowerment at the forefront. Their stylish collection of loungewear and undergarments upholds self-love, acceptance, and eco-friendliness!
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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.
One of the female-owned businesses in Toronto that will make all your sweetest dreams come true is Mary’s Brigadeiro Chocolate. Composed of sweetened condensed milk, real butter, pure cocoa powder, and fine chocolate (50% cacao), these handcrafted treats are like a mixture made in heaven. We’re thankful to the heavens for the business leaders who make life a little sweeter!
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Jewelry is a girl’s best friend—and that’s why the female entrepreneur behind CADETTE knows exactly how to add sparkle to your life like a loyal bestie. You’ll instantly fall in love with their artisanal pieces made for the modern and mindful woman.
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If you’ve been searching for your period soulmate, look no further than Illum. This female-owned business in Toronto is your top source for organic pads and unscented period products with non-toxic ingredients.
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Autumn is one of the female entrepreneurs in Toronto who’s elevating the interior design industry. She’s got an excellent eye for aesthetics and will definitely inspire you to transform your home!
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When it comes to everything fitness, Caleigh is one of the female entrepreneurs who knows how to inspire body positivity and better mental health! Say hello to workouts that really work.
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Cocktails, anyone? This is one of the female-owned businesses in Toronto that will take you on a tasty excursion! Whether it’s bar tools, glassware, or ingredients, head on over to Cocktail Emporium to stock up on the most unique essentials.
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Evelyn Chick is a globally acclaimed bartender who’s built a beverage empire known as “Evelyn Chick Projects.” She’s a total pro who has collaborated with leading establishments for bar consultancy, event curation, and drink design.
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As the president of NKPR, a leading North American public relations, artist management, and digital agency, Natasha Koifman is one of the most recognizable female entrepreneurs in Toronto. Her content on social media will never fail to be that extra push you need to succeed in your field.
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For apparel that moves you, check out PERMISSION’s incredible style staples that will help you reinvent your fitness journey. The brand was launched by female entrepreneurs and sisters, Amanda and Laura. Being business leaders truly runs in their blood!
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As the founder of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini is the girl boss behind a handful 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!
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Thinking about crossing over to the organic side? Then, check out @essentialsbytemi! Temi Shobowale has dreamed up a line of incredible, natural skincare products and innovative solutions that will bring out your best glow.
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Before heading to the beach this summer, grab your custom-made swimwear from @unikaswim. The best part about their pieces is that they’re ethically and sustainably made in Canada!
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Get ready to spoil yourself with even more stylish swimwear and activewear courtesy of 437. Hyla Nayeri and Adrien Bettio, the female entrepreneurs behind this brand, even made it to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2021!
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You can never have too many dresses — and you’ll quickly realize that when you flip through @kaelakayonline’s collection. Founded by @thecatherineaddai, it’s one of the female-owned businesses in Toronto that will have you wanting to buy everything.
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She’s the female entrepreneur behind @willfullwills, and she’s out to help people make their legal will in the easiest way possible. We’re sure you’ve seen this one on Dragon’s Den!
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As the youngest dragon on Dragon’s Den, you just know that she’s one of the female entrepreneurs transforming the business scene! She’s also the co-founder of Clearbanc in Toronto, which is a provider of revenue-sharing solutions to fund e-businesses.
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At just 22 years old, Mallory Rowan built a global, multi-six-figure e-commerce business on a student budget. We know—our jaws dropped too. And that’s why she’s one of the most popular women entrepreneurs in Toronto who is dedicated to helping others scale their businesses and personal finance matters!
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Specializing in interiors, installations, and artistic direction, Nike Onile built ofthingsode.com to bring powerful stories and art to life. Her work will leave you in awe each and every time.
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What happens when you mix Seoul style and Toronto flair? You get Ai—a modern accessory brand powered by female entrepreneurs. We’re adding their bookbags to cart as we speak.
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This full-service residential and commercial interior design studio is one of the female-owned businesses to watch out for! You’ll be blown away by how they transform spaces into vintage works of art.
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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.
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The Influence Agency is a leading digital marketing agency in North America—and among the founders behind this company is Stephanie Palasti. She’s one of the female entrepreneurs who continues to level up the digital marketing scene!
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This store right here is every vintage dream come true. Run by a female entrepreneur named Fiona, they offer a selection of the most unique vintage furniture and decor to make your place feel like home.
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Becca is among the female entrepreneurs in Toronto bringing brand new adventures for all the foodies in town. We’re not kidding when we say that Spice Girl Eats’ chai is the best.
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This is one of the female-owned businesses in Toronto that’s inspiring people to live a healthier lifestyle. They’re focused on encouraging students to commit to lifelong practices of holistic yoga experiences that are sustainable and enjoyable. Did we mention they also offer puppy pilates? #TooCute
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Since 2012, Mama Lee of Kimchi Korea House has been providing comfort through vibrant and deeply satisfying dishes. From seafood pancakes to spicy pork bone soup—and of course, kimchi—she’s successfully shown foodies how delectable dishes from Korean culture can change your life.
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This restaurant—launched by sisters Nicole, Renee, and Donna Charles—is known for offering a mouth-watering taste of the Caribbean with a big twist. You’ll keep coming back for their sweet, spicy, and cajun flavours.
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Genecis Bioindustries’ genius chief executive officer is Luna Yu. In the company’s early days, they lacked funds to purchase a $20,000 bioreactor to grow bacteria so they improvised with rice cookers that were retrofitted with sensors.
Today, they’ve grown to occupy a 4,000-square-foot space as they develop products in collaboration with their customers. Luna Yu has succeeded with her goal of using carbons from food waste to feed bacteria and make biodegradable plastics called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). This groundbreaking mission will do wonders for Mother Earth!
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This studio in downtown Toronto has been spreading the gift of wellness since 2007. After studying yoga and Ayurvedic medicine, Debbie Fung launched this business together with her husband. Yoga Tree now has five locations across Toronto—and students can even take up online and on-demand classes!
Empower Your Business with The Influence Agency
On a scale of one to ten, how empowered did these female entrepreneurs make you feel to supercharge your own business? That burst of inspiration that you’re feeling now—that’s the power of women. And you don’t have to wait until Women’s History Month to feel that energy. Kickstart your vision now.
The Influence Agency is your one-stop source for all the energy you need to upgrade your brand’s online presence. Whether it’s search engine optimization, social media marketing, or blog content, we’ve got you covered with strategies that will empower your business.
Connect with us today to learn more.