Photo: The Empowered Peach
While it’s important to educate ourselves on women’s issues such as reproductive rights, racial justice and ending violence against women, another important step in the feminist movement is to better the lives of women around the world through economic and personal empowerment.
So, how do we do that? We shop women-owned small businesses. Purchasing from women who own their own business supports their entrepreneurial efforts and empowers them to further strive for economic success. These four shops sell social justice merchandise and are all owned by women:
AdorbsArts
I Am Strong: $20+
Photo: AdobsArt/Keira Bui
Designer, calligrapher and watercolor artist Keira Bui started AdorbsArt in 2016. Bui said one of her most popular projects is a women’s empowerment painting series titled “I Am.” Each painting features a badass woman and the phrase “I Am,” inspiring women to remind themselves “I Am Strong,” “I Am Loved,” and “I Am Capable,” among other quotes. Each piece also features florals, crystals or other feminine yet bold design elements.
I Am Enough: $20+ Photo: AdobsArt/Keira Bui
“As human beings (especially women), we’re always worried if we’re good enough, pretty enough, thin enough, healthy enough, smart enough…the list goes on,” says Bui. “This painting series is a reminder that you’re enough and you should never try to be someone you’re not.” If you’re looking for a way to bring hand painted, empowering artwork to your dorm or apartment, visit her shop at www.adorbsart.etsy.com and follow her on Instagram @keira038.
Turner & Pooch Co.
Turner & Pooch Co. was started in October 2016 by 17-year-old Madison Pamplin. With help from her mom and her two younger sisters, the social justice clothing company was born.
Pamplin said experiencing first-hand the biases her blended family faced was the driving force behind starting the company.
“I knew I wanted to address these issues head-on and express them in a way that would resonate with others on a personal level,” said Madison. “Clothing is one of the most simplistic forms of identity expression.”
Coffee and Books and Social Justice Women’s fitted T-shirt: $21
Photo: Turner & Pooch Co.
According to the brand’s Facebook page, the shop challenges the social norms by “empowering humans everywhere to speak up, stand up, be brave and never back down.” Not only does Turner & Pooch Co. sell cute social justice merchandise, they also support charitable organizations and the girls’ future college education! A few of the organizations that the brand gives back to is the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Place your order at www.TurnerAndPoochCo.etsy.com to support this young entrepreneur and give to these organizations!
The Empowered Peach
The Empowered Peach is a clothing brand with an emphasis on “body positivity, feminism, and social justice,” according to their Instagram @theempoweredpeach. The brand is also environmentally conscious by using eco-friendly water-based ink and 100% recyclable mailers.
Girls Support Girls Tote Bag: $15
Photo: The Empowered Peach
According to the company’s website, right now $1 from every sale goes directly to Planned Parenthood. The Empowered Peach also does not charge more for plus size apparel, unlike most retailers, “because, well, that’s the way it should be!” You can find more girl power items at their website: http://theempoweredpeach.bigcartel.com/.
Sugar and Spunk
Located in southwest Florida, Sugar and Spunk is run by Jessica Mackey, a mother and a feminist. The company’s website reads “No judgment, no bringing other down—we’re all in it together!”
White Feminist Embroidered Adult T-Shirt: $24
Photo: Sugar and Spunk
The brand features cute beaded, tasseled bracelets with a bohemian vibe. Additionally, Sugar and Spunk sell “Feminist” T-shirts and onesies for the little feminists in your life! Jessica made sure to clarify on her website that feminism isn’t about hating men or being anti-girly. “I realize we live in a world that doesn’t always seem to value “feminine” traits—emotions, friendships, motherhood, kindness, etc. But these traits should be celebrated and honored!”
Girl Power Mommy & Me Bracelet Set: $25
Photo: Sugar and Spunk
If you’d like to support this “momtrepreneur” and her feminist shop, visit her website at www.sugarandspunk.com and follow her on Instagram @sugarandspunk.
So, whether you’re looking for a cute mug that tells the world “Love Must Prevail” or want to proudly rock that feminist T-shirt on campus, remember that when you purchase from these shops, you’re supporting a woman’s dreams, her financial independence and when women support women, incredible things happen for us all.