As a woman-owned and operated small business, we know the power of support from other brands and just how far it goes when we uplift one another. In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re shining the spotlight on a handful of female founders we admire.
1. Joan McNamara of Joan’s on Third
Founder of the Los Angeles food emporium, Joan’s on Third, Joan McNamara has been a tastemaker, chef, and entrepreneur we’ve admired for countless years, dating back to when our founder, Nancy, lived just 6 minutes away from their Third Street location. Curated to perfection, Joan has poured her heart and soul into this iconic L.A. marketplace and café since it opened in 1995. To this day, she shows up daily to interact with her beloved customers.
2. Camille Perry & Holly Wright of TOVE
Camille Perry and Holly Wright are the brilliant brains behind the contemporary womenswear brand, TOVE. Previously top buyers for fashion houses, Camille and Holly put their skills together to create this fashion brand of their own in 2019. Featuring a collection of strikingly minimalist essentials that are equal parts feminine and modern, they are able to standout from their fellow luxury competitors. Beyond our love for each of their clean lines and oft-neutral color palette, we appreciate their commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability — two topics at the core of our ethos as well.
3. Jennifer Turchen of Jennifer Knits
Jennifer Turchen has created a one-of-a-kind purling paradise that offers the nation’s largest selection of luxury cashmeres. It’s a safe space for knitters in Los Angeles to congregate, craft, and socialize to their hearts’ desire. For our founder, Nancy, it’s quickly become her go-to spot for yarn and custom patterns to make beautiful gifts for the people she loves.
4. Siffat Haider of Arrae
Formerly an editor, Siff Haider’s personal health struggles brought to light the need for natural, organic, and high-quality supplements that solved targeted problems for women in a beautiful, approachable way. Alongside her husband, Nish Samantray, the couple launched Arrae, which aims to “help women feel their best, so they can be their best.” It’s a simple yet poignant mission we can relate to because, as Nancy always says, “When your skin looks good, you feel good and you project that into the world.”
5. Joanna Czech of Joanna Czech
Our admiration for Joanna Czech began long before she and our founder became personal friends. An esthetician originally from Poland, Joanna’s clientele grew rapidly in New York where she began working with a long list of celebrities, from Jennifer Aniston and Kate Winslet to Anna Wintour and Kim Kardashian. Upon Nancy and Joanna meeting circa 2019, she instantly fell in love with Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash — a compliment we hold in highest regard given her nearly 40 years of experience using only the best of the best skincare.
