There’s no better time than International Women’s Day to celebrate some of our local superwomen. These women have shattered glass ceilings and built a name for themselves in a variety of different industries. Unconventional, authentic, quirky and fun, here are some of our favourite female-led businesses around Sydney.
1. The Paper Fox
The Paper Fox is a wedding photo, video and design studio created by Kristen Brooke. Her love for photography and design drove Kristen to start her own brand. The pictures are gorgeous and the aesthetic – neat, dreamy and magical all at once, just how you’d want your wedding to be.
2. Dog Manners Sydney
Dog Manners Sydney has a simple mantra – ‘We believe all dogs are good dogs, they just need a little manners.’ Trainer Bec Symington will take care of everything your fur baby needs from puppy preschool and therapy dog training to private consultations. Check out all their services here.
3. Little Shop of Waffles
We’ve raved about Manly’s Little Shop of Waffles before but Sydney’s first-ever bubble waffle cafe run by four friends — Irene Zalami, Saskia Schuck, Naomi Mourra and Alex Potter deserves another mention. Seriously try their delicious waffles and come thank us later.
4. Bring Me Home
Bring Me Home’s mission is to eliminate food waste in the food retail space by making unsold food affordable and accessible to everyone. Founded by Jane Kou, Bring Me Home connects people to quality unsold food from cafes and restaurants for up to 70% off.
5. The Tea Nomad
The Tea Nomad aims to celebrate a travel-inspired life, through a cup of tea. Grace Freitas founded the brand. The unique concept of creating a blend that conveys some of her favourite travel experiences and stories is authentic and inspiring.
6. The Cipher Room
Sydney’s most immersive escape room experience needs no introduction but did you know it was the brainchild of one Marise Watson? Aside from now being one of the most successful escape room experiences in Sydney all the concepts, narratives and puzzles are independently owned and run. Pretty impressive. Book here to find out what all the fuss is about.
7. Long Story Short Design
Long Story Short specialises in vinyl labels and will take care of everything from product label printing, thank you cards, business cards and swing tags for your business. The business is run by Jes and Cynthia and their beautiful designs have already amassed quite a following on Instagram.
8. Sillier than Sally Designs
Sillier than Sally Designs is run by Sally Walsh, an Australian watercolour artist who creates playful, vibrant and colour-drenched art with the loveliest of colour palettes. Check out some of her paintings here, but fair warning, you might want to get your hands on all of them.
9. Tindrah of Sweden
Ladies, take notes. If the name of this business didn’t pique your interest, the excellent designs should do the trick. This female-led jewellery business specialises in engagement rings and blends the cold and crisp winter of Sweden with the natural wonders and beaches of Australia for some truly stunning designs.
10. Sweet Event Styling by Thanh Tran
Thanh Tran is a wedding, events and floral stylist who believes in tailored styling with a special personal touch for each customer. Get transported to a gorgeous floral oasis through her Instagram feed.
11. That Special Bow
That Special Bow is all about bows — for your weddings, real estate door ribbons, door bows, big red Christmas bows, birthdays, you name it. Made with soft satin fabric, this business delivers all over Australia and you can place an order here if you’ve got an event coming and you want to go big.
12. Flora and Fauna
This is a sustainable ecommerce business that aims to make the world a kinder, healthier place and is starting the change with itself. Their products are vegan, ethically sourced and cruelty-free- good for you, good for animals and good for the planet. They also work with their local community to give back.
13. Poepke
Poepke is a women led boutique, founded by Nicola Lie and Juliet Kember who initially started the boutique inspired by the world of Belgium fashion. If you thought the name was interesting, check out their clothes – you won’t be disappointed.
14. Adore Beauty
Adore beauty is one of Australia’s best-loved beauty retailer and a haven for beauty lovers, with over 260 leading beauty brands. Kate Morris- who founded the brand- spent over 20 years building the business from strength to strength. Today it is a thriving name in Australian households.
15. Willow and Lee
Willow and Lee creates beautiful hampers for all occasions. Find pretty macarons, an abundance of spices, teas and bits and bobs for a pamper sesh at home.
16. Alkalizer
The Alkalizer cafe in Campbelltown serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a diverse range of dishes to choose from. The brainchild of owner Shefali, the cafe exudes warm vibes, a lovely atmosphere and great coffee.
17. Tea Coup
Fehreen Ali is an Ayurvedic and Celestial Herbalist. Inspired by the world of Ayurveda from a young age, she offers Ayurvedic teas for clients with ailments with a focus on overall general well-being.
18. Wreaths by Clara
Wreaths by Clara creates beautiful wreaths with floral designs, red berries and violets galore that’ll have you pining for wreaths all year long and not just during Christmas.
There are so many other fabulous businesses around town that we couldn’t possibly fit into one article. Thankfully our fabulous Facebook audience helped us out. See this post for many more female-led brands that are rightfully enjoying their moment in Sydney. There’s still big hurdles to cross while bridging the gender equality gap but it all starts with lending support to creative and resilient women who’re changing the game.