Today is the day to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements worldwide. It’s a time to recognise the progress that’s been made towards gender equality, as well as the work that still needs to be done. 

So let’s take a moment to appreciate all the amazing female founder’s women, and to continue pushing for a more just and equitable world for everyone. 

Here are six female founders we’re here to celebrate this International Women’s Day in 2023.

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Vicky Tsai, Founder of Tatcha

Vicky Tsai, the mastermind behind the globally acclaimed skincare brand Tatcha, embarked on a journey to create the brand after feeling unfulfilled and suffering from acute dermatitis due to working in corporate America for a decade. On a trip to Kyoto, Vicky discovered a culture that promoted harmony, beauty, and well-being, which not only healed her skin but also her soul. Her encounter with a modern-day geisha introduced her to Miyakofuzoku Kewaiden – a traditional beauty playbook that women had been developing for centuries. Despite facing adversity from male consultants who asked her to step down as CEO during a private equity deal, Vicky persevered and returned two years later to turn the company around, solidifying her confidence in her unique ability to run the company she built from zero.

Sheena Yaitanes, Founder of Kosas

One of the coolest conscious beauty brands around – Kosas was Inspired by the five interconnected layers of the human body according to yoga philosophy, known as koshas, this brand is all about cultivating beauty on every level. And the mastermind behind it all is none other than Sheena Yaitanes – a Los Angeles-based chemist with a diverse background in biology, business, acting, and fine art. Sheena founded Kosas in 2015 from her own kitchen table, where she created eight gorgeous lipstick shades specifically designed to complement different skin tones. These ultra-luxe yet clean formulas are jam-packed with skin-loving ingredients like rice bran, rosemary extract, moringa oil, and jojoba oil, leaving the lips looking and feeling gorgeous. No wonder celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Hailey Bieber, and Olivia Wilde are obsessed with Kosas. 

Carla Oates, Founder of The Beauty Chef

Ex beauty editor Carla Oates, faced some major obstacles when launching her innovative brand back in 2009. The idea of an inner beauty powder made from fermented foods with probiotic bacteria for gut health and glowing skin was definitely ahead of its time. Many people dismissed the concept as too strange and doubted it would ever catch on. But Carla didn’t give up on her passion and belief that beauty is wellness and wellness is beauty. 

Today, The Beauty Chef is at the forefront of the inner beauty category, and Carla’s vision has helped to shape the industry. 

Kirsten Carriol, Founder of Lanolips

Kirsten Carriol, the founder of Lanolips, is a boss babe who knows how to hustle both in business and life. As a female entrepreneur, she’s no stranger to the juggling act required to maintain a work-life balance. But with determination and grit, Kirsten has found ways to prioritise and delegate tasks, set boundaries, and lean on her friends and family support system. She’s a master of strategy and has learned to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with style and grace, always moving forward and achieving great things.

Pippa Hallas, CEO of leading Aussie skincare label Ella Baché

Pippa joined the family business in 2015 and within just three years. Pippa’s been steering the ship through the choppy waters of the COVID era, all while running the amazing Ella Baché education college, over 140 salons across Australia, and a super successful e-commerce business. Talk about a boss!

But Pippa’s not just about business success – she’s also passionate about empowering women to overcome Imposter Syndrome. She knows what it’s like to feel like a fraud or undeserving of your achievements, and she’s not afraid to speak openly about it. That’s why she launched the Ella Baché Bold Blog and even wrote a book called ‘Bold Moves’ in 2020, celebrating the stories of pioneering beauty leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives. And if that wasn’t enough, Pippa also takes the time to mentor and advise multiple female founders each year.

Creating a culture of equal opportunity is a top priority for Pippa, and she puts her money where her mouth is. Over 80% of the workforce at Ella Baché are women, many of whom have returned to work after having children. Pippa offers flexible working hours to help parents thrive both personally and professionally. Now that’s what we call a boss babe who walks the walk!

Anastasia Soare, Founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills

As an immigrant, Anastasia faced challenges that only those who have walked in her shoes can truly understand. From convincing the bank to give her a credit card to convince the landlord to rent her a salon space, Anastasia never took no for an answer. She knew what she wanted, and she was determined to make it happen.

Anastasia’s vision and unwavering passion are what kept her going in the face of adversity. She knew that with hard work and determination, anything was possible. And boy, did she prove herself right! Today, Anastasia Beverly Hills is a household name and a global sensation.

Anastasia’s story is a testament to the fact that skills can be learned and experience can be gained, but determination and passion are what will truly guide you to success.

Sunday Riley founder

Sunday Riley Founder, CEO & Product Formulator

Boss lady and a mom of four, Sunday Riley, started the brand back in the crisis of 2009. She is devoted to the brand’s core values of advocating for human rights and sustainability. 

Sunday’s formulas are all about blending scientifically-backed ingredients with botanicals to create immediate and long-lasting products. We love that the brand is B Corp Certified, cruelty-free (double certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny) and plastic neutral. 

Supporting women extends beyond the internal benefits at Sunday Riley. The brand recently partnered with CleanHub and Green Worms, a global organisation that prevents plastic waste from reaching the ocean while providing dignified jobs for women in the global south. This initiative will not only support the environment, but we will support fair wages for women in the process. 

International Women’s Day is a day to lift up the voices of women, listen to their stories, and stand in solidarity with them. So whether you’re attending an event, donating to a women’s charity, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the women in your life, let’s all come together to celebrate women’s strength, resilience, and beauty on this special day.

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