Ever since I was a little girl I remember my father bringing me flowers on March 8th, also known as International Women’s Day. (For the record, he still does!) International Women’s Day is a big part of [my] Eastern European culture and originally it was a political celebration that symbolized the fight of women for their rights. Now, the holiday is celebrated all over the world and it is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to socioeconomic, cultural, political or ethnic divisions. Today, I want to put the spotlight on some incredible female business owners and I strongly encourage you to support them not just today, but every day. Some of the businesses below were nominated by friends and family of the business owners. Others I personally know or work(ed) with. Please consider sharing these businesses with your peers – I understand that some of them may not relate to you but you never know whom they can help from a simple share.

1. Rescue City

The President -Stella Plit

Vice President – Dana Kats

Rescue City is a no-kill, non-profit pet rescue organization based in Brooklyn, NY. Their board and most of their volunteers are made up of women! Rescue City’s mission is to save the lives of dogs in desperate need while spreading public awareness against animal cruelty and overpopulation. Everyday they save vulnerable dogs from neglect, abuse, and euthanasia. Rescue City provide’s temporary safe foster homes and medical/emergency treatment to prepare these loving animals for their forever home. Rescue City connect’s their rescues with new families who will love and cherish them and they have helped rescue and place hundreds of dogs in new homes. Their commitment to their rescues goes beyond the adoption process. Rescue City stresses the importance of responsible pet ownership, and they educate fosters, adopters, and the community on what they can do to help dogs in need.

2. NOMO Straws

Founder – Victoria Orlovskaya

3. Coastline Creatives

Regan Cleminson – Founder

Coastline Creatives is a Boston based digital marketing agency owned and run by women. Coastline Creatives offers services from social media and content creation, to influencer marketing and event management. For those that know Regan personally, they know that she’s lived many lives in her young 28 years.  Everything from a collegiate athlete, to pageantry, to her early days as a police officer, Regan has the confidence and the hyper-focus to excel in any industry she leans into.  As a leader, she leads by example and is fair and honest and direct with feedback.  In the most challenging situations, she is a fair diplomat who can effortlessly express her opinion in the most effective and positive way.  Regan and her lead account coordinator, Jax, are developing a unique approach to influencer marketing. Coastline Creatives developed innovative strategies across the consumer, publishing, and lifestyle industries. Regan builds out full-scope digital presences for emerging brands from the ground up, and coaches established organizations on optimizing digital marketing best practices to scale and generate meaningful outcomes.

On a personal note, Regan & Coastline Creatives manage me! If you are a brand or an influencer reading this now, I encourage you to reach out to the CC team.

4. Chanel Delisser

Chanel Delisser – Founder

Over the last few years I’ve watched Chanel’s transformation not only in her career (Chanel has her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy), but also in her business (Chanel is a fitness instructor and BPI sports sponsored athlete), and of course her physical … Chanel’s body is chiseled to absolute perfection.Chanel DeLisser’s journey into fitness began while she was studying for her Master’s degree. At the hospital where she completed her rounds, she often saw patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and other illnesses that could be prevented with diet and exercise. This motivated her to seek out a trainer and begin to transform her body. Chanel has shared her fitness journey with her social media followers for a few years and I’ve been there early on through mutual friends. People from all around the world have been inspired by Chanel’s efforts. Upon discovering the impact she had on others, Chanel was compelled to share what she learned with her own group fitness classes. Luckily, you can join Chanel and start transforming your body with her workout program, which starts at only $7.99 a month! The workout program is tailored to accommodate both a home or gym option, enabling you to equally challenge yourself in any environment that you desire. If you’re skeptical – check out Chanel’s Instagram where she shares many of her workouts already … free of charge !

5. J Public Relations

Jamie Lynn Sigler – Partner

Sarah Evans – Parnter

 J Public Relations (JPR) is a travel brand specializing in PR and social media with offices in San Diego, New York, Los Angeles and London. Business partners Jamie Lynn Sigler and Sarah Evans work alongside a leadership team entirely made up of women! The agency represents  over  100  of  the  world’s  leading  hospitality  brands  and  hotels  including  20  Ritz-Carlton  properties,  Relais  &  Châteaux,  Jumeirah  Hotels  &  Resorts,  Vail  Resorts  Hospitality  and  many  coveted  hotel  properties  globally. Jamie has built the powerhouse agency with grace, grit and a laser focus, combining an exacting mix of methodical media relations, unrivaled strategy and next-level service to transform clients into brand pillars. Jamie’s two-fold philosophy that relationships always come first and PR campaigns should forever speak for themselves, has catapulted JPR to one most respected agencies in the public relations travel, tourism and lifestyle space. Travelers, I encourage you to tune into JPR’s podcast “Priority Status,” which features interviews with industry heavyweights, trendsetters, hotel leaders and top media. Bloggers and Instagrammers interested in collaborating can email the brand directly here.

6. Tina Lee (OfLeatherAndLace)

Tina Lee – Photographer 

If you follow me on Instagram,then the handle @ofleatherandlace should ring a bell. Tina is a true visionary – creating unique content with a distinct eye for photography, styling and special effects. Every piece of work she puts out is a masterpiece and Tina has quickly established herself as a photographer and master editor. Tina offers her photography services in New York and you can expect an experience unlike any typical photography session: Tina has a vision and will provide you with creative guidance, stellar editing, props (if needed) and she will take you to the top locations in the city. If you are a brand, I recommend looking over Tina’s previous premier partnerships with some of the most respected brands in the fashion, beauty and hospitality spaces.

7. Acanela Expeditions

Kylie Chenn – CEO & Founder

Kylie founded Acanela Expeditions, a company that started from an idea to connect the world through impactful experiences. A ‘canela’ is Latin for the Cinnamon, as the company focuses on connecting people through meaningful experiences, many of those happening at the dinner table in the home of a local
family, or in the kitchen of a local lady during a hands-on cooking class. Acanela believes that travelers strive to connect the world. Travelers have the power to elevate artisans in developing nations, to bring people together, and to teach those around us. That is why Kylie created Acanela; to give travelers the opportunity to change perspective and give local artisans the opportunity to share & monetize their talents. Each of their expeditions is created in collaboration with talented artisans, and all our experiences come directly from locals. This year, their goal is to invest $1,000,000 back into artisan businesses & local communities around the world, and they want your help!