Thanks to women who are pioneers of the digital industry, we are seeing an increased impact of their effect not only on their businesses but on the industry as a whole. As industry leaders in digital and tech look to tackle existing issues such as sustainability, women are very much part of the initiative to lead this change and give back to the world. 

On International Women’s Day, we spotlight a few businesses that are giving back to society and the women behind them. 

Elemis 

Founded in 1989 in London, Elemis’ mission was to “create a skincare range as close to nature as possible”. Their four main beliefs are 1. Skin Wellness 2. Proven Results 3. Fell-Good Skincare 4. Transparent Innovation. 

Having remained committed to that vision, Elemis has launched a whole range of products over the last thirty years, providing solutions to sustainability in the process. They have emphasised their commitment to making a “more positive impact on CLIMATE and empowering our PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES for a better future.”

As a result of this, Elemis has been recognised for its efforts regarding sustainability and has been verified as B Corp by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Co-Founder & President: Noella Gabriel 

Working at the forefront of the industry for over 30 years, ELEMIS co-founder Noella Gabriel remains a vital part of the ELEMIS brand today after three decades. Noella continues to inspire every team member with her innovative thinking and is world-renowned for her knowledge and passion for training. 

Under Noella’s tutelage, ELEMIS’ Skin Wellness Experts treat millions of people every year around the world. Noella’s innovative vision inspires every treatment and multi-award-winning product. Always striving to create new formulas with sublime textures, aromatics, and unique actives, Noella believes every product must deliver real results.

Naturisimo 

In 2008, Naturisimo believed that the beauty industry could “do better for the people and the planet.” Founded by, Dr Cristina Llamas-Rey, Naturisimo continues to use tech to meet customer needs when shopping for sustainable beauty products 15 years on. 

They have introduced a Naturally Conscious label system which helps customers in their shopping journey, so they can choose the products which match their needs. Utilising tech, Naturisimo also uses Provenance - a tech solution that uses blockchain technology to verify sustainability claims. 
Naturismo was awarded the Marie Claire Sustainability Award for the Best Sustainable Beauty, Health, and Wellness retailer. 

Founder: Dr Cristina Llamas-Rey

Dr Cristina Llamas-Rey has senior-level experience not only as a Founder, but working with global names such as Google.

The White Company 
 

Founder, Chrissie Rucker OBE, had a vision to not only create a company that specialises in stylish, white homewares, but a company that is “committed to building a sustainable legacy that will enable a brighter future for people and our planet.”

Among their targets to building a sustainable legacy, include: 

•    To become B Corp certified by 2023
•    To achieve net zero carbon emissions throughout their business by 2040, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain from farm to washing machine
•    To increase their share of recycled materials to 10% by 2024
•    For all their product to be fully traceable from farm and forest (Tier 4 suppliers) by 2025

For International Women’s Day, The White Company is supporting the #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign in aid of The Prince’s Trust. The funds raised will go towards helping disadvantaged and vulnerable young women in the UK face real challenges – issues such as domestic violence, long-term unemployment, and bullying. 

Founder: Chrissie Rucker OBE 

Chrissie Rucker OBE, founded The White Company in 1994. She is also a founding patron of the not-for-profit social enterprise, woman supporting women, The Princes Trust. 

A look at a few more of the brands made by women, to empower women: 

Good American

Emma Grede founded Good American with Khloé Kardashian because the two women believe that "fashion should be made to fit women, not the other way around." 

Cesta Collective

Cesta's basket bags stand apart from every other woven bag you've ever seen. Each creation is woven with care by female artisanal cooperatives in Rwanda using locally sourced renewable resources and then hand-finished in NYC. By creating a direct throughline with the women who weave the bags, Cesta’s designs are "a celebration of traditional Rwandan weaving techniques interpreted through a modern lens," according to the brand. "Our hope is to create an economy in the developing world and to promote female empowerment through joyful accessories.”

Carcel Clothing

Carcel Clothing is made by women in prison (yes, you read that correctly). The Copenhagen-designed brand has set up production inside two prisons in Cusco, Peru, and Chiang Mai, Thailand, with the goal of employing, paying, and ultimately investing in the future of the women who make the clothes.

Anita Dongre Grassroot

Founded in 2015, the Anita Dongre Foundation was set up to empower women, especially in rural India, by bringing jobs back to the villages and helping them become independent economic centers. By training women in the art of tailoring (sewing, pattern cutting, and so on), the Anita Dongre Foundation ensures economic independence for these women through an accessible and dependable source of income. In addition to training these women, the foundation also provides a travel stipend to maintain a comfortable and stress-free work environment.