March is International Women’s Month, a time to appreciate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and around the globe. At BAMKO, one of our favorite ways to celebrate is by spotlighting women-owned businesses that have uplifted the promotional retail and product space.
These entrepreneurs aren’t just creating amazing products; they’re breaking barriers, fostering innovation in sustainability, and empowering other women along the way. We’ve put together this lookbook to spotlight three incredible businesses and the women at the helm. Dive in, get to know their stories, explore their amazing offerings, and discover the perfect pieces to elevate your brand while celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of women leaders.
Bridging the Gap: Lux & Nyx, Designed for Women, by Women
As few as 7% of products marketed toward women are designed by women. Recognizing this significant gap in the market, Lisa Hu realized that mainstream brands often overlook the specific needs of driven, successful women. Lux & Nyx was born from this realization, offering meticulously designed, multifunctional bags that seamlessly blend style and practicality, supporting women in every facet of their busy lives.
Hu’s commitment to female empowerment goes beyond just creating products; she believes in truly understanding her client base. Lux & Nyx actively utilizes crowdsourced surveys, ensuring that the voices and needs of high-achieving women are at the forefront of the design process. This “for women, by women” philosophy is a core value, further reinforced by Lux & Nyx’s support of female-focused non-profit organizations. As a certified Woman & Minority-Owned Business Enterprise, Lux & Nyx champions diversity and sustainability. The brand prioritizes eco-friendly and ethically sourced materials, demonstrating Hu’s dedication to responsible business practices. With Lux & Nyx, Hu isn’t just creating bags; she’s building a community of empowered women who are equipped to make a difference.
Bagging a Better Future: BYBBA’s Sustainable Revolution
Pam Seidman, founder of BYBBA, is driven by a vision of a world with fewer disposable products. With 25 years of experience building brands like Valentino, Express, and Nine West in the fashion industry, Seidman recognized the growing problem of single-use plastics, particularly shopping bags. This realization sparked the creation of BYBBA (an acronym for Bring Your Bag Back Around), a company dedicated to innovating multi-purpose bags designed to replace plastic and single-use alternatives.
Seidman’s childhood fascination with packaging and shopping bags, combined with her industry expertise, led her to create thoughtfully designed, high-quality bags that serve multiple functions, encouraging consumers to do more with less. BYBBA’s commitment to sustainability is further amplified through their impactful partnership with 4Ocean. With every BYBBA bag purchased, the company funds the removal of one pound of plastic from oceans, rivers, and coastlines, making a tangible difference in combating plastic pollution. BYBBA is not just creating bags; they’re creating a movement towards responsible consumption and a healthier planet.
Fresh Food, Anywhere: RIGWA’s Versatile Food Storage Solutions
Fresh Food, Anywhere: RIGWA’s Versatile Food Storage SolutionsJericha Jordan, the visionary founder of RIGWA, is on a mission to revolutionize food storage and empower individuals to embrace healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. What began as a “mom hack” to keep queso warm during taco night has evolved into a leading brand offering versatile, non-toxic kitchen gear. RIGWA’s flagship product, a stainless steel, airtight, spill-proof, and BPA-free lidded bowl, is a testament to Jordan’s dedication to creating practical solutions for modern living. This innovative bowl keeps food hot for up to four hours and cold for up to eight, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, whether for individual meals or sharing with others.
The name RIGWA, derived from the Jordan family initials, represents their unwavering commitment to crafting premium, sustainable products built to last. Jordan’s focus extends beyond functionality; she aims to bring joy to her customers with every use while positively impacting the planet. RIGWA is more than just a Tupperware alternative; it’s a symbol of conscious living, encouraging reusable practices and a commitment to a healthier future. Even the product testing involved the whole family, with rigorous trials including surfboard drops and kid-approved durability tests, proving that RIGWA products are designed to withstand the adventures of life.
From Body Positivity to Community Impact: Beyond Yoga
Jodi Guber Brufsky and Michelle Wahler are the dynamic duo behind Beyond Yoga, a female-founded and led company since 2005. It began with their mission to redefine an “active lifestyle” and empower individuals to embrace self-love through movement. What began with Brufsky’s vision for a body-positive activewear line has evolved into a leading brand offering inclusive designs for every size, shape, moment, and movement. Beyond Yoga’s commitment to gentle, non-restrictive support is a testament to their belief that being kind to your body is powerful. Their collections, crafted from their signature performance fabrics, celebrate diversity and cater to everyone, at every stage of life.
They are also committed to cultivating authentic partnerships for long-lasting change, exemplified by their involvement in the Don’t Ban Equality Coalition and contributions to organizations like the ACLU, The Downtown Women’s Center, and Embrace. From Brufsky’s entertainment industry background and personal yoga journey to Wahler’s fashion expertise and retail experience, their combined passion for body positivity, quality, and functionality is the driving force behind Beyond Yoga’s mission to inspire confidence and empower individuals to find strength in softness.
Discover their Impact: Shop Women-Owned Businesses
These incredible women-owned businesses are just a glimpse of the talent and innovation driving the promotional product industry forward. They represent a powerful movement of female entrepreneurs who are not only creating exceptional products but also championing sustainability, empowerment, and positive change.
As we approach International Women’s Day next month, let’s celebrate and support these inspiring leaders and their businesses. Ready to explore more possibilities for celebrating the women in your life and in your business? Check out our Women-Owned Business Lookbook for a curated selection of products, and discover how you can make a difference this International Women’s Month and beyond.
