Supporting Women in Business is Good for Everybody

The United States Census Bureau reports that women accounted for over 12 million self-
operated businesses when the last census was recorded in 2021. That number is imagined to
have increased in the last three years, even as the Covid-19 Pandemic gutted a lot of the
economy due to a pull back from “non-essential” spending. 
The 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report found that from 2019 to 2023,
the rate of growth of women-owned businesses outpaced the rate of men by 94.3%. The same
report highlights that Black and Latina-owned businesses, in particular, have fared well through
the pandemic into the present, with Black women-owned businesses seeing revenues steadily
increasing by 32.7% and Hispanic/Latino women-owned businesses seeing a general increase
of revenue by 17.1%. 
As Americans all over are fighting to hold onto any semblance of personal power, and culture
specific celebrations like Women’s History Month are being undervalued, we have a unique
opportunity to override the rhetoric that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are a threat to
society. If DEI really could “tank” historically exalted groups, businesses and institutions, then
we would have already seen the collapse of Amazon, Target, and any other major corporation.
  
The increase in women-owned businesses (and other marginalized business owners for that
matter) does not detract from male owned and white owned businesses. Everybody can
succeed and everybody can belong, but we must be willing to support diversity in businesses if
everyone is to have a fair chance and benefit from the economic boost that entrepreneurship
brings.
We still have a choice of what businesses to support or not support.  Let’s be more intentional
about patronizing businesses led by women, people of color, LGBT+, veterans–people who
share our values.
Below are some lesser known and local women-operated businesses that could use some love.
Let’s keep up the good fight of banding together like we never have before. 

1. Coffee Fairy – a mobile coffee shop currently serving Inglewood, CA. It is ownned by a
   young Latina momma to be!
2. Kakes and Bawls – a catering company that specializes in reinventing the concept of
   hash puppies, by blending unique combinations of potatoes, meat and different spices in
   a deep fried ball. Vegetarian options are available!
3. Duniya Greetings – globally inspired candles, greeting cards and home care trinkets.
4. Ethel’s Jams – serving a variety of homemade jams at the Inglewood Farmers Market
   every Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM. 
5. Queen Haven – a boutique event space in Inglewood that holds up to 50 people
6. Black Being LA – a private wellness hub in Inglewood that is raising the bar on self-care
   for Black people.  Being Black offers affordably-priced yoga, meditation and wellness
   classes (classes range from FREE to $17).
7. Reparations Club – A Black women owned, queer friendly bookstore with a diverse and
   inclusive library for purchase. They also offer gifts and host book signing events and
   moderated discussions about new book debuts
8. Nicole Shante – a luxury online shop specializing in chic dresses and evening wear
9. Kin Apparel – the game changing casual wear company that lines hoodies with satin to
   protect your hair from friction, the main cause of frizz.
10. Bridal Babes – if you’re looking for a non-chain alternative to David’s Bridals, consider
    giving this online shop your business! They’re size inclusive (gowns go up to 5X) and
    they have fits for the fellas too!