How to Support Women-Owned Small Businesses?

Women are increasingly making their mark in entrepreneurship, with a 114% rise in women entrepreneurs in the U.S. over the past 20 years. While this growth is encouraging, there is still much progress to be made in supporting and fostering the success of women-owned businesses.

The Power of Female Consumers

Women are not only leading the charge as influential entrepreneurs in sustainable fashion, as we mentioned in our previous blog post, but also as consumers. Female shoppers are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly fashion options, prioritizing brands that align with their values of sustainability and social responsibility. According to a survey by Nielsen, women are more likely than men to pay extra for sustainable products, including clothing & luxury. They are also more conscious of the environmental and social impacts of their purchases, making them powerful drivers of change in the fashion industry.

Supporting female entrepreneurs in sustainable fashion and jewelry is a powerful way to contribute to positive change. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

1. Shop Mindfully:
   When shopping for products and services, research women-owned options. Choose brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Look for certifications and transparent information about sourcing and production.
   
   As consumers increasingly prioritize brand values and social responsibility, consider setting a goal to intentionally shop with businesses owned by women and women of color. This mindful approach to spending can help you understand your purchasing habits and encourage you to research and support diverse businesses. This thoughtful approach can significantly impact the success of these businesses and the communities they serve.
   
   
2. Spread the Word: Share your favorite sustainable brands with friends and family. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool for raising awareness and increasing demand for ethical products. If you are also a business owner, think about cross-promoting each other on social media. As a customer you can tag brands in your social media posts and share why you love the brand.
   
   
3. Write a Review or Comment: Boost the visibility of women-owned businesses by leaving a review or comment on social media and blog posts. Customer reviews are crucial for all businesses, particularly small ones. They build trust and credibility, as a survey by Dimensional Research found that 90% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
   
   According to a study by Moz, online reviews are a crucial local SEO ranking factor, with review signals contributing to 13% of Google's local search result rankings.
   
   Additionally, reviews provide valuable customer feedback, helping businesses understand what is working well and what needs improvement.
   
   Reviews can also be used as a marketing tool. Positive reviews can be shared on social media or used in advertising to attract new customers.
   
   
4. Invest in Quality: Opt for high-quality over quantity and timeless pieces that will last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements. Slow fashion brands prioritize durability and craftsmanship, ensuring that their products are built to last.
   
   
5. Stay Informed: Knowledge is key to making informed choices. Keep up with the latest trends and developments in sustainable jewelry, like using recycled gold and incorporating lab-grown diamonds that help reducing the environmental impact of jewelry & emphasizing the commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
   
   
6. Mentor Other Women Entrepreneurs: For many female founders, the journey can often feel isolating. But sharing is caring! Knowledge-sharing activities such as mentorships, masterminds, and specialized organizations like Founderland, a fast growing community of women of color founders, can significantly contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of women-owned small businesses. These programs offer a supportive environment to exchange ideas, gain valuable feedback, and receive guidance from more experienced entrepreneurs or a thriving community of empowered women founders.

The Future of Sustainable Fashion

The future of sustainable fashion looks promising, thanks in large part to the efforts of female entrepreneurs. Their leadership is inspiring a new generation of consumers and creators to prioritize ethics and sustainability. As awareness continues to grow, so too will the demand for products that align with these values. At Hillary Alexandria we offer recycled gold bracelets and recycled gold earrings, plus a chain collection made out of 18K gold vermeil and necklaces with lab-grown diamonds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, supporting women-owned small businesses is a powerful way to drive positive change in the sustainable fashion and jewelry industry. By shopping mindfully, spreading the word, writing reviews, investing in quality, staying informed, and mentoring others, we can make a significant impact. Together, we can create a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable future for all.

These above are simple things you can do that will directly impact women-owned small businesses, your community and the large economy. What have you done so far? Let us know in the comments.