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20 Summer Essentials to Shop Now from Women-Owned Small Businesses

Shop fashion and beauty finds from She’s Next in Fashion, Empowered by Visa participants.

by Monroe Steele

May 26, 2022

Fresh off the heels of National Small Business week, Visa has taken its goal of supporting women-owned small businesses to the next level through the expansion of its She’s Next Grant Program. Kicked off in 2019, this global program champions women entrepreneurs as they run and grow their businesses. The She’s Next Grant Program has awarded more than $1.6 million in funding for these emerging companies since its inception. In Visa’s latest installment of the program, the focus is on supporting 50 small businesses from the beauty and fashion industries, and is aptly named She’s Next in Fashion, Empowered by Visa.

Here’s where you come in: summer is around the corner, and these businesses have all the seasonal essentials. If you’re looking to support women-owned small businesses and designers — and let’s face it, you should be in the year 2022 (and every year) — the She’s Next in Fashion, Empowered by Visa participants have the ultimate curation of fashion and beauty drops to shop. Ahead are 20 stylish summer products, like show-stopping sleep sets and nourishing skin care essentials, to consider for your wardrobe and beauty collection. Don’t forget to check out the remaining 30 women-owned small businesses, too, and learn more about She’s Next in Fashion, Empowered by Visa.

Everfast Pink Baguette #22

Asata Maisé Beeks is a self-taught fashion designer who focuses on sustainable bags, advocating, in particular, for using recycled fabrics in her stunning range of colorful baguettes. The ’00s-era shape will be a top-trending silhouette for summer, and the Everest Pink Baguette #22 is a unique showstopper.

Creme Brulee for Kinks Curls and Coils

BeijaFlorNaturals

BeijaFlorNaturals was founded by Stevonne Ratliff after her struggle with hyperpigmentation as a woman of color. The line is all about nutrient-rich botanical ingredients, and the all-in-one creme brulee curl cream is a must for moisturized hair this summer. Created with healing herbs (like rosemary, burdock, and marshmallow root), a dash of aloe butter and other essential goodies, this curl cream is great for hydrating all hair textures, from kinky to curly.

Indigenous Beauty Silk Scarf

b.YELLOWTAIL founder Bethany Yellowtail started the Native American-owned fashion brand to share authentic indigenous design with the world. This silk scarf features rich bold colors and indigenous motifs created with original artwork by Yellowtail. It’s the ideal head-turning accessory for any summer outfit.

Intense Therapy Masque

Nai’vasha Intl is a well-known stylist that took her passion for hair and launched Curl Queen. The hair authority has luxe products for everything, from moisture therapy shampoos and conditioners to pomades, oils, shower-proof detangling gloves, and — of course — a reparative hair masque. After all, an amazing crown is definitely a prime summer essential.

Kimono With Tie in Periwinkle

Grant BLVD is a sustainable eco-friendly fashion line created by Kimberly McGlonn. Her brand’s focus is to help formerly incarcerated women by offering them job opportunities at her company. Prep for your next summer night out in this luxe satin robe (the ultimate getting-ready uniform), eco-consciously designed using deadstock fabric.

Hairbrella Classic Satin Lined Rain Hat

Tracey Pickett founded Hairbrella out of a need to create something that made women feel powerful, no matter the weather. Designed with lightweight microfiber that wicks away moisture on the outside and a soft satin inner lining that prevents hair breakage, you’ll want this accessory in hand for those rainy summer days. (Don’t forget to check out the brand’s cool bucket hats, too!)

Party In A Box For Two

Hummingbird Candle Co.

Hummingbird Candle Co. came to be when Tianna Dean became a mother and realized there weren’t many clean, non-toxic candles for her family to enjoy. Now with her DIY kit, you can experience the candle-making process at home with your loved ones (or by yourself — summer of self care, right?), creating your own custom scented 7oz. candles with more than 60 hours of burn time.

Silk Sleep Set in Black

Kamperett, created by Anna Chiu and Valerie Santillo, focuses on using high-quality materials that feel effortlessly chic and are created in ethically-run factories in California. This minimalist sleep set is a dreamy must-have for those hot summer nights.

The Lá Bel Golden Glow Moisturizer

Imelda Bell created Lá Bel skincare to help heal her eczema-prone skin. This gentle moisturizer, created with natural turmeric, shea butter, and lemongrass ingredients, will leave your summer skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant.

The Everyday Crop Set In Black

LAUDE The Label

LAUDE The Label was founded by Carly Burson and consists of minimalist designs and eco- friendly materials. Her line helps support artisans around the world by giving them (and their communities) access to the global market. One of her best sellers is the Everyday Crop set in organic cotton. It’s an effortlessly elegant throw-on-and-go set for summer.

Faba Bag in Black

Lindy McDonough, founder of Lindquist, manufactures leather goods using raw materials and has a commitment to sustainability. The Faba bag in black will kick your summer style up a notch, whether you wear it around your waist or as a sporty crossbody.

Midnight Melody® Body & Hair Oil

Lin Chen built Pink Moon to empower the beauty space. The brand is all about sustainability, philanthropy and holistic wellness. This floral-scented hair and body oil doubles as a relaxing bath oil, or super-moisturizing cuticle oil, too.

Inner Clarity Cleanser

Strange Bird beauty line was created by Tina Rudolf, and she partners with nonprofits around the world to provide holistic wellness services to women everywhere (one percent of Strange Bird sales benefits women’s mental health resources). This three-in-one cleanser, mask, and exfoliator detoxifies skin and gently removes the day’s makeup, so that your skin can feel its best.

Diamond Arrow Studs

Seven June founder Zenobia Morrow G.G. is an artist and private jeweler who specializes in engagement rings and fine jewelry. The 14k-gold arrow earrings are a shimmery addition to any summer look, whether you wear them alone or style with a full ear party’s worth of studs and mini hoops.

The Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Shayde Beauty was created by Shay Paresh out of her struggle with hyperpigmentation and acne scars, and her skincare brand makes products that cater to melanin-rich skin. Packed with green tea and kojic acid, too, the Vitamin C-rich serum helps repair and protect skin from sun exposure, while also helping to fade acne scars and sun damage.

Eczema Easy Glide Stick

Satya is a skincare line by Patrice Mousseau, and it’s made with simple ingredients that are fragrance-free and USDA-certified organic. If you experience eczema during the hot summer months, pack this glide stick in your bag for moments when you want to soothe irritation fast.

No. 13 Nail Polish

Sundays founder Amy Lin created a non-toxic nail care brand that focuses on wellness with vegan and cruelty-free formulas that deliver shine and long-lasting color. No. 13 Nail Polish is a punchy chili pepper red — a timeless hue that spices up any summer look.

Ky Wired Bikini Top

Ana Mero Swim was founded by Ana Mero to untie the knot between toxic beauty standards and capitalism. The brand is all about size inclusivity and has a mission to rebuild the fashion industry. For those summer vacations and beach days, check out the Ky Top and Noel Bottom Bikini.

Disco Dreamer Crewneck

Word Strings was founded by Erika Glover in her college dorm room and offers embroidered pieces and graphic tees and sweatshirts emblazoned with custom sayings. The disco-themed sweatshirt is a cozy summer layer to grab when you want to add some comfort (and cuteness) to your look.

Hello Bella Gift Set

Le Bella & Co. was founded by Nacole & Keisha, who are both cancer survivors. Their business focuses on luxury services centered around the joy of gifting. The Hello Bella gift set is a curation of products from under-represented small businesses owned by women (body butter, cleansing foam, lip gloss, a candle, and more) — all chosen with intention, just for you.