Women-Owned Small Business Roundup!
October is Women’s Small Business Month, and to celebrate the ingenuity, creativity and fabulousness of women-owned brands, I delighted in sharing my round-up with NBC’s TODAY show!
BIXBY CHOCOLATE
Founder: Kate McAleer
Handcrafted Chocolates from $9 | Bixby Chocolate
Bixby Chocolate is founded by Kate McAleer, one of the only fully FEMALE-RUN chocolate companies in the US and the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Maine: that means they import the cocoa beans from countries such as Haiti, Guatemala, Belize and Dominican Republic and make chocolate from bean through to the end product—from scratch!
Her small-batch chocolate is all-natural, non-GMO, ethically and sustainably sourced, and meltworthy on the tongue! Everything she makes is delicious and I’m warning you…it’s hard to stop at just one!
I’ve pulled some cult favorites and everything on set is GLUTEN FREE:
Fall Bon Bon Collection (seasonal) $20 for 6, $40 for 12
Apple Cider Caramel: Smooth caramel with a spiced cider twist
Pecan Pie: Buttery pecans wrapped in velvety chocolate
Pumpkin Cheesecake: A rich, creamy bite of fall’s iconic dessert
Coffee Brandy: Bold and spirited with a warming finish
Maine Maple: Pure maple sweetness in a luscious chocolate shell
Cranberry Orange: A bright, tangy, and festive flavor pairing
Toffees: in dark and milk chocolate from $18
Seasalted caramels: milk and dark chocolate from $9 *also soy-free
Playful chocolate “sardines” packaged in real tins a nod to Maine’s sardine industry! 3 for $30
…and Needhams, which are rich coconut & potato dipped chocolates $18 *also vegan
Sold everywhere from Whole Foods to Target and other grocery stores, and of course online at her website!
CENTINELLE
Colorful Accessories from $14 | Centinelle
Deal: buy 3 or more accessories, receive 20% off!
Accessories brand CENTINELLE [Cent-in-elle] is founded by Cristina Guizar, who makes whimsical and colorful accessories inspired by her Latina heritage (hair claws, hairclips, bandanas, scarves, socks).
She started Centinelle in 2010 to be a bright spot in your day, for the woman who carries a little bit of magic wherever she goes!
They are playful, bright, colorful, and simply spread joy! Made out of cellulose acetate, which is durable and lasts a lifetime. Talk about adding punch and personality to any outfit? Each one is a little treasure, inspired by art and nature and Cristina’s sense of humor! Some of what we’re featuring on the show:
Tree Hair Claw
Fig Hair Claw
Cherry Popsicle Hair Claw *bestseller
House Hair Claw
Pomegranate Alligator clip
Green Fish Aligator clip
Chapulin Bug Alligator clip
Apple Cat Cotton Silk Bandana
Nasturium Cotton Silk Bandana
Cherry Twilly Ribbon Scarf
Poppy Polkadot Cat Twilly Scarf
The scarves and bandanas can be worn in the hair, around the neck, as a belt and/or tie-on to a bag handle or wrist.
Great as a stocking stuffer, for birthdays, or as a thoughtful “just because” gift. If a viewer buys 3+ accessories (hair clips, scarves, and/or socks), they will receive 20% off their order!
TINKR
Founder: Lainy Hedaya Hoffstein
Modern Tool Kits, from $29.99 | TINKR
TINKR was launched this past June 2025 by Lainy Hedaya Hoffstein, who when in a moment of frustration assembling furniture in her driveway, realized how outdated traditional tools felt. TINKR consists of beautifully designed tool kits that are functional, organized, and stylish. They make everyday tasks simple and approachable, and double as gifts that people WILL actually use.
The Modern Toolbox Workstation ($99.99) is an update of a traditional toolbox. It’s a 9-piece set that features essential tools with ergonomic grips all housed in a clean, sage-colored case. Tools include: claw hammer, ratchet screwdriver, wrench, pliers, utility knife, level, Allen key set, tape measure. I was just taking apart a bedframe and need an Allen key, but didn’t have one!
Home Essentials Kit ($29.99) – This 6-piece set is meant to cover your essential, everyday tools. Features a canvas roll-up that houses the following: hammer, ratchet screwdriver, wrench, Allen key set, tape measure, and 6 screwdriver bits. Great for people living in apartments or small spaces or just starting out on small projects.
Great for quick fixes, weekend projects, or anything that needs fix’in! Available at Target and Amazon.
ZESTT ORGANICS
Founders: Benita Goldblatt & Jess George
Dreamsoft Travel Scarf, $50 | Zestt Organics
Deal: The Friends & Family discount will be in effect, normally $75 the scarf is on sale for $50!
https://zesttorganics.com/products/the-dreamsoft-organic-cotton-travel-scarf
Zestt Organics is co-founded by besties Jess George & Benita Goldblatt, who after years of lugging blankets on planes, realized that there had to be a better way to be cozy on the go!
Their bestselling product is the Dreamsoft Travel Scarf, sold 200,000 of them, 3.5k 5-star reviews from customers who call it their go-to for comfort and style. It’s buttery soft yet lightweight. You can use it as a scarf, wrap or blanket and perfect for chilly airplanes, long road trips and layering on the spot and on the go.
I love that these are sustainably made from 100% certified organic cotton and yet you can throw them in the washer for easy care!
Available in 6 colors, it’s normally priced at $75, but currently on sale for $50!
KANDLERY
Founder: Mint Pattanan
Asian-Inspired Home Fragrance from $12 | Kandlery
Kandlery, founded by Asian American Mint Pattanan, is an Asian-inspired home fragrance brand based in Austin, Texas.
Her Japanese-inspired candles are hand-poured in eco-luxe gold tins and are natural, phthalate-free, vegan and sustainably crafted: the wood wick, the coconut apricot wax, the packaging. Everything is 100% recyclable and compostable. Each candle offers a clean burn of over 50 hours.
The non-toxic scents are one-of-a-kind like:
8oz candles of Midnight Sakura, Woodland Escape, and Crisp & Cozy, are priced at $32.
The 9oz candles of Santal Life, Tokyo Zen, Japanese Onsen, Yuzu & Shiso Leaf, and Bergamot Hinoki, are priced at $35.
She also has natural Reed and Room Diffusers that last up to 3–4 months, offering long-lasting fragrance for $30.
Santal Life
White Tea & Thyme
Yuzu & Shiso Leaf
Heart & Home
You can even bring these scents into your car! Each Kandlery natural car diffuser lasts up to 2 months for just $12, and makes a great stocking stuffer. I love how they dangle!
Tokyo Zen
Cozy Bookstore
Amber Rosewood
Dusky Kyoto
Bergamot Hinoki
Festive Garland
STORIED GOODS
Founder: Martha Bourlakas
Flavor-infused sugar cubes, $18 | Storied Goods
Storied Goods offers a selection of handcrafted, flavor-infused sugar cubes made with pure cane sugar, real fruit zest, natural extracts, and edible rose petals and glitter. One cube adds a touch of sweetness to an array of beverages, including cocktails, champagne, coffee, tea and more, turning every day into a special occasion.
Founder Martha Bourlakas grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee. She started Storied Goods to invite people to slow down and share conversation over a favorite beverage.
Even the packaging is pretty in re-usable tins. Available in five signature flavors:
● Celebration Sparkle - Made with edible glitter and rhubarb bitters, this flavor fits perfectly with champagne and other bubbly wines.
● Rose Petal- Made with pure cane sugar and organic, edible rose petals.
● Orange Zest Cherry - Made with pure cane sugar, orange zest and tart cherry juice, Orange-Cherry is welcome addition to bourbon or rye whiskey.
● Cinnamon Vanilla - Made with pure cane sugar, cinnamon, clove and Nielsen Massey pure vanilla extract, drop a cube in a cup of tea or an espresso martini.
● Lemon Lavender - Made with organic lavender, lemon zest and lemon juice, this flavor adds zip to your favorite beverage.
Perfect for housewarming and hostess gifts, a popular wedding favor or upgrading your everyday story across the table. Made in the USA
Available at storied-goods.com; select flavors available at bloomingdales.com
Prices are subject to airdate: October 21, 2025.