Five Favorite Women-Led Brands

CQC LA is a women-led company that believes in the transformative power of beauty and compassion. More than just a home decor and clothing brand, they are a conduit for change and a testament to the artistry of handcrafted design.

Their journey led them to a community of skilled female artisans in India, specializing in handcrafted quilts and handprinted fabrics for clothing. By blending their craftsmanship with California aesthetics, CQC LA creates unique offerings that celebrate both tradition and modernity.

This mission goes beyond bringing the beauty of these handcrafted items into your home. As a women-led company, CQC LA is deeply committed to empowering artisans and making a tangible, positive impact—particularly in the fight against child hunger in India. This commitment gave birth to their initiative, ensuring that every purchase contributes to meaningful change.

Hedley & Bennett started in a professional kitchen out of the need for something better—an apron designed hand in hand with insanely talented, obsessive chefs. Founded by Ellen Bennett, H&B has relentlessly refined its gear to be more than just an apron—it’s the perfect companion to any cooking adventure, whether you’re serving 200 or making dinner for two.

As a brand built by a woman who knows the demands of the kitchen firsthand, H&B understands that the right tools—the right apron—can change the way you feel, the way you stand, and the way you take on any challenge. No matter where you are in your cooking journey, H&B is committed to creating gear that inspires and empowers, giving you the confidence that when you put it on, you can pull anything off.

Siafu Home is dedicated to showcasing the remarkable talent of women artisans through thoughtfully crafted table and home goods. Founded in 2019, Siafu takes its name from the Swahili word for “ant,” honoring the strength and resilience of women who uplift their communities every day.

At the heart of Siafu Home is Founder and Creative Director Gladys Macharia, whose journey in craft began in Northern Kenya, where she first discovered beauty in the smallest details—stringing necklaces from maize and beans before graduating to clay beads.

Her passion for design took her to Florence, Italy, where she studied fashion design and later fine jewelry and gemology. Later, she returned home to launch her own bespoke jewelry line, Loyangalani, made entirely in Kenya with locally sourced materials. It was through this work that she encountered the struggles facing Kenya’s textile industry—sparking the vision for Siafu Home.