“B The Change.” It’s the slogan made famous by the B Corporation movement, the entity of choice for entrepreneurs that want to benefit society just as much as their shareholders. However, becoming a B Corp is more than just legitimizing a business. B Corps must also earn their certification through B Lab and meet the organization’s standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It’s a little extra work for a big payoff — there are now more than 1,600 Certified B Corps from 42 countries with each one dedicated to redefining business success.
One area where B Corps are making significant strides forward? Governance. Many B Corps are proud to say they are woman-owned businesses, and the numbers are only growing upward from here.
If forming a B Corp was your goal this year, these six B Corps and their female founders will inspire you to be the change with your business.
1. Farm Dog Naturals
Owners: Rita Hogan and Lynn Higgins
What they offer: Herbal remedies for dogs that are sustainable and safe
How this B Corp is making a difference: If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably wondered what’s actually in the products you buy your pup. Wonder no longer — Farm Dog Naturals crafts ethically sourced and cruelty-free herbal remedies for the all-natural dog. You’re in good hands with the owners, Rita Hogan (a canine herbalist and writer) and Lynn Higgins (a dog nutrition specialist), who educate pet parents on what it means to be all-natural with your furry friend and make your lives together more environmentally sound. They also give back to the community through a Sustain program. Every three months, a percentage of profits from wholesale and retail sales goes toward an animal rescue or environmental group.
2. GladRags
Owner: Tracy Puhl
What they offer: Environmentally-friendly feminine products
How this B Corp is making a difference: Did you know that the average menstruator uses 12,000+ disposable pads, tampons, and panty liners in her lifetime? Since 1993, GladRags has been on a mission to cut down on that kind of waste by offering comfortable, washable cloth pads and menstrual cups to women everywhere. In between spreading a positive attitude towards menstruation, they’re also helping to divert tons of trash from beaches and landfills.
3. Homefree
Owner: Jill Robbins
What they offer: Baked treats for everyone
How this B Corp is making a difference: With the slogan “treats you can trust,” Homefree whips up healthy baked goods all ages can enjoy in a facility that is free of gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, and dairy. The treats do more than taste delicious; their primary mission is to support inclusion, especially with children, so that they may belong and be included with others when treats are offered.
4. Linhardt Design
Owner: Lisa Linhardt
What they offer: Socially responsible jewelry
How this B Corp is making a difference: Stars like Jennifer Lopez and Gisele Bündchen have been spotted rocking pieces from Linhardt Design, a jewelry house that exclusively uses recycled precious metals and mine-to-market gemstones. Nicknamed “the green jeweler,” this B Corp believes in the power of beautiful jewelry that is created through socially responsible practices and not at the expense of others. They also donate a percentage of proceeds to the education of girls in Africa.
5. Luscious Garage
Owner: Carolyn Coquillette
What they offer: Ethical auto repair services
How this B Corp is making a difference: Since 2007, Luscious Garage has been committed to auto repair with ethics meaning that customers can get the car repairs they need while minimizing environmental impact along the way. Their shop is just as cool as the work they do — offering a paperless workflow, solar power, and hybrid taxicabs that get serviced by the night shift.
6. The Tea Spot, Inc.
Owner: Maria Uspenski
What they offer: Loose leaf tea and modern Steepware
How this B Corp is making a difference: The Tea Spot wants every tea-drinking experience to be a healthy one to savor forever. Founded in 2004, they offer loose leaf teas and Steepware tools to create a handcrafted tea that is flavorful and eco-friendly. Uspenski herself is a cancer survivor who drank whole leaf tea during her recovery and marveled at its health benefits. 10% of each sale is donated in-kind to cancer and community wellness programs with The Tea Spot on a mission to make loose leaf tea an everyday luxury that allows individuals to foster health and wellness.
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