Monday March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women–as well as a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The day is celebrated differently around the nation and the world, but we at Delightful are using today to raise awareness and support our favorite women-owned businesses, organizations, as well as non-profits who provide crucial services to women and children.
We spoke to some of our team Delightful colleagues to grab their thoughts on how they support and uplift women in aspects of their personal and professional lives, and explore what the day means to them. Check out their thoughts below and read on for a list of women-owned businesses and organizations our team wanted to highlight.
“Since our inception, Delightful has worked to give back to our community and spend our dollars thoughtfully. We’ve made a financial commitment donate at least 3% of company profits annually to non-profits including several organizations that support women like: WWIN, League of Women Voters, Trans Women of Color Collective, Be Bold and more.
We also work to spend money with women and BIPOC-owned businesses, from our lunch and learns, social hours and client gifts to our professional services. We are actively looking to partner with other small businesses headed by incredibly talented women and people of color.” – Ashley Seffernick, Director of Operations
“Women entrepreneurs can control their own job descriptions, pay, and work environments. WOB tend to create diverse and inclusive workforces and hire people of different backgrounds. They create safe spaces and empower their employees.
International Women’s Day reminds me that I am valued. Raising a daughter, I want her to be appreciated and celebrated. I was raised by two strong women, my grandma – who worked three jobs to support her family when her husband died suddenly at 40, and my mom – who worked for as long as I can remember. They taught me I am valuable, and my worth is important. This day reminds me of the strength of women and all our achievements.” – Leesa Stevens, People Engagement Manager
“The intersectionality I experience as a woman and Latina, navigating between “too soft,” or, “too vocal,” is now the place I find my greatest strength, unique voice, and joy. This International Women’s Day, and every day here at Delightful, I’m proud to witness the magic that unfolds when women are supported, heard, and empowered to use their voices, too. It’s my International Women’s Day wish that we can achieve gender equality in the nearer future than estimated, so every woman can feel and know that same value.” – Victoria Solis, Executive Communications Strategist
Here are a few women-owned businesses to consider supporting today, and every day.
Consulting & Training:
- Co-Create Work: Co-Create Work helps founders build companies of the future through leadership coaching, culture consulting and on-demand courses.
- Kawaoka Coaching: Kawaoka Coaching offers multisport coaching for motivated athletes.
Arts & Design:
- Arts Aloft: Arts Aloft helps children ages 4-12 experience the pleasure of artistic self-expression.
- Paper Delights: Paper Delights offers a wide range of wedding and party invitations, unique cards, high-quality stationery, and hand-selected gifts.
Health & Wellness:
- Eat.play.be: Learn how to master mindful eating in order to improve health and maintain optimal digestion.
E-Commerce:
- TheWMarketplace: The W Marketplace is an E-Commerce or shE-Commerce marketplace that offers a wide array of products. Shop now!
Food & Dining:
- Champion Wine: Champion Wine Cellars has offered Seattleites access to world-class wines since 1969.
- Fran’s Chocolates: Create colorful, and chocolatey moments with Fran’s Chocolate!
- Gourmondo: Seattle Catering and Lunch Boxes: Gourmondo’s offers home delivery and catering services for virtual and in person events!
Shopping:
- Peace Organics: Give the gift of nature with Peace Organics.
- Cedarhouse Flowers: Delivers lush, colorful, and inspired arrangements to Seattle with Cedarhouse Flowers.
- Island Books: Island Books is an independently owned bookstore proudly serving Mercer Island for over 45 years.
Here are a few non-profits that Delightful supports that also support women:
- WWIN: Empowering women to achieve economic stability: Empowering women in Washington state to achieve economic stability through higher education and living wage careers
- League of Women Voters: The League of Women Voters of the United States encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
- Trans Women of Color: Trans Women of Color is dedicated to uplifting the narratives, lived experiences and leadership of trans and gender non-conforming people of color.
Check out the women-owned businesses and organizations above! Follow them on social media and see how they elevate the message of International Women’s Day today, and every day.
Cheers, Maggie Gnadt, Iqra Sharif, and Kylee Schmuck.