Celebrating Female Founders on International Women’s Day!

Name: Chelcie May

Founder of: Sera & Mattina

What inspired you to start your company:

I started Sera & Mattina because I wanted to create truly effective, clean, and science-backed supplements that go beyond trendy wellness. After struggling with gut health, anxiety, and skin issues, I realized how much quality supplementation and daily habits transformed my life. I wanted to give people access to products that actually work—without fillers, marketing fluff, or compromises.

Most empowering thing about being a female entrepreneur:

Being able to trust my intuition, build something from the ground up, and help others feel their best is incredibly empowering. As women, we often bring a holistic, intuitive approach to business, and that’s something I fully embrace. Also, breaking into the supplement industry—which is largely male-dominated—and creating something that prioritizes both efficacy and community is something I’m really proud of.

Valuable lesson you’ve learned being a female in business:

Own your voice and trust your gut. In business, especially as a woman, people will offer opinions, but no one knows your vision like you do. Early on, I learned that clarity + consistency + confidence is the formula for long-term success. Also—ask for what you deserve! Women often downplay their worth, whether in negotiations, pricing, or opportunities. Step into your power!

3 wellness tips you can’t live without:

1. Morning movement & mindfulness  – How you start your day sets the tone for everything.
2. Prioritizing gut health – Your skin, hormones, mood, and energy all start in the gut!
3. Nervous system regulation – Whether it’s breathwork, supplements, or boundaries, less stress = better health.

Name: Jesse Golden

Founder of: The Golden Secrets

What inspired you to start your company: 

I started making my own products in high school because I couldn’t stand the harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances in everything. These formulas became my golden secrets—rituals I kept to myself for years. It wasn’t until people kept asking me, What’s your golden secret? that I finally decided to share them. It all happened organically. I never set out to be a skincare founder, but looking back, it feels like it was always meant to be.

Most empowering thing about being a female entrepreneur: 

I take being a female entrepreneur seriously—it’s more than just building a business; it’s about setting an example. I feel a deep responsibility to lead with integrity, whether it’s through sustainable practices, giving back, or being fully transparent about ingredients in skincare. To me, it’s not just about beauty; it’s about redefining it. It’s about embracing graceful aging, cultivating confidence, and pushing beyond outdated beauty standards and stereotypes of what women are capable of.

Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned as a Woman in Business

1. Trust your gut. I never went to college or business school, and early on, people tried to take advantage of that by using industry jargon to make me feel out of my depth. But even when I didn’t fully understand the terminology, my instincts always picked up on red flags. Over time, I learned that intuition is just as valuable as formal education—sometimes more.
2. Be cautious about investors with ulterior motives. In the early days, I thought I needed outside funding to grow. I took meeting after meeting, mostly with male investors eager to throw money at my company. But something always felt off. I turned them all down, even though it meant a harder road. In the end, I funded my own business and still own 100% of it, which is something I’m incredibly proud of.
3. Know your worth and charge accordingly. As women, we’re often conditioned to be agreeable, which can lead to underpricing ourselves or accepting less than we deserve—whether it’s in partnerships, negotiations, or pricing our products. I’ve learned that if you don’t value yourself and your work, no one else will either. The right people will pay for quality.

3 Wellness Tips I Can’t Live Without:

1. Ionic Copper Dry Brushing – Dry brushing is my daily detox ritual, and I swear by it. It has kept my skin strong and resilient through every stage of life, including my last pregnancy at 45. My copper dry brush takes it to the next level by counteracting digital overload. Modern technology floods our bodies with unnatural positive charges, leaving us feeling sluggish, unbalanced, and congested. Copper, a powerful antibacterial and antiviral metal, creates friction against the skin, generating an abundance of negative ions—the same refreshing charge found in nature after a storm or by the ocean. This process helps reset my energy, boost circulation, and keep my skin vibrant.
2. Connecting with Nature – I always say, the further we stray from her, the worse off we are. Whether it’s grounding, getting safe sun exposure, breathing in fresh air, walking outside, or listening to birdsong, nature is my greatest healer. It instantly calms my nervous system, boosts my vitality, and reminds me that true wellness is about alignment with the natural world.
3. Daily Detox Support – We live in a world full of toxins, from pesticides to heavy metals, and our bodies are constantly working to process them. To help lighten the load, I incorporate daily detox support with Ionbiome, Shilajit, and zeolite. These powerful minerals and compounds help remove glyphosate and heavy metals, keeping my system balanced and functioning optimally. In today’s world, detoxing isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Name: January Olds 

Founder of: January Labs

What inspired you to start your company:

At 19, I developed a skin disorder called vitiligo. Growing up in Southern California, beach life was an integral part of my culture—I would spend all day in the sun. When I first noticed white patches on my face, I became obsessed with caring for my skin and preventing any further damage. This passion led me to pursue my estheticians license and work for a major skincare line for over ten years. Eventually, I took the leap to establish my own brand, January Labs. My goal was to create products that I believed in and that had a positive impact on my skin. Being able to control the ingredients and maintain the quality of packaging has been a dream come true. I am incredibly grateful to have been running my business for over 11 years now. 

Most empowering thing about being a female entrepreneur:

The most empowering thing about being a female entrepreneur is the ability to shape my own story and create a skincare brand that reflects my values and experiences. With January Labs, I can challenge industry norms and focus on what truly works for my skin and the skin of others. It’s inspiring to build a community that supports and uplifts each other, especially women in the beauty industry. This journey has not only strengthened my confidence but also allowed me to redefine success on my own terms, all while creating products that I truly believe in.

Valuable lesson you’ve learned being a female in business:

From my perspective, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a female in business is the importance of resilience. Challenges may arise, but staying true to my vision and adapting to obstacles has been crucial. I’ve also learned the power of collaboration and building a supportive network of like-minded women who uplift and inspire each other. Embracing vulnerability has allowed me to connect more deeply with my audience and understand their needs. Ultimately, I’ve discovered that my unique perspective as a woman in this industry is a strength, enabling me to create authentic products that resonate with others.

3 wellness tips you can’t live without:

Three wellness habits I can’t live without are prioritizing adequate sleep, practicing meditation, and journaling daily. I’ve come to realize that so much of my life is shaped by what I believe and the stories I tell myself. When I make sure to get enough restful sleep, I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the day. Meditation brings me a sense of calm and clarity, helping me stay grounded amid life’s chaos. Journaling is my personal sanctuary—it allows me to process my thoughts and reflect on my journey. Cultivating a positive and pure mental space has become a cherished gift in my life, significantly enhancing my overall well-being. But when it comes to skincare, I truly can’t live without microneedling, BBL laser treatments, and my precious January Labs products. 

Name: Ronit Menashe

Founder of: WeNatal 

What inspired you to start your company: 

WeNatal was born out of a deeply personal journey. After experiencing pregnancy loss, my co-founder Vida and I realized how little support there was for couples navigating fertility. We wanted to change the conversation around prenatal health, making it more inclusive of both partners and rooted in the latest science. Our mission is to empower couples with the best possible nutrition and education to optimize their chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Most empowering thing about being a female entrepreneur:

Being a female entrepreneur means I get to create the kind of business I wish had existed for me. I love that I get to use my voice, share my experiences, and build something that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. There’s so much power in bringing more women into the wellness and business spaces—our perspectives, intuition, and leadership style are incredibly valuable.

Valuable lesson you’ve learned being a female in business:

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust my instincts. In business, there will always be outside opinions and pressures, but staying true to my vision and values has led to the best decisions. I’ve also learned the importance of surrounding myself with other strong, supportive women—community is everything.

3 wellness tips you can’t live without:

1. Diet is the #1 priority—especially when you’re busy, stressed, and spread thin. This year, Vida and I hired a chef to meal prep for us so we can prioritize protein, maintain high energy levels, and avoid mid-day energy dips. Prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods (and balancing blood sugar!) makes a huge difference in energy, mood, and overall health.
2. Focus on meetings that nourish you, not deplete you. We meet people for walks, decline most dinners, and create events that fill us up—like women’s circles—so our time is spent in alignment with our energy and values.
3. Prioritize sleep. Good sleep is foundational for hormone balance, fertility, and overall well-being, and I make it a non-negotiable for myself and my family. I haven’t watched TV since launching WeNatal—if I didn’t prioritize my sleep, I wouldn’t be able to function at my best.

Name: Medea Juhasz

Founder of: Herbalore

What inspired you to start your company: I’m one of those brand founders who went through a health crisis and healed herself to be able to heal others. My brand, Herbalore, is inspired by both my studies of nutrition and my personal health journey. I pretty much subconsciously started developing Catalyst Gold about 18 years ago; it is the exact formula that helped me profoundly transform my own health. I had the formula sitting in the back of my drawer for years while I was working with clients as a nutrition coach. In 2016 I decided to dust off my formula and launched the the-all-in-one “magic pill” Catalyst Gold.

Most empowering thing about being a female entrepreneur: The power to reach and inspire women who might be going through the same health issues I went through or don’t know how to start their health journey. As a female wellness entrepreneur I always strive to be authentic, I talk the talk and walk the walk. I’ve been “practicing” holistic living and biohacking for over 15 years, before it got mainstream. I’m the face of my brand and as soon as I share my story women naturally gravitate towards my products. I love to lead by example, inspiring and helping women one capsule at a time.

Valuable lesson you’ve learned being a female in business: I love the creative process, formulating, creating a product, designing the packaging or public speaking, but as a business owner you have to get comfortable with the not so pleasant or boring aspects of running a business. Often times you just have to get in your “tough masculine energy” to negotiate, deal with customs regulations or crunch the numbers.

3 wellness tips you can’t live without: If your great grandparents didn’t eat it, don’t touch it! Read the labels, ditch processed, packaged foods, seed oils, etc. I’ve been thriving on a raw vegan diet for years. Plant Based isn’t for everyone, but organic whole foods, single ingredient meals are a must for longevity and staying healthy.

Move your body every single day! I box at least an hour every day, it’s my non-negotiable. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Plus, exercise increases metabolic rate, longevity, muscle mass and improves brain function; staying active is the true fountain of youth.

Don’t be afraid of the sun, the sun is life! I’m a sun junkie and living in NYC during the winter months is extremely challenging. Even just 20 minutes of a daily sunlight exposure provides essential Vitamin D, helps to regulate                       sleep, improves mood, strengthens the immune system and contributes to overall wellbeing. 

Name: Gigi Vogel 

Founder of: De La Heart 

What inspired you to start your company: My inspiration for creating De La Heart stemmed from a deep desire to share the wellness discoveries and practices that transformed my life. When I first experienced lymphatic drainage massage, I was amazed by its powerful impact—not just on my body, but on my energy, skin, and overall well-being. It filled the gaps I didn’t even realize were holding me back from feeling my best. That moment sparked a mission: to make effective self-care rituals accessible to everyone. And with that, DLH was born.

Most empowering thing about being a female entrepreneur: The ability to create something meaningful from your vision and values. It’s about taking an idea, nurturing it, and watching it grow into something that impacts others. The freedom to shape your own path, make decisions that align with your purpose, and overcome challenges on your terms is incredibly powerful. Plus, the resilience and confidence you build along the way—proving to yourself that you can turn dreams into reality—is truly life-changing.

Valuable lesson you’ve learned being a female in business: The power of resilience and self-trust. As women, we often face unique challenges—whether it’s breaking through stereotypes, balancing multiple roles, or having to prove our expertise in male-dominated spaces. But these challenges also cultivate strength, adaptability, and a deep sense of purpose. Another key lesson is that embracing femininity—intuition, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative mindset—is not a weakness but a superpower in leadership. 

3 wellness tips you can’t live without: drink high-quality water, daily lymphatic system stimulation, & daily exercise (yoga, pilates & strength training)