Celebrating Female Founders
Noodoll Founder, Yiying Wang, recently participated in Buy Women Built, which is a campaign to mobilise consumers to buy from female-founded businesses by showcasing who they are and why buying from them is our quickest path to a stronger, fairer economy.
Working with women-owned brands is a powerful movement that's reshaping industries and driving innovation. As consumers increasingly prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, partnering with women entrepreneurs offers companies a unique opportunity to align with these values while also benefiting from the creativity, resilience, and leadership that women bring to the table - and whilst not everyone can invest or mentor female founders but everyone can buy from them.
Buy Women Built is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability, by not just supporting the entrepreneurs of today, but also inspiring the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. These values resonate with us at Noodoll - as we believe in creating authentic connections, not only with our customers but also with like-minded companies that share our vision for a better future! Everything we make is designed to inspire the imagination. From little ones to grown ups, we believe there’s no life that can’t be opened up and transformed with a little playfulness. We bring this spirit to everything we do at Noodoll because if we can imagine something, we can make it happen.
By aligning ourselves with brands that prioritise ethical practices, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement, we can create a powerful network! As BWB says, “You can’t be what you can’t see. Making women built brands more visible not only lifts up existing entrepreneurs but also allows the next generation of girls to dream bigger. And the bigger girls dream, the stronger and fairer our economy will be.”
Celebrating and supporting female founders is important as these women are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and driving innovation across industries, yet they often face unique challenges - 81% of 11-18-year olds are unable to name one single female entrepreneur - so by acknowledging their accomplishments and creating spaces that nurture their leadership, we will showcase amazing brands built by women not only to profile great female founders but also to harness the power of consumer spending, in turn creating a fairer, stronger society.
Here are a handful of BWB brands that we love:
Dot Dot Tea
Sharing a love of taste-first, health-led Asian treats, ‘Mumtrepeneurs’ Yandis and Susie decided to open a bubble tea café in Stoke Newington, North London. Their journey naturally led to the creation of the UK’s first ready-to-drink bubble tea in bottles and cans. Launched in Selfridges in summer 2023, Dot Dot Tea is now served in over 200 locations nationwide.
Ham
HAM is the brainchild of artist and illustrator Jo, who in her early 20’s, whilst recovering from cancer, put pen to paper to create Rabbit – a fun loving character that finds endless joy in the everyday. Rabbit quickly evolved from cathartic passion project to multifaceted creative studio, collaborating and making products to build HAM’s happy world.
HappySelf Journal - who has worked with Noodoll before!
Getting increasingly frustrated at the constant press stories highlighting the increase in mental health problems in young people, founder Francesca became fascinated by the research being done into happiness and the simple habits like gratitude, mindfulness and kindness that have a meaningful impact on our wellbeing. As a keen journaler herself, she wanted to bring all this together into a beautiful product that her own children would enjoying using every day and so the HappySelf Journal was born.
Etta Loves
When Jen’s first daughter, Etta, was 6 weeks old she noticed her staring intently at the black and white patterned jumper she was wearing and feeding for longer as a result. She became fascinated by what Etta, and babies in general, could see and set out to recreate the magic on her face and developmental benefits by turning omnipresent baby items into sensory essentials using the wonder of science.
Cutter & Squidge
Cutter & Squidge is London's only all natural bakery, delivering throughout the UK! Created by two food-obsessed sisters, playfulness is their passion; they love to create exciting, experimental flavours and artisan designs, having fun in the process. They’re a little health-conscious and like to make sure their bakes are irresistibly scrumptious without using too much fat and sugar - ‘just as much as needed to make something delicious.
The QT
The QT believe in the power of cuteness - not just to brighten our wardrobes, but to brighten the world. Cuteness is more than just style - it’s a way of spreading joy, kindness, and positivity. But there’s something even more important: a world where children can grow up free from stereotypes, and with a deep love and respect for our planet and all its creatures. That’s why their clothes are designed with both cuteness and conscience. They prioritise quality over quantity, with each piece crafted to last - without harming the environment.
And check out their Gift Guide here!
Bebekish
It all began with Esra’s son, Ethan, who experienced skin sensitivities that left her searching for gentle, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly alternatives. Through that journey, she discovered the remarkable benefits of organic bamboo products. Witnessing the positive impact on Ethan’s comfort and well-being inspired her to create a business dedicated to sharing these benefits with others.
CwaZyLeigh CreaTions
As a dyslexic thinker who felt out of place for most of her life, Tamaryn found solace in crafting and storytelling. Together with her partner Mira, they founded CwaZyLeigh CreaTions to create more characters that inspire imagination, connection and empathy, inviting everyone to feel their most authentic selves.
Made Happy
Isabelle founded Made Happy during lockdown when, due to the uncertain risks to pregnant women, she had to step away from her role as a nurse. Inspired by her children’s interests and a desire to help people stay connected, she began 3D printing sustainable, vibrant gifts. Her brand, Made Happy, designs and prints all of their products in their family run studio in Kent, using environmentally sustainable plant-based plastics derived from cornstarch and sugarcane. They are passionate about providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic toys.
Philly & Friends
Becoming a parent opened Vese’s eyes to the inequality and lack of diversity in children’s products. It all started with her debut children’s book ‘Who Do I See in the Mirror?’, a ‘love letter’ to her little girl to tell her how precious she is and give her the gift of representation. Philly & Friends make beautifully crafted heirloom-quality dolls, puzzles and toys for impact and the growing demand for diversity in play.
Let's continue to support and shine a light on women owned brands, in turn creating a fairer, stronger society!