I recently found out a startling bit of information that had my blood boiling. In America, women could not receive a business loan without a male cosigner until 1989. Until 1989. Sally Ride could go make history by being the first US woman in space, come back, walk into a bank, and be denied a loan without a husband or male relative helping her out.

Since the Women’s Business Ownership Act passed, female-owned businesses account for almost 40% of all businesses, and 36% of all small businesses. That number reflects millions of women who are making a name for themselves, often while juggling family responsibilities. And yet, women-owned businesses tend to face struggles when getting funding, borrowing at higher interest rates that their male counterparts. They tend to be more part-time entrepreneurs, using options like Etsy to get their business off the ground. In fact, 83% of Etsy sellers identified as female in a 2019 poll.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I find myself thinking of all the women I see hustling to provide for their families, those girlbosses who are focusing on their big dreams, and those managing to do both. At the Pearl, we support other women-owned businesses through our retail selections, partnering with both local and international companies to provide the best in spa and skincare products. If you’re looking for a unique gift this year for Mother’s Day, check out some of these offerings we carry from women-owned businesses:

A Tea Leaf Jewelry

Based out of Portland, Oregon, A Tea Leaf Jewelry is the creative work by Alissa Theile. Her gold and silver jewelry is heavily inspired by nature and the Pacific Northwest, and has an Art Deco and Art Nouveau flair to it.

Elle Cree Paint-By-Number Kits

Another Portland-based business, illustrator Rachel Austen creates unique paint-by-number kits. With a printed canvas and all the non-toxic paint colors you need, these kits are a blast to do while stuck at home on a rainy day, and make for a fun gift for the creative type. Plus, Elle Cree does some pretty awesome philanthropic work, supporting social and environmental causes around the country.

Yon-Ka Paris

Used in our facial and waxing services, this skincare company has been in operation for 67 years. Owned and operated by the daughters of the original founders, Yon-ka Paris remains a family business driven to create high-quality skincare with natural ingredients and proven science.

Jade Roller Beauty

Created by Leila Carter in Pittsburgh, Jade Roller Beauty creates high-quality beauty rollers from a variety of crystals, like jade, quartz, and tiger’s eye. Focusing on ancient skincare techniques to boost collagen and smooth fine lines and wrinkles without nasty fillers, this company focuses on empowering women of all ages to look and feel beautiful.

Slate + Salt Turkish Towels

Inspired by her extensive global travels, Lyndsay provides a unique collection of products made by global artisans to you. By working with small social alliances in rural areas around the world, supporting Fair Trade efforts, and emphasising sustainability, Slate + Salt products are the perfect gift with a conscience. At the Pearl Day Spa, we offer a selection of hand woven Turkish Towels from Slate + Salt. Made of Turkish Cotton, these lightweight and quick-drying textiles can be used as beach towels, bath towels, shawls, scarves, and bathing coverups.

Lit Candle Supply Co.

Let’s be real for a moment-- sometimes you’re so frustrated, you just have to light a candle and curse like a sailor. Lit Candle Supply is the perfect gift for the potty-mouth. Based out of Los Angeles, these hand-poured soy candles smell AMAZING and come with totally relatable sentiments, like “Let that Sh*t Go” and “I F***ing Love You” Using essential oil blends instead of phthalate-based fragrances, these candles burn clean and won’t release weird toxins into your home.

Buck Naked Soap

According to the Buck Naked Co. website, the founder of the company, Rina, began making natural skincare products for their baby who had irritation from other baby products on the market. With only pure ingredients, Buck Naked Soap Company is chemical-free, vegan and cruelty-free certified. Their bath bombs are long lasting and their soaps leave your skin clean but not dried out.

While there are still many battles to be fought for equality, the small steps we take to support women-owned businesses and endeavors can empower other and help to lift us all together. The social impacts that these small businesses support, whether environmental efforts, fair trade agreements, or even clean simple living, send ripples throughout the communities and provide so much more than just a unique gift for mom this Mother’s Day.

Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is May 9th! We have some really incredible package offerings available to celebrate mom, so be sure to check out our limited-time Mother’s Day Packages.

We want to hear how much your mom means to you— share a photo or story about how incredible/hilarious/embarassing your mom is on social media with the hashtag #PearlMotherMoments and tag the Pearl Day Spa. You’ll be entered to win a free Mother’s Day Package, valued at $170-$200. One lucky winner will be announce on May 7th, so be sure to post soon!

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