June is Pride Month, but I am proud every month of the year to call these LGBTQ+ founders my dear friends. Take a few minutes to meet these inspired human beings and the incredible companies they have created, and take pride in supporting their businesses with your dollars!
Rachel Winard,
Rachel Winard,
Soapwalla
If someone was just getting to know your business, what is the most important thing you’d want them to know?
For the past 10+ years, I've poured my heart and soul into Soapwalla to craft unisex, safe products with the highest quality ingredients, that are designed for *every* body, no matter your age, gender presentation, skin requirements, ethnicity. Our motto is: if you have skin, you're our ideal customer.
How has being part of the LGBTQ community influenced the shape, growth, or mission of your company?
It's part and parcel - because I am queer, I see everything through that lens. I know exactly how it feels to be excluded from spaces, and written off for not looking, acting or presenting like I'm supposed to. I created Soapwalla as a safe haven for everyone. From day one, all Soapwalla wording has been gender-neutral. We don't use models. We are inclusive in all aspects of our business - including our outspoken social justice work and philanthropy programming. Safe and effective skincare is a public health issue, and I work every day to ensure that Soapwalla is as welcoming as possible.
Rachel's Favorite Osmia product:
Naked Body Mousse - I love the texture, and it soaks right into the skin!
Sarah's favorite Soapwalla product:
Naked Body Mousse - I love the texture, and it soaks right into the skin!
Sarah's favorite Soapwalla product:
= = = = = = = = = =
Josh Rosebrook,
Josh Rosebrook
If someone was just getting to know your business, what is the most important thing you’d want them to know?
We make the highest quality ingredients in the most innovative formulations designed for all people at the most accessible price we can offer.
How has being part of the LGBTQ community influenced the shape, growth, or mission of your company?
Being part of the LGBTQ community has shaped every aspect of my company and brand. I don't think I'd be here doing this if I wasn't gay. As a kid, I was accepted for my talent at making people beautiful, so I felt safe and accepted going into the cosmetics industry as an adult. Being gay makes you a survivor. It holds the opportunity to show you your inner strength. My company was founded on inclusivity. I made a commitment that we would represent all people and we would include LGBTQ, specifically Transgender People in our marketing campaigns. Visibility, awareness, and giving jobs to the Trans community, and specifically BIPOC Trans people, is extremely important. We must uplift the Trans community.
Josh's Favorite Osmia product:
Nectar Nourishing Drops
Nectar Nourishing Drops
= = = = = = = = = =
(pictured here with her co-founder, James Walker)
Shirley Pinkson-Mañas
W3LL PEOPLE
How has being part of the LGBTQ community influenced the shape, growth, or mission of your company?
Being LGBTQ+ inclusive is part of W3LL PEOPLE’s core. It is built into our mission of promoting better choices and acceptance (starting with your own). Bottom line, treating people –all people–equal in business is paramount. The impact this had on our team as a whole was undeniable. Our teams worked hard and were committed because we believed in them… and, in turn, they believed in us.
Shirley's Favorite Osmia product:
Oh So Soap. My whole family is addicted!
Oh So Soap. My whole family is addicted!
= = = = = = = = = =
Hope Gillerman,
H. Gillerman Organics
If someone was just getting to know your business, what is the most important thing you’d want them to know?
As a holistic healer and aromatherapist I founded H. Gillerman Organics on the principle of awareness, self-knowledge and self healing. My targeted, synergistic blends of pure, organic essential oils -nature’s most concentrated plant extract- give you the tools to make changes in the way you react to emotional, physical and environmental stress. Our breath can instantly take us to a place of relaxation and peace of mind especially when we are breathing in essential oils.
How has being part of the LGBTQ community influenced the shape, growth, or mission of your company?
How has being part of the LGBTQ community influenced the shape, growth, or mission of your company?
My products live between Wellness and Beauty. Being queer in the Beauty world is always part of my consciousness and where ever I am representing my line. This process makes me think harder about my core values and making sure these values are reflected in my work. I believe self-awareness, self-knowledge and self-healing are as important to our radiance as the products we use. The LGBTQI community is all about being real and honest with who you are I believe this is what makes us ALL truly beautiful - being compassionate to ourselves and others.
Hope's Favorite Osmia product:
Sunset Body Oil
Sarah's favorite H. Gillerman Organics product:
Muscle Remedy