Joeydolls International Women's Day 2026 banner, celebrating a diverse community of women with a colorful, inclusive design featuring butterflies and the brand logo.

10 Inspiring Women Founders Making a Real Impact

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Time to read 6 min

A woman and two young girls sit on a white sofa, smiling and playing together with a collection of diverse cultural dolls. The girls hold dolls wearing traditional Asian attire, while the woman holds several more in her lap, creating a scene of joyful storytelling and representation.

Every year on International Women’s Month, we celebrate the achievements of women who are shaping communities, industries, and the future. It is a moment to recognize not only how far women have come, but also the powerful impact they continue to make through leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

This year, we’re celebrating 10 inspiring women founders who are building businesses with purpose. From children’s wellness and education to sustainability, technology, and women’s health, these founders are creating solutions that uplift families, empower communities, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Their journeys remind us that entrepreneurship is not just about building companies, it’s about building possibilities.

The Joeydolls Mission: Built by a Mom Who Wanted More

Joeydolls was created by Samantha Ong, an Asian mom who wanted her child to feel seen.

At the time, it was hard to find dolls that truly reflected the diversity within Asian cultures. Many toys either leaned into stereotypes or left entire communities out of the picture.

Then the rise in anti-Asian hate made one thing even clearer:

Representation isn’t optional. It’s essential.

So Joeydolls was born to help children:

  • Feel proud of who they are
  • See themselves reflected in play
  • Start conversations about culture, identity, and inclusion
Samantha Ong Founder of Joeydolls

Meet the Joeydolls Collection

A collection of culturally diverse Joeydolls displayed in a bright, minimalist living room. The soft textures of the dolls contrast beautifully with the elegant architectural details of the white fireplace and tufted seating.

If you’re looking for toys that go beyond play, this is where it starts.

Our dolls are designed with intention, safety, and cultural care:

  • 9" and 18" soft plush dolls perfect for snuggles
  • Embroidered facial features safe for all ages
  • Thoughtfully designed cultural outfits
  • QR codes that unlock stories and cultural learning

These aren’t just dolls. They’re tools for raising inclusive, confident kids.

10 Inspiring Women Founders Making an Impact

1. Chloe Beaudoin – Co-founder & COO of Apricotton

Chloe Beaudoin founded Apricotton, a brand dedicated to creating teen-first apparel that supports confidence and self-expression. Through Apricotton, Chloe focuses on creating clothing that celebrates individuality and encourages young people to feel comfortable in their own skin. Her work helps teens feel seen, supported, and confident as they grow.

Chloe Beaudoin

2. Caitlyn Vanderhaegh – President and CEO at Kidstar Nutrients

Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe is passionate about improving children’s health through science-based nutrition. Through KidStar Nutrients, she develops products designed to support children’s growth, immunity, and overall wellness. Her work helps parents make informed choices while ensuring kids receive the nutrients they need for a strong and healthy start in life.

Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe

3. Katie Gamble – Founder and CEO of Nature Bee

Katie Gamble is helping families rethink the small, everyday choices that add up to a big impact.

As the founder of Nature Bee, she’s on a mission to make sustainable living feel simple, approachable, and realistic for busy households. Her products are designed to replace single-use items with reusable alternatives that fit seamlessly into daily routines.

Katie Gamble

4. Ada Juristovski Jemc – Co-founder of Nala Care

Ada Juristovski Jemc co-founded Nala Care, a clean personal care brand focused on wellness, sustainability, and transparency. Motivated by the desire to create healthier alternatives to traditional products, Ada helped develop personal care solutions made with natural ingredients and environmentally conscious practices.

Through Nala Care, Ada empowers women to make mindful choices about the products they use while supporting a more sustainable future.

Ada Juristovski Jemc

5. Marie Powell – Founder of Terra Medical Aesthetics + Wellness

Marie Powell founded Terra Medical Aesthetics + Wellness with the goal of providing holistic care that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. With a strong focus on long-term health, Marie created a space where individuals can prioritize wellness and confidence.

Through her work, Marie helps clients focus on self-care and overall balance, combining modern wellness practices with a philosophy centered on long-term wellbeing.

Marie Powell

6. Kristi Soomer – Founder & CEO of Encircled

Kristi Soomer is redefining what it means to build a fashion brand with integrity. As the Founder and CEO of Encircled, she’s leading a slow fashion movement that prioritizes people, planet, and purpose. Her brand creates modern, versatile essentials designed for real women - pieces that are not only beautifully soft and high quality, but also made to last.

Kristi Soomer

7. Puja Pachchigar – Founder of GoKidu

Puja Pachchigar is building solutions designed for modern families navigating everyday challenges. Through GoKidu, Puja is creating a space where people can feel informed, supported, and empowered. A space where technology doesn’t replace human care, but enhances it. One that helps individuals take control of their parenthood journey, no matter their background or circumstances.

Puja Pachchigar

8. Sydney Robinson – Founder of Vessl Prosthetics

Sydney Robinson is redefining accessibility and independence through prosthetic innovation. At Vessl Prosthetics, she focuses on creating advanced solutions that improve mobility and quality of life for individuals who rely on prosthetic devices. Her work demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can create meaningful change.

Sydney Robinson

9. Stephanie Sang – Founder of Granted Consulting

Stephanie Sang helps entrepreneurs unlock opportunities for growth by guiding them through the process of securing funding and grants. Through Granted Consulting, she has empowered countless founders to access resources that allow their businesses to scale and thrive. Her work plays a crucial role in supporting innovation across industries.

Stephanie Sang

10. Melissa L'Heureux-Hache – Founder of VEGAIN Nutrition

Melissa L'Heureux-Hache leads a plant-based nutrition company that focuses on making healthy, sustainable eating more accessible. Through VEGAIN Nutrition, she develops products that support active lifestyles while promoting environmentally responsible choices.

Melissa L

What These Women Entrepreneurs Teach Us

Every one of these women entrepreneurs is solving a real problem.

And if you look closely, a pattern emerges:

  • They build from lived experience
  • They center people, not just profit
  • They create products with purpose

As parents, that’s exactly what we want to support.

Raising Kids Who Value Representation and Impact

When children grow up seeing:

  • Diverse founders
  • Inclusive products
  • Meaningful stories

They begin to understand that they belong in every space.

That’s why representation in toys matters just as much as representation in leadership.

And why brands like Joeydolls exist.

Join Our VIP Community

Want to raise culturally aware, confident kids?

Join our Joeydolls VIP list for:

  • Early access to new dolls
  • Exclusive offers
  • Cultural learning resources for families

Sign up and get 10% off your first order

FAQs

What is a woman founder?

A woman founder is a female entrepreneur who starts and builds a business, often bringing unique perspectives and solutions to the market.

Why are inspiring women founders important?

They drive innovation, increase representation, and create products that better reflect diverse communities.

How can I support women-led businesses?

You can support by purchasing from them, sharing their stories, and introducing their brands to your community.

Summary

Inspiring women founders are shaping industries and families

Women-led businesses often solve real, everyday problems

Representation matters in both leadership and play

Joeydolls helps children feel seen through culturally meaningful dolls

About The Author

Samantha Ong, founder of Joeydolls holding multicultural Asian cultural dolls representing Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Cambodian heritage

Samantha Ong

Samantha Ong is the founder of Joeydolls, a Canadian-based toy brand on a mission to celebrate Asian cultures through joyful, inclusive play. Inspired by her own experiences growing up without cultural representation, Samantha designs dolls that help children feel proud of who they are while sparking curiosity and empathy in others. Since launching in 2023, Joeydolls has empowered thousands of families to bring culture, identity, and love into their everyday lives—one cuddle at a time.

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