March is all about celebrating women who are changing the game — and at Celeb Secrets, we love spotlighting the founders who are turning big ideas into powerhouse brands.
From glow-boosting skincare and Hollywood-approved beauty essentials to confidence-boosting fashion and comfort food with a healthy twist, these women-founded brands are proof that passion, purpose, and a little bit of fearless ambition can build something incredible.
To celebrate International Women’s Month, we asked some inspiring founders to share the must-have product every girl should own right now, the real secret behind building a successful business, and their advice for the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
So whether you’re looking to upgrade your beauty routine, elevate your wardrobe, or stock your freezer with something delicious, consider this your ultimate women-founded shopping edit.
GLO30
Founded by Dr. Arleen Lamba
If glowing, healthy skin is the goal, GLO30 is redefining what skincare routines can look like.
Founded by physician and beauty innovator Dr. Arleen Lamba, the next-generation skincare studio blends medical science, AI technology, and consistency to deliver personalized treatments through a unique membership model.
After years working as an anesthesiologist, Dr. Lamba grew frustrated with the beauty industry’s lack of consistency and real results. In 2012, she launched GLO30 with a mission to transform skincare into a results-driven wellness routine — something she often describes as a “health club for your skin.”
Today, the rapidly expanding brand is one of the fastest-growing skincare studio concepts in the U.S., with more than 100 locations in development.
Must-Have Product: GlycolicGenius Resurf Pads ($46)
If there’s one product Dr. Lamba insists belongs in every skincare routine right now, it’s the brand’s GlycolicGenius Resurf Pads.
“If there’s one non-negotiable I want on everyone’s bathroom shelf right now, it’s our GlycolicGenius Resurf Pads,” Dr. Lamba tells Celeb Secrets. “They’re chic, they’re effortless, but make no mistake — they’re clinically serious.”
Each pad is saturated with 5% ultra-pure Glycolic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid, two powerhouse ingredients that work together to exfoliate skin, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts.
“Glycolic Acid works on the surface, dissolving dead skin cells and accelerating cellular turnover to reveal smoother, brighter skin,” she explains. “Salicylic Acid dives deeper into the pores, clearing congestion and dissolving excess oil.”
Used consistently, the pads align with the skin’s natural 30-day renewal cycle, a philosophy that guides everything GLO30 does.
“You’re not just chasing a quick glow,” she says. “You’re investing in next month’s skin.”
The Secret to Success: For Dr. Lamba, the biggest secret to entrepreneurship isn’t strategy — it’s mindset.
“The secret nobody talks about enough? Your business will only grow as fast as you’re willing to grow personally,” she explains.
“People want the blueprint or the marketing hack, but building GLO30 from one treatment room in Bethesda to a national franchise taught me something less sexy and much more true: the real bottleneck is almost always the founder.”
Advice for Young Female Entrepreneurs: “Stop waiting until you feel ready. Ready is a myth.” Dr. Lamba launched GLO30 while pregnant and still working hospital shifts starting at 5 a.m. “Was it the right time? Absolutely not. Was it the right idea? Absolutely yes.”
The Legacy She Wants to Leave: Looking ahead, Dr. Lamba hopes GLO30 becomes a household name for professional skincare, accessible to women everywhere.
“But the legacy piece is what’s closest to my heart,” she says. “I want women to remember GLO30 as the brand that finally took their skin seriously — not as vanity, but as healthcare.”
Dolce Glow & Sunnee BAEskin
Founded by Isabel Alysa
If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities achieve that perfect red-carpet glow, chances are Isabel Alysa had something to do with it.
The celebrity spray tan artist has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment — including Selena Gomez, Eva Longoria, Miley Cyrus, the Kardashians, and Alix Earle — creating camera-ready glow moments for everything from weddings to awards shows.
Her growing reputation inspired the launch of Dolce Glow, a luxury skincare-first tanning brand that brings her signature glow to everyone.
Named after her daughter, Mia Dolce Vita — meaning “my sweet life” — the brand blends clean formulations with professional artistry to create a luminous finish.
Dolce Glow has since become a cult-favorite tanning brand, earning an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2025 and landing on shelves at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Revolve, and Neiman Marcus.
Must-Have Product: Acqua Dark ($36)
If there’s one glow essential Alysa recommends, it’s the brand’s Acqua Dark mist.
“It’s a deeper version of our viral Acqua Mist and something everyone should have in rotation,” she tells Celeb Secrets.
“It’s so versatile — you can use it as a primer before makeup, as a setting spray after, or as the final step in your skincare routine.”
Whichever way you use it, she promises the result is the same.
“Your tan is going to be perfection.”
The Secret to Running a Beauty Empire: “Grit, patience, and staying obsessed with your brand,” Alysa says. “You’ll spend hours tweaking, testing, and perfecting things no one else sees — but those little details make all the difference. And never underestimate how much your team shapes your success, they’re your secret weapon.”
Advice for Female Entrepreneurs: “Trust yourself and your vision,” she says. “Build something that reflects your passion, not what others expect. Stay consistent, celebrate every win, and learn from the challenges, they’re what grow you and your business.”
Looking Ahead: “In five years, I want Dolce Glow and Sunnee BAEskin to be known as brands that make people feel confident in their own skin, with products that are easy, and empowering,” Alysa says.
“I hope people remember us for helping them glow — not just on the outside, but from the inside too.”
This Works
Led by Dr. Anna Persaud
With a PhD in biochemistry, Dr. Anna Persaud is uniquely qualified to lead wellness brand This Works, which develops science-backed skincare and sleep solutions.
Under her leadership, the brand has pioneered functional fragrance, using neuroscience and fMRI imaging to measure how scent affects the brain.
Must-Have Product: Deep Sleep Pillow Spray ($33)
“If I had to choose one staple, it would still be the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray,” Persaud says. “Sleep is biological infrastructure. Without restorative sleep, everything suffers — mood, skin repair, immune function, cognitive clarity.”
“Our Deep Sleep blend has been tested in large-scale scientific studies and assessed using fMRI imaging to understand how it affects the brain. We’ve examined how the fragrance interacts with limbic regions associated with emotion and stress processing. It’s not simply a pleasant scent – it’s Functional Fragrance designed to help support parasympathetic activation. But beyond the chemistry, it’s about ritual. Spraying the pillow. Lowering the lights. Breathing slowly. Repetition teaches the brain safety.”
“In a culture that keeps women in sympathetic overdrive, protecting your sleep is not indulgent. It’s strategic.”
The Secret to Leadership: “Regulate yourself first,” she says. “As CEO, your nervous system becomes the emotional thermostat of the organization. If you are reactive, exhausted, operating on cortisol – the company will mirror that.
What people don’t see is the discipline behind the scenes. I protect my circadian rhythm. I track my sleep architecture. I practice yoga consistently. I use red light therapy. I meditate daily. I’m intentional about how I start and end my day. None of that is aesthetic – it’s operational hygiene. Leadership isn’t just strategy and P&L. It’s nervous system capacity. We sit at the intersection of stress, sleep and skin health because I understand – personally and scientifically – what chronic stress does to the body. Sustainable businesses are built through cycles of activation and recovery. Not constant adrenaline.”
Advice for Female Founders: “Own more than your title. Own equity. Women are often exceptional at building brands and carrying responsibility – but less comfortable negotiating ownership. Equity is leverage. Financial literacy is freedom. Understand your numbers. Revenue. Margin. EBITDA. Valuation. When you understand capital, you cannot be diminished. And protect your biology. You cannot build something meaningful if your nervous system is constantly in survival mode. Clarity, creativity and resilience all depend on physiological stability. Build something that solves a real problem. Trends move fast. Human physiology doesn’t.”
Her Vision for the Future: In five years, I see us fully established as a neuro-wellness platform – pioneering nervous system care and sitting confidently at the intersection of stress, sleep and skin health. We began by pioneering sleep beauty. Now we are normalising daily nervous system rituals – science-backed products that support regulation in a world that dysregulates women constantly.
I want our legacy to be this: we helped women understand their biology. We gave them evidence-based tools they could use every day – through scent, light, touch and rhythm – to move from overwhelm to regulation.
And personally, as a CEO, I hope my legacy reflects that strength doesn’t require hardness. It requires self-awareness, discipline and nervous system integrity.
Osier
Founded by Cheree Ashley
Purpose-driven skincare brand Osier was born from founder Cheree Ashley’s work in the addiction recovery community. After spending a decade helping patients build wellness-focused lifestyles, she launched the brand to support healing, fresh starts, and second chances.
A portion of Osier’s proceeds supports mental health and addiction recovery programs.
Must-Have Product: Brighter Days Vitamin C Serum ($54)
“Our Brighter Days Vitamin C Serum is quickly becoming a staple. It’s designed to revive tired, stressed skin and bring back that healthy glow without feeling complicated,” she tells Celeb Secrets.
“At Osier, we believe skincare should feel supportive and restorative, and this serum really reflects that. It’s the product people reach for when they want their skin to look brighter, smoother, and well rested.”
The Secret to Building a Brand: “For me, the biggest factor is having a mission bigger than the product itself. Osier was created to support new beginnings, and a portion of our proceeds goes toward helping individuals struggling with addiction access the help they need.
One thing people may not realize is that the heart of the brand is deeply connected to recovery work. Supporting people through healing and second chances has always been the purpose behind what we’re building, skincare just became one way to carry that message forward.”
Advice for Female Entrepreneurs: “Start before you feel completely ready. Most founders don’t have everything figured out when they begin, they learn along the way,” she says.
“Trust your instincts, stay authentic to your vision, and remember that consistency matters more than perfection.”
Her Legacy: “In five years, I hope Osier continues to grow into a brand people trust, not just for skincare, but for what it represents. I pray it helps many recover from substance abuse and mental health struggles,” she reveals.
“If people remember Osier as a brand built on healing, purpose, and second chances, that would mean everything to me.”
CAULIPOWER
Founded by Gail Becker
If you’ve spotted cauliflower crust pizza in the frozen aisle, chances are you’ve already encountered CAULIPOWER. Founded by Gail Becker, the brand was inspired by a personal mission: creating delicious foods her sons could enjoy after they were diagnosed with Celiac disease.
After leaving a successful corporate career in 2016, Becker set out to reinvent the frozen food aisle — proving that people shouldn’t have to choose between taste, health, and convenience.
Today, CAULIPOWER is the #1 cauliflower crust pizza and gluten-free pizza brand in the U.S., and its innovations have expanded into chicken tenders, pizza bites, and single-serve meals.
Must-Have Product: High-Protein Single-Serve Pizzas
Becker says the brand’s new High-Protein Single-Serve Pizzas and Bowls are the ultimate freezer staple.
“Why should high-protein also mean high-calorie?” Becker says. “That was the gap in the market until CAULIPOWER came along and filled it.”
Each personal pizza delivers 21 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and only 340 calories — without sacrificing flavor.
“Perfect to have in the freezer when cooking just isn’t the vibe,” she adds.
The Secret to Building a Business: “Entrepreneurs often think they need to have all the answers,” Becker says. “Not only is that untrue, but relying on yourself for everything will likely hinder your success.”
Instead, she says founders should surround themselves with experts and trust their team.
“Hire smart people and — most importantly — listen to what they have to say.”
Advice for Future Female Founders: “If you’re waiting for the “right” time, DON’T! There’s no such thing – no magic bells that ring or no giant sign telling you to jump. Your idea doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be. Get it out into the universe before someone else does.”
The Legacy She Hopes to Leave: “In five years, I see the business expanding both in reach and impact, becoming a universally recognizable brand that continues to help people lead healthier lives and make nutritious food more accessible to all. It would also be pretty wonderful if CAULIPOWER served as a prime example of what can happen when you take a bet on a female entrepreneur.”
12th Tribe
Founded by Demi Marchese
Nearly a decade ago, Demi Marchese launched 12th Tribe with $800, a rack of vintage pieces, and a dream. What began as a passion project fueled by her love of styling quickly turned into a cult fashion brand known for its free-spirited, festival-ready aesthetic.
Marchese was hands-on in every part of the business — sourcing pieces from Bali, styling photoshoots, packing orders, and connecting with customers through social media.
Today, 12th Tribe boasts a thriving direct-to-consumer business, a flagship store on Abbot Kinney in Venice, and a team made up of 99 percent women.
Must-Have Product: London Calling Faux Leather Jacket ($168)
“If you want to instantly elevate your style, start with strong staples,” Marchese says.
One of her current favorites is the London Calling Faux Leather Jacket, which she describes as the ultimate wardrobe transformer.
“You can throw it on over relaxed denim and a tank for an easy daytime look, or layer it over a little black dress at night.”
“It immediately adds polish and edge.”
The Secret to Building a Brand: “There’s no glamorous secret, it’s consistency. I started 12th Tribe at 23 with no investors and no safety net, so every decision mattered. The real ‘secret’ is being willing to commit to the unglamorous, behind-the-scenes work for a very long time,” she says.
Something people might not realize is how much intuition plays a role. Data is important, but building a brand is emotional. I trust my gut constantly, on product, on people, on timing. Staying close to our community and listening more than we talk has probably been our biggest advantage.
Advice for Entrepreneurs: “Own it. Literally,” she shares. “If you can, keep as much ownership as possible in the early days. It gives you freedom to build slowly, intentionally, and in alignment with your vision. Also, don’t wait to feel ready, you won’t. Start before you’re confident. You’ll grow into the role as your business grows.”
“And protect your resilience. Entrepreneurship is emotional. The ability to keep going when things feel uncertain is more valuable than any single skill set.”
Her Long-Term Vision: “In five years, I see 12th Tribe as a globally recognized lifestyle brand, not just clothing, but community, experiences, and culture. I want us to continue deepening our direct relationship with our customer and expanding thoughtfully into new categories while staying true to who she is,” she reveals.
“Legacy-wise, I hope women remember 12th Tribe as the brand that made them feel confident in pivotal moments of their lives, the trips, the festivals, the first dates, the big career moves. And beyond the clothes, I hope our story inspires young girls and women to believe they can turn their passions into something real, that they can build a career, a company, and a life rooted in what they love. If we’ve been a small part of their most electric memories and a reminder that their dreams are valid, that’s everything to me.”
HYPEACH
Founded by Marlo Hovis
California-based fashion brand HYPEACH is leading the charge toward sustainable style for the next generation. Founder Marlo Hovis built the brand around eco-conscious production and accessible price points, making sustainability feel both fashionable and attainable.
Must-Have Product: Capri Cropped Blazer ($120)
Right now, the team is loving the Capri Cropped Blazer, made from organic cotton.
A fresh, let’s go anywhere, blazer. At HQ, we’re currently crushing on the Capri Cropped Blazer in organic cotton. It’s ultra soft and easily pairs with almost anything – it’s also ultra-clean, making this one of our favorite outfit repeaters.
The Secret to Success: “The real secret to a successful business is the people you hire and surround yourself with. Talent matters, but character, values and a shared vision matter even more. When you build the right team, everything becomes possible.”
“Secret? I’m a former research librarian!” she continues. “Behind the scenes is strategy, spreadsheets, and serious information management & data driven decision making. Talk nerdy to me.”
Advice for Future Founders: “Be prepared to work hard and own your purpose. Find mentors, build community, and don’t try to do it alone. The right circle will accelerate your growth.”
The Future of HYPEACH: In five years, I see HYPEACH as an industry leader that defined new eco-certified standards for women’s apparel and our bodies – leading the way for a new era in affordable, sustainable fashion. A HYPEACH legacy that is shared with our community – a real movement of feeling good and doing good with integrity, impact & purpose.
Bobbles & Lace
Founded by Lindsay Rose Rando
Before launching Bobbles & Lace, founder Lindsay Rose Rando was selling jewelry from a pushcart in downtown Los Angeles. But she quickly realized something important: success in retail isn’t just about the product — it’s about how customers feel.
So in 2008, she launched Bobbles & Lace with a mission to make shopping personal, empowering, and confidence-driven.
Today, the boutique brand has 27 locations nationwide and a franchise model that empowers other women to become entrepreneurs themselves.
Must-Have Product: Live In Dark Wash Denim Jeans ($119)
“If there’s one staple from B&L that I truly believe everyone needs, it’s a pair of our denim – we’re loving the Sabrina Dark Denim Jeans right now,” Lindsay gushes.
We are incredibly intentional about fit — we fit all bodies. Different rises, different cuts, different stretches. The goal is that every woman who walks into our store can find a pair that makes her feel amazing. A great pair of jeans can be transformative. When it fits you, you stand taller. You feel confident. You feel put together without trying too hard.
And when you find your pair, you really do feel like you can conquer the world.”
The Secret to Business Success: “Relationships matter. How you show up — in every room, every email, every interaction — shapes more than you think. People remember how you make them feel. They remember if you listened. If you were prepared. If you were kind. Business isn’t just strategy and spreadsheets. It’s human.”
Advice for Entrepreneurs: “Be relentless about your goal. You’re going to mess up. A lot. That’s part of it. I don’t see mistakes as failures — I see them as feedback. If you’re pushing yourself, they’re unavoidable. Learn from them, adjust, and keep moving. That’s really it.”
The Future of Bobbles & Lace: “I wish I were the person who maps out 5- and 10-year plans in detail — but honestly, I’m very focused on the now. I’m consumed with building, refining, and improving. For me, the journey is just as fulfilling as the peak. What I do know is that I want to make an impact on the way people shop. I want it to feel fun and personal again — not transactional. Because what we put on our bodies matters. It affects how we feel, how we show up, how we move through the world. If I can help bring that feeling back to retail, that’s the goal.”
