March 8th marks International Women's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating women’s empowerment, achievements, and joy. For us at The Den Refillery, it is particularly close to our hearts. As an entirely woman-owned, operated, and staffed business, we are continuously inspired by the women around us and the remarkable contributions they make to our business, our towns, and beyond.
In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re excited to spread the love by highlighting some of our favourite Canadian women-owned businesses that inspire us with their creativity, passion, and incredible products:
Sḵwálwen Botanicals, founded by Dr. Leigh Joseph (Styawat), uses Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge and ancestral traditions to create clean, green, and all-natural products. Each batch of products are crafted with care, using locally foraged ingredients, and are free from harmful chemicals. Sḵwálwen’s formulation philosophy is rooted in promises to Indigenous plant science, and each product has a Skwxwú7mesh name to honour the place where this plant knowledge comes from.
”Plants can be a great source of healing as well as nourishment, and the practice of growing and harvesting from trees, flowering herbs, and other plants is a powerful way to become more connected to the land.” — Sḵwálwen Botanicals Founder, Dr. Leigh Joseph from her book, Held by the Land
Founded by Crystal Macleod, Harlow creates simple, aesthetically designed skincare products made with whole ingredients for skin wellness. Handcrafted at their Atelier in Vancouver, Harlow has an incredible selection of simple products for all skin reclamation journeys, and have been a staple at The Den Refillery since 2020.
“When you are nourished, empowered and making purposeful decisions about what goes on in your body, the positive effects cascade. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.” — Harlow Founder, Crystal Macleod
Genesis Tallow, created by Brie Cook in Victoria, BC, uses grass-fed, locally sourced tallow for their natural skincare. As a Certified Health Coach, Brie’s passion is rooted in understanding what goes on in our bodies and how everyday body care products are making a long lasting impact on our health.
“Tallow is one of the most wasted parts of the animal. By using our product you are joining a larger movement: recycling to help create zero waste on this island.”— Genesis Tallow Founder, Brie Cook
Mint Cleaning is another women-owned eco-brand close to our hearts! Robyn and Monika, founders of Mint Cleaning in Ucluelet, BC offer an eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaning products. Their effective, all-natural cleaning products are safe for both people and the environment.
“As professional cleaners, we understand what it takes to get the job done right, and we [aren’t] willing to compromise on effectiveness.” — Mint Cleaning Co-Founders, Robyn Mair and Monika Scott
If you had a chance to check out our limited edition From Our Den to Yours candle, you’d recognize Kay’s stunning ceramic designs! Created by self-taught artist Karla in Ucluelet, BC, her designs blend wheel-thrown and hand-build techniques. Her stunning handcrafted pottery is inspired by our rugged coastal landscapes.
Somedays was founded by a group of friends who, after experiencing period pain and endometriosis, sought out their own pain relief options. Their brand now serves as much needed support to encourage us to take control of, and eventually achieve, a pain-free cycle.
Made in Ucluelet by the wonderful Daniella Shaban, Smokebird Naturals takes a holistic approach to CBD and pain relief. With organic and wild harvested herbs, and a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, Smokebird provides gentle wellness options that respect both the Earth and the user.
“Sustainable, ethical and natural are some of our core values… We believe that plant-based wellness is the most gentle way to heal and nurture ourselves while respecting the Earth in the process.” — Smokebird Naturals Founder, Daniella Shaban
Founded by Kristin French in 2010, Be Clean Naturally creates all-natural skincare and cleaning products designed to avoid the skin irritations often caused by synthetic ingredients. As natural skincare was both expensive and hard to come by back in 2010, Kristin made a point to create products accessible to her community in Squamish. Fast forward to today, Be Clean continues to bring our communities affordable, refillable skin and home care products.
Originally inspired by the breathtaking mountainscapes of Whistler, BC, Morgan Wilde’s love for crafting leather began. Self-taught and committed to slow handcrafted pieces, Morgan creates in a way that quality and love shine through every piece. Now based in Alberta, she continues to create timeless pieces that minimize waste and honour the materials used.
“I believe in the enduring beauty of timeless craftsmanship and in constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity… Morgan Wilde Leather is more than a brand; it's a commitment to the enduring artistry of handmade craftsmanship.” — Morgan Wilde
Nēmah, created by Mary Lawless Lee, offers science-backed, vegan skincare and wellness products rooted in sustainability. Inspired by the love of her children, the brand emphasizes helping women feel safe, supported, and proud of the decisions they make in caring for themselves and their family.
Founded by Dani Lapointe, Green Room is dedicated to creating natural personal care products that are kind to both you and the environment. With a BA in Health Science and Biology and a love for the outdoors, Dani strives to be creative and make a positive mark on the world through thoughtful and sustainable products.
“I want [Green Room] to be a space where we can educate, create, give back, and connect with others. It’s super important to me that we do good by the planet and do good by you - our community!” — Green Room Founder, Dani Lapointe
Anime Rouleau, founder of The Unscented Company, leads with innovation and sustainability by offering natural home and body care products. The brand’s refillable packaging and waterless formulations aim to reduce single-use plastics and protect the environment. As an advocate for the B Corp model, Anime promotes local sourcing, ethical leadership, and equal opportunity employment.
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The GOOD Chocolatier
With fair trade, organic, and plant-based chocolate, The GOOD Chocolatier wholeheartedly contributes to a sustainable future where quality is key. As owner and founder, Mara Mennicken is committed to providing healthy, sustainable treats while nourishing the body with the finest ingredients.
“I believe in nurturing my body with the best I can find because I want to turn 100 healthy years old.” — The GOOD Chocolatier Founder, Mara Mennicken
Based in Vancouver and founded in 2011 by Heather March, Greenstems creates beautiful, handcrafted plant designs that integrate the beauty of the natural world into indoor spaces. The team at Greenstems continually draws inspiration from the captivating scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
After realizing a gap in Vancouver’s beauty industry, Sunja Link launched her all-natural quality beauty retail shop and skincare brand. Drawing from her experience from her clothing designer background, Sunja offers high-quality skincare that is dedicated to those who care about quality, people, and the earth.
Founded by Natalie Farrell and Emilie Johnson, Well Kept offers sustainable shaving products, including their beloved safety razors, made from lasting materials safe for the Earth. Their products are designed to promote a healthy, eco-friendly approach to self-care.
“Every day we’re learning more about sustainability, equality, and inclusion, and both with the connections we hold in our well kept community, and the actions we take as a brand, we hope to leave only a positive impact on the world.” — Well Kept Co-Founders, Natalie Farrell and Emilie Johnson
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Wabanaki Maple
Wabanaki Maple, an Indigenous, woman-owned business, celebrates the cultural significance of maple syrup to the Wabanaki Confederacy and First Nations across Canada. Located on Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), Wabanaki Maple has created a twist on traditional syrup with their signature line of Barrel Aged Maple Syrups that offer “a taste of our land’s cultural fabric.”
Founded in 2017 by Laura Thompson and Connie Lo from their Toronto apartment, Three Ships offers simple, natural skincare products. Frustrated by overpriced and overly complicated skincare options that often relied on greenwashing, they set out to create truly effective, natural beauty products.
Based in Ucluelet, BC, Jessie Mcnaught explores themes of home, beauty, spirituality, nature, and creativity through film photography. We are so proud to highlight her wonderful photography on our Canvas Tote Bags!
“To me, beauty is not fickle, she’s mighty yet gracious. She will take your breath away with nothing to prove. A glimpse of beauty can stir something deep inside us.” — Jessie McNaught from her Substack
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Lizz Miles
Originally from the UK, Lizz Miles moved to Ucluelet in 2015. She used gouache paint to tell stories through the exploration of light, colour, and shape. Now based in Dartmouth, NS, we’re proud to continue showcasing her work at The Den.
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As advocates for sustainability and all-natural products, our very own Den Line is formulated and made in our Ucluelet warehouse by Diane Rudge. Through our eco-friendly products, we aim to make a positive environmental impact while continuing to support our environment, communities, and local women entrepreneurs alike.
Each of these amazing brands showcases the incredible creativity and passion of women across Canada, and we’re thrilled to support them on this International Women’s Day and beyond! Interested in learning more about how women entrepreneurs are shaping Canada’s economic future? Read our blog post here.