The dawn of March ushers in a slew of important days: Mardi Gras, the beginning of Daylight Savings, St. Patrick’s Day and the first day of spring, just to name a few. However, we’re focusing on a day we think is extra important: International Women’s Day. The global day of recognition was first celebrated in 1911, but today is observed every year on March 8 and aims to honor and praise the achievements of women. Needless to say, it’s a holiday that has our full support! We’re celebrating this year with 15 FINDS from women-owned businesses across the South. After all, as a wise person once said, “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” Cheers to International Women’s Day!

14 FINDS From Southern, Woman-Owned Businesses

18.21 Bitters Tart Cherry and Saffron Bitters

Owned by two badass women, Missy and Kristin Koefod, 18.21 Bitters is a company bringing prohibition era-inspired elixirs to modern, flavorful cocktails. Their selection of bitters, tinctures, shrubs, syrups, tonics and more can be found at local liquor stores nationwide. You’ve probably seen their handiwork grace the menus at your favorite watering holes, too. Bitters start at $9.99. Find them HERE.

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You’ve probably seen 18.21 at your local craft beverage stores. Pick up their bitters online or near you, starting at $9.99. Image: 18.21 Bitters

Accentrics Diffuser

It’s no surprise that we love a small, family business, and Accentrics definitely fits that description. The Atlanta-area store is owned by three women: mother Carol McClure, daughter Alison Baker and daughter-in-law Laney McClure. While we love just about everything in the seamlessly styled store, we squealed when we laid eyes on this gorgeous gold diffuser. Find the $88 diffuser HERE.

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We’re gaga for this gorgeous diffuser. Image: Accentrics

Cobblestone Living Wrap

Started just a few years ago by Rhonda Steger, Cobblestone Living is already widely recognized as a thoughtful, luxurious brand. Their styles — most of which are one-size-fits-all — are sold in more than 700 retail locations across the country. Since spring is just around the corner, their floral wrap in white caught our eye. We think it’s a great transition piece that will take you from spring to summer in a flash. Find it HERE for $42.

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This floral wrap is ideal for transitioning to spring. Image: Cobblestone Living.

RELATED: 4 Spring Trends We’re Loving

Deux Pêches Luggage

Kiss your boring luggage goodbye once and for all with luggage by Deux Pêches. Launched by two Georgia peaches who happen to be BFFs, this luggage will have you ready for your next adventure before you can say “bon voyage!” The brand captures the vintage charm of yesteryear while embracing the functionality of today. Don’t even get us started on the floral lining. Mais, oui! Valets start at $95 while larger pieces begin at $195. Find it HERE.

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Have you ever seen such beautiful luggage? C’est magnifique!  Image: Deux Peches

Dixie Design Gift Set

No Southern woman’s desk would be complete without a personalized stationery set, and we’re swooning over the ones from Dixie Design. Started by Jennifer Hunt in 2014, Dixie Design wraps up all that’s beautiful about the heart of Dixie in one perfect paper package. Gift sets come with notecards, calling cards and a notepad and are $100. Find them HERE.

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Personalized stationery from Dixie Design is an SB-approved gift for any Southern lady. Image:

Elva Fields Necklace

Elva Fields’ incredible jewelry has been on our radar for as long as we can remember. Their signature necklaces are hallmarked by vintage brooches, earrings and other baubles that are ultimately given a second life as new unique pieces. Owner and designer Emily Wheat Maynard is the passionate, talented woman behind it all. Find this necklace for $208 and many more of Emily’s other designs HERE.

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We love Elva Fields’ beautiful necklaces created using found objects. Image: Elva Fields

Grey Ghost Bakery Lemon Sugar Cookies

Treat yourself on International Women’s Day and usher in spring flavors with Grey Ghost Bakery’s lemon sugar cookies. Founded and created by Katherine Frankstone, cookies from Grey Ghost are made from scratch using top-tier ingredients. We also love Katherine’s nod to her Lowcountry background — the name of her company stems from the Pawleys Island ghost said to appear as a friendly warning before major storms. Find the cookies HERE from $4.99.

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Treat yourself to Grey Ghost Bakery’s handmade lemon sugar cookies. Image: Grey Ghost

RELATED: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Date Night

HoneyCreeper Chocolate

Birmingham’s “bean to bar” chocolatier, HoneyCreeper Chocolate, earns a well-deserved spot on our International Women’s Day list. Chief Chocolatier Courtney Pigford sources ethical chocolate bars, truffles and more from craft chocolate makers from anywhere and everywhere. Confections are available at a variety of price points. Find your sweet tooth fix HERE.

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Give in to your sweet tooth with HoneyCreeper Chocolate. Image: HoneyCreeper Chocolate

INK+ALLOY Hoop Earrings

Step confidently into spring by sporting INK+ALLOY earrings. The Atlanta-based company was founded by gift industry veteran Gretchen Hollingsworth. Over her 20+ year career in the gift industry, Gretchen has designed products for Urban Outfitters, Target and other major retails. Now in her reprise, she’s turned to the world of accessories, and we’re here for it. Find hoops in a rainbow of punchy colors for $30 HERE.

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Find spring earrings in every color of the rainbow at INK+ALLOY.  Image: INK+ALLOY

Lemondaisy Design Cocktail Napkins

Palm Beach chic meets Southern sophistication with hand-painted linen cocktail napkins from Lemondaisy Design. Charlotte artist Leslie Flanagan creates whimsical designs for everything from guest towels to baby bibs. Her art is vibrant and fun and is available across the country. We are particularly in love with her Chinoiserie Monkey cocktail napkins, which have us ready for front porch libations with girlfriends. Find them for $26 HERE.

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How fun are these cocktail napkins?!  Image: Lemondaisy Design

Mod Squad Martha Chive Jive Vinaigrette

Melissa Ann Barton, aka Mod Squad Martha, is somewhat of a Nashville legend. Her story began as a sought-after under-the-radar chef bringing delectable bites to some of the Music City’s most exciting soirees. Now a Charleston resident, Mod Squad Martha serves up her vinaigrettes and rubs online and throughout the Southeast. Find the brand’s Chive Jive Vinaigrette for $10 HERE.

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Tangy yet sweet, Mod Squad Martha’s Chive Jive Vinaigrette is a delicious finish your salad. Image: Mod Squad Martha

Sullivan Yates Sunsuit

Laura McCarty is the woman behind Birmingham’s Sullivan Yates, an ethically made kids’ clothing brand. Born after Laura tragically lost her infant daughter Sullivan to cancer, Sullivan Yates strives to bring joy to moms everywhere. Clothes are made by hand (by another mom!) in Tennessee before finding their way to your nurseries. Even better? A portion of proceeds from each sale goes to St. Jude’s. Find this adorable sunsuit for $46 HERE.

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Dressing your kids has never been so heartwarming. Image: Sullivan Yates

Well & Wonder Art

Well & Wonder has cemented itself as a go-to spot for discovering established and up and coming artists alike. The online artist collective was started by Mollie Creason, a Louisville art broker who found herself purchasing practice work from artists she admired. She began her own extensive collection which ultimately led her to create Well & Wonder. Find art by Kate Waddell, Melvin G, Lindsey Porter, Whitney Stoddard and more HERE. Prices vary.

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The vibrant colors in this piece from Well & Wonder by Kate Waddell are dreamy. Image: Well & Wonder

Yearly Co. Bracelet

Ann Williams of Yearly Co. grew up watching women in her family receive simple gold bangles for wedding anniversaries that were later passed down as heirlooms. This unique tradition inspired Ann to create Yearly Co. She crafts high quality, sizable, 14-carat gold bangles by hand, and can include anything from monograms to diamonds. Bangles begin at $280. Find them HERE.

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Heirloom-quality gold bangles hand made by Yearly Co. is the gift that keeps on giving. Image: Yearly Co

Happy International Women’s Day!

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Author: Nicole Letts
About the Author
Nicole Letts

Nicole is a life-long Southerner and freelance journalist based in Atlanta who relishes sharing the stories of inspiring Southern businesses and residents. When she’s not weaving her next tale, you can find her stitching cheeky needlepoint canvases or perusing area antique shops.