This statistic more than doubles the national trend of women owning businesses at approximately one-third the rate of men, or 22%.
Rhode Island has approximately 105,000 small businesses (those with fewer than 500 employees); 90% have 10 or fewer employees; Nearly all are micro-businesses with just one person at the helm. This dovetails well with Rhode Island’s identity as the smallest state in the union, home to countless one-person operations doing an ocean load of work! And most are led by women.
In honor of Earth Month, I took a closer look at some of these local, women-owned businesses that are committed to sustainable practices – limiting waste, using only plant-based, non-toxic ingredients, maintaining ethical supply chains, and helping reduce Rhode Island’s carbon footprint.
Debra Cowdin is the owner of The ReFill in downtown Newport. The ReFill is the only eco-friendly “refillery” on Aquidneck Island and one of the first sustainable refill stations in the Ocean State. A former teacher, Cowdin was inspired to launch The ReFill after learning about the environmental harm caused by single-use plastic and toxic household products. Her shop offers clean, plant-based alternatives and pumping stations to allow consumers to refill their own containers, or swap out their plastic products for more natural, biodegradable and recyclable product options. The Refill, 42 Spring St.
Brenda Brock is the founder and formulator of Farmaesthetics, an award-winning herbal skincare line that Brock launched at a Portsmouth farmstand in 1999. Inspired by seven generations of women in her family practicing “kitchen chemistry” on their Texas farm, Brock became an early trailblazer of the sustainable movement in RI and is well-known in the global beauty industry for coining the term “sustainable beauty®️.”
Farmaesthetics’ value proposition places an emphasis on clean, green beauty, along with the benefits of enjoying the sensation of using all-natural ingredients for your skin.
Today, Farmaesthetics can be purchased at the finest spas and retailers in the world, and locally at the Farmaesthetics Shed at Sweet Berry Farm (seasonal), Castle Hill Inn, or on their website at farmaesthetics.com.
Reflecting on her journey, Brock shared with WUN readers, “We have come a long way from an organic farmstand in rural RI to where we are today celebrating 25 years as a global green beauty brand. When I started offering my herbal products in 1999, there were no words or categories for “green” or “clean” beauty. Natural could mean anything with a flower on the label, with no consideration for what was IN the product. We’re fortunate to have grown our brand while retaining our commitment to creating effective, 100% natural herbal beauty products made in the USA, using crop-based ingredients, while keeping our headquarters in beautiful Newport, RI!”
Gwen Gardner refers to herself as the Chief Chickie of Simply Chickie, an organic cotton clothing and accessories line for babies and toddlers designed in Newport, and produced in the U.S. Like many entrepreneurs, Gardner decided to create Simply Chickie after an impactful life event: Two decades ago, in the same week she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she discovered she was pregnant with her daughter. She recalls, “That time in my life was very confusing but also transforming. I needed to stay healthy because I was going to be a single mom, so I started paying attention to everything I ate, wore, and surrounded myself with.” In her research, she discovered that cotton is one of the most polluting crops grown, so she wanted her child to wear only organic, GOTS-certified* cotton, and Simply Chickie was born.
Gardner explained that only products that contain a minimum of 70% organic fibers can become GOTS-certified. Organic farming is a farming method that avoids synthetic pesticides, instead relying on only natural inputs and beneficial insects to manage pests.
Simply Chickie is a whimsical and clever onesie and accessory line, created for children from newborn to six years old. Recently Gardner added adult-size sweatshirts to her inventory after receiving requests for an adult version of her soft, sustainable styles.
*Global Organic Textile Standard
Elena Soini is the founder of Finn Woodworking and Design, a Newport business since 2019 inspired by her Finnish heritage and love of nature. Soini has over 30 years of experience in technical trades — including drafting, design, construction, boat building and fine woodworking. She earned a degree from IYRS after serving 20+ years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Her most recent passion project was to design, build and launch Newport Sauna, a mobile sauna which debuted on Third Beach last month, and is available for private rentals, and group or individual sessions by appointment, seasonally. Soini also has pop-up events planned at locations around the region such as The Hive in North Kingstown, and other convenient spots on Aquidneck Island.
Soini prioritizes sustainability: “I source materials locally and collaborate with small businesses for branding, marketing, and supplies. It’s a core part of my process—I reuse and recycle whenever possible and choose eco-friendly materials to minimize environmental impact.”
Her ideal Finn Woodworking client has a specific project in mind – like a custom-designed piece of furniture, an interior or exterior sauna, or a room renovation, and those who value a collaborative process and fine craftsmanship. Her ideal sauna clients are those craving a traditional Finnish sauna, without the trip overseas.
Soini will be exhibiting at the 75th Annual Rhode Island Home Show, April 10 – 13, Rhode Island Convention Center. Follow @NewportSauna on Instagram or visit their website at www.newportsauna.com for event updates.
Sources: The Economic Progress Institute, Rhode Island Current