The animal rights movement has always been mostly comprised of women. It’s women who have spoken up, taken to the streets, and lobbied for better laws on behalf of animals. It’s largely women who have donated money to protect animals, they’ve spent years of their lives rescuing and rehabbing them, and they’ve pushed society to be more humane. It’s also women who are more likely to be vegan.

So, it should come as no surprise that women also own and run some of the most impressive and successful vegan businesses around. Here are our top ten favorites!

1. Miyoko’s

There is no denying that Miyoko Schinner is the queen of vegan cheese. Just a few years ago, you could only find her amazing cheese wheels online, but the world quickly caught on and now they’re available in major retailers from Target to Trader Joe’s. Though her cheese wheels are classic, her vegan butter and spreadable cheeses are quickly becoming fan favorites. Look for slices and shreds to debut this year.

2.  Big Mountain Foods

Canadian-based Big Mountain Foods has been around since 1987, but I only recently discovered them at our local supermarket. Not only are their patties and crumbles ridiculously flavorful, they’re also made with super healthy whole foods. Our favorite is the Cauli Crumble – use it like you would any ground products – soooo good!

3. Hera The Dog

While all vodka is vegan, Hera The Dog vodka is extra special. That’s because its founders, Julia and Alli, donate a dollar from every bottle sold to animal rescue. Additionally, many bars that serve Hera The Dog add their own dollar donation for every drink sold! It’s been barely a year since their launch and they’ve already donated thousands thanks to their burgeoning business. Cheers!

4. Three Trees Organics

Back in 2012, Three Trees’ “momtrepreneur” Jenny was tinkering in her kitchen with the dream of creating delicious and healthy plant-based milks for the masses. Selling locally in San Francisco, her organic almond, pistachio, and black sesame milks quickly took off. Now they’re sold in supermarkets across the country!

5. Lagusta’s Luscious

Founded by Lagusta herself in 2003, this is hands down the best chocolaterie on the planet. Seriously, the unique combinations of flavors in Lagusta’s Luscious chocolates will blow your damn mind. Though based in New York, Lagusta’s ships all over the country. If you really want to fall in love with them, just check out this text straight from their website: “From our 100% ethical chocolate to our 100% post-consumer recycled paper boxes and packing materials, we are a completely vegan business committed to sustainability without sacrifice.” ❤️

6. OSEA

Created by Jenefer Palmer 22 years ago, OSEA is a vegan skincare line free of all toxic and/or synthetic ingredients. Using the power of plants, specifically the vitamins and antioxidants abundant in seaweed, OSEA products work wonders. Don’t believe me? Just look at my face! My husband and I love the way these products smell and feel! And check this out from their website: “Jenefer is proud to have pioneered plant-based vegan conscious skincare. OSEA products are not only non-toxic, effective and cruelty-free, but also free from animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, carmine and more. We believe that animal rights matter!” Damn right they do!

7. Vtopian Artisan Cheeses

Though not as widely available as some vegan cheeses, Vtopian’s cashew-based cultured cheeses are not to be missed. With flavors like Black Garlic and Caramelized Onion Camembert, we are obsessed! If you can’t find Vtopian in your local supermarket, try online at MylkGuys or Vegan Essentials.

8. MooShoes

If you’re looking for the perfect pair of vegan kicks or heels, there is no better place to recommend than MooShoes. Since 2001, sisters Erica and Sara Kubersky have been running this gem. Though it began as a brick and mortar in New York, MooShoes now has a west coast location in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. If you don’t live in New York or LA though, not to worry; MooShoes’ online store is extensive and shipping is super affordable.

9. Jule’s Foods

Jules Van Dam founded Jule’s Foods with her husband Stefan after she switched to a plant-based diet following a battle with cancer. Like Vtopian, it’s not as widely available yet, but Jule’s vegan brie is truly astonishing and needs to be discovered the world over. It is the stuff of dreams!

10. Vaute Couture

The brain child of Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, Vaute Couture is the brand for vegan high fashion. We have several of her coats (she runs sales, ladies) and they are not only fabulous, they’re warm enough to keep you toasty even through winter in New York, where Vaute’s headquartered. Oprah.com says that Vaute is “proving that animal-free clothes can be cute, chic, and sexy.” That’s the tea!