Honoring Women, Past and Present: Women’s History Month at Sip and Ship

Women’s History Month has its roots in grassroots advocacy and has grown into a month-long national celebration of women’s contributions across every field. From the labor activists who first called for recognition in the early 1900s, to the women leading change today, the theme of this year’s observance — “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” — invites us to reflect on how women drive progress in our world. Trailblazers include (listed chronologically by year of first major impact):

Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906) – Fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote, culminating in decades of advocacy before the 19th Amendment in 1920.
Susanna M. Salter (1860–1961) – Elected as the first woman mayor in the United States in 1887, redefining women’s role in public office.
Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) – Investigative journalist and anti-lynching activist; published major exposés in 1892, challenging racial violence and injustice.
Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005) – First Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968 and the first woman to run for a major party’s presidential nomination in 1972.
Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) – Mathematician whose orbital calculations were critical to NASA space missions, including John Glenn’s orbit in 1962, opening doors for women and people of color in STEM.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020) – Legal pioneer and Supreme Court Justice; began her landmark work advancing gender equality in law in the 1970s.
Malala Yousafzai (b. 1997) – Began advocating for girls’ education in 2008, survived an assassination attempt in 2012, and became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2014.

Mary Meyer – An inventive young mother who began sewing animal pin cushions that became beloved stuffed toys. Now family-operated, the company continues Mary’s mission: “Every child deserves something wonderful to love.” At Sip and Ship, we carry Mary Meyer plush friends—soft, safe, and made with care, crafted for secret conversations, never-ending cuddles, and lifelong memories.
Flood Yoga – A restorative and inclusive yoga studio in Ballard’s historic district focused on creating a welcoming space for all bodies, all levels, and all chapters of life. Founder Kate Holter built Flood Yoga as a space that fosters community, calm, and intentional connection—complete with classes, workshops, and a curated retail experience featuring handcrafted goods from women makers.
ROEN Candles — Handmade in small batches, ROEN Candles bring luxury and thoughtful intention into your home. Each candle is carefully blended with scents that evoke memory, comfort, and celebration, allowing the light of a simple flame to create connection and presence.
The Bowl Maker — Seattle artisan-crafted cups designed to bring moments of reflection, kindness, and beauty into everyday life. Each piece is thoughtfully shaped and glazed, making each sip a gentle reminder to slow down and notice the little joys around us.
Lulumiere — A BIPOC-owned Seattle maker, Lulumiere creates lavender shower steamers that turn everyday routines into moments of self-care. Her products are crafted to provide relaxation, mindful pause, and the subtle power of aromatherapy while celebrating diverse voices in local maker culture.
Gather Goods Co. — Passionate about design and building community, Gather Goods Co. produces cards and stickers that speak to creativity, advocacy, and beauty in a noisy world. Their work highlights feminist voices and disability rights, encouraging people to speak up, connect, and celebrate the creative power of everyday action.
Handmade La Conner — Rooted in clean and natural ingredients, Handmade La Conner crafts skincare and body care products using pure essential oils. Each product is designed with intention to nourish the body and spirit, reflecting a commitment to sustainable, thoughtful creation that supports both people and the planet.