OtherIn honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, here are some of the female entrepreneurs bringing new business (and new jobs) to New York City. Tell us who we missed in the comments!
Marleen Vogelaar of Shapeways
If you’re not ready to drop $2,000+ on your own 3D printer, Shapeways has 50 printers ready to churn out your masterpiece from their new factory in Long Island City. You submit your own 3D design for anything from jewelry to replacement parts, and Shapeways will deliver it to you. It’s the future of customized manufacturing – 10 minutes from midtown.
Lori Cheek of Cheek’d
Lori leverages technology to create in-person connections. Cheek’d gives members 50 sleek black business cards with flirtatious lines, their first name, and a unique URL. Slip one in the pocket of that cutie on the subway to spark a match without revealing your contact information. Follow @LoriCheekNYC on Twitter.
Sara Chipps of Girl Develop It
When you think of the stereotypical lonely programmer staring at his screen late into the night surrounded by empty soda cans, it’s no wonder few schools are turning out lady coders. Girl Develop It was the first programming class I’ve ever attended that broke down those stereotypes and showed how coding can be a collaborative process that anyone can learn. Sara Chipps’ organization is now teaching female developers around the world. Follow her blog at SaraJChipps.com.
Katia Beauchamp of Birchbox
Subscription services for products are soooooo in right now, and Birchbox is one of the reasons why. Each month, customers receive a box of beauty product samples in the mail (men’s and women’s versions are available). Customers can then buy full-sized versions of their favorites from the Birchbox website. Follow @katiawb on Twitter.
Cindy Gallop of IfWeRanTheWorld
If We Ran The World encourages members to tap into great intentions and get help to follow through. Breaking down big goals into “microactions” that members can accomplish allows communities to chip away at audacious goals. I’d tell you all about her other company, MakeLoveNotPorn, but I can’t while I’m at work 
Follow @CindyGallop on Twitter.
Follow @CindyGallop on Twitter.
Caren Maio of Nestio
Caren recognized how stressful and time-consuming searching for the perfect NYC apartment can be. Nestio simplifies the process by allowing you (and your roommates) to consolidate a tangle of apartment listings and get the information you need. With the rental market heating back up for the summer, you may only have 20 minutes to decide to take the apartment or leave it – so you’re going to need all the help you can get! Follow @CarenMaio on Twitter.
Alexis Tryon of Artsicle
Our list includes two ladies who are taking fine art to the masses with new business models. Artsicle allows you to rent original art for your wall starting at $25 a month. Art rentals provide the artists with a new, reliable stream of income while allowing you to redecorate your home or office as your mood changes. The art world needed a shake-up! Follow @AlexisTryon on Twitter.
Jen Bekman of 20×200
Jen Bekman runs her own traditional art gallery on Spring Street and recognized she couldn’t sell affordable art through a gallery system geared to supply a small group of very wealthy people with a high-touch sales process. Her company, 20×200 offers limited edition prints starting at just $20 online. Watch her video interview with Women 2.0 or follow @Jenbee on Twitter.
Want to meet more great female founders in NYC? Come to Women 2.0′s Founder Friday each month in NYC (or other cities throughout the world).
How about Carly Strife of BarkBox?
BarkBox is rad!
What about Adda Birnir from Skillcrush?
How about “women-led” instead of “lady-led”? This is the 21st century, last time I checked.
Very good point! Will keep that in mind for future posts. I took the easy alliteration way out.