Best of 2023: Companies Catching Our Attention

1. Seed2Stone

Seed2Stone, founded by Amy Levine and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, has emerged as a remarkable Direct-to-Consumer brand in 2023. Since its launch in July 2022, Seed2Stone has been redefining the world of diamond jewelry and transforming the perception and accessibility of diamonds, particularly for the next generation of consumers. Offering affordable, sustainably produced diamond jewelry with a commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, Seed2Stone embraces diamonds as an essential part of your everyday wardrobe, and their versatile collections deliver. With an emphasis on elevated classics and edgy-yet-refined details, each unique style brings a little something new to the party. Favorites include their stunning Spiky Oval Earrings, Maxi Solo Hoops with rockstar appeal, and their entire assortment of coveted no-piercing Ear Cuffs that give an instant boost of sparkle and confidence. “Every piece is designed for self-expression,” says Amy Levine. She goes on to highlight that,  “Our focus is on universally individual style. We want people to wear our jewelry however, wherever, and whenever they want. Lobes, necks, nostrils, upper ears, all over!” What truly sets Seed2Stone apart is their genuine connection with customers, expanded jewelry categories, and affordable pricing. Amy was inspired by her consulting experience with lab-grown diamond companies, where she recognized a huge gap in product innovation and a disconnect with the modern consumer. She saw the opportunity to bring affordable, real diamonds to everyday wear. The results are Seed2Stone’s fresh styles and diverse product range that cater to virtually everyone looking to enhance their style, fostering long-term customer loyalty and diamond jewelry wardrobing that’s similar to clothing. With over 25% of their styles under $200, they are well on their way. Watch for exciting developments on the horizon, including their newly launched weekly livestream with Amy and featured guest stylists, gifting programs, and more stylish diamond jewelry that will ensure their continued prominence in 2023 and beyond.

2. Manjeri Skincare

Founded in Atlanta, GA in April 2023, Manjeri Skincare stands out as a beacon of natural radiance and ethical luxury in the world of beauty. Rooted in time-honored skincare practices from Uganda, East Africa, the brand fuses the enchanting power of natural oils with a commitment to sustainability, creating a holistic beauty experience. Each meticulously curated product tells a story of nature’s bounty, designed not only to rejuvenate the skin but also to nourish the mind, body, and soul. Reflecting a deep reverence for the planet, every Manjeri product is vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted with responsibly sourced organic ingredients. This isn’t just about skincare; it’s a movement towards a more mindful beauty regimen. Their holistic approach goes beyond products, offering invaluable lifestyle and skincare advice, ensuring every shower experience enhances skin confidence. Their distinct identity was proudly showcased at Miami Swim Week ’23, a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. Dive deep into Manjeri Skincare’s collection, and you’ll be transported to a world where age-old East African traditions meet the allure of modern wellness. A visit to their website unveils the captivating journey behind each product, offering a treasure trove of body care wonders waiting to be explored.

3. Favorite People

Favorite People, a distinctive Portuguese brand founded in September 2022 by sisters Rita and Madalena, has swiftly risen to prominence in the fashion industry with its unique focus on vintage-style overalls for both children and women. This innovative brand encapsulates the essence of lasting connections, emphasizing the enduring bonds of family and friendship through its overalls that are designed to stand the test of time. Packed in pizza boxes, these overalls symbolize happiness and joy, offering a nostalgic yet fashionable twist to the world of clothing. What sets Favorite People apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability, using high-quality Portuguese materials, and an engaging narrative that draws people into its vibrant community. The brand’s remarkable growth, amassing an organic following of 50,000 on Instagram within its first year and expanding into 57 retailers across 27 countries, including major markets like the USA, Japan, and Italy, attests to its global appeal. This journey began when Rita, a creative mom and radio host, envisioned a brand that mirrored her lifestyle and childhood memories of overalls. With Madalena, an experienced entrepreneur, joining the venture, their shared vision and passion for timeless fashion have made Favorite People a beloved global brand, proudly made in Portugal, and a testament to the enduring power of family, nostalgia, and sustainability.

4. Blackballed Golf

In 2021, in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, two friends, Jordan Griffin and Matt Daniels, embarked on a remarkable journey that would change the face of golf. Their brainchild, Blackballed Golf, was founded on a simple yet powerful premise: to revolutionize golf apparel by infusing it with style, quality, and a resolute commitment to diversity and inclusion. Blackballed Golf is more than just a brand; it’s a lifestyle. At its core, it’s about making golf accessible and appealing to everyone, regardless of their background or experience. Jordan and Matt set out to create a brand that spoke to the modern golfer, one who values fashion and versatility as much as performance. Their products, meticulously crafted with an unwavering focus on quality, are designed to excel on the golf course and effortlessly transition to everyday life. What sets Blackballed Golf apart from the rest is the brand’s unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in golf. Jordan’s personal journey from being unfamiliar with the game to finding solace and therapy on the course inspired the mission. Meanwhile, Matt’s connection to his golf-loving grandfather, affectionately known as Buddah Boy, fuels their commitment to creating a more diverse golfing community. The Blackballed Golf story has already made headlines, with features on the Golf Channel and in Golf Digest Magazine. Their apparel has been worn by celebrities like Steve Harvey, Mookie Betts, Deontay Wilder, and Ja Rule. Their innovative designs have even earned them a spot on Travel & Leisure’s “Top 10 Best Pants” list. In a world where golf can sometimes seem exclusive and traditional, Blackballed Golf stands out as a beacon of change. With stylish, high-quality apparel and a mission to break down barriers, this brand is redefining golf culture and making the sport more accessible and fashionable for all.

5. Muscle Hoodies

Muscle Hoodies, a 21st-century athletic brand, is not your average fitness apparel company. It was born out of a desire to challenge the toxicity that often pervades the fitness industry. Founded by an individual who personally battled body dysmorphia and the relentless pressures of the gym culture, Muscle Hoodies stands as a beacon of change in the world of fitness. What sets Muscle Hoodies apart is its unwavering commitment to redefining fitness and empowerment. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to be the uplifting best friend of every fitness enthusiast. Muscle Hoodies’ product line is designed to inspire, and their fitness apparel serves as a constant reminder that progress takes time, and fitness should be an enjoyable journey, not a source of anxiety. Each piece of clothing speaks volumes, with messages like “slow progress is still progress” and the upcoming Emotions Collection, which pairs shorts with emotions and empowering messages to combat those feelings. Muscle Hoodies takes a holistic approach to gym apparel, infusing creativity into their designs. Take their Halloween collection, for instance, which seamlessly blends spooky themes with gym culture, featuring playful graphics like ghosts lifting barbells and skeletons deadlifting. Muscle Hoodies isn’t merely a brand; it’s a movement. It’s about redefining fitness, promoting mental well-being, and fostering a community that values authenticity, empowerment, and friendship. With their vibrant and bold approach to fitness apparel, Muscle Hoodies is inspiring a new generation of gym-goers to embrace a healthier, more enjoyable, and more empowering fitness journey.