On September 22nd, American Business Women's Day honors the accomplishments of the businesswomen across the nation. Take a moment to reflect on the contributions and achievements of the millions of women in the workforce. Also, consider the impact of millions of women business owners in the U.S.
Today is the day we reflect on the accomplishments and achievements put forth by American women in business. To honor this day, let's choose to support some women business owners in the horror genre by buying product from them, amplifying their voices, promoting their business, or just simply recognizing the hard work they do every, single day. With the very recent passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, let's especially be mindful of how far women's rights have come and how hard women have had to fight for them.
![]()
1. A Stranger Dream
Karlee is a talented artist who uses her skillset to create the most amazing horror-related paper-doll bookmarks. If you go to Instagram and put the hashtag #astrangerdream into the search bar, you will find Karlee's bookmarks everywhere! There is something so addicting and fun about collecting her art and picking the perfect paper-doll for your current read. Visit her shop here: AStrangerDream.com
![]()
2. Get Fictional
Keely is the owner of Get Fictional Candles. These soy candle scents are usually centered around a bookish theme with a horror slant. I have repped on and off for Keely so I can attest to the amazing smells. I found this candle company on Instagram so again, if you click the #getfictional hashtag, you can find a plethora of photos highlighting all the seasonal varieties. My favorites are all the Halloween-theme candles.
![]()
3. Off Limits Press
This new, indie publisher is owned by author, Samantha Kolesnik. It's a boutique press that specializes in publishing horror. Established this year, the company is already making a huge splash in the genre. The first book to come out of the press, Crossroads by Laurel Hightower, is already a huge success. I highly recommend supporting this woman-owned company by buying books as well as submitting work here. I expect great things from Off Limits Press
![]()
4. Let's Get Galactic
4. Let's Get Galactic
Cassie has a very identifiable, unique style. Her aesthetic is colorful and vibrant but with a strong emphasis on horror-related subjects. Recently she released a full-size coloring and activity book featuring a bunch of indie horror authors, publishers, and artists. Her Etsy shop, Let's Get Galactic, is full of stickers, bookmarks, and other works of art. She's a big fan of horror, so it's always good to support those in the community that give back.
![]()
5. Forest Noir
Alyssa is a professional photographer with an eye for Gothic styling. On her website, Forest Noir Photography, you can find a variety of ways to fill your home up with beautiful images. A coffee table art book, bookmarks, postcards, art prints, and a library journal are just some of the beautiful items you can purchase. I love my Literary Review Log for tracking reviews.
![]()
6. Grindhouse Press
Celebrating their 10 year anniversary, Carrie at Grindhouse Press has been in the industry long enough to have really made a name for herself. Grindhouse is synonymous with fresh, transgressive, edgy horror. I always know to expect the unexpected when I get a new batch of Grindhouse titles to review. One of the best aspects of books published through Grindhouse are the eye-catching covers, but more importantly, the authors are always of substantial quality, and many wind up as new favorites.
![]()
7. Lively Ghosts
This website is addicting and abusive to your budget. Beware! Here you can find enamel pins, pin boards, apparel, stickers, art prints and more! If you're ready to embrace your Gothic lifestyle and need all the goodies and accessories your little black heart can conjure up, you need to go to this woman-owned business and fill up your shopping cart at Lively Ghosts
![]()
8. The Bookish Den
Julie at The Bookish Den makes engraved wooden bookmarks that are to die for. You can find a wide variety of styles in her Etsy shop, but of course I'm here to recommend her horror style designs. If you have a bookmark fetish, you can't go another day without getting one of these stylish, handcrafted treasures.
Of course this list is not exhaustive by any means, but just a snapshot of some of the women-owned businesses I have supported over the last 4-5 years. I think it's important for women, especially, to show their support of their fellow women who are out there hustling day in and day out in America. There's a lot on the line these days and we need to stick together. Adopt a philosophy that sounds like, "Other women are not my competition" and "We are all in this together and the more unified we are, the higher we stand."
About the author
Sadie Hartmann, “Mother Horror” reviews horror fiction for Cemetery Dance Online and Scream Magazine. She is a co-owner of a curated, horror fiction book subscription company called Night Worms. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, kids and Frenchie.
