Every year, Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 500 list spotlights women who are changing industries, breaking barriers, and leading some of the most innovative companies in the U.S. This isn’t just another roundup—it’s a carefully curated selection of entrepreneurs who are building businesses that matter, shaping the future of work, and proving that women-led companies are a force to be reckoned with.
In 2025, several Texas-based founders earned a coveted spot on the list, representing industries from consumer products and technology to health and financial services. Their businesses are not only thriving but also reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurship in Texas and beyond. Here’s a look at the Texas powerhouses who are making waves at a national level, organized by city.
Better Sour co-founders Isabella Hughes and Semira Nikou
Austin
- Sarah Mayes – Co-Founder of Alafair Biosciences
- Industry: Health Products
- Sarah’s company focuses on developing innovative medical solutions to improve patient outcomes in the healthcare industry.
- Allison Ellsworth – Co-Founder of Poppi
- Industry: Food & Beverage
- Allison created Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand that took the market by storm with its blend of fruit juices and apple cider vinegar. Now stocked in major retailers, Poppi is proving that healthy drinks can be both functional and fun.
- Ellen Wood – CEO and Co-Founder of vcfo
- Industry: Business Products & Services
- As the leader of vcfo, Ellen has built a powerhouse firm providing financial and HR advisory services to businesses, helping them navigate complex operational challenges.
- Isabella “Bella” Hughes & Semira Nikou – Co-Founders of Better Sour
- Industry: Consumer Products
- Better Sour is redefining the candy industry with globally inspired, naturally sour treats made from real fruit.
- Jennifer Seay – Founder of Art + Artisans Consulting
- Industry: Media, Arts & Entertainment
- Jennifer’s firm curates high-end art collections for corporate clients, bringing artistic storytelling into business spaces.
- Katie Kime – Founder of Katie Kime
- Industry: Retail
- Katie’s bold and colorful lifestyle brand blends fashion, home decor, and personal style.
- Kendra Scott – Founder of Kendra Scott
- Industry: Retail
- A household name in jewelry and accessories, Kendra built her billion-dollar brand by combining affordability, luxury, and philanthropy.
- McCall McPherson – Founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic
- Industry: Health Products
- A leader in personalized thyroid care, McCall’s clinic helps patients navigate complex thyroid disorders.
- Neha Sampat – Founder of Contentstack
- Industry: Software
- Contentstack is a leading content management system used by enterprises worldwide.
- Serenity Carr – Co-Founder of Serenity Kids
- Industry: Food & Beverage
- Serenity Kids offers nutrient-rich, organic baby food designed to provide better nutrition for growing children.
- Shanaz Hemmati – Co-Founder of ZenBusiness
- Industry: Business Products & Services
- ZenBusiness simplifies the process of starting and managing a small business through its innovative online platform.
- Veronica Garza – Co-Founder of Siete Family Foods
- Industry: Food & Beverage
- Siete is a family-led brand producing delicious, grain-free Mexican American foods.
Gardenuity’s Donna Letier
Dallas
- Amber Venz Box – Founder of LTK
- Industry: Software
- LTK is a leading influencer marketing and e-commerce platform, connecting creators with brands to drive online sales.
- Donna Letier – Co-Founder of Gardenuity
- Industry: Consumer Products
- Gardenuity offers personalized gardening kits, bringing fresh herbs and vegetables to urban consumers.
- Susan Sarich – Founder of SusieCakes
- Industry: Food & Beverage
- SusieCakes specializes in classic, made-from-scratch desserts, bringing nostalgia and indulgence to customers nationwide.
- Suzanne Miller – Founder of SPM Communications
- Industry: Advertising, Marketing & PR
- Suzanne’s firm is a leading public relations agency, representing brands across food, beauty, and hospitality.
Margo Jordan, Enrichly
Houston
- Emily Cisek – Co-Founder of The Postage
- Industry: Financial Services
- Emily’s company helps families plan, organize, and secure their legacies through digital estate planning.
- Margo Jordan – Founder of Enrichly
- Industry: Health Products
- Enrichly is a self-esteem development platform that empowers children and young adults through confidence-building programs.
- Nina Magon – Founder of Nina Magon Studio
- Industry: Consumer Products
- Nina’s luxury design firm creates sophisticated interiors and high-end furniture collections.
- Sassie Duggleby – Co-Founder of Venus Aerospace
- Industry: Travel & Hospitality
- Venus Aerospace is developing next-gen hypersonic aircraft, redefining global travel.
Lubbock
- Michelle Alcorn & Allison Childress – Co-Founders of 3 CulinaryMed Docs
- Industry: Health Products
- Their company merges nutrition and medicine to improve patient outcomes through culinary-focused healthcare education.
Southlake
- Amber Capone – Co-Founder of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)
- Industry: Health Products
- VETS is dedicated to providing veterans access to psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD treatment.
Pflugerville
- Marcela Andrés – Founder of designEDengagement, PBC
- Industry: Education
- Marcela leads initiatives focused on advancing education equity through community engagement and leadership development.
Webster
- Stephanie Murphy – Co-Founder of Aegis Aerospace
- Industry: Engineering
- Aegis Aerospace provides cutting-edge solutions for space and defense technologies.
For every woman on this list, there are thousands more in Texas building, innovating, and striving to create something meaningful.
Their success is proof that Texas is home to some of the country’s most driven and impactful entrepreneurs. If you’re working toward your own business breakthrough, let this be a reminder that you’re not alone—there’s a community of women making bold moves, and your name could be next.
Looking to connect with like-minded founders, gain access to exclusive resources, and be part of Texas’ largest statewide business network? Her Texas open enrollment is happening now through April 5th. Join us and become part of a community dedicated to helping women thrive in business. Sign up here.
Stay informed on Texas business trends by following Her Texas for the latest updates, insights, and opportunities.
