#United States #New York #Female Founders #Bask and Lather Co. #Shaina Rainford

Celebrating Shaina Rainford: A Trailblazer in Entrepreneurship

Shaina Rainford, the visionary behind Bask and Lather Co., has earned a distinguished spot on Inc.'s 2026 Female Founders 500 list. This annual celebration honors women entrepreneurs who exemplify innovation, resilience, and impactful leadership within their respective industries.

The 2026 Female Founders honorees have collectively generated around $12.3 billion in revenue during 2025, marking a significant contribution to the economy and showcasing the undeniable influence of women-led businesses across various sectors. As a testament to their hard work and dedication, these remarkable leaders have received a total of $12.2 billion in funding, further solidifying their roles as key players in the market.

Inc. editors meticulously evaluate nominations through a rigorous selection process. Founders are assessed on quantitative metrics such as revenue growth, funding, sales, and audience reach, alongside qualitative traits including innovation, social impact, and brand momentum. The honorees epitomize exceptional leadership and notable advancements over the past year, exemplifying a new wave of entrepreneurial talent. The esteemed roster has previously included distinguished personalities like Billie Jean King, Sallie Krawcheck, and Serena Williams, who have all broken barriers in their fields.

Rainford expressed her gratitude upon receiving this significant recognition, stating, "Being named to Inc.'s Female Founders 500 is an incredible honor. Building Bask and Lather from a family remedy into a growing haircare brand has been an amazing journey, and this recognition reflects the power of community, authenticity, and products that truly deliver results."

Bask and Lather Co. was founded in December 2020 by Shaina Rainford, who is not only a successful entrepreneur but a board-certified nurse practitioner. The brand emerged from her personal experience of helping a family member restore her hair following a misdiagnosed scalp infection. This heartwarming journey of transformation spurred Rainford to create a multi-million-dollar business entirely through a bootstrapped approach.

The brand gained swift traction, achieving six-figure monthly revenue within just three months of its launch, largely relying on organic social media engagement and heartfelt customer testimonials without resorting to paid ads. Today, Bask and Lather holds the title of the #1 Black-owned hair growth oil on Amazon and is a favorite across platforms like TikTok Shop for hair care products, including hair growth oil, edge control, and scalp balms.

In 2025, Bask and Lather was honored on the Inc. 5000 list, featuring among America’s fastest-growing private companies, ranking No. 1008 overall and No. 20 in the retail and consumer packaged goods sector. The brand's remarkable growth—over 500% in three years—affirms its place as a standout contender in the textured haircare market.

Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc., commended the honorees of this year’s list, emphasizing the diverse array of innovators ranging from beauty and wellness to technological advancements in AI and nonprofit sectors. These women embody trailblazing female leadership, setting inspiring examples for future generations.

Several of the honorees will be spotlighted in the upcoming Spring print issue of Inc. magazine, with a release date of March 17, 2026. To view the complete list of honorees, visit the Inc. website.

About Inc.

Inc. stands as the premier media source for entrepreneurs and business leaders, delivering insightful journalism aimed at informing and elevating the profiles of those shaping the future landscape of business. Published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. is a key player in the industry alongside its sister publication, Fast Company.

About Bask and Lather Co.

Founded on solid family values and the personal experience of overcoming hair loss, Bask and Lather Co. is committed to redefining the hair growth narrative with clean and natural products. Maintaining a focus on ingredient integrity, the brand ensures real, visible results through its curated selection of hair care solutions. With accolades like being the #1 Black-owned brand on Amazon, and notable success across TikTok Shop, Bask and Lather is poised for continued growth. For more information, visit Bask and Lather and follow them on Instagram and TikTok.