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Carolyn Aronson Honored in Inc.'s 2026 Female Founders 500 List

The world of business is celebrating a milestone as Carolyn Aronson, the visionary Founder and CEO of It's a 10 Enterprises, proudly secures a place in Inc.'s notable 2026 Female Founders 500 list. This annual recognition shines a light on the most influential and enterprising women in the United States, who have collectively shown incredible growth, innovation, and leadership within their respective industries.

Recognizing the rising economic impact of women in business, the 2026 collection of honorees reported an impressive $12.3 billion in revenue and $12.2 billion in funding throughout the previous year. This impressive number underlines not only the financial success of women-led initiatives but also their significant influence across various sectors, leading conversations about change and progress.

An Achievable Dream: The Journey of Carolyn Aronson

Carolyn Aronson began her entrepreneurial journey over two decades ago with the mission to create premium haircare products that empower women. Her flagship product, the Miracle Leave-In, has grown into a cult favorite among beauty aficionados around the globe, further solidifying its place in the competitive beauty industry.

In her statement regarding the recognition, Aronson attributed this honor not just to her own work but as a reflection of her dedicated team at It's a 10. She expressed, "Being named to Inc.'s Female Founders 500 is an incredible honor... Today, seeing our brand reach new audiences while championing inclusivity and entrepreneurship makes this recognition especially meaningful."

Inc.'s selection process, known for its rigor, evaluates candidates based on both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Not only are revenue growth and funding considered, but aspects like social impact, innovation, and brand momentum also weigh heavily in the assessment. This thorough vetting ensures that only the most transformative leaders are highlighted each year.

Previous honorees include luminaries like Billie Jean King and Serena Williams, recognized for their revolutionary contributions to both sports and business. The presence of such game changers sets the stage for the evolution of female leadership in various sectors.

Expanding Horizons

Under Aronson's guidance, It's a 10 has been on a remarkable trajectory, achieving notable milestones such as expanding into 19 new countries and solidifying its presence in 136 global markets. This growth also reflects a wider appreciation and demand for the brand’s high-quality offerings. Additionally, the launch of the It's a 10 Zone College Tour has reached more than 500,000 students, engaging them through educational programming that promotes confidence and self-expression in the world of haircare.

Aronson stands out not only for her entrepreneurial acumen but also for being one of the relatively few Latina founders in the professional haircare space. This diversity reinforces her commitment to inclusivity and representation, crucial aspects for a brand that aims to connect with all consumers.

As It's a 10 gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary, it marks a significant chapter in its history—and in the beauty industry—by exemplifying how one woman’s vision can lead to lasting change and accessibility in professional-quality haircare globally.

Looking Ahead

"Every year, we are increasingly amazed by the extraordinary leaders on our Inc. Female Founders 500 list,' commented Bonny Ghosh, the editorial director at Inc. She emphasized how this year's honorees showcase trailblazing female leadership, spanning various industries from beauty to technology, each innovating and inspiring the next generation.

This accolade, and the narratives each honoree represents, are crucial in illustrating the ongoing and growing role of women in shaping the corporate landscape. With the remarkable achievements of leaders like Carolyn Aronson being spotlighted, the conversation around female entrepreneurship continues to evolve, encouraging young women everywhere to follow their dreams and carve their own paths in business.

The complete list of honorees will be published in the upcoming Spring issue of Inc. magazine, hitting newsstands on March 17, 2026. For those interested in learning more about these trailblazing leaders, further details can be found on Inc.'s official site.