On a day where women across the world are celebrated, it's the perfect time to shine a light on some top female-led Cumbrian businesses.

International Women's Day (March 8) aims to highlight the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women throughout the world.

And with so many brilliant entrepreneurs, artists, bakers and more making their mark in Cumbria, today – IWD 2021 – is the perfect time to give them the praise they deserve.

Owned by Sarah Wood, Carlisle's Freedom Chocolate offers a range of popular artisan chocolate products.

After her family struggled with food allergies and intolerances, Sarah – with the help of her business partner and husband, Simon – set up the brand in October 2017, using her own unique recipes and raw ingredients to produce vegan- and allergy-friendly treats.

In Kirkby Stephen, Linnhe Harrison opened her clothing store, gift shop and cafe, Mini Eden, in the same year, selling pre-loved, recycled, fairtrade and handmade clothing, as well as artisan coffee.

This year, Linnhe has also invested in an “outreach coffee van”, which is set to tour the county and visit sites including Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Smardale and Foulshaw Moss nature reserves.

Set up in 2018, West Lakes Hemp – owned by Workington woman Nic Hewitt, and long-time friend Luke Woodend – is known across the county for its educational support on all-things-CBD and top-quality products.

Stocking everything from CBD capsules, supplements and cosmetics, to bath bombs, soaps and bubble-bath, the duo also plans to open a CBD cafe in Cleator Moor this year.

Dianna Hannah, owner of the hugely-popular Herdy brand, has also made a splash, with Herdy stores located in Keswick, as well as Grasmere, Bowness and Kendal, filled with unique gifts, homeware and accessories.

The Herdwick-lover, who owns the company with her husband, Spencer, currently has more than 400 retailers stocking her products.

Also taking inspiration from animals is Jean Harmer, of Cherrydidi.

The businesswoman's Keswick and Ambleside gift shops feature the original Zak the Collie Dog range, inspired by Jean’s own four-legged friend, with £1 from every sale donated to Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs, and the Border Collie Trust.

Other key Cumbrian women taking their industries by storm include glass artist Emma Mackintosh, of Nettle + Tansy; Zoe Arnold-Bennett, who co-owns Shed 1 Distillery with her husband, Andy; Ginger Bakers, owned by Lisa Smith, offering traybakes, tarts, fruitcakes and more; and artist Janette Phillips, who takes inspiration from her South Lakes surroundings to create stunning paintings.

Last but not least is Windermere-based Elaine Rémy, of Vie’s Jamaican Rum Cakes, who often uses top-quality products from Whitehaven's Rum Story to flavour her bakes, and make them just as tasty as her dearly-missed mum's rum cakes.

To find out more about any of these businesses, visit their websites or Facebook pages.