8 Women-Owned Businesses Adding Beauty and Creativity to the World
You can feel good, not guilty, about where your money is going at every one of these independently-owned enterprises.
These days, spending money, even for fun, often feels less about discovery and delight and more about efficiency and convenience. But if you’re tired of shelling out your hard-earned cash to a certain male billionaire, you’ve come to the right place. With the help of some in-the-know Persistent contributors, we’ve curated a delightful list of women-owned businesses across the U.S. (and one in Italy)!
From vintage clothing, fresh focaccia and beautiful jewelry to upcycled art supplies and under-the-radar reads, take some time to browse, dream of what you want (or need!), and indulge yourself.
My absolute favorite plus-size shop is called Berriez, owned and operated by Emma Zack. Based out of a former warehouse in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Emma and her team curate an incredible selection of thrift, vintage, upcycled, and sustainably-made clothing. Emma and her team feel like friends, play the best music, and hype you up while you’re trying stuff on. It's the most fun I've ever had shopping, and I know how to shop.
— Han Goldstein, social media manager
Artist Prairie Clark has been working at the Portland, Oregon, Art Supply Center and frame shop “I’ve Been Framed” since 1995 and took over ownership of the 71-year-old business in 2020. Prairie loves “creative recycling” and has designed her own product line of notebooks and journals made from recycled record album covers. — Kim Murton, illustrator
For my 60th birthday, my sister Jen bought me the most gorgeous necklace at Jill Platner. Her pieces are all handcrafted in her NYC studio and the vast majority of the metal they use is recycled.Meanwhile, Holly Rilinger of The Lifted Method has become my online guru for lifting heavy weights. She's changed my entire attitude toward strength training and helped me increase my bone density to boot.
— Deborah Copaken, contributing writer
I am so inspired by the activism of Phillis Engelbert, the owner of my favorite Ann Arbor, Michigan, vegan restaurant Detroit Street Filling Station. Her focus on locally-sourced food, social justice and community organizing makes me feel good about dining there. And of course, the food and cocktails are absolutely delicious. I usually opt for something new on the ever-changing specials menu or stick with my go-to: the aptly named “World’s Greatest Wrap.”
— Kathleen Davis, executive editor
Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Maryland is a favorite of mine. It's a charming, well curated bookstore with tons of events and kid-friendly features, owned by two smart, well-read women: former Washington Post journalist Amy Joyce and former lawyer Gayle Weiswasser.
— Stacey Colino, contributing writer
Len Collective is a unique shop in San Luis Obispo, California, owned by designer Shannon Len. The only way to describe it is to say that it has a little bit of everything, including handmade jewelry, natural apothecary items including skincare products and teas, along with books, stationary, accessories and one-of-a-kind gifts. — Deanna Kizis, contributing writer
On my yearly visits to Rome, I always make sure to reserve a dinner at the counter of Pianostrada, a restaurant owned and operated by Paola Colucci and her daughters Alice and Flaminia. That way, I can keep a close eye on what’s going on in the open kitchen, which is known for its homemade focaccia and modern twists on Roman classics, like stuffed zucchini flowers with anchovies, lemon and buffalo mozzarella. But what I love watching most is the interaction between the three women, who always manage to laugh and joke despite the frenetic restaurant pace.
— Paula Derrow, features editor
Let us know about your favorite women-owned business. Send your recommendations to hello@thepersistent.com. We’ll be back with more recommendations next Friday!
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