Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Art, Classes, Drinks, Food, Good for Groups, Nightlife, Shopping
Event website:
https://joyraft.com/event/25-women-owned-businesses-to-support-in-boston-boston-410912
March is Women’s History Month, but it’s never too late (or early) to support Boston’s own community of female leaders and visionaries. Drop by one of these woman-owned businesses to celebrate the power of the women who have shaped our past, present, and future. We wouldn’t be where we are today without these leading local girl bosses!
By Kenneal Patterson & Yelena Nicolle Salvador
BAKERIES & CAFES:
Where: South End
When: Mo-Fr, 7:30am-5pm; Sa, 8am-5pm; Su, 9am-3pm
What: This chic and cozy café is your new morning go-to spot for great coffee, homemade pastries, and goodies. Grab a latte before wandering around the beautiful South End streets.
Where: Locations across Boston
When: Mo-Th, 7am-7pm; Sa-Su, 8am-6pm
What: Bostonians are (appropriately) obsessed with Flour’s cookies, cakes, and cinnamon rolls. But not everyone knows that this go-to brekkie spot is owned by the wonderful Joanne Chang, who’s also known for South End’s Myers + Chang.
Where: South End (other locations in Allston, Fenway, and Jamaica Plain)
When: Mo-Th, 1-9pm; Fr-Su, 12-10pm
What: FoMu has all the ice cream you could ever dream for: creamy, sweet, chocolatey, fruity, and flavorful. But even better—it’s all plant-based. Stop by this woman-owned dessert shop for something extra special.
Where: Newbury (other locations in Harvard Square and Downtown)
When: Mo-Fr, 7:30am-5pm; Sa-Su, 8am-5pm
What: Boston didn’t have a cold-pressed juice bar before Ellen and Laura founded this incredible eatery and juicery. You’ll feel extra healthy eating their salads, bowls, and energizing drinks!
RESTAURANTS:
Where: Kendall Square
When: Tu-Su, 11:30am-10pm
What: Have you ever tried traditional Chinese Hunan cuisine? If not, you’re missing out. You’ll be drooling at this woman-owned Kendall Square eatery, which offers contemporary Asian dishes that look like works of art.
Where: Mission Hill
When: Mo-Fr, 7am-9pm; Sa-Su, 8am-9pm
What: Milkweed’s pancakes are simply unbeatable. If you’re having a hard week, their weekend brunch is sure to cheer you up in no time at all.
Where: Financial District
When: Mo-Fr, 11am-5pm
What: It won’t get more authentic than this. Villa Mexico Café doesn’t serve anything that wouldn’t be served in Mexico itself, so stop by for some mouthwatering tostadas and tamales.
Where: Inman Square
When: Su-Thu, 5:30-10pm; Fr-Sa, 5:30-10:30pm
What: Oleana has perfected the spices and flavors of Turkey and the Middle East. Check out this fine-dining eatery for some of Boston’s best stuffed latkes and fatteh.
Where: Inman/Union Square
When: Mo, 5-10pm; We-Fri, 8am-10pm; Sa-Su, 9am-10pm
What: Juliet tells all locals that it’s Somerville’s “most unique dining experience.” This woman-owned restaurant draws inspiration from the French Riviera.
Where: Inman Square
When: Su-Th, 5-11pm; Fr-Sa, 5pm-12am
What: Trina’s has been specializing in “High Life’s, hugs, hot dogs, and good times” since 2009. Stop by for some homey comfort food and great cocktails.
Where: Newbury
When: Mo-Su, 4-10pm
What: Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Karen Akunowicz, Bar Volpe is an Italian-inspired culinary experience that focuses on her love for hand-crafted pasta.
BARS:
Where: Kendall/MIT
When: Mo, 11am-10pm; Tu-Sa, 11am-12am; Su, 11am-10pm
What: Bet you didn’t know that Lamplighter Brewing Co.—one of Boston’s most beloved breweries—is woman-owned. Make sure to stop by their Honey Happy Hour on March 1 where they’ll release a new beer flavor!
Where: Fenway
When: Tu-Th, 3-11pm; Fr, 3pm-12am; Sa, 12pm-12am
What: nathálie is one of Boston’s coolest natural wine bars that focuses on organic and female produced wines. If you can’t get enough, check out their sister bar, haley.henry, another great woman-owned spot.
Where: Porter Square
When: Tu-Th, 4:30-9pm; Fr, 4:30-10pm; Sa-Su, 11am-10pm
What: Bienvenue to Colette, the sister bistro to Frenchie. This beautiful little wine bar opens a portal right to Paris, and the traditional Parisian cuisine will have you saying “ooh la la!”
Where: Back Bay
When: Mo-Sa, 10am-9pm; Su, 12-8pm
What: The Urban Grape is one of the most successful independently-owned wine stores in the United States, and it’s located right here in Boston. It’s a black-owned and woman-owned small business that’s committed to “building community through beverage.”
Where: Somerville
When: Tu-Su, 4pm-12am
What: One of my (Yelena’s) favorite spots of all time, Rebel Rebel Natural wine bar is woman-owned and run by the baddest ladies out there who know everything about wine. They also run Dear Annie in Porter Square. And if you’re looking to connect with others over a glass and some good conversations about food, books, and creativity, check out their sister location Wild Child.
Where: Brighton
When: We, 5-10pm; Th-Sa, 5-11pm, Su, 5-10pm
What: Boston’s first sake bar is also woman-owned! This award-winning bar makes sake “an approachable beverage choice” with a specially curated selection, as well as cocktail homages to Asian flavors.
Where: Inman Square
When: Mo-Su, 5-11pm
What: A place dedicated to wine and desserts – what more could you ask for? Enjoy a fully immersive experience since this bar is also a screen-free place, so keep those phones on silent and indulge in the ambiance (and their earl grey dark chocolate mousse).
ARTS:
Where: Boston
What: Calling all entrepreneurs. Boston Women’s Market encourages our beloved city to shop local and draw inspiration from the coolest women-owned businesses around. Vendors and shoppers alike can enjoy BWM’s unbeatable events: like the upcoming Women’s Month Celebration at Time Out.
Where: Available online and workshops in person
What: Erica Goldstein started The Blank Canvas Company as a way to empower women through bold, bright, positive designs. It’s worked—and it’s a perfect gift for all the ladies in your life.
Where: Newton
What: Looking for a cool post-office hang, but getting sick of the same old happy hour cocktails? The Paint Bar invites coworkers from all over Boston to take art classes that the whole team will love.
Where: North Brighton
When: We-Thu, 4-8pm; Fr, 3-8pm; Sa, 12-8pm; Su, 11am-5pm
What: Look good, feel good, and smell good! The House of Art & Craft is the perfect place to find all natural, handmade scented goods, from candles to diffusers to smudge sticks.
Where: Online or in-person classes
What: Find purposeful escape and discover (or rediscover!) creative inspiration in Pottery With A Purpose's sustainably designed make-your-own pottery kits. You can also attend their in-person event, Build-a-Boob Pottery Workshop, at Lamplighter on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Where: Back Bay
What: This Boston artist creates colorful paintings of her favorite Boston eats, and you get to learn her techniques of mastering color palettes and paint brushes through online classes, step-by-step painting sessions, and open lounge painting drop-in hours!
LITERATURE:
Where: Beacon Hill
When: Tu-Sa, 9am-9pm; Su 11am-5pm
What: This multi-floored bookstore nestled in an apartment building on Beacon Hill is warm, cozy, and beautifully designed and curated. And yes, it’s woman-owned too!
Where: Assembly Square
When: Su-We, 12-6pm; Thu-Sa, 11am-7pm
What: All She Wrote Books is just what Boston needed—an inclusive, feminist, intersectional, and queer bookstore. It supports and amplifies the voices of our local marginalized communities, and of course it’s all woman-owned.
Where: Jamaica Plain
When: Tu-Sa, 12-6pm; Su, 12-4pm
What: This award-winning, woman-owned bookstore is a favorite of JP locals. In the past, they’ve had a pretty impressive lineup of authors come to speak at the shop. Check out their cool collection and spend the day reading!
WELLNESS:
Where: Roxbury
When: Mo-Fr, 6am-7:30pm; Sa, 8am-2pm; Su, 9am-12pm
What: It’s still winter, so we still have lots of pent up energy. Eliza’s classes will help you feel empowered, badass, and strong. Meet other amazing ladies at this woman-owned kickboxing studio.
Where: Arlington
When: Class times vary
What: It’s rowing, reimagined. No matter your skill level, Sweat Fixx will make you feel like a boss. Plus, you’ll have that post-workout glow in no time.
Where: Locations vary
What: Stretch it out after a long day of work. You and your coworkers will feel relaxed and de-stressed after a great class with the Yoga Hub, a woman-owned business committed to providing corporate wellness.
Where: Available online
What: When you’re having a rough day, it can be hard to leave the house. She Matters by Boxed in makes women’s self-care and wellness boxes. Each one is overflowing with motivational books, affirmation cards, lifestyle products, and TLC.
Where: Locations across Boston
What: Even when there’s snow on the ground, you’ll feel like competing for Le Tour de France at The Handle Bar, Boston’s best spot for indoor cycling. Get the wheels turning any day this week.
BEAUTY:
Where: Seaport, Southie, & North End
When: Varies
What: Founded by two board-certified nurse practitioners, Seaport Medspa provides custom beauty treatments that are built upon scientific training. The staff here is focused on making you feel your most confident self.
Where: Seaport
When: Su-Mo, 10am-5pm; Tu-Fr, 10am-7pm; Sa, 9am-5pm
What: This woman-owned salon is inclusive and sustainable. Their goal is to create a look that is specific to your needs and that helps you feel empowered and beautiful.
Where: Southie
When: We, 10am-7pm; Th, 10am-8pm; Fr, 10am-5pm; Sa, 9am-3pm
What: Your one-stop-shop for all things skincare, brow, and lash related, Dollface specializes in permanent makeup, as well as eyelash and brow enhancement.
GIFT SHOPS:
Where: South End
When: Su, 10am-5pm; Mo-Tu, 11am-6pm; We-Sa, 10am-7pm
What: Gifted is a woman-owned treasure trove that houses every kind of gift and knick-knack for all occasions – gifts for the home, weddings, for men, for women, and for babies.
Where: North End
When: Mo, 10am-6pm; Tu-Sa, 11am-6pm; Su, 12-5pm
What: Loft & Vine only sells “joyful gifts.” They’re committed to showcasing special handcrafted items from all around the world. Stop by for beautiful jewelry, bags, and knick-knacks.
Where: Southie
When: Tu, 11am-7pm; We, 8am-7pm; Th-Fr, 11am-7pm; Sa, 10am-7pm; Su, 10am-6pm
What: The “Blooms & Booze HQ,” Love Child has a wide selection of wines, bouquets, and gifts. Stop by for some free tastings, as well as their special workshops that include sips and floral arrangement classes.
Where: Davis Square
When: Su, 12-6pm; Tu-Fr, 11am-7pm; Sa, 10am-6pm
What: Shop ethically and sustainably-sourced spices, and enjoy hands-on workshops, author talks, and events at The Lab space within this woman-owned business!
Where: South End
When: We-Fr, 12-6pm; Sa-Su, 11am-5pm
What: Run by a small business owner who makes jewelry, Wyllo houses carefully selected locally made goods from over 50 women-owned businesses too! You’ll find everything from greeting cards to clothing and accessories.
Where: South End
When: Fr-Su, 11am-6pm
What: This Black and woman-owned business specializes in selling merchandise from other Black creators. Bos. seeks to amplify and empower Black business owners in the greater Boston area!
Celebrate the women in your life by visiting Boston’s coolest women-owned businesses this March and beyond.
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Photo by @bucketlistboston