One way to celebrate women’s accomplishments is by supporting women-owned businesses right here in our own city. DC proper is home to dozens and dozens of amazing, innovative, and delicious enterprises led by women. Here’s a list of some of my favorites. I hope you’ll join me in supporting them!
Our Favorite DC Women-Owned Businesses
Retail
- Willow: This adorable Petworth gift shop has clothing, DC swag, baby gifts, accessories, and more.
- The Spice Suite: Shop local and find delicious spices at The Spice Suite! This busies was founded by Angel Gregorio. She also founded Black and Forth— the new woman-owned, black-owned collection of businesses.
- She Loves Me: This gorgeous women-owned plant shop has something to fit every occasion. Order a bouquet or even take a class! There are now two locations to choose from, in Eckington and Capitol Hill.
- Le Bustiere: For all your lingerie needs, visit Le Bustiere in Adam’s Morgan. You won’t get a better fitting elsewhere, and the selection is exquisite.
- Steadfast Supply: An exceptional store in The Yards (Tingey St SE) to find one-of-a-kind gifts (for others, or for yourself!). Founder Virginia Blanca Arrisueño seeks to highlight independent brands and designers.
- Terratorie Maps and Goods (Formerly known as Cherry Blossom Creative): One of my favorite art pieces in our home is a map of our neighborhood. Discover the wide selection of DC, suburban, and nationwide city maps available. Brick and mortar shop is in Brookland.
- Propper Topper: This is one of my favorite gift shops in DC. Located in Cathedral Heights, this gift shop may be small but it has something for everyone. Unique books, activities, jewelry, toys, and even local DC clothing can be purchased here.
- Take Care Shop: Becky Waddell founded the Take Care Shop to provide plant-based skincare and beauty products. You’ll feel instant rejuvenation just stepping inside this gorgeous light and airy space located in Georgetown. Also, be sure to check their website for wellness events. Or visit their spa!
- Current Boutique: Love treasure hunting? Come to Current Boutique in Logan Circle to find some vintage gems. There are also locations in Clarendon and Old Town, Alexandria.
- Shoots and Blooms of DC: Check out this women-owned florist for all your flower delivery needs.
- Just Paper And Tea: Visit this Georgetown shop for stunning stationary with custom printing and design. And also, tea!
Food and Drink
Restaurants
- Chaia Tacos: These farm-to-taco vegetarian (yes, vegetarian) tacos are out of this world delicious. Owners Bettina and Suzanne focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients in their Georgetown, Chinatown, and Bethesda stores.
- Thip Khao: This Laotian restaurant on upper 14th Street has gotten a lot of buzz since Laotian native Chef Seng opened it in 2014.
- Purple Patch: Tom Sietsema sings the praises of Patrice Cleary’s Filipino restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. From classic lumpia to ube pancakes, this place has it all. No time for a meal but still want some goodies? The upstairs is a market where you can grab snacks, drinks, and even flowers.
- Elle: Another Mt. Pleasant staple is Elle. Whether you pop in for a morning coffee or come for the seasonal 4 course tasting menu dinner, you’re sure to leave satisfied from here.
- Taqueria Xochi: The cemitas and tacos are top-rate at Chef Teresa Padilla’s Mexican restaurant on U Street. Note: currently just available for pick-up and delivery.
- Soup Up: Nourish your body with these organic and delicious soups located on Kennedy Street NW.
- Astoria DC: This Szechuan-style restaurant gets rave reviews on dishes from mapo tofu (my husband’s favorite!) to sweet and sour ribs. Also, they serve dynamite cocktails.
Sweets and Cafes
- The Ministry: Everything about this cafe is perfection. Smoothies, wine, coffee, killer breakfast goodies, and a gorgeous Instagram feed to boot! Stop by the next time you are near Union Station.
- Buttercream Bakeshop: Look no further for the customized cake of your dreams! Award-winning pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac is at the helm of this beloved Shaw spot.
- Turning Natural: More than just smoothies! There are six DC locations of this women-owned business committed to healing communities from the inside out. Owner Jerri Evans’ mother started this shop while fighting breast cancer, and Jerri continues her mother’s dream today. Find them in Capitol Hill, Anacostia, Shaw, Eastern Market, Takoma, and District Heights, MD.
- Lulabelle’s Sweet Shop: This Petworth favorite serves up delicious ice cream, coffee, and has a small gift shop, too. It’s my kids’ absolute favorite place for a treat.
- Republic Restoratives Distillery: This Ivy City distillery is a completely women-owned business. Check it out!
- Calabash Tea and Tonic: When you enter Calabash (located in Brookland), a barista will ask, “How can I heal you today?”. These teas and treats are all about nurturing your body and are delicious to boot. (This is also one of my top destinations for teleworking in the District!)
- Rose Ave Bakery: Baker Rosie left a job as a nurse to pursue her passion in baking, and DC is all the better for it. Delight your senses with the modern Asian baked treats here. The matcha chocolate cookie and ube donut are my favorites. *Note: at time of publication, Rose Ave is currently closed in the process of moving to their new permanent location in Woodley Park! Check their website or Instagram for opening details!
- Ice Cream Jubilee: If you live in DC, chances are you already know and love Ice Cream Jubilee. Even more reason to love is that it was started by Victoria, a fellow local mom! Locations at Yards Park and Logan Circle.
- Here’s The Scoop!: Located on Georgia Avenue, Here’s The Scoop prides itself on bringing community together over premium ice cream.
- Baked By Yael: This nut-free and kosher bakery in Woodley Park is a perfect post-zoo destination for a sweet treat!
- Colada Shop: Look no further for Cuban coffees and treats than this delightful shop. Locations on 14th St, The Wharf, Dupont Circle, and outside DC in Potomac, MD and Fairfax, VA. .
Beauty & Self-Care
- Lighthouse Yoga Center: From pre-natal to post-natal to sunrise yoga jams and restorative flow classes, this women-owned yoga studio has it all! Currently providing both in-person and online streaming classes.
- You Matter Spa and Wellness Center: Check out this space for all your pampering needs, especially if you need pre-natal or post-natal massage!
- Own Your Wonder Makeup: Does the thought of doing your own makeup give you anxiety? Kristina Han knew that many professional women struggle with simplifying the makeup process and knowing which products work best for them. Own Your Wonder was born out of this and is a great resource for teaching women how to feel confident with makeup!
- Skin Beauty Bar: This women-owned business has everything you need, from lash tinting to sugaring services to ear candling. Visit this salon on Capitol Hill, SE.
- Lady Clipper: This U-Street barbershop is a truly inclusive space for all, and completely women-run.
- Sense: Owner Erin Derosa created Sense Studios to be a place for holistic care, for your hair and your whole self.
- Rewild: Plant mamas unite! Visit Rewild to pick up a new plant baby. Just walking inside one of their stores (Shaw and Georgetown) is a relaxing experience. Check their website for workshops, too.
- The Nail Saloon: Visit here for a completely non-toxic nail experience. Locations at Logan Circle and Capitol Hill.
Other Fun Businesses
- Kick Axe Throwing: Test your axe throwing skills at this Ivy City establishment. Kick Axe is women owned and operated. Go for a date night, girls’ outing, or even host a party.
- The Lane Social Club: Parents all over DC know and love The Lane! This is a great spot for kid play time, special classes and events, and parent night out activities.
- Upshift Workshop: Got a bike? Then you need to know about Upshift Workshop. Their website slogan says it best: “Proudly woman owned, sustainably run, empathetically driven, and focused on creating a space where bicycling education is accessible to all.”
- Hinckley Pottery: Located in Blues Alley in Georgetown, Hinckley Pottery operates as an art gallery, pottery studio, and retail shop. Check it out for adult and kid classes.
- A Special Lee Sewing Studio: Never mastered the art of sewing? Try a class at this Park View sewing and craft space owned by master seamstress Antoinette Lee. There are even classes available for kids ages 8+.
- Planet Word Museum: The much anticipated museum dedicated to words is also a women-owned business! Check out this interactive museum created for all ages in order to teach, inspire, and bring language to life.
- Artechouse: If you’ve never been here, no doubt you’ve at least seen images from Artechouse’s captivating installations across social media. These immersive art experiences are one-of-a-kind – grab a mom friend for a fun night out!
This article was originally posted here.