Since 1987, March has been designated as Women’s History Month, punctuated by International Women’s Day, which has been celebrated on March 8 for more than 100 years. The month is designed to highlight women’s indelible contributions to society through their achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love.
In the decade prior to March’s designation as Women’s History Month in the 1980s, only around 5% of businesses in the United States were owned by women. Today, approximately 40% of all U.S. businesses are owned by women, and in Virginia, that number bumps up to 44%. With that many women-owned businesses, there are so many you can choose to support, but we’re spotlighting ten to get you started.
Alma’s Gallery.
Alma’s Gallery & Shop: This artist-run gallery and shop located in Brookland Park features rotating artists from across the city, region, and national levels.
Martha and Amanda Slone of Beasties.
Beastie’s: A unique Carytown gift shop filled with locally-inspired items owned by a mother-daughter duo.
The Freckled Flower Farm’s Kelly Waldrop and Sara Mallory.
The Freckled Flower Farm: Founded by two former educators, this family-run flower farm offers arrangements, various classes throughout the year, and subscriptions to fill your home with fresh flowers all season long.
Homemades by Suzanne’s Ashland location.
Homemades by Suzanne: With locations in downtown Richmond at the John Marshall Hotel and along the picturesque train tracks in Ashland, Homemades by Suzanne packs the perfect lunch, boxed or plated.
Saraellen Bagby from JBella Photography.
JBella Photography: From wedding and engagement to maternity and senior photos, headshots to boudoir shots, JBella Photography will get the shot- no matter what kind of shot you’re looking for.
Ginny and Eva of Keva Style.
Keva Style: A handcrafted jewelry and accessories brand that started in Midlothian and has quickly spread in popularity across the country.
Ashley Wallace and Jakie Bowles at Rainbow Trout Kitchen.
Rainbow Trout Kitchen: Born from a family recipe for classic, homemade granola, Rainbow Trout Kitchen was initially started by one of the owners’ sons at the age of eight.
America DeLoach with Salsas Don Sebastian.
Salsas Don Sebastian: An ever-expanding line of fresh, authentic Mexican salsas and Latin American products, including tamales, beans, and chips.
Michelle Parrish at Soul ‘N Vinegar.
Soul ‘N Vinegar: A small neighborhood food shop and caterer in Church Hill that artfully blends diverse foods and cultures- inspired by the owner’s upbringing in Massachusetts with a southern father and a mother who emigrated from Korea.
Virginia Mercantile.
Virginia Mercantile: Located in Richmond’s Arts District, steps from the Maggie Walker statue, this vintage-inspired modern-day general store focuses on sustainability and quality, locally-sourced goods.
