From the restaurant to beauty industries, entrepreneurs to charitable organizations, Atlanta women rule. And while this list only skims the surface of the imprint women-owned businesses make in Atlanta, it’s a good start. Keep reading for some of our favorite places and companies around town that are either founded, owned, or directed by women.
Mahogany Mommies is a movement that is dedicated to building legacy, inspiring others, and celebrating black women and culture. Founder Joi is a single mother of three and a high school teacher who has created an apparel line that celebrates black culture and promotes a growth mindset. According to Joi, "It was always my dream to become an entrepreneur and to utilize my experience as a business owner to assist my students in pursuing their dreams of becoming a Boss. The skills and experience gained through this venture, has already proved valuable in regards to my instruction in my Entrepreneurship classes."
What we love: In addition to adult-sized T's that take issues of empowerment and ending racism and sexism head-on, you'll find a kid's line, too.
Sarah Wharton Rhino, Owner & Director, is a native Atlantan and past competitive gymnast, collegiate cheerleader, and director. She has a Masters degree from Georgia State University in College & Professional Sports Administration with her undergraduate degree in Recreation & Sports Management from Indiana University. The Peach Pit is a competitive and recreational gymnastics and dance facility with a huge offering of programming to fit every need.
The Peach Pit Prado (Formerly The Peach Pit Brookhaven) 5600 Roswell Rd., Suite K140
Online shopping is great, but some things are just better to purchase in-person. Woo Skincare, now with two locations in Atlanta, is a woman-owned skincare and beauty boutique that carries all the major cosmetic and skincare brands you'd expect to find at a department store, only with an easier to get to location and skilled (and knowledgeable) makeup artists on staff.
Daughter of the esteemed Charlie and Nan Niyomkul of Nan Thai Fine Dining fame, Dee Dee is a powerhouse by her own right (she just Beat Bobby Flay!). Creating Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft in Brookwood Hills and now Chai-Yo in Buckhead, her upscale Thai concepts have innovated right through the pandemic. Offering family style meals to go, outdoor dining with live music, and considerable contributions towards ending food insecurity, Dee Dee is at the helm of a growing and thriving component of the Atlanta restaurant scene.
Peiru Kim graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in business in 1996, then worked for a real estate development company for more than 15 years before purchasing her first Sugarcoat location in 2010. Since then, it's grown to six locations with two more set to open in the upcoming months. And it goes far beyond the typical nail salon, offering a beautiful environment and seats that make the guest feel like they're sitting on their own thrones.
Owner Kim Wilson wanted to create a true market where you could as easily pick up groceries and dinner as you could create memorable, tasteful, and locally-sourced baskets for that new neighbor, or new baby, or friend in need of a pick-me-up. You'll find the freshest produce, CBD products, prepared foods, customized gift baskets, unique gifts, bath essentials, and an extensive wine collection at the shop in the heart of Buckhead.
Sarah Pierre, owner of Glenwood's 3 Parks Wine Shop, may have gotten her taste for wine during her stint at Star Provisions group (Bacchanalia, Floataway Café, and Abattoir), but she's created a casually elegant neighborhood wine shop known for its selection of small-production wines, family-owned vineyards, and family-owned properties.
451 Bill Kennedy Way, Suite C Glenwood Online:3parkswine.com
Visit Molly Sipp's Buckhead bungalo for all your cosmetic procedural needs. She started her career in nursing, graduating from Wofford College with a BS in Biology, then obtaining a BSN at MUSC in Charleston, SC. After receiving an MSN at Emory University, Molly worked as an RN at Emory University Hospital, later practicing as a Family Nurse Practitioner outside of Boston before moving back to Atlanta. A mother of 4, Molly created Facial Aesthetics of Buckhead—or FAB—from her home, later moving to an adorable house converted to business, where you can find her now.
Bea Dixson created The Honey Pot Co. so women could have hygiene products without chemicals, toxins, artificial fragrance, or anything synthetic. They're biodegradable, cruelty-free, clinically tested and gynecologist-approved.
Good to Know: Buy Honey Pot products are also sold nationwide.
Lisa Amundsen is co-owner of Le Macaron French Pastries franchise in Atlanta (the parent company is also woman-owned), where you can enjoy a modern take on the classic French pâtisserie. Signature macarons, as well as gourmet chocolates, gelato, European style beverages, and homemade candy are available at one of multiple locations, and the perfect treat at the end of a long week. In Avalon, Le Macaron can be found in a petite 90 square-foot kiosk, serving eclairs, tarts, mini-tarts, napoleons, gourmet chocolates, meringues, cakes, and specialty beverages including Lorina, a sparkling French lemonade, in addition to its wide selection of macarons.
Lydia Mays, founder and director of See Beautiful, a philanthropic company providing inspiring, ethically-sourced products to create more beautiful in the world, wanted to empower women to change how they see the world, and then change the world. With every purchase from See Beautiful's curated shop, you help fund carefully vetted, sustainable projects of non-profit organizations.
The Village Market, founded by Lakeysha Hallmon, connects Black-owned businesses to engaged consumers, impactful resources, and investors. Their thriving ecosystem reaches small businesses in 21 states and 4 countries, with an official partnership with The Bahamas. Don't miss The Village Market ATL, a quarterly marketplace experience premiering carefully selected diverse Black artisans, makers and service providers from across the country. The experience features live performances, art installations, a community favored, Village Cafe’ (plant-based café), gifted entrepreneurs and more.