There’s no denying Boston is home to more than its fair share of innovative local businesses. So during Women’s History Month, we thought we’d give a shout out to a few of our favorite women-owned businesses that call Boston home. From bakeries and art studios to skincare businesses and a new(ish) plant store, these women entrepreneurs are here to share their talents and passions with the community. Get ready to shop!
Wesleaf Designs & Decor
Green thumb or not, a trip to Wesleaf Designs & Decor’s Plant Studio is inspiring, especially with spring just around the corner. They’ve got everything your home needs to connect to nature, from hanging house plants to succulents and framed mosses. Plant consultation, design parties and plant sitting are also part of shop owner, Weslie Etienne Pierre’s expertise.
1020 Great Plain Ave.
Needham, MA
Online: wesleafdesignsanddecor.com
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
What Tzurit Or started as an at-home bakery in 2007 has grown into something of a local phenomenon over the past 15 years. Across the greater Boston area, you’ll find 19 different Tatte Bakery & Café locations, each with its own special feel. But each carries the delectable pastries and baked goods people crave, alongside tartines, sandwiches, salads and shakshuka to fill you up throughout the day. We’re loving the bake-at-home kits that make fresh-baked that much easier (and better) for busy families.
399 Boylston St.
Boston, MA
Online: tattebakery.com
Art with Amy
Parents love this charming “old-school neighborhood creative space” for kids in Brookline. Amy brings kids of all ages through the process of creating, be it painting, jewelry making or weaving. After school classes, camps and art project boxes means access for all, so kids can create at their own pace and in their own space.
45 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA
Online: artwithamy.com
CrossFit Boston Iron & Grit
Families can trust Tina Ramos, owner and founder of CrossFit Boston Iron & Grit, to get them in shape, no matter what their fitness goals. This Harvard-educated teacher brings her experience working with at-risk youth and her passion for fitness to work each day, with creative classes that cover everything from nutrition to Olympic lifting to classes just for teens.
1230 VFW Pkwy.
Boston, MA
Online: crossfitbostonirongrit.com
Collettey’s Cookies
Collette Divitto was born in 1990 with Down Syndrome. She grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she developed a passion for baking after taking classes in high school. After attending Clemson University and finishing a three-year LIFE program in just two years, Colette moved to Boston where she struggled to find employment. That's where Collettey’s Cookies was born. Knowing firsthand the struggles that people with Down Syndrome endure while looking for employment, Collette decided that her company would be not just a means of earning a living, but it would have a greater mission—to create jobs for other people with disabilities.
Online: colletteys.com
Not Just Co.
Parents in the know are familiar with Not Just Co.'s lineup of Not Just Caramel (sea salt-tahini), Not Just Pesto (tomato pesto), Not Just Salad Dressing (miso-lemon vinaigrette) and the kid-favorite Not Just Pasta Sauce. Find their products at a store near you and follow their blog for family-friendly recipes.
Online: notjust.co
Clarke's Cakes and Cookies
You'll love the vegan treats you can get from this woman-owned spot that offers weekly pickups in Dorchester. You can also find their treats in many spots around the Boston area. Get the vegan bourbon pecan pie, you won't regret it.
196 Quincy St.
Dorchester, MA
Online: clarkescakesandcookies.com
TRILLFIT
TRILLFIT hip hop-based classes foster community—a community that supports safe space to thrive and make long lasting positive health decisions. They are actively changing the face of the boutique fitness industry by modeling radical inclusion, acceptance, self love and shared support to transform attendees’ confidence, advance well being and ultimately promote “front row freedom.”
1484 Tremont St.
Boston, MA
Online: trill.fit
Lark Fine Foods
Founded in 2008, Lark Fine Foods is a women-owned and operated specialty foods company located north of Boston in historic Essex, Massachusetts. They offer a distinctive line of baked goods and specialty items inspired by “grown-up” consumers with sophisticated tastes, where every bite excites the senses with flavor combinations that are sometimes unexpected, but always delicious. Lark’s award-winning COOKIES FOR GROWN-UPS® and SAVORY BISCUITS can be purchased individually or as part of their thoughtfully curated gift boxes on their website, or individually at select retail outlets nationwide.
Online: larkfinefoods.com
Brown & Coconut
Brown and Coconut skin care is crafted with distinct blends of powerful plants, botanical extracts and clays that work in harmony to support our skin’s delicate balance. Founded by two Boston-based sisters who have suffered from acne and eczema, Brown and Coconut skin care is gentle on your skin, effective in tackling your skin concerns and simply delightful to use.
Online: brownandcoconut.com
Petsi Pies
Petsi Pies (pronounced “peet-see”) an indie bakery and coffee bar serving up handmade pies and pastries in Somerville, MA since 2003. Founder Renee “Petsi” McLeod grew up baking pies in her grandmother’s kitchen and hasn’t stopped since. Everything is baked fresh daily using only all-natural ingredients and no fillers or mixes of any kind.
285 Beacon St.
Somerville. MA
Online: petsipies.com
Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too
This Somerville business owned by Jo-Ann Keith offers cat and dog grooming by appointment as well as dog sitting. They also sell many different products for your animals to use at home.
110 Bristol Rd.
Somerville, MA
Online: stinkyskittens-doggiestoo.com
—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth
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