International Women’s Day (March 8) and Women’s History Month is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. In Portland, the influence of women can be seen all over the city. In fact, Portland was named the eighth best city in the country for women business owners. We encourage you to recognize the accomplishments of the women in your life and to support the women-led businesses and organizations below.
- Beaumont: Check out local fashions at Folly, a well-established women’s clothing boutique that makes 80% of their clothing in-house.
- Central Eastside: Cargo is a marketplace selling offbeat and unique goods sourced from around the world in a huge, colorful space. Stop by Helioterra Wines for elegant and graceful wines made from exceptional vineyards throughout the Pacific Northwest.
- Foster: Known as the “Spookiest Salon in Portland,” Dye Dye My Darling Salon is an inclusive space with a certain punk and goth aesthetic. Owners, Toni and Nicole, have over 50 years of combined experience as stylists. Buying or selling a house? Danielle Deschenes is a real estate agent serving the Portland metro area.
- Hawthorne: Upper Left Roasters first opened in the summer of 2015. Owned by Katherine Harris, a Portland native, the business focuses on putting people first by supporting and celebrating community through coffee.
- Mississippi Ave: Looking for the perfect gift? Flutter sells antiques, jewelry, and cosmetics plus books, toys, and housewares. Founded by Portlanders Evy Cowan and Jeneen Doumitt, She Bop goes beyond the traditional sex store experience to create a safe space for all genders and sexual orientations.
- Midway: Michelle Ouyang, who is originally from Canton, China, opened Just Tea in 2019 so she could share fancy dessert treats from her childhood like bubble milk tea and egg puff waffles. Her storefront features a mural designed by Alex Chiu!
- Lloyd: On the second floor of Lloyd Center you will find Animal.Plant.Mineral, a shop that specializes in local, handmade, ethical, sustainable, and stylish goods for people and home. They also repair clothing!
- Montavilla: Since 2012, Beanstalk has provided local families with a clean, organized, and fun place to shop for all the necessary items kids and growing families need. In addition to carrying a large selection of locally and fairly made clothes, jewelry, and gifts, Union Rose also has its own clothing line designed by Owner, Rita Hudson.
- Multnomah Village: Northwest Wools is Portland’s oldest yarn shop! They have been serving the needs of Portland knitters for over 35 years.
- NE Broadway: When the The Sports Bra opened in 2022, it was the nation’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports. Owner and chef Jenny Nguyen reflects on creating an inclusive community for women and LGBTQ+ sports lovers. Practice self-care at Float North, which specializes in float therapy, massage therapy, and SomaWave therapy.
- Old Town: Located on a prominent corner in an old, reclaimed building, The Society Hotel isn’t your typical hotel stay. Jessie Burke, partner and CEO, has created social spaces that encourage adventurous souls to convene, connect, and collaborate. Specialty Coffee Supply focuses on empowering women producers and providing high-quality products and services to help create the best possible espresso drinks.
- Soul District: Kee’s Loaded Kitchen serves soul food including smoked brisket, fried chicken, mac and cheese, fresh bread, loaded baked potatoes, and desserts.
- St. Johns: At Bees & Beans, all of their delicious treats and artisan candy are made using locally sourced ingredients of the finest quality. You’ll find yarn and books together at last at Two Rivers Books & Weird Sisters Yarn, a community-minded, general interest, new titles bookstore and yarn shop.
- Stadium District: Eleni Gerding is the publisher of Stroll Portland Heights Magazine, a social publication that highlights local events and news in Southwest Portland.
- Williams District: Blackthorn Mercantile carries an array of gifts, decor, plants, and essential products for your home. They even have an event space you can rent! Looking for a healthy lunch? Crisp Salads serves healthy, fresh chopped salads made with local ingredients.
Women-owned businesses make Portland special so venture out and discover your next favorite shop, restaurant, or service and share it with us on Instagram and Facebook.