August 26 is Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. We encourage you to support women-owned businesses on this day and every day. We have listed a few of Portland’s many women-led businesses and organizations below to get you started:

  • Beaumont: Sarah Bibb is the owner of Folly, a clothing boutique on NE Fremont. They have their own production facility right in the back of the store and make beautiful and functional slips, dresses, tops, skirts, and pants.
  • Citywide: Bricks Need Mortar supports Portland businesses through marketing campaigns, coaching and resources, panel discussions, and partnerships with other like-minded organizations.
  • Central Eastside: Quite possibly Portland’s most Instagrammable store, Cargo imports furniture, architectural pieces, textiles, ephemera, jewelry, and party goods from across the globe.
  • Foster: Larkspur Portland has an amazing selection of house plants but they also teach classes, sell art and home decor, and offer horticulture therapy. Danielle Deschenes is a Broker at Living Room Realty and specializes in supporting both first-time and seasoned homebuyers.
  • 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.
  • Historic Parkrose: Started as a food cart in 2012, Fork and Spoon is an island-style Filipino restaurant that found their brick-and-mortar home in Parkrose in 2018. 
  • Lents: PDX Saints Love is a non-profit organization that has been making a positive impact on East Portland through community wellness fairs, housing connections and support, training and development, and recovery mentorships. Enjoy a full selection of baked breads, pastries, made-to-order sandwiches, plus cheeses, pastas, and other dry goods at Bella’s Italian Bakery.
  • Lloyd: Way of Being sells goods that support a sustainable lifestyle and home. Owners Alex and Lindsay are two friends who are committed to helping others achieve a low-waste lifestyle where everyday actions create a better world.
  • Midway: Michelle Ouyang, who is an immigrant from Canton, China, said that it was a dream of hers to open Just Tea, a family-friendly tea and juice shop. She loves to share fancy dessert treats from her childhood like bubble milk tea and egg puff waffles.
  • 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. Check out their selection of back-to-school clothing and supplies! 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.
  • NE Broadway: Since 2006, Broadway Grill & Brewery has been the Eastside location of one of Portland’s most enduring breweries, Old Market Pub & Brewery. It’s the perfect place to stop for a pint before or after events at the Moda Center.
  • Old Town: The Society Hotel is located on a prominent corner in an old, reclaimed building, but this isn’t your typical hotel stay. Jessie Burke, Partner and CEO, strives to create social spaces that encourage adventurous souls to convene, connect, and collaborate. Co-owned by Nicole Tignor, Floyd’s Old Town Coffee supports local products whenever possible and proudly serves Stumptown Coffee, which is roasted just down the street.
  • St. Johns: Jessi Preston is the owner of Lombard Street Tattoo, which is known for their professionalism and dedication to providing a comfortable and positive atmosphere. With over 35 years of experience in the industry and visits to more than 45 countries, Carol Tricoche from Carol’s Escapes knows how to book the vacation of your dreams. Liz Smith of Bizzy Lizzie Social Media Marketing is an expert in all things social media-related. Plus she offers copywriting and blog writing services too! 
  • 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!

This list is non-exhaustive. Be sure to support the women-owned businesses in your district and beyond. Show us how you’re celebrating Women’s Equality Day on Instagram and Facebook.