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 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. In fact, Oregon was recently named one of the best states for women-owned businesses, with 39% of employer businesses being women-owned. To help you celebrate, we have listed a snapshot of Portland’s many women-led businesses and organizations below.

  • 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: At PDXFIT, choose from a variety of programming for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran in the weight room, they have a program that’s right for you.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Mississippi Ave: Tigersden Vintage has a lovely collection of vintage and modern housewares to peruse! Come and find your next beloved coffee mug, skillet, plate set, and more.
  • 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: When The Sports Bra opened in 2022, it was the nation’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports. Owner and chef Jenny Nguyen wanted to create 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: Specialty Coffee Supply focuses on empowering women producers and providing high-quality products and services to help create the best possible espresso drinks. Dixie Tavern, Portland’s very own rock & roll tavern, offers a variety of events including live music, stand-up comedy, and even line dancing lessons!
  • Raleigh Hills: Do you have a student who is thinking about college? Marie Morris, Beyond 18 College Admissions Consultant, guides you through the search and application process so you can reduce the stress, enjoy your child’s senior year of high school, and look forward to their next phase in life.
  • 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.
  • 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.