Women-Owned Businesses to Explore in Seattle
As a city of inclusivity, it’s no wonder Seattle is home to such a strong network of female leaders.
Seattle has the highest share of women-owned businesses in the country and it’s also a place where women hold prominent leadership roles throughout the community. In order to celebrate these strong female leaders, we created an initiative called SEAforSHE to support the women in our community and showcase Seattle as a place that welcomes women with open arms.
While in town, we invite you to help celebrate our female entrepreneurs by visiting their businesses. Here are a few recommendations.
RESTAURANTS
Photo: David Newman
Mr. West Cafe Bar
Downtown
Owned by Soni and Henri Schock, Mr. West is an all-day café that serves coffee and pastries in the morning, sandwiches and salads for lunch, and also has a fabulous happy hour Monday-Friday with discounted prices on wine, beer, and cocktails.
Photo: indi chocolate
indi chocolate
Downtown
indi chocolate was founded by Erin Andrews in 2010 and has had its home at Pike Place Market since 2013. indi chocolate sources cacao beans directly from farmers and cooperatives to make small batch, single origin, dark chocolate.
Photo: No Anchor
No Anchor
Belltown
No Anchor is a beer bar and Pacific Northwest restaurant in the Belltown area. No Anchor is owned by husband and wife duo, Anu and Chris Elford, and was a James Beard Best New Restaurant Semi-Finalist in 2017.
Photo: Hood Famous Cafe + Bakery
Hood Famous Cafe + Bar
Chinatown-International District
Hood Famous co-owners, Chera Amlad and Geo Quibuyen, opened their second brick and mortar location in early 2019 in the International District. Chera and Geo’s Filipino heritage has a major influence on their menu of desserts, coffee and cocktails, most notably with their flagship ube cheesecake.
Photo: Oddfellows Cafe+Bar
Oddfellows Cafe+Bar
Capitol Hill
Oddfellows Cafe+Bar is a Capitol Hill favorite that’s known for its warm and inviting ambiance that can be enjoyed all day and night. Owner, Linda Derschang runs 4 other restaurants and bars in the Seattle area that are part of The Derschang Group.
Photo: Marjorie
Marjorie
Capitol Hill
The eclectic menu at Marjorie in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood reflects the cultural diversity of its staff, but the Jamaican jerk chicken is its star. Marjorie pays homage to owner Donna Moodie’s mom who always aimed to create a warm and inclusive environment.
Photo: Kamonegi
Kamonegi
Fremont
Kamoegi is run by James Beard nominated Chef Mutsuko Soma who is originally from Tochigi, Japan. Soma is continuing her family’s recipes in Seattle by making handmade soba noodles from scratch every day (and winning a few awards for it).
Photo: David Newman
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop
Capitol Hill | Columbia City | Madrona | Queen Anne | Redmond | University Village | Wallingford
Molly Moon Neitzl opened her first location in 2008 and now has 7 scoop shops across the Seattle area. This local ice cream favorite serves up seasonal flavors that complement their ten “always” flavors like ‘Scout’ Mint, Honey Lavender and Melted Chocolate.
DRINKS
Photo: Stephanie Yoder
The Pike Pub at Pike Brewing Company
Pike Place Market
The Pike Pub at downtown Seattle’s iconic Pike Brewing Company was co-founded by RoseAnn and Charles Finkel in 1989. The pub menu pairs nicely with a wide selection of fresh beers that are brewed onsite.
Photo: Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Pike Place Market | Capitol Hill
Rachel Marshall opened her flagship Rachel’s Ginger Beer location in 2013 in Pike Place Market. Her simple recipes use ingredients sourced from local farms, and come in a range of flavors like blood orange, white peach, and spicy pineapple.
Photo: Stoup Brewing
Stoup Brewing
Ballard
Stoup Brewing is located in the Ballard neighborhood and is a family friendly craft brewery with 21 beers on tap. Stoup was founded by Lara Zahaba, Brad Zahaba and Robyn Schumacher. Brewer, Robyn Schumaher, found her way into the beer industry by becoming the first female cicerone in Washington state in 2012.
SPAS
Photo: Ummelina
Ummelina International Day Spa
Downtown
Ummelina International Day Spa uses natural salts, muds, oils are herbs selected from all over the world. Founded by Nina Ummel, Ummelina offers a range of services from massage, to facials, to wet body treatments, to nail care.
Photo: Urban Studios
The Urban Studios
Downtown
Erika Kennedy, owner and esthetician at The Urban Studios, created her spa in the hopes of helping women feel beautiful flaunting their bare skin. Aside from skincare, Erika and her teammate Rebecca Reali offer massages, waxing, manicures, and lash care.
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