Explore & Enjoy // Art & Culture
Women-Owned Businesses in metro Detroit
Molly Menning
Women’s History Month is all about celebrating, honoring, and empowering the incredible ladies that make the world go round — which means it’s the perfect time to support all the wonderful women-owned businesses in metro Detroit.
From one-of-a-kind shops to mouth-watering restaurants, these female-owned and led organizations are each bringing a unique flair and memorable experience to the city, making them the perfect places to patronize all year long.
1
Source Booksellers
Source Booksellers - Cass Avenue, Detroit MI
The love of reading runs deep in this mother-daughter-led independent bookshop, located in the heart of Midtown. Founder Janet Webster Jones has been selling books since 1989 and opened her brick-and-mortar shop in 2002. Joined by her daughter Alyson Jones Turner, they specialize in bringing a unique niche of nonfiction to the city and remain a consistent favorite among Detroit bookworms.
2
Detroit Rosa
Rosa - 19180 Grand River Avenue, Detroit MI
Nestled in Grandmont Rosedale Park, this gorgeous cafe opened in 2022 in honor of owner Charity Dean’s great-grandmother Rosa Malone, one of the first Black homeowners to move into Rosedale Park. From cozy coffee drinks to delicious snacks, this adorable shop has a homelike feel that’ll keep you coming back.
3
Bird Bee
BIRD BEE - Griswold Street, Detroit MI
If edgy and bold fashion is your thing, then Bird Bee is your place. Inspired by her entrepreneur mother, owner Taylor Bolleber opened the shop in 2017 with a mixture of fashionable pieces ranging from boho-chic to edgy street style. Based in Capitol Park, this popular women’s boutique has everything from colorful accessories to trendy outfits that’ll have you turning heads everywhere you go.
4
Skinphorea Facial Bar & Acne Clinic
Skinphorea Facial Bar & Acne Clinic Corktown - Michigan Avenue, Detroit MI
Need to get your glow on? Skinphorea Facial Bar & Acne Clinic is revolutionizing the skincare game through their signature “facial cocktails,” ranging from a “glowtini” to a “mimosa deluxe.” Founders Jessie Hayes-Stallings and Shareese Shorter built the brand as a fun and relaxing environment that specializes in multicultural skincare. With two locations in metro Detroit, Skinphorea is now expanding the franchise to other states to bring the same luxurious experience nationwide.
5
Detroit Vegan Soul
Detroit Vegan Soul - Grand River Avenue, Detroit MI
Vegans and carnivores alike can find something to love at Detroit Vegan Soul, a 100% plant-based restaurant serving all your favorite soul foods with a vegan twist. Co-founders Kirsten Ussery and Erika Boyd started the restaurant with the vision of providing fresh and nutritious plant-based food in a welcoming environment. With two locations in metro Detroit, this popular restaurant brings comfort food to a whole new level.
6
Detroit Barre
Detroit Barre - Franklin Street, Detroit MI
Located in the Riverfront/Warehouse District, Detroit Barre is the city’s first independently owned barre studio. Founder Laura Davis and her expert team of instructors have created a space where everyone at every level can feel empowered in their fitness journey — while having fun in the process!
7
Detroit's Future Is Female
One Woodward - Detroit, MI USA
Show the world that you stand for empowering women with the coolest merch from Detroit’s Future Is Female. This woman-owned and veteran-owned organization sells everything from sweatshirts to tote bags to baby onesies, all while providing resources to help women in Detroit thrive.
8
The Fern
The Fern - East 4th Street, Royal Oak MI
Tea time, anyone? As one of metro Detroit’s newer small businesses, The Fern in Royal Oak, founded by Theresa Mullen, is a cozy and cute space offering a wide range of fresh and unique organic, sugar-free teas. If coffee isn’t your thing, or you’re just looking to try something new, you’ll definitely want to check out this gem.
9
Sister Pie
Sister Pie - Kercheval Avenue, Detroit MI
It doesn’t get sweeter than Sister Pie. Since 2012, owner Lisa Ludwinski has been serving delicious homemade pies while building a business that empowers the local Detroit community and inspires other entrepreneurs looking to grow their passion. Visit the brick-and-mortar shop in West Village to satiate your sweet tooth, or buy Lisa’s bestselling cookbook to try out impressive recipes from your own kitchen.