In light of us closing out National Woman’s Month, and as your self-appointed social butterfly – I felt it is my duty to share some of my favorite venues in the DC area that just so happen to be woman owned. I love trying new places and being a regular at all my fav hot spots here in the city; which is a perk of being from such a fast paced and high energy area!
Historically, woman have had to work ten times harder to prove ourselves as capable in pretty much every realm of our lives including business. Women make up nearly 42 % of new entrepreneurs and the numbers continue to climb at increasing rates. You cannot mention any industry without noting the countless contributions of women, PERIOD. Only a woman can flawlessly execute wearing multiple hats while dominating each task at hand. Juggling motherhood, 9-5’s, school, being partners, running thriving businesses and being absolutely gorgeous while doing it? I mean, Super human isn’t even big enough of an title to place on us. It is with immense pride I can speak to these women ran businesses and tell their stories! It seems like every single day there is a new sign going up prepping us for the latest construction development or business opening.
The beautiful struggle of only picking four venues in the city was such an amazing problem to have, seeing as though woman owned companies are laced all through the metropolitan area.
Covid and it’s subsequent restrictions have made us appreciate life’s simplest excursions like going for a walk or being able to even walk back into our favorite take out restaurants. Regardless if you’re a foodie, love being out doors, or enjoy the perks of being pampered I have some great go to spots for all your needs! As policies are shifting and doors are reopening, here are fourDc based venues that you must check out!
The Spice Suite
The Spice Suite started off as a local spice shop, located right in the heart of Takoma DC. Owner Angel, former school teacher turned Chef decided to open her own spice shop. The Spice suite carries every single thing you can imagine to enhance your meals including spices, hot sauces, honey, tea, balsamic vinegers etc ; and also carries dinnerware and bakeware so that you can cook in style! One of my favorite things about the venue, is that Angel has actually transformed her spice suite into a creative hub of all things GIRL POWER. Women all across the area can set up shop in the spice suite and can participate in various pop up shops! This is genius to me because cross promotion is everything, and it really helps get small businesses the exposure they need to blossom! This is such a feel good space, and definitely a DC GEM!
GirlKinLashes
Every time I walk into GirlkinLashes I feel like I’m walking into a perfect pink oasis, like this has to be the closest I’m getting to feeling like I’m heaven – to be frank, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
GirlKinLashes was founded by Kimberly Fernandez, she originally began doing lashes in her living and now has four locations throughout the DMV area! (Talk about Boss moves!) Each Lash location feels more like a lounge of bedazzle , furr and champagne than your typical lash shop would. Nothing like basking in absolute luxury while the finest of mink lashes are being applied to you. So many of us are working around the clock, and all we have is that 90 minutes we booked for an appointment to feel carefree andto lay back.
GirlKinLashes also provides training courses for aspiring lash artists, provide lash care products that clients can purchase to enhance their personal upkeep, offer VIP membership to stay up to date on all things GirlKinand exceptional customer service that will make you feel right at home from the start to the end of your appointment! (In addition to DC, GirlKin locations include, Pikesville, Westminster and their latest expansion set to open this year at National Harbor)
Provost
Fellow foodies, come on in! One of my favorite things about visiting Provost is how fresh the food is every single time I come in. The menu is always on point, the drink selection is everything and the ambiance is undeniable. DC native owner Nina Gilchrist, opened Provost in the Summer of 2019 and has been booming every since! Nina has this welcoming, easy going personality and presence that is reflected in everything from the décor to the presentation of the food. You can catch her welcoming all her guest, or whipping up amazing drinks behind the bar which is why to me the space resonates with feeling homely.
Provost specializes in a vast menu that includes vegan and vegetarian choices, but still makes sure to offer some of the city’s favorites on there too. My favorite part of the venue is It’s beautiful rooftop which is a dream in the summer!
My Cake Theory
Sweets and Treats galore oh my! My Cake Theory is a sweet tooth foodie’s dream! The beauty of My Cake Theory has been watching their expansion over the years. Did I also mention they’ve been my personal go to bakery for all my celebratory sweets over the years?!? Owner Tiffany Lightfoot’s sprinkles her heart and soul into every creative baked creation she creates. Not only are her cakesand cupcakes constructed to perfection, the taste is undeniable! Tiffany has been seen on shows like Holiday Wars and Candy land which speak to her talent and creative contribution over the years.
Tiffany’s recent grand opening to her store front in DC was packed with the industry’s finest as well as customers new and tenured! All her baked goods are filled with love and flavor, some people were just made to do certain things- and baking is Tiffany’s! It’ssuper inspiring to see black women dominating a space in baking and dessert. I’m super excited for her and her company to garner even more attention and traffic! Sweets are in season year round!
Head over to our story to check out other woman owned businesses based in the DC area!
Jenleeíon Magazine 