Supporting women-owned businesses is important, not just during Women’s History Month but throughout the year. It’s crucial for business owners themselves since overall, women who own businesses face greater challenges of gaining fair access to venture capital. But it’s also important for the community. According to data from McKinsey, women reinvest 90 percent of their income into their families and the local community.
Norfolk has a diverse mix of woman-owned businesses that contribute to the vibrancy and success of our city as a whole. This roundup is by no means comprehensive but is a great start for learning about and visiting some successful businesses that make our city stronger and worthy of celebration.
The Crystal Sunflower
“I never thought I would do anything to bring it to fruition,” Crystal Sunflower owner Carol Ann Peterson says, “But that’s the thing about dreams. When they don’t leave you, they want to be manifested … and it didn’t leave me.”
The real-life result of this vision is a charming shop among the cobblestones of Botetourt St. near Cure Coffeehouse. Here, customers can align with their higher self “using vibrational sound therapy, nature’s elements and other metaphysical wares to connect deeply” with their intuition while enhancing their wellness journey.
Orangetheory Fitness, Ghent
With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Paula Banatt began her career in 2002 with Professional Hospitality Resources. She contributed to the opening of iconic properties like the Hilton Main in Norfolk and the Cavalier on The Hill in Virginia Beach.
In 2017, seeking a fresh direction, she discovered Orangetheory Fitness and quickly fell in love with the program. By October of that year, she took the leap and signed a franchise agreement. In February 2019, she opened the doors to Orangetheory Fitness – Norfolk, where she’s had the pleasure of building a thriving fitness community. When not at the studio, Paula enjoys spending time with her husband and three dogs. She loves playing golf, traveling and exploring the local restaurant scene.
E-Bike Alley
Amy Oliver is the owner of E-Bike Alley in Downtown Norfolk. The store was formerly known as Pedego Bikes Norfolk.
Inspired by a trip to Angel Island, California, Oliver opened the store near the MacArthur Center six years ago. She now offers e-bikes, scooters and one-wheels as well as rentals and tours of Norfolk.
The Best Look
Driven by talent and skill, Bunnie Indira founded The Best Look, LLC in 2017. To better serve her clients, she embarked on a journey to become a licensed esthetician, graduating from The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics in 2020.
Passionate about self-care and empowerment, Bunnie offers services, products, and events designed to help clients find balance in today’s fast-paced world. Her goal is to leave them feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to give their best.
Bunnie is a faith-driven, family-oriented woman who loves hosting uplifting events. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, practicing self-care, and creating meaningful family traditions. Her spa is located at 7938 Halprin Dr. in Norfolk.
A Little Something Boutique
At her boutique, A Little Something located in Ghent, Rhett Quattlebaum says, “I am eager to create a space where women can feel inspired to try new things and empowered through their clothing and gift choices.”
She is excited to showcase her favorite trendy accessories, unique gifts and fashion forward items that add flair and personality to any wardrobe and lifestyle.
She adds, “This venture isn’t just about fashion, its about enriching the local community, empowering women through style, and creating a destination that inspires and delights. I’m thrilled about this new chapter and can’t wait to welcome you to A Little Something Boutique.” It’s going to be a fantastic journey filled with style, community and exciting new finds.”
Catnip Cafe
Since 2017, Freeda Steele has operated this Colley Ave.-based cat cafe in Ghent. Catnip Cafe serves as a halfway home for shelter cats in need of socialization and as a springboard for adoption. The residents of the cafe come from two local rescue organizations – Billy the Kidden out of Virginia Beach and Feral Affairs Network in Norfolk. Steele says the rescue groups select the cats that live at Catnip Cafe based on their ability to be sociable and their age, which ranges from six months and up. Read the full feature here.
All Hands Pottery
Angela Tilley, a 26-year Navy veteran, found a love for pottery during a deployment in Iraq. Post-deployment, she started taking classes in Germany to learn the fine techniques of pottery as well as courses that gave her experience with porcelain and Raku (a technique involving heating pieces at 1,800 degrees F and then creating a reduction environment to achieve unexpected surface decoration on pottery).
After her time in Germany, she brought her new talent to Norfolk and opened All Hands Pottery Studio which offers classes for beginners and beyond. Tilley also offers an open studio for skilled pottery makers and students trying to perfect their practice. These classes make for the perfect team bonding activity or a great date night idea!
The Birch and Four Eleven York Inn and Restaurant
A Norfolkian female powerhouse, Malia Paasch owns and operates two fabulous establishments in the city. The Birch, her first business, quickly grew into one of the world’s best beer bars. It is an around-the-world beer, cider and mead bar that serves up decadent grilled cheeses.
Her second accomplishment, Four Eleven York Inn and Restaurant, is a boutique inn and fine dining restaurant nestled among the cobblestone streets of Freemason. We highly recommend a night stay in one of their beautifully decorated suites, a meal inside their palate-pleasing dining room or even just stopping by for a house-made cocktail on their outdoor, romantically-decorated patio.
Blanca Food + Wine
Courtney White, owner and chef, combines her love of Norfolk and food through the beautifully designed and executed Blanca Food + Wine in the heart of Riverview. Courtney started her love with food while cooking in college, and now she brings her talent and passion to our city. This convivial restaurant features a fun, old world focused wine list and thoughtful plates inspired by the rustic cooking of France, Spain and Italy.
Crystal Palate
The world of wine varieties can be intimidating, but Crystal Palate owner and certified sommelier Crystal Cameron-Schaad helps take the pressure off when choosing a wine for your next date night or dinner party. Her boutique wine store and wine education center is located in Norfolk’s charming East Beach. Walls covered in wine bottles from all over the world lure you in, and Crystal’s knowledge and friendly staff will be sure to spark a newfound passion for wine.
Eleanor’s Norfolk
Eleanor’s is your local intersectional feminist bookstore and bottle shop, combined in one welcoming space. The Ghent shop is aimed at amplifying traditionally underrepresented voices and encouraging those seeking to be a more active part of their community by offering opportunities for education and conversation.
Get Well Soon
Get Well Soon was founded by Virginia Thornton and Zahra Ahmad to cater to a need they saw in themselves and in their community. Both founders suffered anxiety and depression in silence due to major life events such as loss and relocation. After realizing that many of their friends and family experienced similar issues, both Virginia and Zahra made a commitment to creating a fun and welcoming environment for self care and healing. Get Well Soon offers a variety of services, classes, events, and more to help clients achieve healthier minds and bodies.
Lorak Jewelry
Anna Lorich Akers is the talented artist, designer and owner of Lorak featuring jewelry handcrafted in the heart of Norfolk. Each piece is visibly recognizable and inspired by Akers’ passion for textiles, ancient Greco Roman and Egyptian artifacts and the clean lines found in Scandinavian design. Akers is a true artisan and will help you find the perfect ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings to give extra sparkle for your special someone.
Maison Soleil
Lindsay Sims started Maison Soleil as a fair trade boutique aimed at bringing people together and empowering women. Here you’ll find ethical and sustainable fashion benefiting the women who created the pieces. You can also shop for home decor, coffee, candles, garden and plant accessories, books and journals, gifts, greeting cards and more.
Nine Twenty-Two
For 14 years, Becky Cohen found passion in designing floral arrangements and sharing her obsession with plants through a floral design studio and flower farm. Now, she’s able to combine her passion for plants with her love of beautifully crafted goods into one Norfolk-based lifestyle shop, Nine Twenty-Two. Here you’ll find gorgeous planters and accessories; home goods like serving platters, bowls and boards; a specialized line of wellness and beauty products, baby items and more. Plus, they offer workshops throughout the year aimed at adding inspiration to the places we live and love.
Pownd Cakes by Jen
What started as a stress-relieving hobby mainly enjoyed by family and friends has turned into a uniquely delicious bakery filled with perfected buttery and fluffy pound cakes. While owner and baker Jen Anglin’s classic pound cake is decadent and highly praised, her ambitious flavors will leave you pleasantly surprised. Here you’ll find out-of-the-box flavors like coconut, cinnamon, almond, cookies and cream and even sweet potato. These velvety, mouth-watering cakes are perfect for celebrations or simply to enjoy as a treat!
Pure Lagos
Having studied at both Howard and Stanford, Sia Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has traveled the world, training in herbology, nutrition and spiritual healing in locations like Capetown, Paris, and West Africa. Her fair trade boutique, Pure Lagos, features treasures she sources from her trips to Africa. Shoppers will find anything from brightly colored furniture and dresses to healing crystals and herbs. Read our 2024 profile of Pure Lagos owner Sia Alexander.
