Local, women-owned businesses to support in honor of International Women’s Day 2022

The month of March is Women’s History Month and on March 8th we commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women for International Women’s Day! This month is the perfect time to celebrate and honor strong, passionate women worldwide.

One of the best ways you can lift up women this month (and year round!) is by supporting women-owned businesses in your community. The benefits are multifold: by shopping at local, women-owned businesses, you are investing in women's economic empowerment, the improvement of gender equality in commerce, and the growth and vibrancy of the local economy.

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of supporting local, women-owned businesses, plus a list of our favorite local businesses! 

Why is it important to support local and women-owned businesses?  

Supporting women-owned businesses is an incredibly important and relatively simple way to support our community. Women who start their own businesses typically do so to follow their passions, gain better work-life balance, and support themselves financially. Women are making strides in transforming local economies, but they can only do it with your support!

Supporting women entrepreneurs, especially women of color and women from under-served communities, is especially important for mitigating systemic race and gender inequalities that continue to impact women and their livelihood. 

Buying from women-owned businesses means investing in women’s economic empowerment, gender parity, local economic growth, and so much more. Women-owned businesses represent a big portion of our economy, too. As of December 2020, there were nearly 13 million women-owned businesses across the U.S and these businesses grow, on average, two times faster than average. Women have felt confident starting their own businesses, too: one report found that over the past two decades, the number of women entrepreneurs has increased by 114%.

Our favorite women-owned businesses to support

1. Bessie Blue (Belmont)

Bessie Blue, located on Leonard Street in Belmont, is the perfect spot to refresh your wardrobe. Lee Gaston started Bessie Blue back in 2007 to help women find their everyday pieces and their go-to pieces for a nice evening out. Gaston focuses on quality, timeless pieces that complement any wardrobe. 

This local boutique carries trendy, high-quality fashion pieces and accessories that will quickly become your go-to pieces. There are so many hip, high fashion boutiques out there - but Gaston has made it her mission to build Bessie Blue all around real women and real bodies with busy lives.

Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

2. Helena's (Belmont)

Helena’s has two locations, one in Arlington and one in Belmont. Like Bessie Blue, Helena’s is a wonderful boutique focusing on women’s fashion. The boutique, which has been open since 2005, curates clothes, accessories, and gifts that are all about bold print and color. Women can find new pieces for everyday wear. The best part? Helena’s gets new pieces every week. 

But it’s not just about fashion: Helena’s aims to bring together the community and always welcome everyone with a friendly smile and offer advice. The owner, Katherine Venzke, is a former television producer who left the media industry to have a family. She started Helena’s when she found a distinct lack of people catering to her needs. “While looking for great chic separates that I could wear everyday and everywhere, I immediately noticed a lack of boutiques catering to my demographic,” she says. 

Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

3. Belmont Flower Shop (Belmont)

It’s always the perfect day to pick up some flowers for your loved ones! Belmont Flower Shop, located in the heart of Belmont, is a woman-owned flower shop that provides a welcoming atmosphere for their customers. Their flower arrangements are fresh, beautiful, and delicately styled. 

Check them out on Instagram.

4. Derby Flower (Arlington)

Derby Farm Flowers has been serving the community since 1999! This community staple offers an eclectic array of garden-inspired home goods, contemporary and vintage planters, ornaments, gifts, and so much more. 

Owners Sonia Lackey and Lucinda Chrislip are both Arlington locals who bought the store in 2019. These two ladies have helped take the place to the next level with their amazing displays and fabulous flowers. Their staff includes designers, stylists, gardeners, and more, and they will absolutely help you find the calm oasis you search for. 

Check them out on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

5. Maxima Gift Center (Arlington)

Looking for your next great read? Head down to Maxima Gift Center in Arlington to find the best hand-curated books. This cheerful gift shop features modern, handmade gifts in addition to books, plus toys, cards, and more from both local and national designers. It’s the perfect place to pick out that unique gift for a loved one, or simply your next beach read. 

Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

6. Craft Beer Cellar

The Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont is all about the best local beer, and they’ll help you find the best beer they can get their hands on. The store, which was first opened a decade ago, is run by beer geeks who have spent years hunting down the tastiest, best brewed beers in the US. They don’t carry macro-brewed beer, wine, cider, sake or liquor, but they do carry the best craft beer in the city. Craft Beer Cellar will also help you carry the beer out to your car and ask about your day! 

Check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Let’s Celebrate Women!

These are just a few of our favorite women-owned businesses in the area, but there are so many amazing businesses around Boston that need your support. Don’t be afraid to take a walk on International Women’s Day and explore your neighborhood - your local businesses will thank you!