20 amazing women-owned businesses in NYC

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A post shared by TALEA Beer Co. (@taleabeer)

Be the change you wish to see in the world should be the slogan for Talea Beer Co., founded by LeAnn Darland and Tara Hankinson. As avid beer lovers, the pair felt the male-dominated beer industry seldom considered that women drink beer, too, so they opened their first taproom in Williamsburg in March 2021. Since then, they have expanded to locations in Cobble Hill, West Village, and Bryant Park. Talea Beer Co. serves up refreshing, fruit-forward beer, cocktails, wine, and snacks. You’ll want to keep an eye on its Instagram for new beer releases, pop-ups and giveaways

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A post shared by Earth & Me (@earthandme.nyc)

Kayli Kunkel opened Earth & Me on Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens when she lost her job and harped on the opportunity to offer a place where people could shop from sustainable brands to help reduce waste and live more thoughtfully. Earth & Me buys from small-batch makers which means lower prices, less packaging, and smaller overhead. Kunkel says she hopes to educate people on a zero-waste lifestyle because she believes that is “what it takes to make a change in environmental norms and policy—sustained grassroots pressure.” Now, she’s running a new co-working and event space on 31st Street called Our House.

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A post shared by Strand Book Store, NYC (@strandbookstore)

The iconic bookstore that boasts 18 miles of books and a mammoth collection of more than 2 million discount volumes is actually owned by a woman, Nancy Bass Wyden. She is among the third generation of Bass’ to run the store and inherited it from her father. If you spend enough time here you can find just about anything, from that out-of-print Victorian book on manners to the kitschiest of sci-fi pulp.

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A post shared by Fishs Eddy (@fishseddynyc)

Fishs Eddy the eccentric and eclectic dishware store was co-founded by Julie Gaines in 1986 as a small shop selling plates rescued from restaurant suppliers. Gaines has led design collaborations with NYC artists big and small and often uses the storefront’s windows to display progressive and feminist support messages. Walking into this Flatiron spot feels as if you’ve just stumbled upon the best stall at the flea market. Worn-wood shelves support stack upon stack of assorted rainbow-colored dishes, mismatched vintage china, toile teapots and other kitschy kitchenware. The amazingly cheap price tags make it worth battling the often-pressing crowds to stock up on assorted flatware and glassware, including oversize stemless martini glasses, elegant champagne flutes and Italian-style painted wine glasses.

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A post shared by THE WELL (@thewell)

Co-founded by CEO Rebecca Parekh, THE WELL is a holistic medical wellness center that combines fitness, nutrition, beauty, and mental wellness, all under one roof. This 13,000-square-foot space offers a holistic approach to health. It has a full-service spa with steam, sauna and relaxation areas, a robust medical practice, organic restaurant and foot rub lounge, three yoga, fitness and meditation studios and a library with innovative weekly programming. It’s a one-stop shop for wellness.

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A post shared by Trintage (@trintage)

What do you get when you mix a little trendy and a little vintage? You get Harlem thrift shop, Trintage, of course. Each vintage piece in the store is strictly international, all curated and hand-selected by Byrd, the celebrity stylist and respective owner. She wanted to create a shop for every type of woman in all sizes, whether they wanted a party outfit, a trendy piece, or one-of-a-kind vintage garb. One look through Trintage’s racks will prove she has done just that.

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A post shared by The Good Good (@thegoodgoodnyc)

Looking for a sip and a bite in East Harlem? Look no further than The Good Good, a laid-back cocktail bar and casual eatery run by Lesly Bernard and sisters Justine and Juliet Masters. This trio has created a communal space ideal for a fun night out with your best gal pals, along with one of the best daiquiris in all five boroughs (the “Good Good Daiquiri”). While the menu does offer carnivorous options, veggie-forward bites like jerk mushrooms and roasted yams with a honey peri peri drizzle are what really shine. 

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A post shared by Brigadeiro Bakery - Brazilian Desserts & Coffee (@brigadeironyc)

You don’t need to board a flight to Rio de Janeiro to try a brigadeiro, the addictive sweet treats of Brazil, but instead, can head right to Brigadeiro Bakery in the West Village. Run by Brazil native and culinary graduate Mariana Vieira, these little dessert balls made with condensed milk, sugar, and butter come in a wide variety of flavors, from classic chocolate to pistachio to a rotating flavor of the month. In the colder months, try their brigadeiro hot chocolate with a thick rim of frosting-like chocolate covered in sprinkles.

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A post shared by Don Antonio Pizza & Cocktails (@donantonionewyork)

Dollar slice, wood-fired pie, grandma slice; New York has seen it all when it comes to pizza. But have you ever had pizza fritta? Translating to “fried pizza,” this Naples specialty is being perfected at Don Antonio, run by Italian native Giorgia Caporuscio. Not only is Giorgia one of the few female pizza makers in New York City, but one of the few in the country. “When I started this career 13 years ago, I’d often be the only woman in the kitchen or at events,” shares Giorgia. She has certainly broken the mold and helped pave the way for future pizzaiola; Don Antonio placed 37th best pizzeria in the country in 2023 by 50 Top Pizza.

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A post shared by Yulisa (@thelovelyou)

Shaping brows was always just a hobby for Yulisa Guzman, but after getting licensed and training with celebrity brow artist Kelley Baker, it took a higher form. Not only does she make “brow goals” a reality in the Bronx, but she creates a nourishing Browmergency oil to accompany her artistry, alluring clients from all across the city to experience how “lovely” their brows can truly be.

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A post shared by Flatbush Granola (@flatbushgranola)

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but no one knows that better than Tracy Soloman—the self-proclaimed Chief Snacking Officer and granola guru who creates gourmet, gluten-free blends full of nuts, fruits and spices. These aren’t just your plain ol’ oats. For those who crave comforting autumnal vibes, she’s got Fall Back, a mapley mix reminiscent of your favorite season. Or if you want a kick, try Say Olé, a nutty concoction with Mexican spices.

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A post shared by Camille @ The Wheel (@camilleatthewheel)

With each earth-toned vessel carved and textured by hand, when you’re buying pottery from Camille Beckles, you know you’re getting something one of a kind. Every single one of her “perfectly imperfect” pieces, even if appearing similar at first glance, vary by size, color, and texture, giving each pot unique charm and character.

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A post shared by sundays studio (@sundays_studio)

Sundays’ owner Amy Ling Lin wants nail care to be self-care. Booking an appointment in one of her spaces gets you away from the hustle and into a tranquil state of mind. You even have the option to listen to a guided meditation during your service. Not only is the Sundays experience gentle on your mind; it’s gentle on your nails, too. Their cruelty-free line of products — including their signature polish and soy polish remover — are all non-toxic.

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A post shared by In.di.a Yas.mein 💥 (@stitchdbyindia)

While studying abroad in London at the University of Westminster, India Yasemin knitted a scarf for the first time, and has been hooked ever since. Now, Yasmein sells her fashionable creations, from colorful cardigans to beach cover-ups to beanies to scarves. Don’t see a design that speaks to you? Customize a design for a made-to-order product.

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A post shared by Lips Cafe (@lipscafe__)

Run by Donna Weeks and her son, Jamane Weeks, Lips Cafe is nestled in the heart of Flatbush’s Little Caribbean. The cafe is serving Caribbean dishes like bake and saltfish, jerk chicken wraps, and rasta pasta with sweet chili shrimp. They also have a variety of espresso drinks, tea drinks, and fresh juices, like blue matcha sorrel ginger lemonade. 

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A post shared by Chase (@chase)

At Gone To The Dogs, Jennifer Wong and Santos Agustin are looking to make change — not just for your dogs, but for the planet. Sourcing their products from recycled, reclaimed or renewable materials, the owners also put NYC to work, working with Custom Collaborative marginalized craftswomen the opportunity for a fair wage. Put your pooch in a turtleneck, or treat him with a shumai dumpling toy — a portion of all proceeds go toward animal shelters.

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A post shared by Luana’s Tavern (@luanastavern)

New kid on the block, Luana’s Tavern, debuted in May 2023 and is already making waves for its highly above-par pub food. Run by Alana Kolashi Miron and hubby Enrique Miron, Luana’s Tavern, located in Carroll Gardens, is named after the couple’s first-born daughter, Luana. There’s an outdoor area ideal for the warmer months ahead that’s perfect for families, where kids can congregate in the designated kids play area. But even for childfree folks, Luana’s Tavern makes for a great date night, where quality cocktails stay flowing, and bites like duck confit wings and rigatoni bolognese are guaranteed to keep your appetite satiated. 

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A post shared by Rockaway Tiki Bar - Arverne (@rockawaytikibar)

Who doesn’t love a good frozen cocktail near the beach? Despite the Rockaways being a long-time local favorite for summer day trips, the area only just got a proper tiki bar in 2021, one that happens to be year-round. Opened by Amy Tichenor, Rockaway Tiki Bar is decked to the max with quirky island-inspired decor, and offers fun and fruity cocktails and unctuous beach bites, like tuna poke bowls and peanut tamari tofu bao buns.

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A post shared by M. Wells (@mwellshq)

This Québécois bistro, owned by Sarah Obraitis, is a true hidden gem in Long Island City, Queens. Tucked away in what appears to be an old garage, the space has been transformed into a chic eatery that’s elevated without feeling pretentious. Expect to see humble dishes like poutine and French onion soup, but also innovative plates like mortadella mille-feuille and Montreal smoked meat ravioli.

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A post shared by BIXI (@bixiharlem)

Is it just us or is existing generally too expensive these days? Luckily, even as prices continue to increase throughout the city, there’s still a safe haven at BIXI, a Harlem cocktail bar owned by Susannah Koteen. Their happy hour offers cocktails priced at $12, mouthwatering tacos with fillings like pork belly and brussels sprouts for $4, and small plates ranging from $5-$10. With prices so affordable without a single sacrifice on taste and quality, it’s no wonder that this place remains a neighborhood favorite.