International Women's Day 2023

March 8 is International Women’s Day, so we’re shining a spotlight on the women-owned businesses that bring interesting products, new ideas, and pure delight to MarketStreet on a daily basis.

Not sure which of your favorites are woman-owned? Here’s a list of the female-founded businesses that we’re beyond proud to have on property:

We asked our wonderful women leaders questions about being business owners, their role models, and what they love about our community. Read more below.

Meet Jamie at Sanctum Style

What is your favorite part of being a business owner?

I love owning my own business because we are part of and add color to the local landscape in the community. At Sanctum Style, we dress people so that they can look and feel good, but we also become part of our client’s lives. I’ve had the privilege of dressing my clientele for so many occasions over the years, and nothing brings me greater joy than to know something from our store has been woven into special moments and memories for the people who shop with us.

What advice would you give to someone trying to open their own business?

Most people are afraid to open a business because of fear and perfectionism. There is no perfect time in life to take the leap and you will not be perfect with everything you do and every decision that you make. You will mess up, you will make mistakes, you will make poor decisions. Once you accept that these things are normal and part of the process, you will understand that business ownership is a journey and you have to be down for the ride. We are a relatively young business at five years old and already I’ve been blown away with where my business has taken me. The beauty is, we’re just getting started.

Meet Jami at Hip Baby Gear

What is your favorite part of being a business owner?

Our customers, who are so much more, they are friends and family now. We truly gain so much joy in working with families and then seeing their little ones grow. This connection to our customers is at the core of all we do, anyone can sell you a stroller but that connection is what sets us apart. I also love the ladies who work along side us, without them none of this would be possible.

How do you support other women-owned businesses?

We seek out other women owned brands to carry in our store, hold events with and support on social. Women supporting women is SO important and what will launch us all forward. We are all stronger together, hands down.

Meet Maggie at Pink Parkway

What is your favorite part of being a business owner?

I like that every day brings something new. My favorite part of my job is working with a brand that has such amazing and vibrant stories to tell within their clothing. I enjoy playing a role in each aspect of being a small business retail owner; from first viewing the new prints and styles, then curating the perfect selection of product for each season, to finally displaying each new collection in our store. It is the most rewarding feeling to see a customer leave my store feeling confident and excited over their purchase!

Who is your role model?

My role model is my mom, Kathy. She has always inspired me to dream big and work hard to achieve that dream. Specifically, opening Pink Parkway and working with the Lilly Pulitzer brand has been full of nostalgic moments relating back to my childhood. Special moments and milestones were always shared with my mom by my side and the two of us wearing Lilly. She is one of the most fabulous women I have ever met and her optimistic outlook on life has given me the strength and courage to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Meet Kelly at Booty by Brabants

What’s your favorite book by a woman author?

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein

What is your favorite part of being a business owner?

My favorite part about being a business owner is the freedom I have and the ability to create whatever I want and control how it’s presented. My business is an extension of me, and I love that, I feel so empowered knowing that I can control my destiny and build a brand that is so authentic and natural to me. Booty by Brabants started as a passion project that continues to mature and evolve as I do, both personally and professionally. I’m the kind of person who strives to be at least 1% better every day, and my business helps me with that by pushing me out of my comfort zone and challenging me in every aspect of my life. It’s not easy by any means but I would not change a thing.

How do you support other women-owned businesses?

It has always been so important to me to support other women-owned businesses and a huge goal of mine as I grow my platform is to showcase the women in my community. Currently I am showcasing two amazing fitness instructors on my workout app and also working on content with a new woman-owned social media company. As a 33 year old entrepreneur, I crave these interactions and helping people through my experiences. It also helps that I know what it feels like to have a business as a woman, and even though I am nine years in, I still have the same humbleness as I did when I first started at 23 years old so I can relate to and empathize with female founders. I always say, you have to believe in yourself first and be your own cheerleader, however, everyone needs a “hype woman” and someone to build them up and promote them. I more than anyone understand the value it brings because I personally have had so many amazing women support me over the years and spread my brand message. When I meet someone who I can see parts of myself in, it truly is in my nature to want to support them, guide them as best as I can, and see them be as successful as possible. As women, we really are so much stronger together.

Meet Amy at Style Snoop

How do you support other women-owned businesses?

My family and I shop small local businesses as often as possible. There are so fabulous restaurants and shops in our area, this it’s easy and fun to support them!

What advice would you give to someone trying to open their own business?

Hang in there and don’t give up too easily. It takes time and hard work to build up your team and your customers But once you get there it’s so worth it!

Meet Lisa at Solstice Power Yoga

What is your favorite part of being a business owner?

I love creating space for our community to come together to be stronger, healthier and happier! I also like the flexibility I have as a business owner so I can be available for my family.

What’s your favorite thing about the MarketStreet community?

I love how so many of the businesses at MarketStreet support healthy and active lifestyles. I also love how the MarketStreet community all works together to support their neighbors with different events that combine MarketStreet businesses and cross promotions.