by: Alyssa Lee, DHI Communications Coordinator
Do you enjoy grabbing coffee at Honest Coffee Roasters? Shopping the latest trends at Elitaire or Roosevelt & Co.? Have you grabbed a bite to eat from Big Oh’s recently? Well, you can thank the women business owners of Downtown Huntsville for all of that! Downtown Huntsville has an outstanding amount of women-owned businesses just within the Downtown Core alone, and without these strong women in our community, some of your favorite businesses would not be here today.
Recently, Mayor Tommy Battle declared March 30th women-owned business day in Huntsville and we want to celebrate these women not only today but every day. Learn more about some of these great ladies of Downtown Huntsville below.
Megan Powe- May Mays
Why did you decide to open your business? Downtown Huntsville was ready to go to the next level and there were no children’s stores. I wanted May May’s to not just be a place to shop but also a place to commune and a fun destination for children.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? I honestly haven’t had any struggles due to being a woman. Huntsville has been extremely supportive and encouraging even in the face of a pandemic.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? I love getting to meet everyone walking around town and also the support and love of all of the downtown business owners too! It’s a strong community.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Follow your dreams and dream big! Always encourage each other!
Ericka Edwards- Lash Belle
Why did you decide to open your business? I opened Lash Belle to play an intricate role in making women feel beautiful and confident in themselves.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? One thing I constantly struggle with, is how difficult it is to be a mom and entrepreneur. You want to be there for every moment of your child’s life but you also want to give your business every ounce of your energy to feel fulfilled. It’s a constant struggle with work/life balance.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? I love being centrally located and the safety of being in a prime location.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? My advice to young women in 2021 is to be bold.
Rossina Boyer- Matices de Colores Arts
Why did you decide to open your business? While raising my 1 year old and staying at home, I started to feel eager to create new art. I started this adventure with the possibility of being a business and I was happy to quickly notice that this was my passion. I love being able to create and to bring happiness to people’s home.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? I started this dream a little before Quarantine, so it was difficult to promote my art pieces. Having a toddler and staying at home gave me only few hours a day to work. I had to be very organized with my time to be productive, but I made it work!
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? I live Downtown and I love to be able to walk to my studio and work. Being part of Clinton Row shops has given me the opportunity to be part of events such as Sidewalk Sales and the Art Walk which has helped tremendously to my business.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Embrace yourself, give yourself a chance and follow your dreams! Don’t wait any longer, 2021 is the year to flourish and let the world know the hidden talent inside of you!
Christy Graves- Honest Coffee Roasters
Why did you decide to open your business? I love the personal interactions you are able to have in a small business, and I wanted to be able to offer a place for people in the community to come together.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? When my daughters were younger, balancing the constant attention running a business demands and time with my family always had to be my focus or the most important things in my life would not have gotten the “me” they deserve.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? Definitely the vibe and atmosphere. Downtown Huntsville is exploding with energy and watching other businesses open and be successful is very exciting.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? I would encourage young women to have confidence in themselves, to go after their dreams, have a mentor they trust, and conduct themselves in business with a straightforward and honest approach. Owning my business continues to be rewarding and fulfilling in my life, and I would encourage any young lady with an entrepreneurial spirit, to go for it!
Angela Panzica- Stella’s Elixir Lounge
Why did you decide to open your business? In a city known for its science and engineering, I wanted to be a part of a growing food and art culture in Huntsville. I felt I could elevate the entertainment and nightlife while providing a little different atmosphere in Huntsville. Stella's should be a place where everyone feels welcome - posh but not pretentious!
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? Stella's was built from my imagination, but my partner was instrumental in helping my business plan grow legs. As we met with key players who would implement my vision, my male partner and I wanted to be sure the message was clear who was the decision-maker. It seemed innate for people in initial meetings to address him or shake his hand first, but he was aware of these challenges and deferred to me to lead. As we continued, people started recognizing me as the person in charge and stopped looking to him. Even though Huntsville is relatively progressive, there are some antiquated mindsets that can present a challenge, but I'm learning how to navigate them effectively.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? I love being part of a culture that is on the verge of its Renaissance. I feel Stella's Elixir Lounge is giving people a "bigger city" feel even though it is a small, local, woman-owned business. Downtown Huntsville is an extremely welcoming and supportive community.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Don't be afraid to bend the cultural norms. I have had so many people try to pressure me into something they wanted me to do even if it was against my best judgment. I have been told, "they won't like you if you do it that way." These are really baseless comments and hold no bearing on why you should not instill change. Stay strong to your authentic self. Other successful people will take notice and lift you up!
Meggan Crunkleton- Roosevelt & Co.
Why did you decide to open your business? Quite simply, we saw a need in our community for a men's specialty store. So many men were having to drive out of town in search of unique quality clothing. We also wanted to help spur the growth of retail in downtown Huntsville. Back in 2016 when we opened, there was not much retail to speak of, but we felt strongly about being apart of revitalization efforts to change that.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? As a female in a male dominated industry, it can be challenging at times. I think at first a lot of our vendors didn't really take me seriously as a female opening a men's specialty store, but now almost five years later, I think our track record speaks for itself. Sometimes it just takes time to prove yourself!
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? Downtown has so much energy right now. We love all our neighbors and feel there truly is a sense of community.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Be true to yourself. Know that you can do anything you set your mind to, and if things aren't easy along the way, that's okay. Just don't let the challenges get in your way.
Frida Morel- Silhouette
Why did you decide to open your business? I wanted the freedom of being in control of my own life and hopefully be an influence to other women thinking of making that same leap. I needed to do something that makes me happy and owning my own business does just that.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? Luckily part of being my own boss, I haven't had to deal with too many obstacles. Instead I hope to use my position to empower other woman and give voice to female owned companies and brands.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? What's not to like! The diversity of Huntsville is exciting. I love being part of a growing city. The kindness and support of the locals are in abundance. Their enthusiasm is vital to all of us small businesses in Downtown Huntsville. It's a great city!
What is your advice to young women in 2021? It is ok to take risks. If it is your dream to change your life, then work hard, be kind, be proud, be generous and humble. You have to realize your self worth and be confident to succeed.
Jeannie Gibson- Creative State
Why did you decide to open your business? My business partner and I had been selling at local art shows and wanted to have a storefront as an additional revenue stream, especially during the show off-season. We saw a need for locally handcrafted items from area artists and began adding their items to our shop. We now represent over a dozen different artists and makers from north Alabama.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? To be honest, we haven’t experienced anything that was linked to being women. I do woodworking, and have occasionally been asked “who makes these for you?” I use it as an opportunity to let them know how many women have taken up power tools and know how to use them!
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? We love the “vibe” of downtown Huntsville and how they’ve planned, and are developing the area. When we first contemplated opening a shop, we attended a public redevelopment meeting and came away super-excited about the potential to tap into local and out-of-town shoppers that would be attracted to downtown as a destination to eat, play, and shop.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? If you’re starting a business, be prepared for it to take two years minimum to get established and profitable. If you’re already in business, make perseverance your mantra. Try new ways to do things, and don’t be shy to ask for help from your fellow downtown merchants.
Ashli Ingram and Michaela Maxey- AM Collective
Why did you decide to open your business? We grew up together but drifted apart over the years. When life brought us back together, we realized we had very similar interests, had both just quit careers, and were looking for something new.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? I feel like as women we are sometimes not taken seriously, especially as small business owners of a very small retail store. Our industry is sometimes viewed as frivolous and unimportant - more of a hobby than a career or an essential part of the local economy and culture.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? We love the people! Downtown is growing and home to a diverse crowd from all walks of life and we get to meet new people every day.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Just do it! It sounds corny, but if you have a dream then go for it. A few years ago we would have never imagined we would own our own shop, but we took a leap of faith and it was worth every challenge that has come our way. Life is too short to be stuck doing something you don't love to do every day.
Kayla Adams- Elitaire Boutique
Why did you decide to open your business? Opening Elitaire has been a lifelong dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I think I’ve had the name since I was 18! Elitaire is French for “Elite” and all the clothing and shoe brands carried in our store can’t be found anywhere else in Huntsville. When we saw Downtown Huntsville being revitalized in 2016, we knew this would be the perfect spot for us!
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? While there are many, being taken seriously has been the biggest struggle. Now it doesn’t happen quite as much, but the first few years were so hard!
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? The community! Every business downtown is so supportive of one another and we really cheer on each other. There are also so many other women-owned business owners downtown and that’s so exciting to me. It truly is such an amazing community to be apart of!
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Coco Chanel said it best “If you want to be original, be ready to be copied.” Stay true to who you are and that will always shine through in the end!
Yeon Arnold- Big Oh’s
Why did you decide to open your business? Our family was always big on food and especially my dad. He loved to cook for people and that is his way to show affection and care for loved ones. While growing up and watching him, I wanted to open a restaurant that shared my family’s recipes with my own twist on Korean fusion. And we have been here over 5 years now! It makes me happy to see people who love our food and became regulars!
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? It is hard to believe but just simply being a woman, I found that there are still many people who don’t take me serious because I am a woman business owner. I feel like I have to work harder to prove to them I am capable of doing the same things as a man or better.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? What is not to like about it? I love the people, environment, and all the support from downtown. I also love all the different events and creativity that bring people around.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Work hard always, even if it is a small job or something temporary. It always goes a long way and building a good character from day one.
Nancy Micaela Guerrero Finnegan- Nancy Finnegan MUA
Why did you decide to open your business? I was newly divorced and needed to have a flexible job because a few of my kids have a rare life threatening disease. They needed medical attention at random times, plus to be more available for all 3. I had been working as a makeup artist at the mall, the hours were horrible and demanding . I didn't want to be a sales makeup artist and be pushed to sell items more than my craft.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? My career has not caused any issues as a woman. I'm fortune that it's very woman friendly.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? The ambiance. My work neighbors. Lots of places to go after work and to suggest my clients go. The location is the best!!
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Be your best you and be confidently flawed. We are not designed to be perfect. Get to know people of all walks of life and believe actions over words .
Ruth Astryd Roy - Sassyfrazz Boutique
Why did you decide to open your business? I am part of Fashion 4 development and global creative initiatives to empower women, fight child trafficking and prostitution in third world countries through arts and crafts and business skills. I specialize in exclusive one of a kind handmade jewelry and wanted to explore the possibilities in Huntsville.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman? Not much, I am surrounded by businesswomen from all walks of life.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville? The serenity and affluence of the area.
What is your advice to young women in 2021? Go for your dreams, no one else can make them a reality for you!
Suzanne Ramsden- Maverick Training Center
Why did you decide to open your business?
I wanted to share the Martial Arts that I was learning in a different way.
What struggles have you had to overcome running a business as a woman?
I'm in a completely male industry. I'm in the Combat Athletics or fight industry. Most women do not teach men Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and/or Muay Thai. People used to come watch me to see if I knew what I was doing. At tournaments, when my students won, the opponent's coach wouldn't shake my hand or come to the podium because they were embarrassed to lose to a female coach. Some guys would ask where's the man? haha. I drove 7 hours per day, 2 days per week for my Jiu-JItsu training from one of the first Jiu-Jitsu World Champions. It took a long time to be taken seriously, but now I have the respect.
What do you like the most about having your business in Downtown Huntsville?
I think being in Downtown Huntsville we are in the center of everything! The energy and visibility is amazing!
What is your advice to young women in 2021?
Do your thing, take chances. There are no rules. Change is good.
So, next time you are strolling through the Clinton Row Shops or grabbing a cocktail at Stella’s, remember how much hard work has gone into making these businesses what they are. Support our local women-owned businesses by shopping and dining local in Downtown Huntsville.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”- Michelle Obama