In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, we’re sharing some of the amazing women-owned businesses in Downtown Worcester. From restaurants to shops to services, there are lots of great options to show your support for small businesses that are owned by women in Worcester all year long.
Dine at Women-Owned Restaurants
Chef/owner Natalie Rodriguez serves authentic Puerto Rican dishes at Nuestra, located in the historic Bull Mansion on Pearl Street. Stop by for their popular Sunday Brunch or on “Wepa Wing Wednesdays” for bottomless chicken wings in flavors like guava bbq, lemon pepper passionfruit, and boriqua buffalo. At A Taste of Monrovia, owner Niomi Kpou brings Liberian food to Pleasant Street. The menu includes dishes like FuFu pepper soup with benesi and okra, fried croaker fish with a side of pepper sauce, and more. Soon you can also visit Doho Café in the Midtown Mall for gourmet doughnuts, doughnut burgers, doughnut breakfast sandwiches, and more. Owner Hayleigh Noél started her journey as an entrepreneur by opening Doughnut Homies at the Worcester Public Market. Now she is expanding with this new specialty doughnut shop — follow @doho.cafe on Instagram for updates.
Shop Small at Women-Owned Stores
Downtown Worcester is home to women-owned stores where you can “shop small.” A great place to start is Worcester Wares. Owner Jessica Walsh offers original Worcester souvenirs and local gifts that highlight the beauty of the city, from Worcester t-shirts and mugs to stickers, totes and more. Walsh also collaborates with many local artists to create one-of-a-kind designs for the shop’s merchandise. If high-end and sustainable fashion are your style, owner Amanda Jane Setaro has a curated selection for you at Sweet Jane’s Designer Consignment on Main Street. The designer resale shop has an always-rotating selection of women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and other accessories from designers like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel. Jimmy Choo, Dior, and Prada, and popular brands Free People, Ugg, and Lululemon.
Self-Care at Women-Owned Businesses
Did you know some of the best spots in Worcester for facials, massages, and manicures are right downtown? Make an appointment at KuteKellz Glitter Box on Portland Street and leave with picture perfect nails. Each custom manicure is a work of art, created by owner Rakel Wilson. You can also treat yourself to an appointment at Lush Studio, located on Southbridge Street right near The Hanover Theatre. Owner Susan Rivas and her team offer lashes, brows, facials, waxing, Botox, and IV infusions. Or, book a spa day with massages, facials, and other restorative treatments at Seagrass Therapies, co-owned by Carol Parker-Schutt.
Get Inked at a Woman-Owned Tattoo Shop
Forbidden Imprint is a women–ownan tattoo shop located on Main Street. Owner Miranda Clark’s goal is to make all customers feel safe and welcome from the moment they walk in. Their tattoo artists can create custom tattoo designs including watercolor tattoos, UV light tattoos, color tattoos, and black and white tattoos. If you’re looking to refresh an old tattoo regret, they‘re also experienced at tattoo cover ups. Walk-ins are welcome for appointments or consultations, and you can also always schedule an appointment in advance.
