I’ve partnered with Ohio. Find it Here. to share this list of women-owned businesses in Cleveland. All pictures and opinions are my own unless noted otherwise.
Supporting women-owned businesses, especially in my home state, is very important to me. As a mom of three girls, I always want them to know that they can do anything they want. One way to show them is by supporting our wonderful women-owned businesses.
In honor of Women’s Equality Day (August 26th) and 2020 marking the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote – my sister, The Beard and The Baker, and I headed to Cleveland for an overnight trip to explore all things women-owned. While we only spent 24 hours in Cleveland, we were able to visit a number of spots. We ate delicious donuts, dined outside while eating the best sandwich I’ve ever had, shopped at a store that screamed women empowerment, learned all the amazing women leading the way in air & space, and more.
Eat
Big Mouth Donut Company
Big Mouth Donut Company, owned by Kelly Brewer, is an artisinal Cleveland donut shop serving up handcrafted donuts from the best ingredients in Cleveland. Their donuts are light, flavorful, and unique in flavor. You’ll find classics such as cinnamon and sugar, cinnamon rolls, and glazed – but, also flavors such as lemon lavender, Georgia peach, chocolate macadamia roasted coconut, and blood orange strawberry. You can tell they are passionate about their craft and work hard to give us the best donut they can.
The details throughout the shop are gorgeous.
Address: 19265 Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116
1418 West 29th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Luna Bakery
Luna Bakery, owned by Bridget Thibeault, is a specialty bakery and eatery located in the historic Cleveland Heights. All items in the bakery and café are made fresh daily, using the best quality ingredients. The menu is made up of delicious baked goods and light fare, including crepes and paninis. The atmosphere is cozy, relaxed, and inviting. The patio was absolutely dreamy for fall weather.
How adorable are these cookies? They almost didn’t make it home to the girls as they were tempting me the entire drive home.
While avocado toast may be simple, it was quite satisfying and the perfect way to start the day. The avocado was fresh and paired perfectly with the out of the oven crunch the bread had and the squirt of lemon juice.
Address:
Luna Bakery & Cafe – Moreland Hills
34105 Chagrin Blvd, Moreland Hills, OH 44022
Luna Bakery & Cafe – Cleveland Heights
2482 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Website | Facebook | Instagram
BrewNuts
BrewNuts, started by Shelley and John Pippin, is a small batch, craft beer based donut company. It was created out of the idea of, “Why not mix the three things that they loved the most: Cleveland, beer and donuts?” Clevelander’s absolutely love Brewnuts and you can tell by the line that wraps around their gorgeous and lively art-filled brick-and-mortar. Do not fret, as they have markings on the ground outside to make sure we all stay socially distant.
These aren’t your typical donuts. They’re HUGE, made by hand without any premade mixes or shortcuts and most importantly – they include the most innovative craft brews they can find. While they do have a few house donuts, their menu is seasonal and rotates often. They also offer Phoenix Coffee, carefully selected local brews and a few other refreshing drinks.
This visit, I was able to score a few donuts inspired by my favorite childhood treats – the nutter butter and oatmeal pie.
Address: 6501 Detroit Ave Cleveland OH 44102
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Flying Fig
Founded by Owner and Executive Chef, Karen Small, The Flying Fig is located in the historic neighborhood of Ohio City. They offer delicious locally-sourced meals for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Inside, you’ll find they are attached to a small neighborhood pantry next door called Market at the Fig. The Market offers artisan sandwiches, fresh breads, and local products like cheeses, cured meats, fresh eggs, and a well-curated retail wine selection.
When you dine at the Flying Fig, you feel such a sense of community. The service was friendly, the atmosphere was inviting and the food was seasonal and fulfilling. It felt as if we were dining at a good friend’s home.
The City of Cleveland has done an incredible job implementing COVID-19 safety procedures. We sat outside in what looks like an extended patio to their normal patio. The tables were more than six feet apart, employees were wearing masks and they even offered a bag filled with sanitizer and a mask.
Flying Fig gave us one of the best meals I’ve had in quite some time. I started with the Jalapeño Bizzness. A full adventure of flavor in each sip. The jalapeño infused el jimador tequila gave your tastebuds a tiny jolt of spiciness, but it was quickly met with the freshness of carrot ginger syrup and lime. The perfect combination.
As for the food, I am not sure I would change a thing. The fries were fresh, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. The BLP was nothing short of seasonal creativity and left me both satisfied and full, yet looking for another bite because I just didn’t want it to end. Deejays bacon and Rittman farm peaches are stacked with lettuce, smoky blue cheese, and basil aioli in between a toasted caramelized onion focaccia. Flavors. Textures. Everything. Just wonderful.
Address: 2523 Market Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Michelle’s Bakery
Located in the historic West Side Market, Michelle’s Bakery sells a wide variety of breads, rolls, pretzels, pies, cupcakes, macaroons, and more. I think she has such a fun story. Michelle started working at the West Side Market in 1980 and instantly fell in love. However, she didn’t always work in a baking atmosphere. She got her start at the meat stands but discovered her true passion is baking. As soon as the opportunity came available, she took it and started Michelle’s Bakery.
I hear her delicious rolls sell out quickly so you need to get there early. I was lucky enough to snag a few and I can see why – DELICIOUS!
Address: 1979 W 25th St # C10, Cleveland, OH 44113
Website | Facebook
Future Women-Owned Spots I want to Visit:
Salt + | Lucky’s Cafe | Cle Urban Winery
Luxe Kitchen & Lounge | Toast
Shop
Océanne
Océanne is a stunning modern, yet timeless jewelry, apparel, and home brand. It was created by French designer Anne Harrill, who was inspired by her journey across the ocean from France to the United States to name her store Océanne. Her store is beautifully curated. You can almost feel her journey and passion come alive as you walk in the door. Throughout the store, you’re met with gorgeous, affordable, minimalist jewelry that is designed by an all-female team of artisans, a lovely dry flower bar, artwork that screams women empowerment, minimalist apparel that sends a message and so much more.
Address: 6519 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
Website | Facebook | Instagram
One World Shop
We stumbled upon One World Shop while grabbing coffee at Erie Island Coffee. As soon as we walked in, we knew we found something special. The store is instantly inviting by the decor and the atmosphere, but also by the women who work there. We struck up a conversation with the lady behind the counter, who was more than happy to tell us their story – even grabbing a member of their leadership board from the back to further the story.
One World Shop is Cleveland’s oldest and only nonprofit fair trade storefront supporting artisans in over 50+ developing countries through 40+ fair trade vendor partnerships. While they’re not technically owned by anybody, the company was started back in the 70s by three women and their membership board (and employees) are all women.
Inside the shop, you will find a huge assortment of items – from baskets to coffee to ornaments to clothes. They have it all. In each section, you will find more information about the maker and how they are being supported by your purchase. Overall, it was just a feel-good visit!
Address: 19321 Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Future Women-Owned Shops I want to Visit:
Fount | Luster Gifts | Blush Boutique
Blackbird Fly Boutique | Groove Boutique
Explore
International Women Air & Space Museum
The International Women Air & Space Museum tells the incredible story of women in aviation and aeronautic. From Katharine Wright to Amelia Earhart to Valentina Tereshkova, they have their inspiring stories displayed throughout the terminal of Burke Lakefront Airport.
They have artifacts for over 6,000 women in the aviation and aerospace fields. It was inspiring to see the impact each of these women, from all over the world, had on the industry. I was completely fascinated by it all.
Currently, the museum has on display a number of women who have made an impact in air & space including Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, Bessie Coleman, Harriet Quimby, the WASP, the Mercury 13, and many more! Keep in mind, when you visit in the future, there could be different items on display as they do change them out.
Address: 1501 N Marginal Rd Room 165, Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland, OH 44114
Cost: Free
Parking: $7
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Stay
If you are staying overnight, I highly recommend the Glidden House. It is breathtaking it is historic charm & stunning architecture – the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Cleveland.
It is located in University Circle, making it a very short walk to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Additionally, it is a 15-minute walk to Little Italy, which is full of old-school Italian cafes, bakeries and pizzerias.
Address: 1901 Ford Drive, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106
Phone: (216) 800-9467
Website | Facebook
This was the perfect sister weekend trip, but I can’t take full credit for the planning. Ohio. Find it Here. has curated a great list of 10 road trips helping you to explore our wonderful state. We took notes from their Women in History trips, which all include a place to stay, eat, and visit.
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