In the Spotlight: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from New York
#WomenInBusiness #NYCEntrepreneurs #WomenEmpowerment #NYCStartups #InspiringWomen
Women entrepreneurs in New York State are really breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence in the business world. Over the past five years, women-owned businesses in the state have seen a remarkable 19% growth, making relevant strides in industries such as – technology, healthcare, and education. These women are not only thriving in a highly competitive environment, but are also making a lasting impact on their communities.
What sets these entrepreneurs apart is their incredible resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges posed by a fast-paced and demanding business landscape, they continue to innovate, demonstrating a unique ability to pivot and evolve with the times. Organizations like the New York Women’s Business Center and the Urban League of New York play a crucial role in this journey – offering invaluable resources, mentorship, networking opportunities – to support and empower these trailblazers. Empowering the Empire State: Meet New York’s Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs
New York City’s vibrant and diverse ecosystem further fuels their success. With access to a wide range of industries – from fashion and technology to finance and media, women entrepreneurs have the opportunity to push boundaries and drive change. The city’s robust network of women-focused business organizations, incubators, and accelerators provides the essential support needed for these businesses to grow and scale. As they continue to make their mark, these inspiring women entrepreneurs are not only shaping the future of New York but also setting an example for the world.
Now, let us explore stories of some inspiring women entrepreneurs in New York.
> LeAnn Darland & Tara Hankinson, Co-founders, Talea Beer Co.
Coming face-to-face with the owners of TALEA, NYC’s first female-founded brewery and taproom – LeAnn Darland &Tara Hankinson. As passionate beer lovers, the starting point was a common thought. They felt the male-dominated beer industry seldom considered that women drink beer, too!! So, as a result, 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.
Today, Darland and Hankinson estimate that about 70% of their taproom customers are women. But they are clear to say that their beers are not the “diet” drinks that make up much of the women-focused alcohol market. Female consumers aren’t as simple as wanting diet drinks… they put forward that their guests are “investing in an experience.”
> Kayli Kunkel, Founder, Earth & Me
Kayli Kunkel opened Earth & Me on Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens at a crucial point – when she lost her job!! She felt that she got the opportunity – to offer people a place where they 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. From the start, she tried 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.”
Additionally, now she also runs a new co-working and event space on 31st Street called Our House.
> Nancy Bass Wyden, Owner, Strand Book Store
This is an iconic bookstore that is very unique. It boasts of 18 miles of books and a mammoth collection of more than 2 million discount volumes! This is actually owned by a woman – Nancy Bass Wyden.
Having inherited it from her father, she is among the third generation of Bass’ to run the store. 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 and many more.
> Julie Gaines, Co-founder, Fishs Eddy
Fishs Eddy is an eccentric and eclectic dishware store that 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!! There a variety unbelievable. 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-crowded path to stock up on assorted flatware and glassware, including oversize stemless martini glasses, elegant champagne flutes and Italian-style painted wine glasses.
> Rebecca Parekh, Co-founder, The Well
Co-founded by CEO Rebecca Parekh, THE WELL is a holistic medical wellness centre that combines – fitness, nutrition, beauty, and mental wellness, all under one roof.
And what do you get here? This is a 13,000-square-foot space, and it 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!!
> Byrd, Owner, Trintage
What do you get when you put together an unusual mix – a little trendy and a little vintage?
You get Harlem thrift shop – Trintage. Each vintage piece in the store is strictly international, all curated and hand-selected by Byrd, the owner, who is the celebrity stylist and respective owner. Her original wish was 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, and how!
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