In the Spotlight: Some interesting women entrepreneurs from Ohio
#WomenInBusiness #OhioEntrepreneurs #InspiringWomen #FemaleFounders
How many women-owned businesses are there in Ohio, commonly known as the Buckeye State? Fact is – it is home to over 306,000 women-owned businesses. These inspiring entrepreneurs generate more than $29 billion in revenue every year, creating 330,000 jobs and contributing $9.5 billion in payroll.
Women of Ohio are well-educated, civically engaged & provide care for both children and other adults, according to 2023 Status of women Fact Sheet. Ohio’s Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs: Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies Despite the massive impact these businesses have on Ohio’s economy, women-owned businesses still face significant disparities compared to their male counterparts, generating 78% less in revenues and contributing 85% less in payroll.
However, the women of Ohio are undeterred by these challenges. Known for their education, civic engagement & dedication to family and community, Ohio’s women entrepreneurs are rewriting the narrative. From launching tech startups to running small businesses that shape local communities, these women are not just contributing to the economy, but they are leading with passion, creativity & resilience.
Now, as we shine a light on some inspiring women, we celebrate their perseverance & dedication to creating innovative, impactful businesses. Their journeys serve as a testament to Ohio’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit and the state’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment – where women entrepreneurs can rise, thrive & break barriers.
> Anne Harrill, Founder, Océanne
What’s special is that you will instantly feel ‘Parisian-chic’ when you step into Océanne. Here, French designer Anne Harrill showcases her line of minimalist-yet-striking modern jewellery and accessories.
Born in southern France, her journey led her to Cleveland in 2002, where she married Doc Harrill. In 2006, with her husband’s support, she established Océanne, blending French elegance with the vibrancy of the American Midwest. Each meticulously crafted piece reflects Anne’s commitment to craftsmanship, comfort & functional beauty.
Their mission is – to celebrate life’s moments, big and small, through beautifully crafted jewelry that reflects the uniqueness of each individual. All pieces are designed with love in Cleveland, Ohio.
From minimalist to whimsical designs – Océanne’s jewelry is an expression of individuality, Accolades have come her way too. Recognized in publications like InStyle and Huffington Post, Anne has been named the Best of CLE Jewelry Designer (2018-2023), and Océanne voted Best Jewelry Store (2020-2023).
> Jessica Davis, Founder, ReBuilders
Jessica Davis entered the construction world by building homes for Habitat for Humanity. A significant fact was that ‘building’ has always been in her blood. Growing up in a farming family in Medina County, she learned how to be resourceful, plus the importance of not letting anything go to waste from a young age. Her time at Habitat for Humanity solidified this passion even further.
In 2012, Jessica started Davis Industrial Services, a design and fabrication business. She collaborated with – artisans, builders, fabricators and other tradespeople in the Cleveland area to reuse salvaged materials in new construction and home remodeling projects.
RBX is the evolution and manifestation of Jessica Davis’ vision – for a better way to source materials for building and designing homes. Built on a passion for seeing value where others don’t, keeping quality materials out of landfills and building a new economy around salvaging – RBX has indeed, become the go-to resource for the DIY, design, home building and entrepreneurship communities.
> Jennie Doran, Co-founder, Room Service
Room Service is the collective work of owners Jennie Doran & Andrew Worm, two talented artists who believe strongly that curiosity, function & beauty deserve a place in everyday life!!
Both originate from artistic backgrounds: Jennie in Fashion Design, Visual Display, and Art Direction; Andrew in Filmmaking, Theater & Production. These worlds came together here – to create artists with a passion for storytelling, community, and beautiful spaces.
Through Room Service, they collect and present the goods and stories of a collection of makers, designers & artisans from the tiniest of villages to teeming cities.
They combine curiosity, function & beauty – to curate the wide array of goods housed in this stylish lifestyle boutique – from kitchen goods to soaps to apparel and everything in between.
> DK Jones, Owner, Hippie Chemist LLC
DK Jones wears many hats. She is part-chemist, part-fitness guru, gym owner and full-on entrepreneur. She saw the need for all-natural total body care products in the fitness world. By noticing this gap, Hippie Chemist LLC was born. She is dedicated to creating formulas that meet the everyday wellness needs of humans and pets. The aim is – to nourish, heal and beautify from the inside out.
It is a line of 100% all-natural body care products produced locally in Parma. Hippie Chemist LLC products are 100% natural and non-toxic, and they believe in a high standard of formulations that aren’t harmful to our bodies.
> Charron Martin, Owner & CEO, Perfect Pineapple
Charron Martin created Perfect Pineapple in her grandmother’s basement and then went on to build a family business that would leave a legacy.
Besides being an experienced Wardrobe stylist, and an entrepreneur, she owns and operates her Perfect Pineapple®.
The story behind this business creation is unique. CEO Charron Martin was inspired by a scarf that her grandmother once gave her, and this fashionable and functional collection features hassle-free head wraps for every season and occasion.
> Anji Brooks, Founder, Love Anji
Anji Brooks strangely discovered at a young age, that she was unusually very allergic to ‘fresh flowers’. But the Northeast Ohio native wasn’t going to let an allergy stop her from enjoying what makes her smile!!
In 2013, Brooks left her career and opened a paper flower shop inside the 5th Street Arcade in downtown Cleveland called ‘Love, Anji’. But after five years Brooks decided it was time to close up shop and move her business online. Sales were slow in the beginning but then eventually they picked up.
Then, she retained in her mind the old state of things. She went back – to wanting to see customers in a brick & mortar shop, but could not find a suitable location. Fast forward to 2020 and fate was on her side! When informed there was a spot open inside the 5th Street Arcade (where her journey as a business owner first began), she took it on and opened up yet another shop.
Reopening her storefront during the COVID-19 pandemic was indeed tough. And soon good times were ushered in…
It was her mission in life to just to spread happiness, spread joy and love!
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
